We have seen a significant increase in daily technology use at South Gate Middle School in Year 2. 60% of teachers are using technology on a daily basis compared to less than 25% for Year 1.  In addition, 90% of our teachers use devices for assessments. Aligning with our focus (Creative Communicators) and PLP goals, 85% of our teachers are allowing students to use their devices to create content at least once a week.  Over 70% of teachers are also requiring students to complete assignments/projects on their devices beyond school time more than once per week. 

Over 80% of teachers use designated time during PLC meetings, professional developments, pupil-free days, and paid weekend planning time to discuss, plan and reflect incorporating professional learning content, tools, and strategies from VILS into their classes.   This is reflected in our significant increase in daily technology use by our teachers.

Teachers are offered support in several ways. A VILS Coaching Menu is provided to all teachers. Teachers can request individual coaching or coaching through their Professional Learning Community/Department. Coaching opportunities are ongoing, differentiated, and supported by our Professional Development Cycle.

PLP, campus, and professional development goals are informed by all staff through various methods (TTS, Technology Needs Survey, PD Evaluations/Reflections, weekly Instructional Leadership Team meetings, and TLC Collaboration). These goals are clearly articulated by leadership through weekly updates, faculty meetings, professional developments, and Schoology resources.  The VILS Coach leverages the TLC and Student Tech Team to create resources (presentations, tutorials, surveys, peer-to-peer assistance) to meet PLP goals #2 and #3. 

All staff members at South Gate Middle School (administrators, counselors, coordinators, teachers, teacher assistants) participate in all VILS Learning Experiences in order to build capacity and awareness of strategies, tools, and resources that promote the use of technology to build equitable, accessible, and inclusive classrooms. Follow-up meetings are conducted to gauge the implementation of strategies and tools. The TLC researches and determines the digital tools that would foster equiatble, accesisble, and inclusive classoroms and designs upcoming professional developments. 

During our TLC monthly meeting, we discuss possible professional development topics  for our monthly technology trainings. Each training is co-facilitated by TLC members and highlights their expertise with a specific digital tool.  TLC members make themselves available for peer observations with the tools they presented. In addition, the VILS Coach provides small group training for TLC members prior to providing school-wide professional development. 

Our Student Tech Team participates in ongoing learning sessions to increase their knowledge of both iPads and Chromebooks. . They learn how to assist with both hardware and software issues that stakeholders have with technology. Members are empowered as campus leaders who advocate for their peers and community. They pilot digital programs, create and share resources to inspire students to leverage technology across campus.

Our STT is constantly learning how to repair all devices at South Gate Middle School. They have also been part of video conferences with other VILS Schools to learn how to use electronics such as the Sphero balls. Our STT then creates videos to support their peers with basic troubleshooting and provides tutorials to build student capacity around iPad tips and tricks.

Our STT is available during the Advisory period (30 minutes per day).  Members have created a QR code that is available in every classroom for any support students and teachers might need.  The QR code directs them to a Google form where they can specify the help that is needed.  Members access the form responses, determine who is best at resolving specific issues, and deploy to resolve that issue.