Design Professional Learning for a Virtual World
Professional learning has never been more important as schools and districts design and implement, in real time, new models for learning during and after this pandemic. As schools faced new and changing conditions, educators were responsible for ensuring that student learning continued as they themselves adapted to online, remote, or hybrid learning.
Design Professional Learning for a Virtual World (DPLV) 2020-21 supported school district and state education agency teams to address their challenges related to the design, implementation, and measurement of professional learning in virtual and digital models. DPLV members learned together in virtual convenings, engaged in customized coaching, and received resources and organizational management tools.
Structure
The Design Professional Learning in a Virtual World Network advanced through three stages:
Stage 1
Supporting ongoing success in virtual and hybrid learning environments.
Stage 2
Responding to maximize learning during the school year.
Stage 3
Reinvent professional learning to acknowledge and embrace new learning models.
Outcomes from DPLV 2020-21
Comprehensive professional learning plans
Participating teams created contextualized, comprehensive professional learning plans focused on outcomes with solutions aligned to local and state strategic plans. The plans include sustainable solutions to address immediate challenges, ensure equity through innovative strategies, and for a professional learning infrastructure to transcend COVID.
More coming soon.
The goals and structures in each plan reflect not only the priorities of the DPLV Team and their stakeholders, but also nationwide best practices in the design, implementation, and ongoing management of learning.
The processes described in each plan will allow the school district or state team to adapt and grow as they embed new systems and reach new levels of performance.
Networks
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Note: Education Stabilization Funds through the CARES Act can support participation in this network.
Participant teams
District teams included 4-5 director-level administrators responsible for professional learning, academics, technology integration, assessment, and leadership. Teams worked across district teams to bridge silos and model collaboration.
Cohort 1
- Alaska Department of Education (AK)
- Broward County Schools (FL)
- Frederick County Schools (VA)
- Fort Wayne Community Schools (IN)
- Fort Sam Houston Independent School District (TX)
- Miami-Dade County Schools (FL)
- Stafford County Schools (VA)
- Tulsa Public Schools (OK)
Cohort 2
- Cobb County Schools (GA)
- Loudon County Schools (TN)
- Northshore School District (WA)
- Parkway Schools (MO)
Watch this informational webinar for detailed information from Michelle Bowman and others.
Included
Development of an ongoing professional learning plan for the district
Integrated needs assessment at each stage including 1:1 interviews, focus groups, and survey instruments
Support to compile data and share with the district team to inform professional learning planning
Facilitated team and network time for learning and design
Virtual engagement and access to resources through an online community
Opportunity to be featured in Learning Forward communications and publications
Comprehensive Learning Forward memberships for team members
Cadence
Onboarding and at least monthly virtual call with a Learning Forward coach for:
- Ongoing technical assistance and consultation to review needs assessment
- Development of district professional learning plan using Learning Forward standards, tools and resources
Facilitated professional learning related to outcomes aligned to focus areas
Quarterly virtual, facilitated team and peer-to-peer check-ins
Quarterly webinars featuring thought leaders tied to network challenges
Three one-day virtual network convenings
Dedicated team planning time with facilitator support
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