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Planning the Alternative PL

As I embark on implementing my innovation plan, my attention has now turned to introducing an unconventional professional learning strategy. This tailored approach aims to seamlessly integrate portfolios throughout Grades PK-12, marking a pivotal step in achieving the goals outlined in my Innovation Plan. It's set to revolutionize education by making portfolios an integral part of teaching and learning across all grade levels.

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In line with the insights shared in Gulamhussein's work, "Teaching the Teachers: Effective Professional Development in an Era of High-Stakes Accountability" (2013), I'm embracing a strategic shift based on the 5 Principles of Effective Professional Development. This shift entails ongoing support, interactive engagement, effective modeling, and tailored learning objectives tailored to cater to the varied needs of educators and students across Grades PK-12. Through this innovative professional learning approach, the aim is to embed portfolios as a cornerstone educational tool, offering comprehensive guidance and assistance to educators throughout this transformative educational journey.

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  1. Fostering Collaboration:

    • Establish grade-level cohorts for cross-collaboration and idea sharing.

    • Assign mentor leads for ongoing support and guidance.

  2. Leadership and Responsibilities:

    • Instructional Technologists: Lead technology integration workshops.

    • Curriculum Coordinators: Oversee content customization for specific grade levels.

    • Grade-Level Leads: Facilitate collaborative discussions among grade-level cohorts.

  3. Audience and Their Needs:

    • Conduct pre-program surveys and needs assessments to identify specific training requirements.

    • Customize workshops based on grade-level and subject-specific needs.

  4. Instructional Design Approach:

    • Use the BHAG & 3 Column Table approach to set clear learning outcomes, aligned activities, and assessment criteria.

    • Integrate Understanding by Design (UbD) principles for relevance.

  5. Schedule/Timeline:

    • Develop a detailed 9-month schedule with monthly workshops, virtual coaching sessions, and periodic check-ins.

    • Allocate specific time frames for technology training and ePortfolio practice.

  6. Required Resources:

    • ePortfolio platforms for educators and students.

    • Tech support and troubleshooting resources.

    • Access to models and examples of effective ePortfolios.

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References:

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Gulamhussein, A. (2013). Teaching the teachers Effective professional development in an era of high stakes accountability. Center for Public Education. Retrieved from http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/system/files/2013-176_ProfessionalDevelopment.pdf

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