MS+FCS+and+IT+PLC

__MS IT, FCS and TECH PLC[[image:Roller Coaster in the Palms.jpg width="461" height="687" align="right" caption="A Career in Education is Like an Eternal Roller Coaster Ride"]]__
= 2014-2015 PLC Information = __**Our 2014-2015 Norms**__


 * Be ON TIME!**
 * Be open minded**
 * Accept all ideas as possibilities**
 * Bring food to share**
 * Stay positive**

__**Our 2014-2015 SMART Goal and Action Plan**__

90% of students will receive a GLB rating of 3 or better on technology projects.



Action Plan for SMART goal

 * ===== Use predetermined rubrics for projects =====
 * ===== Give rubrics to students at the beginning of project to make them aware of expectations =====
 * ===== Monitor student progress throughout project =====
 * ===== Give students timelines (deadlines) for lengthy projects =====
 * ===== Provide immediate feedback as needed =====

Rigorous goal! I wish I could see your action plan. So far, NICE JOB.

Click on the following link to access Agenda & Minutes for 2014-2015
[|Agenda & Minutes]

= 2013-2014 =

__**Our 2013-2014 SMART Goal and Action Plan**__

Students will perform at 80% proficiency when using technology to create a project. Proficiency will be measured by rubrics for completed student projects.

April 9, 2014
Discuss SMART Goal Progress Discuss 1:1

March 26, 2014
Discuss Surveys Discuss Exploratory effectiveness

February 19, 2014
Discuss SMART goals

February 12, 2014

Share Websites / How to get students to use? Smart Goal Update Shifting to 1:1 Mindset

February 5, 2014

No School - Snow Day

January 8, 2014
FCS Classroom Technology Integration Website progress

December 11, 2013
Look at websites relevant to classes Do you continue to critique lesson plans and rubrics for each other? Be sure you continue to help each other grow and make your tools and experiences even better for one another!!! (Dr. C)

** December 4, 2013 **
Discuss the use of iPads in the classroom Discuss Google tools in the classroom

November 6, 2013
Discuss trimester strategies that worked/didn't work

October 23, 2013
Discuss use of rubrics How is it going? Individual Progress?

October 16, 2013
Discuss projected schedule changes w/Tom Discuss iTEC Conference - Deb Discuss 1-4 Grading System GLBs

September 25, 2013
Responses to documents from 9/16 Curriculum adjustments

September 16, 2013
Work on rubric Reflection on the AM session

September 11, 2013
Introduce tech resources website Deb created

September 4, 2013
Discuss Technology Independent Learning Plans Discuss presentation software options for student use Learning Forward Workshop

August 28, 2013
Discuss purpose of PLC Explore online PLC options

August 21, 2013
Set norms of PLC. Smart goal discussion clarification with Mary in attendance. Set Smart Goal. Determined tool to use for data wall.

April 9, 2014
As the end of the year approaches we are starting to look at our SMART goals. All of us indicated that things are progressing well and that SMART goals were met during the first two trimesters. Third trimester will likely have the same end result. Rubrics and final grades indicate that over 80% of students are proficient with using technology for a project. Sandi is headed to the 1:1 Conference in Des Moines tomorrow - she talked a little about some of the information she was given regarding the 1:1 program at the MS.

March 26, 2014
Sandi expressed frustration with the attitudes of her students regarding doing some of the "not fun" activities in her exploratory classes (i.e. students don't want to study housing, they want to cook). On a more positive note, however, she is seeing an improvement in students' abilities to measure with a ruler because Josh spends a great deal of time teaching students to read a ruler.

February 19, 2014
Sandi, Josh, Deb... all present. Sandi and Deb discussed grading projects in Project Runway. Deb shared shared photoshop projects and a discussion was started about how to identify photoshopped pictures. Josh shared a rubric from Drafting Unit. We talked about compiling Smart Goal data and everything is on track.


 * February 12, 2014 **

Sandi, Josh, and Deb each reported what their students are working on in class. We discussed grading strategies. Josh indicated frustration with giving "points" and feels a 1-4 system would work better for him. Once his GLBs are completed, he will approach the administration regarding changing to a 1-4 system. We discussed our frustration with motivating students who just plain don't care. Some of this is fallout of the low socioeconomic state of the students.

** February 5, 2014 **

No School - Snow Day

Sandi continues to work on her technology integration in the classroom. Josh & Deb both gone.
 * January 29, 2014 **


 * January 22, 2014 **

Josh and Sandi discussed and compared websites... talked about how to manage websites effectively and efficiently.

** January 15, 2014 **
Josh and Sandi discussed ways to use Classroom websites more effectively. We also discussed ways to improve websites so that Parents and Students would want to visit the sites.

