I’m writing this post from one of the K20 Center’s OK-ACTS Leadership Seminars. The OK-ACTS (Oklahoma Achievement through Collaboration and Technology Support) program works with schools leaders through the leadership seminar and schools that have received funding for technology and professional development through a grant from the Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust (the grant is administered through the OK-ACTS program).
Targeting Oklahoma public school principals and superintendents, the seminar introduces the K20 Center’s IDEALS framework for whole school renewal using technology integration as a catalyst for change. For principals and superintendents, the two day seminar costs only $299 and the participants receive a laptop computer valued at $1500.
The seminar focuses on creation of professional learning communities (PLCs). PLC development is addressed through understanding the change process, sharing of successful models, and creation of action plans towards moving their own school or district towards a PLC. Action research, data driven decision making, and leadership skills are covered.
The K20 Center’s twist on this already successful idea is how technology integration can create a powerful catalyst for changing a school into a PLC. Classroom technologies (interactive whiteboards, student response systems, Powerpoints, classroom sound systems, etc.) are used through out the seminar to exemplify uses in teaching and learning. Participants create Powerpoint presentations, are given opportunities to word with Microsoft Word and Excel. They are provided a supportive environment to use their new laptops, find internet resources, and play with classroom technologies. Sessions are provided that demonstrate different technologies used in schools.
The sharing, networking, and modeling are powerful elements of the seminar. Each seminar (limited to approximately 40 participants) are divided into two cohorts that will continue networking beyond the two days. The seminar moves the leaders towards innovation adopters through use of technologies and sharing stories from their own districts.
School renewal efforts often overlook the necessity to provide professional development for school administrators. Change theory acknowledges the necessity for powerful leadership to lead change. Educational change that involves technology (as much does today) requires leadership that fulfills the role of technology adopters. The power of the program lies in creating a venue of leadership development to introduce the use of technology.