Frequently Asked Questions:
What is an Innovation Challenge?
Innovation Challenges are created to provide opportunities to increase ongoing, personal professional learning. The emphasis is on flexibility to meet the learning needs of each individual teacher.
Professional learning is based on each individual teacher. There is NOT a generic training session offered during plan time or outside of school hours (See Innovation Workshops). We build the training in the moment on what you want at that time as it applies to your needs and classroom.
How long do I have to complete the challenge?
As long as you want; the challenges are ongoing throughout the school year.
A new challenge is issued approximately every 4-5 weeks:
Challenge Cycle
Week 1 - New Challenge
Week 2/3 - Tips/Workshop
Week 4 - Highlights
Week 5 - Next Challenge
Do I have to complete all levels to reach platinum?
No, you only need to complete and submit the evidence for one level.
Each level is differentiated to provide a challenge based on each individual’s ability, time commitment, and professional learning needs.
You can “level up” anytime in the future, if desired.
What do I do when I have completed a challenge?
Submit your evidence as stated on the card.
Typically a post to the Innovation Factory Google Classroom to encourage learning from each other throughout the building. Challenge evidence can also be submitted in Classroom privately so that only the Coaches can see it.
What is a Mini-Challenge?
Mini-Challenges are available to increase technical learning and provide collaborative support for various tools and strategies which can further boost success in completing the challenges.
Mini-Challenges are open year-long and can be completed at any time, in any order. Epiphany Points are given per mini-challenge.
What is Google Classroom?
Google Classroom is part of GSuite; it allows us as a group to access Innovation Challenges and resources in one location.
For PL purposes, it also allows a private place for teachers to share ideas and learn from each other.
As a teacher, it is also a tool you can use for creating, distributing, and grading assignments in a paperless way.
Who can see my posts in Google Classroom?
If you post to the Innovation Factory Google Classroom, only the members of that classroom can view the posts.
You can also submit evidence privately so only the Coaches can see your responses and evidence.
Be sure to post under the specific Challenge your are participating in.
How often is the medal count updated?
Medal counts are by academy.
Medals are updated approximately every Friday.
New challenge medals are not added into the count until after the next challenge has been issued.
Percentage is based on the number of opportunities that each individual in the Innovation Cohort (academy) had to participate.
Example: 5 members in a cohort, with 2 challenges = 10 opportunities
What is an Innovation Workshop?
This is a set aside time for you to work on parts or all of a current or previous challenge with both coaches available to you on specific items for your class.
Please bring materials or resources that you may need to work (laptop, lesson plans, books, etc…).
Workshops are planned to fall in the middle of a challenge cycle.
Workshops are optional. You do not need to attend an Innovation Workshop in order to “medal.” It is just a time we are available to you, if you wish.
What if I cannot make it to the Innovation Workshop?
Contact the one of the Coaches and we will work with you to set up a time that works for you or your PLC group.
What are the topics for the Challenges?
Challenge topics are based on building instructional focuses, district initiatives, and information gathered in staff surveys/needs assessments.
Each challenge attempts to combine both instruction and technology for an integrated activity.
How do I earn PD points for participating in Innovation Challenges?
Each level offers a different amount of PD points:
Bronze = 1 Point
Silver = 2 Points
Gold = 3 Points
Platinum = 4 Points
The coaches keep track of Innovation Challenge participation. They create and submit a spreadsheet showing the teachers who participated in each Challenge/level. All you need to do is submit your evidence as stated on the Challenge Card to the Innovation Challenges Google Classroom, and the coaches take care of the rest!
Ready to start a challenge?