** January 8, 2014 **

Sandi and Deb discuss technology use in the FCS classroom. Sandi has been using the computer lab once a week to enhance her curriculum. This has been difficult at times because of limited Wi-Fi but things are going much better now that Sandi has an AirPort near her room. We are always looking for new ways to use technology.

**December 11, 2013**

Each of us looked at various websites that could easily be used in the classrooms.

December 4, 2013
Deb demonstrated how Google forms can help ease the burden on teachers because it can grade tests and email students (and parents) their grades. She also demonstrated the Google URL shortener and the benefits of using it over other shorteners such as bit.ly. We also discussed professional development opportunities that are available through various AEAs.

November 6, 2013
Sandi and Deb discussed the projects their students are working on that are going well. Deb's students are working on a Dream Vacation project that involves figuring travel expenses, itineraries, etc. It is interesting to see how excited and engaged the students are while they collaborate with their peers. Sandi's students are getting ready to work on a "Survivor" project where they are restricted to taking only 90 pounds of "luggage" including food and only returning with 45 pounds (nothing can be left behind). We discussed how it is sometimes beneficial to stand back and let the kids discover the resources they need to complete the project instead of providing all that information.

October 23, 2013
We need to rethink our rubric. It is the group's consensus that it is not feasible for our PLC to have a common rubric. If we taught the same projects, then it would be understandable, but since we teach different things, we need to create rubrics that work for us. We have decided that creating rubrics on a 4-1 scale makes more sense because it is something kids can relate to. Sandi shared how she doesn't use points at all; her project grades are on a 4-1 basis. Josh shared some new teaching strategies he is implementing: he gives fewer instructions and lets students find their way through an assignment on their own. This seems to be working because students are learning to become better problem solvers and are starting to see their areas of weakness (i.e. reading a ruler). Deb is re-evaluating her methodology. She believes that students would learn more if they are given the opportunity to learn a tool on their own instead of being given specific how-to instructions. She is considering trying some new tactics with her 8th grade classes. We all agree that in order to see growth in students, schools need to stop teaching the way we were taught and more into the 21st century! === Your thinking is very sound - I like that Sandi is using the 1-4 for grading - great way for students to see connection between tasks and GLB's!!! It sounds like you all had a great discussion - love the last statement - I would love to see that translated in your classrooms! (Dr. C) ===

October 16, 2013
Tom Hogenson met with us to discuss conversations he has had with administrators regarding potential future scheduling changes. Unless the district hires additional staff, scheduling will be next to impossible. Deb attended the iTEC conference on Monday and Tuesday. She shared some of the high points from the sessions she attended. Josh is working on writing GLBs, so Sandi shared what she did when writing hers. Discussed the benefits of going to the 1-4 grading system versus the letter system. It appears that this will be a great benefit to the encore areas in terms of grading skills versus product.

September 25, 2013
Discussed the responses regarding the rubric. It is a work in progress and we will continue to look at it during future meetings. Josh and Sandi are making adjustments to their curriculum as they make adjustments to GLBs. These adjustments will need to be approved by Mary before being sent on to Lisa for addition into Infinite Campus.

September 16, 2013
In light of this morning's sessions, we discussed our plan for implementation: Regarding grading (rubrics), the three of us currently use rubrics to assess assigned projects but the rubrics are more project-oriented vs GLB-oriented. We discussed the need to move more toward assessing the GLB rather than the end product itself. In looking at some specific rubrics used in the past, we cited instances where we got caught up in downplaying parts of the product rather than looking at the process as a whole. On a positive note, due to the nature of our specific courses, we are already ahead of the game, so transitioning to a non-letter grade will be quite simple.

Most of what we do in our classes does not involve a great deal of reading, but we realize that we need to allow for opportunities to utilize close reading practices whenever possible. For example: when giving students a set of directions for completing a project, we could practice close reading so that students have a better understanding of the instructions.

September 13, 2013
Deb showed the tech resources website she created.

September 4, 2013
Josh talked about the upcoming Learning Forward Workshop in Cedar Rapids. He is excited about attending the conference. Talked about the various needs that came up as a result of the Tech ILPs - Google Docs is the topic that kept repeating itself as a tech need. The interesting thing about this is that for the past three years Deb has tried to convince the staff that Google Docs training would be valuable, yet no one seemed interested in learning it. Hmmmm, maybe Deb knows a thing or two after all. Josh talked about how great LanSchool is and the fact the Deb REALLY REALLY needs it. Deb has asked for it for the past SIX years and still does not have it or anything similar. Why NOT???? Presentation software options include Google Presenter, Prezi, PowerPoint Josh & Sandi discussed potential curriculum overlaps since Josh is seeing every 6th grader and Sandi will likely have all 7th graders next year.

August 28, 2013
Discussed purpose of this PLC with the new additions to the PLC (Jack Arthur, Teena Andrews, and Dana Hol)

August 21, 2013
Discussed questions with Mary regarding direction the PLC should go to make it more productive. Set Norms. (see above) Set Smart goal 2013-14. (see above) Josh talked about PLTW PLC. Decided to used Google docs to record data wall information.

