Guiding questions:

1. What would you consider to be your biggest challenges this year and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges this year has been getting students to bring their VILS devices to school fully charged everyday. To manage the issue, we have come up with a system for issuing loaner devices that is managed by the Student Tech Team. The amount needed on a daily basis is substantial and we are working hard to reduce it. Since devices were rolled out, those students whose devices are less than 75% charged receive a deduction each morning. However, the deductions aren't an effective deterrent for all students. We recently sent out a survey to staff to determine what incentive system they currently have in place and to find out what other incentives we could leverage. We are also holding families accountable for purchasing a charger if the one a student was issued has been lost. We do offer a free replacement if the family is experiencing financial hardship, but the cost of the chargers makes it a challenge to provide replacements for free to all families.

2. How will these takeaways affect the sustainability of this program?

These takeaways affect the sustainability of the program in ensuring every student has consistent access. While this is a challenge, it is certainly not an insurmountable one when work together to plan, test, and finalize solutions!

Guiding questions:

1. What would you consider to be your biggest successes this year and why?

Our biggest success this year has been teacher buy-in to incorporate devices into their lessons on a daily basis. Early lessons from Covid has taught all educators that technology integration, no matter the content area, is essential for being able to quickly pivot when circumstances change. This buy-in has led to teachers openness for learning new platforms, testing out different strategies, and for the very bold - completely transforming how they teach.

2. How do your successes align with your professional learning plan?

Our biggest success aligns with our PLP goal of all teachers using digital programs and curriculum with fidelity and utilizing their VILS coach to improve their technology integration in ways that lead to improving academic outcomes for all students.

Guiding questions:

1. How has the campus culture transformed due to this program? How do you know?

Campus culture has transformed through our partnership with VILS in that technology is now embedded in every lesson, every day. Teachers feel confident when leveraging technology in their classrooms, they see the increased engagement from students, and appreciate the ease at which they can assess student learning. Students enjoy having access to the world at their fingertips, not only for mastering daily objectives, but also for learning and discovering personal interests.

2. What needs to change (areas of growth) for your continuous growth in the program? Why and how?

As we began planning for the shifts that come with entering years 3 and 4 of the VILS program, our school and network will need to solidify our vision for what the program will look like and how we will execute. Thorough consideration, input from all stakeholders, and accountability around action items in our Sustainability Plan will get us there.