PLN+Topics

PLN Topics as of November 18, 2009, along with names of group members
Click [|HERE] to link to google doc where they were entered.

1. PD online/protocols

 * on demand PD
 * manage time
 * manage resources
 * meet needs
 * save money (travel/substitutes)
 * effective practices for online teaching
 * incentives to participate
 * database of accomplishments or competed session(s)
 * online strategies/structures, alternative strategies
 * fits the confines of school "day"
 * online modules (Moodle/Angel)
 * webinars
 * DLs
 * book studies
 * connection among/between districts
 * how to manage follow-up/implementation

2. 1 to 1: Managing High Access Networks

 * robust network to accommodate high number of users
 * need for network security
 * workable backup plan securing individual and corp. data

3. Student Information Literacy Choices

 * how do the literacies: visual, media, digital and multicultural, influence student information choices, creativity and achievement?

4. School Improvement Process

 * models of continuous improvement that include:
 * purpose/mission/vision
 * profile--collection of data from multiple sources
 * data analysis
 * establish goals/action plans that impact all students
 * implementation & evaluation/monitor reflection on mtg mission/purpose
 * continuous improvement for all (ELL, Sped, HAL, Regular Ed., staff)

5. Environments that support appropriate behavior/PBIS
Create a non-linear instructional mindset; collaborative instructional setting among school-home-community; pro-active

6. School Technology Planning/Leadership
helping administrators make informed decisions about digital culture
 * social networking as professional development (web 2.0)
 * information literacy
 * web presence
 * awareness of digital culture and tools
 * technology guidelines/policies

7. Using Instructional Technology

 * iTouch, iPod
 * Kindle
 * Web Resources (web 2.0, wikis, YouTube)
 * SmartBoards, clickers, MOBI
 * learning management systems (Angel, Blackboard)
 * video conferencing
 * assistive devices/communication
 * software
 * inclusive environment all kids
 * professional development of these tools

8. Promoting meaningful family and community engagement to support student achievement.
This PLN will focus on dissemination of research based best practices and development of policies and practices for local schools.

9. Secondary Literacy

 * Reading - Purpose
 * Writing - Craft
 * Research
 * Speaking/Listening
 * Focus on Integrating Vocabulary and Comprehension in the content areas
 * Motivation
 * Enjoyment
 * Assessment tools
 * RTI (7-12) Interventions
 * Independence
 * Critical, Evaluative thinking about texts
 * “Time To Act”

10. Best Practices for Using Resources

 * Powermedia Plus – streaming video, pictures, lesson plans, quizzes
 * Nebraska Video Library
 * Media Nebraska (angel site)
 * Online Databased

To include protocols for collection and organization:

 * RtI – DIBELS - Aims Web i.e. use of a War Room – data repository
 * Formative Assessment – PLC’s
 * Grade Levels
 * Data Retreat
 * NRTs
 * CRTs
 * MAP – NWEA
 * Examining student work


 * To include protocols for identification and reflection:**
 * Used to identify patterns and trends of collected data
 * Used to discuss next steps and determine next actions
 * Used to monitor and adjust progress
 * (this is the reflection piece)

12. Staff Recruitment and Retention

 * Where do we go to recruit
 * Good interview strategies
 * Teacher Supports
 * Mentor Programs
 * Develop and Maximize current staff potential

1 3. Engaging Adult Learners with technology

 * Collaborative tools (web 2.0)
 * Creativity (right-brain)
 * Social networking as a professional development tool
 * Information Literacy
 * Video Conferencing (global learning)
 * Web Presence
 * Interactive White boards/clickers

14. Formative Assessment
Planned, purposeful assessment, used at the point of instruction, to provide feedback that guides learning and instruction. Examining research to determine applications, strategies, etc. . . May include action research such as a MOU with a school

15. Systems Thinking
Vision does not occur in isolation. It is the collective experience of the players/stakeholders of/from a system. Bring your diverse self and your diverse resources and work together. Synergy of affiliate groups and engagement of all stakeholders

16. 21st Century Skills
As defined by the Partnership for 21st Century, integrated in the core content areas and elective classes. Technology can be used as a tool but is not the main focus. Includes an overview of the framework. The content of the themes are: Global awareness Financial literacy Critical thinking Information literacy Etc. ..

17. Staff Orientation and Evaluation
How to assure new employees are “up to speed” on everything from employment requirements to job specific information.ESU evaluation issues include: distance, specialized duties (Psych, PT, OT, Deaf Ed, SLP’s, Transition) balancing ESU supervision and on-site input.

18. Blended Learning Environments
Learners should have access to different learning resources in order to apply the knowledge, skills and technology they learn under the supervision and support of the teacher inside and outside the classroom.

May include:
 * Collaborative Tools
 * Web 2.0 Tools
 * Social networking as a professional development tool
 * 1:1
 * Online learning
 * Global learning
 * Interactive White Board and Student Response Systems

19 . Curriculum models and resource/materials selection

 * Research/best practice
 * McRel Framework
 * Guaranteed/viable
 * Teacher yearly planning/pacing
 * Rule 10 regs
 * Process Models
 * Understanding by Design (Wiggins)
 * CLI (Curriculum Leadership Institute—Kansas)
 * Tyler (traditional)
 * Local adaptations
 * Alignment
 * To
 * Standards
 * Resources
 * Within
 * Curriculum
 * Instruction
 * Assessment
 * Doug Reeves
 * Power/Priority
 * Process
 * Materials/resource selection
 * Connie Muther System
 * Reading
 * CORE
 * Consumer’s Guide—Oregon
 * Math
 * CORE
 * District created

20 . Pedagogy

 * Instructional strategies
 * Project/problem based
 * Lesson design
 * Management
 * Engagement/Motivation
 * Teachers as facilitator
 * Teacher reflection (continuous life-long learning)
 * Creativity
 * Habits
 * Habitat
 * Applying brain research to instruction
 * Customize, personalize, not standardize
 * Teacher collaboration

21. Engaging Student Learners through the incorporation of technology

 * Collaborative tools
 * Web 2.0 tools
 * Creativity and right brain learning
 * Information literacy/digital citizenship
 * Video conferencing
 * Web presence
 * IWB (interactive white board)

22. Effective Instructional Strategies

 * Grouping children by ability, interest, talents
 * Whole group, small group, one-on-one
 * Researched based, results based, scienctific/action
 * Differentiation, multiple intelligence, discovery learning, lecture
 * Uses of technology, multiple sources (text, movies, software)
 * Models of effective instruction