Professional Learning
Professional Learning Communities, or PLCs, have become crucial in designing school-wide strategies dedicated to helping students achieve their potential. The resources included in this toolkit are intended to help you meet the challenges presented by today’s educational landscape through effective professional learning and development opportunities.
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A Focus on Equity, Students, and Teacher Champions Leads to 1:1 Success in Oak GroveIn just two years, José L. Manzo, superintendent of California’s Oak Grove School District has led a dramatic transition from traditional classroom teaching to student-centered learning supported by Acer Chromebooks. |
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Innovation and Smart Planning Make for 1:1 Success in New Caney, TXNew Caney ISD managed to deploy nearly 11,000 Intel-based Dell Chromebooks, in grades 3-12, within a few months, thanks to careful planning, early and ongoing professional development, student input, and effective allocation of resources. |
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The Evolution of 1:1 in Three Maine Districts15 years later, the statewide MLTI program, the first of its kind in the nation, is still going strong, although with a broader range of choices – including Windows and Chrome-based hardware. |
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Creating 21st-Century Classrooms in a Large Texas DistrictCareful planning, pilot programs, parental involvement, faculty collaboration, and student leadership are all key to the success of Leander ISD’s mobile learning initiative. |
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Going Big (Texas Style) with One-to-One LaptopsHouston ISD is about to enter the third phase of its phenomenally successful 1:1 PowerUp initiative, which allows teachers in all 282 district schools to create a rich learning environment filled with project-based learning, 21st-century skills development, and coursework aligned to individual aptitudes and interests. |
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Empowering and Untethering Teachers in Tolleson, ArizonaLenovo laptops and wireless display (WiDi) for their teachers – as well as testing out a variety of technology options with their students – have been keys to moving forward in the Tolleson Union High School District. |
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Redefining Learning in Maine Township, IllinoisTeacher-led professional development, a student “genius desk,” a 1:1 initiative featuring Dell Chromebooks, and oodles of collaboration all characterize High School District 207’s transformative approach. |
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Small Pilots Lead to a Successful 1:1 Program in Hillsborough, NJFour years ago, when the Hillsborough Township Public Schools started discussing 1:1, they were determined to take a careful and thorough approach to hardware planning. Their decision to adopt Chromebooks and Android tablets grew out of three years of pilots involving a variety of devices. |
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Miami-Dade Focuses on Equity in its 1:1 InitiativeWhen you’re planning a 1:1 initiative for a district the size of Miami-Dade Public Schools – the nation’s fourth-largest district – it’s crucial to have the infrastructure and a PD plan in place, along with a vision and support at every level. |
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1Two1 in Richland County School District TwoThoughtful planning and organization, a focus on equity, and choosing the right device were keys to a successful 1:1 for this South Carolina district. |
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3 Tips to Create More Exciting Professional DevelopmentAt the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) Convention and Exposition, Steve Dembo demonstrated how to “de-zombify” professional development. |
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Role-Playing Game Helps Teachers Solve Complex ChallengesBy working together through a process known as foresight gaming, or 21st century strategy simulation, educators can find creative answers to complex problems. |
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Pushing Beyond Future-Ready: Creating a Bold Context for K-12 LibrariesRethinking the school library means being bold and thinking in disruptive directions. The question is: in what direction? David Jakes gives you four ways to jumpstart your thinking. |
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Transform Teaching with the New SHI Digital Transformation ToolkitThe new Digital Transformation Toolkit —sponsored by SHI—provides vital information on the essential components of digital transformation in today’s schools and districts. |
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Not the Same Old Story: Tech and Text Work Better TogetherJust as deeper reading creates better writers, this skill helps students to break down narrative as media consumers so that they may become more skillful creators. |
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YALSA's Teen Literacies ToolkitYALSA (the Young Adult Library Services Association) has just released its Teen Literacies Toolkit to help teens make sense of their digital world. |
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Product vs. Process?A key element of school improvement is that learning should be more authentic. But is this a perspective that should be rethought? |
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Standing in LineBeing innovative means different things to different people. David Jakes explains why process without product isn't innovative. |
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Systemic Maturity RequiredThe "real work" when implementing technology is about engaging the entire system in creating new realities that best serve learners, communities and economies. |
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Setting Goals for the New School YearThe start of school is an exciting time and I often use it as a reminder for focusing on professional goals for the upcoming year. Here are some of the goals I’ve set for myself this year. |
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