ISTE Standards

The ISTE Standards (formerly the NETS) are standards for students, teachers, administrators, coaches and computer science educators for teaching, learning and leading in a digital world. There are different ISTE standards for students, teachers, administrators and coaches. As I reflect on my own practice and desire to help teacher candidates, teachers and students to integrate technology in their practice to enhance learning I thought that I could do this is a more explicit way. By checking to see if I implement the standards myself. As I looked through them, I always have my own PED 515 students use the ISTE standards for teachers. However, my role is slightly different so I will be attempting to address the ISTE standards for Coaches (ISTE Standards•C). These are the standards for evaluating the skills and knowledge that education coaches need to guide and support teachers in an increasingly connected and global society. Since my aim is to support my peers in becoming digital educators, I believe these standards are the ones I should try to explore.

My goal is to explore and show evidence of the standards but I know this may not be easy since there are many

ISTE Standards for Coaches:

1. Visionary leadership

Technology Coaches inspire and participate in the development and implementation of a shared vision for the comprehensive integration of technology to promote excellence and support transformational change throughout the instructional environment.

a. Contribute to the development, communication, and implementation of a shared vision for the comprehensive use of technology to support a digital-age education for all students

b. Contribute to the planning, development, communication, implementation, and evaluation of technology-infused strategic plans at the district and school levels

c. Advocate for policies, procedures, programs, and funding strategies to support implementation of the shared vision represented in the school and district technology plans and guidelines

d. Implement strategies for initiating and sustaining technology innovations and manage the change process in schools and classrooms

2.Teaching, learning, and assessments

Technology Coaches assist teachers in using technology effectively for assessing student learning, differentiating instruction, and providing rigorous, relevant, and engaging learning experiences for all students.

a. Coach teachers in and model design and implementation of technology-enhanced learning experiences addressing content standards and student technology standards

b. Coach teachers in and model design and implementation of technology-enhanced learning experiences using a variety of research based, learner-centered instructional strategies and assessment tools to address the diverse needs and interests of all students

c. Coach teachers in and model engagement of students in local and global interdisciplinary units in which technology helps students assume professional roles, research real-world problems, collaborate with others, and produce products that are meaningful and useful to a wide audience

d. Coach teachers in and model design and implementation of technology-enhanced learning experiences emphasizing creativity, higher-order thinking skills and processes, and mental habits of mind (e.g., critical thinking, metacognition, and self-regulation)

e. Coach teachers in and model design and implementation of technology-enhanced learning experiences using differentiation, including adjusting content, process, product, and learning environment based upon student readiness levels, learning styles, interests, and personal goals

f. Coach teachers in and model incorporation of research-based best practices in instructional design when planning technology-enhanced learning experiences

g. Coach teachers in and model effective use of technology tools and resources to continuously assess student learning and technology literacy by applying a rich variety of formative and summative assessments aligned with content and student technology standards

h. Coach teachers in and model effective use of technology tools and resources to systematically collect and analyze student achievement data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning

3. Digital age learning environments

Technology coaches create and support effective digital age learning environments to maximize the learning of all students.

a. Model effective classroom management and collaborative learning strategies to maximize teacher and student use of digital tools and resources and access to technology-rich learning environments

b. Maintain and manage a variety of digital tools and resources for teacher and student use in technology-rich learning environments

c. Coach teachers in and model use of online and blended learning, digital content, and collaborative learning networks to support and extend student learning as well as expand opportunities and choices for online professional development for teachers and administrators

d. Select, evaluate, and facilitate the use of adaptive and assistive technologies to support student learning

e. Troubleshoot basic software, hardware, and connectivity problems common in digital learning environments

f. Collaborate with teachers and administrators to select and evaluate digital tools and resources that enhance teaching and learning and are compatible with the school technology infrastructure

g. Use digital communication and collaboration tools to communicate locally and globally with students, parents, peers, and the larger community

4. Professional development and program evaluation

Technology coaches conduct needs assessments, develop technology-related professional learning programs, and evaluate the impact on instructional practice and student learning.

a. Conduct needs assessments to inform the content and delivery of technology-related professional learning programs that result in a positive impact on student learning

b. Design, develop, and implement technology rich professional learning programs that model principles of adult learning and promote digital age best practices in teaching, learning, and assessment

c. Evaluate results of professional learning programs to determine the effectiveness on deepening teacher content knowledge, improving teacher pedagogical skills and/or increasing student learning

5. Digital citizenship

Technology coaches model and promote digital citizenship.

a. Model and promote strategies for achieving equitable access to digital tools and resources and technology-related best practices for all students and teachers

b. Model and facilitate safe, healthy, legal, and ethical uses of digital information and technologies

c. Model and promote diversity, cultural understanding, and global awareness by using digital age communication and collaboration tools to interact locally and globally with students, peers, parents, and the larger community

6. Content knowledge and professional growth

Technology coaches demonstrate professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions in content, pedagogical, and technological areas as well as adult learning and leadership and are continuously deepening their knowledge and expertise.

a. Engage in continual learning to deepen content and pedagogical knowledge in technology integration and current and emerging technologies necessary to effectively implement the Standards•S and Standards•T

b. Engage in continuous learning to deepen professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions in organizational change and leadership, project management, and adult learning to improve professional practice

c. Regularly evaluate and reflect on their professional practice and dispositions to improve and strengthen their ability to effectively model and facilitate technology enhanced learning experiences