After facilitating the day-long session, which included staff members analyzing lesson plans, completing inter-rater reliability exercises, conducting self-assessments, and creating new learning experiences based on the H.E.A.T. (Higher order thinking, Engaged learning, Authentic connections, Technology use) instructional model, my question had been answered.
The professional manner in which individual staff members and grade level teams converse with one another—along with their collective vision and willingness to reach group-generated goals relating to 21st Century learning—was truly remarkable. Current survey results showed the majority of the AES staff at a LoTi 2 (Exploration), which makes sense given the quick turn-around for receiving the iPads and initial PD. Yet, a year from now, my bet is that the majority of staff will be on the cusp of a LoTi 4 (Integration).
The faculty's unified approach could even be seen as you walked the halls of the school, where each classroom door was adorned with its own H.E.A.T.-themed design. The doors serve as a daily reminder for students, parents, and staff of the school's vision for using digital resources to promote high levels of student engagement, collaborative learning, and authentic problem-solving.
It is rare to witness first-hand a group of dedicated teachers, along with their principal and District Tech guru, that are so much in sync. Hats off to the Arthur Elementary School staff, their principal, Rhonda Schroeder, and the District Executive Director of Information Technology, Eric Hileman. I so much look forward to their continued work with elevating teaching innovation and closing the achievement gap. Way to go Arthur Elementary School! #lotiguy #connectED
