Embedded Files
Learner-informed knowledge is a prerequisite for integrating technology in an inclusive way so that students from all communities can effectively use it to achieve their goals.
All guiding questions are aligned to the element criteria located in the Portfolio Guide.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Inclusion and Accessibility
Systems & Processes for Accessibility
Systems & Processes for Accessibility
How are systems and processes accessible for marginzalized communities and students (socioeconomic status, race, ELL, IEP, sexual orientation, physical ability, nationality, or other unique distinctions)? If not, please explain your next steps.
Our families are quite diverse. 219 of our students are currently categorized as MLL students although we have many more that English is not their first language. We send home communication in English, Spanish, and Portuguese to meet our families' needs. This year we have increased our accessibility for parents to connect with our school both with messaging (ParentSquare) and academic achievement (PowerSchool). Parents can set their language in ParentSquare so all communication is translated for them. This includes school announcements and messaging with school staff. Along with digital and paper flyers, we have a parent tech support table to support those that prefer connecting in person.
By the end of school year 22-23, we will facilitate two parent workshops on internet safety and digital citizenship based on what families report they want more support with. The district facilitated a parent workshop on using ParentSquare at the beginning of the school year.
Voice & Choice to Demonstrate Learning
Voice & Choice to Demonstrate Learning
How are students given voice and choice to demonstrate how they leverage technology to learn?
This year we have new curriculum that we are piloting in ELA and early implementation of curriculum in math and science. Teachers were asked to stick closely to the provided lesson plans in order to get the most authentic view of the pilot curricula. This led some teachers who have previously used technology for student choice and in more transformative ways to back off. We also have several new teachers and mid year hires who are overwhelmed in their new role. These teachers were not ready to try new strategies or tools until the end of the year.
We see more choice opportunities in our Unified Arts classes.
Diversity & Inclusion
Diversity & Inclusion
How do you promote diversity and inclusion amongst your staff, students, families, and community?
Our 8th grade BlogSquad seeks out input from the student body on student and teacher spotlights, spirit weeks, and more. This team creates surveys to be mailed out, interprets the data, and takes action. They share out important information (both academic and social) and highlight events. The website is shared with the entire school community.
Accessible Resources for Families
Accessible Resources for Families
Flyer that went home to parents physically and digitally informing them how to use ParentSquare with their home language.
power school parent.pdf.pdfPowerschool for parents
Powerschool for parents
Trilingual flyer that went home to families informing them how and why they should access their student's grades on PowerSchool.
We will also offer a parent workshop on 3/15 on how to use PowerSchool to see students' progress.
Ellevating Student Voice
Ellevating Student Voice
86 responses to the BlogSquad survey for Spirit Week
Spirit Week flyer created by 8th grade BlogSquad members after they received their survey results.
sharing our student tech team progress at the vils virtual conference
sharing our student tech team progress at the vils virtual conference
Student Tech Teams 101
Student Tech Teams 101
This session for the upcoming VILS conference highlights the work of our various tech teams to amplify student voice and grow our student leaders. It will be co-presented with the coach from Kuss.
Tech was integral as we started to start a student government:
Interested students joined a google classroom for advisors to share info and for students to submit applications and campaign materials for approval
Students applied to run for office
Candidates created digital flyers, campaign videos, and speeches
All campaign materials were shared on a special Student Government page of the Blogsquad Site
Candidates presented their speeches to the middle school body through a Google Meet
Tech team members recorded, edited, and posted the speeches on the Blogsquad site for students to view that were absent
Students voted through a Google Form on chromebooks set up for voting during lunch
The winners were announced through a middle school wide google meet
The student government page was updated so students can reach out digitally to their elected officials
5 COPIES THOMAS5 COPIES ZACH
Student Government Campaign Posters
GABYCommunity Partnerships
Community Partnerships
Guiding question:
How did you leverage community partnerships to provide equal opportunities for all your students and teachers?
ASU & HOa: VILS Immersive Media Lab
ASU & HOa: VILS Immersive Media Lab
All students in grades 5-8 participate in the VILS Lab class using the Digital Product Innovation curriculum twice a week. Through this class they have opportunities to engage with 21st century technology through authentic projects with choice.
Coaching for Change
Coaching for Change
Coaching for Change is a program that creates opportunities for our students and families in our school community, to engage through positive interactions to demonstrate learning. Students are exposed to college experiences through field trips and their college mentors. Students set goals, work together, think critically in project based academic activities and structured play or games. Students create a project based on the guidelines and Lesson Planning created by the Teachers and staff. Students continuously work on their project throughout the trimester. Students then engage and showcase their student work and give their families an opportunity to have positive interactions with the school on Family Nights. This program creates a safe space to explore, grow and develop through meaningful relationships with college student mentors and teacher staff. We also coordinate with an outside program and fundraise for the cause. One example was the Women's Shelter. We did a diaper drive where students collected items for infants to donate to the Women's Shelter.
Element Reflection
Element Reflection
Self Reflection on the Element: (Choose one: Emerging, Aligning, or Optimizing)
Strengths: How did your campus exemplify illustrating this element?
Next Steps: What could you have done differently to better align with this element?
We are optimizing in the element of equity as a mindset as we have evidence that meets all of the criteria. We survey students and teachers to collect information on their technology needs and concerns. We also conduct listening sessions with the student tech teams. We also connect with community partners such as Coaching for Change, ASU, and Discovery Ed to provide additional resources and support for our students.
Our strength in the area of equity as a mindset is lifting up student voices through the BlogSquad and Student Government.
We could improve in this element by incorporating more student choice to demonstrate learning in core content classes. The VILS coach will partner with teachers to increase student choice next year.
Page updated
Report abuse