Dear Colleagues,
I wish to compliment each of you for your intensity level, dedication, and commitment to high level technology implementation during the LoTi Mentor Certification Institute for the Rockdale County Schools Instructional Technology Specialists. On our third day of certification, we focused on Certification Tasks #4 (Next Steps Action Plan), #5 (Professional Development Sample involving Performance-Based Assessment and High-Octane Performance Tasks), #6 (EBAM and Castaway), and #9 (Next Steps Action Plan).
Certification Task #4
We assessed the demographic data, test score data, and LoTi data for ABC Middle School. Afterwards, we generated specific goal statements, objectives, and action steps for ABC Middle School based on our analysis of their data. The final Next Steps Action Plan will be forwarded to you today.
Certification Task #5
I was delighted with your ability to take specific content and design a LoTi 3 Culminating Performance Task based on real world applications during the Tic-Tac-Toe portion of the Performance-Based Assessment Activity. This activity forces individuals to make real world connections with their content.
During the High-Octane Performance Task presentation, I highlighted key attributes of a Performance Task:
* Assess student demonstration of critical content
* Incorporate several instructional activities that precede them
* Relate to students’ prior knowledge
* Represent an end-product
I also highlighted key attributes of a "High-Octane" Performance Task:
* Assess student demonstration of critical content
* Incorporate several instructional activities that precede them
* Relate to students’ prior knowledge
* Represent an end-product
* Allow for multiple pathways or solutions
* Require complex thinking strategies
* Have personal meaning or authenticity
* Apply learning to a new situation or context
* Are challenging
Certification Task #6
After viewing The Castaway with Tom Hanks, we created an EBAM unit outline based on the following culminating performance task: Students will be able to design, test, and evaluate a model car based on their understanding of the principles of aerodynamics. We also provided another "differentiated" version of the task that focused on students applying their understanding of aerodynamics to their current mode of transportation (e.g., bicycle, scooter, skateboard).
Certification Task #9
As I mentioned yesterday, Certification Task #9 should concentrate on a limited population of staff on your campus whom you feel could benefit from LoTi during the 2006-07 school year. Without the ongoing support of all stakeholders, we will need to elevate LoTi in the classroom one teacher at a time.
Thank you again for becoming an active participant in the LoTi Mentor Certification Program. As a reminder, your LMC submissions are due no later than October 15th, 2006. In the meantime, if there is any aspect of the program that you would like clarified, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Chris Moersch
chris@learning-quest.com
