Work Group on Student-Centered Superintendent's Conference Room Learning in High School December 3, 2013 2:00-3:30pm 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

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/

Developing our Theory of Action What 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

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

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

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

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

Theory of Action 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.

Action Research Cycle http://www.csuchico.edu/teacher-grants/actionresearch/ar_model.shtml

Measuring our Action Research Progress 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

Group Discussion 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? 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?

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

Next steps Next Meeting/Community Discussion: April 2014 Interim site visits to schools for Work Group Members http://blendedlearningct.wordpress.com/