What is
LEADTech?
“What
a wonderful opportunity! Even though my school
is a technology magnet, I can honestly say that the training I received through
LEADTech has propelled not only me, but my faculty as well to a greater
proficiency level in technology.”
Nancy McKay,
Principal,
Crestworth Middle
School,
East Baton Rouge Parish
LEADTech is an intense, technology-rich,
leadership-driven professional development program for Louisiana
administrators. LEADTech participants experience more than 75 hours of
instructional experiences within a variety of formats including face-to-face
seminars, web-based courses, and hands-on technology application training
workshops. LEADTech has served over 1200 educational leaders during the
four years of the program.
LEADTech provides many examples of effective
leadership models and technology-based strategies that support and enhance
school improvement and function as a catalyst for fundamental change in overall
teaching and learning processes. LEADTech participants experience and
learn basic technology skills while focusing on school improvement issues that
are aligned to the Louisiana School and
District Accountability System.
The LEADTech curriculum is designed around the
Milken Seven Dimensions of Learning ( http://mff.org/edtech/), the CEO Forum
School Technology and Readiness Report ( http://ceoforum.org/reports.cfm), and the
ISTE National Standards for Technology in Teacher Education ( http://www.iste.org/Standards/NCATE/index.html). These
materials provide a blueprint for transforming classrooms into active,
stimulating and academically sound learning environments that use technology. Louisiana’s School
and District Accountability Plan, Louisiana Standards for School Principals,
the Louisiana Components of Effective Teaching, Louisiana K-12 Educational
Technology Guidelines, Louisiana K-12 Standards for Distance Education, and
ongoing statewide technology initiatives (Louisiana INTECH, Making Connections,
Louisiana Virtual Classroom) provide the context for all learning activities.
Best practices in the area of adult learning characterize
this integrated training approach, with particular attention to active
participation, experiential and authentic learning, and shared knowledge.
Technology is the vehicle for delivery of major components of the program.
Training is dispersed over time and includes online support in the form of
online resources and discussion groups.
Why LEADTech?
“The greatest strength of LEADTech is the established
vision that is accomplished because of the course. Once that vision is
established, it becomes a point of reference for every decision that you make
at the school. As an instructional leader, that vision has helped me move my
school forward in technology in terms of what was asked of me as well as for
my
teachers and students.”
Vickie Reaux,
Principal,
Eaton Park Elementary,
Vermilion Parish
The key factor for effective use of technology in the
classroom is strong, positive administrative leadership. School administrators who possess an
understanding of technology-supported learning are able to facilitate the
development of learning communities where technology is implemented in
effective ways, is embraced by teachers, and is woven into the fabric of the
curriculum. These school administrators
have clear ideas about the goals for technology in their schools. They are role models who create a vision for
technology use, empower teachers by supporting their efforts, and establish a
school culture that is characterized by communication, collaboration, and
distributed expertise.
Each LEADTech participant
will participate
in face-to-face leadership seminars, complete a web-based Leading with
Technology graduate credit course, and have hands-on technology application
training. The program is designed to
provide flexibility and varied opportunities to learn at your own pace and to
choose from an array of learning experiences.
Each participant will receive graduate credit in the area of supervision
and the chance to improve his/her personal technology skills. More than making
you a better technology user, LEADTech is designed to make you a better technology
leader.
BENEFITS OF LEADTech:
Communicates the
importance of instructional technology to staff, students, and the extended
learning community.
Identifies and develops administrative competencies in
the area of instructional technology.
Identifies and
develops strategies that build and sustain the effective integration of
technology to support school improvement and achievement of growth targets.
Demonstrates an
awareness of various tools available for assessing a school’s technology
readiness and implementation.
Identifies specific
reasons and strategies to employ instructional technology in support of
teaching and learning.
Cites current
research that examines the use of technology in the educational setting.
Recognizes specific
Louisiana educational
initiatives that target and utilize instructional technologies and support
school improvement.
Engages in positive
and reflective dialogues with classmates regarding the role of instructional
technology in creating a vision, teaching and learning, school management,
school improvement, professional development, school and community relations,
and professional ethics.
