Technology & Literacy Classrooms

TLC Application Form (61K PDF)

Program Overview

The purpose of the program is to build a team of coaches to work collaboratively with each other, and other teachers in their building, to integrate technology with curriculum.  The program will begin with ten teachers chosen for the 2006 – 2007 school year and will expand each year as funding provides.  Teachers will be the first in the district to receive additional hardware technology in their classrooms and help us evaluate and plan for future implementation.  This core team of teachers will become the future trainers for Federal Way Public Schools.

Teachers will be chosen through an application process to be conducted in June 2006.  Teachers in grades K – 8 are invited to apply.   Applicants will be chosen based upon the following criteria:

• Viewed as a strong leader in their building
• Ability to design standards-based lessons
• Evidence of collaboration with other teachers in their building
• Support from the building Principal
• Desire to develop and implement a collaborative program in their building
• Additional points will be added for District Building Technology Leaders
• Attendance at one of the informational meetings with Principal

Application Process

1. Fill out the request for consideration form located on the FWPS Intranet
2. Register for and attend one of the Information Meetings
3. Submit answers to the questions on the application by the posted deadline
4. Submit a Principal Recommendation Form
5. Submit an Evidence of Collaboration form filled out by a colleague

Deadline for applications is June 16, 2006.  Notification will be made by 4:00 on June 22.

Training Schedule

Professional development will focus on classroom activities incorporating technology.  Initial training, “Reading, Writing, & Thinking” will require three full days in August of 2006.  Four after-school follow-up sessions, 2 hours each, will occur in October, January, March, and May.  Teachers will agree to attend all trainings and share evidence of implementation of the technology.  Upon completion of the initial training each Technology & Literacy Classroom (TLC) will be provided with a digital projector and document reader.

Expectations of TLC Teachers

• Attend all training sessions
• Develop and implement an active coaching program at their school
• Incorporate best practices to improve lesson design incorporating technology
• Align lessons with Washington State GLE’s and ISTE Standards
• Officially collaborate with 1-2 teachers in their building
• Failure to attend sessions or implement the program will result in a conference with the building Principal and possible removal from the program

Benefits to TLC Teachers

• In-depth technology professional development that is supported through the year
• Document Camera and Digital Projector in their classroom for as long as the teacher is part of the program
• 27 hours compensation at Curriculum Rate for attending training and support sessions
• Future leadership opportunities
• Kidspiration and/or Inspiration software for all computers in their room
• Membership in ISTE

Characteristics of a Successful TLC Teacher

• Viewed as a strong teacher within the building
• Has a sold grasp of best practice in regards to standards-based lesson design
• Is able to work collaboratively with other teachers
• Has the desire to develop and implement an active collaborative program in their building
• Is flexible and willing to plan for substitutes, if necessary, to attending training sessions
• Has the support of the building Principal

Commitment from the School

• Support the TLC through flexible time to plan and infuse the training into the classroom
• Support the TLC through flexible time to collaborate with identified teachers in the building
• Support the TLC as a building leader
• Support the cost of any additional software beyond what is provided by the ITS Department

Commitment from the ITS Department

• Hardware support for peripherals
• Training
• Financial Support for ISTE Membership

Important  Dates

*Topic to be determined with input from the group