Work Group on Student-Centered Learning in High School

December 3, 20132:00-3:30pm

Superintendent's Conference Room 960 Main Street, 8th Fl

Hartford, CT

Professional Learning Community Updates

Bulkeley and Pathways PLC Coordinators •Learnings from site visits/ conferences/research•Classroom implementation plans

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Sample Resources • Florida Virtual High School curriculum -

http://flvs.net/Students/Pages/find-course.aspx#highschool • Middlebury interactive language –

http://www.middleburyinteractive.com/curriculum-courses/high-school-9-12/

• TenMarks for math - http://www.tenmarks.com/ccss-highschool-samples

• Our project site -http://blendedlearningct.wordpress.com/learning-resources/

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Developing our Theory of ActionWhat is a Theory of Action?•A set of underlying assumptions about how we will move our organization from its current state to its desired future.•It must align intended theory with the realities of work within an organization•Connects strategy to the actions and relationships critical to student learning•Identifies the mutual dependencies that are required to complete the complex work of instructional improvement•Grounded in research and evidence-based practice

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Theory of Action

• Begins with a causal statement between what we do and what constitutes a good result for the organization.

• High leverage for achievement and equity • Powerful enough to transform programs and

practices

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Broad Theory of Action

6http://www.slideshare.net/dianelauer/theory-of-action

Better Theory of Action

7http://www.slideshare.net/dianelauer/theory-of-action

Best Theory of Action

8http://www.slideshare.net/dianelauer/theory-of-action

Theory of Action

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Proposed Strategy: If we do this (Describe in detail)

Then “X” will happen (Explain in research base or theory base why this will work)

And we will see this result in

http://www.slideshare.net/dianelauer/theory-of-action

Draft Theory of Action

If we build the capacity of teachers to develop student-centered, blended learning instruction; cultivate 21st century and self-efficacy skills in students; foster collaboration with parents and the community; and if we provide schools with the conditions necessary for successful implementation, then we will see improved student outcomes, increased district capacity, and strong community engagement.

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Action Research Cycle

11http://www.csuchico.edu/teacher-grants/actionresearch/ar_model.shtml

Measuring our Action Research Progress

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• observation schedules – of children, students or themselves;

• audio and video tape recording; • structured or semi-structured

interviews; • class records; • statistical indicators; • field notes; • an analytic memo; • photography; • repertory grids; • questionnaires

? might be children’s engagement during science sessions. Each method will give access to different aspects of the situation. There will still be areas not illuminated, but more is known than if only one method is used. Also, cross-referencing of data from different methods adds to the overall reliability of the research process.

http://www.edu.plymouth.ac.uk/resined/actionresearch/arhome.htm

HPS Action Research Plan Concepts

• Logic Model -> Theory of Action -> Action Research -> Outcomes

• Student focus group questions - http://blendedlearningct.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/student-focus-group-prepilot-111113-1.doc PLC Weekly Reflection 111913

• http://blendedlearningct.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/plc-weekly-reflection-111913-shorkel.doc

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Group Discussion

1. What external obstacles or challenges might impact our blended learning efforts (e.g. state or local policies, funding, perceptions)? What steps can we take to mitigate?

2. What internal challenges might we confront as we seek to advance blended learning across the district (e.g. student access at home, facilities, choice of products)? How significant are these obstacles/how to mitigate?

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Community Engagement

• Student Focus Groups • Parent Focus Groups/SGC meetings • Reports to BOE• Community discussions (April)• Website /newsletter stories• Other ideas

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Next steps

• Next Meeting/Community Discussion: April 2014

• Interim site visits to schools for Work Group Members

• http://blendedlearningct.wordpress.com/

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