Full Description
Take Blended Learning to the Next Level by Building an Effective Professional Learning Community!
Technology is permeating classrooms and offering teachers and students opportunities to reimagine teaching and learning. Many schools and districts are shifting from traditional teacher-led instruction to blended learning with the goal of placing students at the center of learning. It's time to power up your approach to professional learning to ensure teachers feel inspired and supported as they make this shift and embrace technology. This book provides an effective and actionable framework for school leaders looking to implement a long-term professional learning plan that extends professional development beyond a handful of days each year to create "coaching culture" that supports teachers as they move toward blended learning.
Blended Learning expert Catlin Tucker provides a clear path for professional learning that is embedded in the school's culture, blending targeted training (the "spark"), 1:1 coaching, and professional learning communities. This comprehensive approach to professional learning ensures that teachers in a blended environment work continually to improve learning outcomes for students, stay up-to-date on current technology, and learn with their colleagues. This text is full of concrete resources and strategies for leaders and blended learning coaches. It includes
Coaching protocols
Virtual coaching strategies
Templates for feedback
Lesson planning resources for designing blended lessons
Rubrics for evaluation
Stories and tips from blended learning coaches
Vignettes from teachers who have successfully shifted to a blended learning model
Reflection questions for leading book studies
This book provides the tools and tips you'll need to support teachers as they move toward blended learning. From articulating the why behind a shift to blended learning, to creating and implementing an actionable roadmap for building a professional learning infrastructure, this must-have resource will take your PD plans to the next level!
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Chapter 1: Articulate the WHY
Introduction
WHY Blended Learning?
Getting Teachers On Board With the WHY
The HOW: Best Practices
The WHAT: Branding the Shift to Blended Learning
Eight Ways to Strengthen Your School Community
Book Study Questions
Chapter 2: A Roadmap for Building a Professional Learning Infrastructure
Introduction
Blended Learning Demands a New Approach to Professional Learning
Professional Development: Defining the Scope
The Spark: On-Site Targeted Training Led by an Expert
One-on-One Coaching
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 3: Blended Learning Requires Effective Professional Development
Introduction
Traditional Professional Development Is Largely Ineffective
Elements of Effective Professional Development
Leaders Must Lean In
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 4: The Blended Learning Coach
Introduction
Coaching in a Blended Learning Context
Elements of Effective Coaching
Blended Learning Coaches Continue the Learning
Redefining Teacher and Student Roles in a Blended Learning Environment
A Quick Review of Blended Learning Models
Blended Learning: Establish a Clear Plan
Challenges Facing the Creation of a Coaching Culture
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 5: Coaching: Initial Conversation and Goal Setting
Introduction
The Power of Dialogic Interviews
SMART Goal Setting
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 6: Coaching: Initial Observation and Debrief
Introduction
Coaching Must Be a Partnership
What's the Goal of the Initial Observation?
Communicating With Students
The Debrief
Revisit SMART Goals
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 7: Coaching: Co-lesson Planning
Introduction
Communicate With the Teacher Ahead of Time
Meet Outside of the Classroom
Identify the Goals
Keep the Lesson Manageable: Think Big, but Start Small
Provide Templates to Help Teachers Design Blended Lessons
Don't Just Plan the Lesson, Create It
Reflect on the Role of Technology in the Lesson
Dealing With Details
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 8: Coaching: Real-Time Coaching
Introduction
Pre-lesson Chat: Review Lesson and Establish Norms for Real-Time Coaching
Real-Time Coaching: "Pause, Discuss, Adjust"
Document the Parts of the Lesson
Written Feedback Using a Blended Learning Rubric
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 9: Coaching: Model Lessons and Co-teaching
Introduction
Designing and Teaching a Model Lesson
Model Lesson Checklist
Co-teaching
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 10: Coaching: Documenting, Reflecting, and Revisiting
Introduction
Dedicating Time, Energy, and Space to Reflection
Becoming a Reflective Practitioner
Reflect Using Documentation
Using Digital Tools to Reflect
Revisit SMART Goals
Next Steps: Developing an Action Plan
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 11: Virtual Coaching
Introduction
Real-Time Coaching: Challenges of Scale
Blended Offline and Online Coaching in Large Districts
Benefits and Limitations of Virtual Coaching
Virtual Spin on the Coaching Cycle
Technology Toolbox for Virtual Coaching
Staying Organized With Google Calendar
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 12: Professional Learning Communities
Introduction
What Is a Professional Learning Community?
The PLC Process
Organizing the Teacher Teams Within a PLC
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
References
Index
