Laying the Foundation

In researching what resources are available for coaches to co-planning learning activities that help learning partners improve, it was clear that we first need to build the foundation. The entire Educational Leadership publication in October 2011 was about implementing and growing the culture and leadership skills needed to make technology integration possible. The publication has resources to help technology coaches experience positive collaborations and productive relationships through co-planning learning activities.

It is a change where the leadership includes the technology coach as a partner in working with teachers to increase student learning. The principal’s role must remain as the evaluator as the coach begins to find the best ways to help teachers. The professional development, or learning around the coaching model is foreign to most teachers and administrators.  Introducing coaches into a school, whether they are instructional or technology coaches, must also bring a change to professional development.

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), has published 14 essential conditions that will help implement the effective use of technology in learning. The research-based conditions will guide the implementation of the ISTE Standards, but also assist in the technology planning and system wide change that must take place.

ISTE provides a “Lead & Transform Diagnostic Tool” that is free and can be used to establish where your school or district has strengths and weaknesses for targeting implementation strategies.  While there are several coaching resources, the common thread between them is learners first, technology last.  The right use of technology can help make good instruction even better.

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References:

Aguilar, E., Goldwasser, D., & Tank-Crestetto, K. (2011). Support Principals, Transform Schools. Educational Leadership, 69(2), 70-73.

Cofino, B. K. (n.d.). Creating a culture of collaboration through technology integration. Retrieved November 27, 2016, from http://kimcofino.com/blog/2010/03/20/creating-a-culture-of-collaboration-through-technology-integration/

Essential Conditions. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2016, from https://www.iste.org/standards/tools-resources/essential-conditions

Grounded Tech Integration: An Effective Approach Based on Content, Pedagogy, and Teacher Planning, Learning & Leading with Technology, 2009. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2016, from http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ859576

Knight, J. (2011). What good coaches do. Educational leadership, 69(2), 18-22.

Professional Development for Technology Integration … (2014, June). Retrieved November 27, 2016, from https://ts.madison.k12.wi.us/files/techsvc/Professional%20Development%20for%20Technology%20Integration.pdf

Rock, M. L., Zigmond, N. P., Gregg, M., & Gable, R. A. (2011). The Power of Virtual Coaching. Educational Leadership, 69(2), 42-48.

Scherer, M. (2011). The art of changing minds. Educational Leadership, 69(2), 70-73.

Silva, J., & Contreras, K. (2011). The Year We Learned to Collaborate. Educational leadership, 69(2), 54-58.

Tschannen-Moran, B., & Tschannen-Moran, M. (2011). The Coach and the Evaluator. Educational Leadership, 69(2), 10-16.

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2 thoughts on “Laying the Foundation

  1. Thanks for sharing Shannon- I also cited ISTE’s 14 Essential Conditions as one of my resources this unit as I found it to be an awesome guide and quick source for teachers and administrators to use. Starting the learning goals is definitely key and “learners first, technology last” is a great way to put it!

  2. Some great starting points. In other fields managers are becoming coaches. Is there any value to having principals break out of traditional roles and coach. Both you and Kaity have focused on a great key, “learners first, technology last.” Can’t wait to see how your approach helps your learning partners adopt innovative practices.

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