May22Update_DPS Tech Plan 2021 - 2024

P E R S O N A L I Z E D P R O F E S S I O N A L L E A R N I N G

The District provides various pathways for professional learning in technology integration as well as cybersecurity. Our Professional Development and Evaluation Committee (PDEC) is a collaborative group of teachers and administrators that supports the planning and implementation of a comprehensive plan for job-embedded professional learning to enhance day-to-day classroom instruction. Time is balanced across our professional development days to support building-based needs, department and grade level goals, and larger scale District needs. Leveraging technology to advance student learning across these settings is paramount. Maximizing time with collaborative content area or grade level teams allows teachers to keep student work at the center of learning in order to identify best practices that will enhance teaching and learning. Professional learning across the District is designed to develop effective instructional practices, build digital fluency skills and forge peer-to-peer support networks leading to improved academic success and future ready preparation. The District provides technology focused onboarding for new faculty and staff to support this effort. Encouraging faculty and staff to pursue online certifications, such as Apple Teacher and Google Educator, creates building-based expertise so best practices can be diffused across teams and schools. Additionally, supporting attendance and presentations at the various state and local educational technology conferences provides opportunities for staff to remain current and connected to new technologies and research. As part of our iPad initiative at Darien High School, the District created an annual Vanguard group of faculty devoted to a year of intense learning of pedagogical best practices of iPad implementation who in turn regularly share their learning with their colleagues. Creating expertise at the building level will serve students well by transforming their learning so they are prepared for the ever-changing world.

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