__**//Archived Information from 2012-2013//**__

= = =__2012-2013 PLC Information __=

__**Our 2012-2013 Norms**__
Stay on topic Be open minded to other ideas Agree to disagree

__**Our Action Plan for 2012-2013**__
See document above

__SMART Goal 2012-2013 Analysis__


http://websurvey.aea9.net/cgi-bin/WebSurvey/rws5.pl?FORM=PI_Osklsa

May 15, 2013
Complete SMART Goal Analysis Upload analysis sheet to wiki Survey completion

May 8, 2013
Discuss learning differences (tying shoes example) Accessing DLT Goals survey RTI Go over documents for end of year completion

May 1, 2013
Survey Technology Update RTI visit to Waukee

April 10, 2013
Greenhouse update Flashdrive issues 1:1 Conference Report

April 3, 2013
Learn how to edit the wiki Update on Smart Goal Technology use Discuss possibilities for school visits for PLC time ideas Discuss thoughts regarding next year's schedule affecting our individual content areas

February 20, 2013
What data can we use to indicate growth/progress? Book Talk: __The Power of Now__ The future-look of this PLC

February 6, 2013
Discuss curriculum topics to look for possible overlaps when teaching assignments change next year. Discuss technology needs

January 23, 2013
Learning Team assignment RTI Discussion re: Exploratory classes

January 16, 2013
Exploratory options for 2013-2014 Summary of PLC time

December 19, 2012
AEA Online resources

December 12, 2012
Online PLNs

December 5, 2012
Mobile Lab for Encore What is going well? What's new? DLT Posters

November 7, 2012
PLN's (Personal Learning Networks IC Questions ​

October 31, 2012
Report on SMART goal progress How is 1st trimester going? Changes/Improvements?

October 24, 2012
SMART goal progress Instructional concerns

October 17, 2012
​Discuss SMART goal progress Discuss technology conference - Deb

October 3, 2012
Learning Targets What's working well Differentiating?

September 26, 2012
Parent/Teacher Conferences Infinite Campus questions/issues? Work on websites Other?

September 19, 2012
Discuss issues/concerns Discuss SMART goal progress Discuss posting Learning Targets

September 12, 2012
IC Concerns Email Signatures Websites

August 29, 2012
Review SMART goal Review Action plan Discuss student issues/concerns

August 22, 2012
Discuss/Write Norms Develop SMART goal Create Action plan

May 15, 2013
Completed the SMART Goal Analysis sheet & uploaded it to the wiki. Verified that all have completed the survey from last week.

May 8, 2013
We discussed learning styles and how what seems "normal" to us may be totally foreign to our students. To demonstrate this, Josh shared the CORRECT way to tie a shoelace...it is so different from the way the three of us were taught, yet we all came to a similar end product. We need to take those things into consideration when we teach. Discussed the end-of-the-year plan for requirements RTI update (doesn't really apply to us)

May 1, 2013
Josh continues to have computer issues relating to his robotics curriculum that need to be addressed. The middle school is in DIRE need of a technology support person. The elementary and the high school both have a tech support person, but the middle school has no one. Sandi is slowly becoming a "techie!" She is coming up with new ideas to integrate technology into her curriculum and the students are enjoying the change. Several staff members visited Waukee yesterday and came back with positive reports about their visit. Took the SINA survey

April 10, 2013
Josh is frustrated with the constant conflict/issues associated with using flash drives for storage data in his classroom. The flashdrives that are offered for sale through the office are junk. Could the school purchase a number of good, high quality flash drives to offer for sale for the kids in his class? Sandi reported that seeds have been planted and she should be seeing signs of growth by the end of next week. The kids are really excited about the greenhouse, and she has been pleasantly surprised at the enthusiasm. Sandi is also taking advantage of and enjoying the availability of the mobile lab for her classes. She has used them several times over the past several weeks and is encouraged by the new projects she is creating that use the lab. Sandi and Deb attended the 1:1 Conference in Des Moines last week. They reported on the sessions they attended.

April 3, 2013
Josh & Sandi discussed overlaps in curriculum content. Question: Do we need to establish a list of things that need to be covered (i.e. measurement, fractions, etc.)? Josh has contacted another school regarding sharing classroom ideas. Deb demonstrated how to edit the wiki so that others can use it (Josh needs more tutoring). SMART goal updates: all seem to be on track Sandi reported that she is using the computer lab more frequently

February 20, 2013
Data can we use to show student progress/growth Deb shared pieces of a conversation she had with Andy about the need for this particular PLC to be flexible in regards to the things we discuss/do. Because we are such a diverse group and do not share the same students/curriculum, we need a bit of flexibility in the things that we do so that our time is well spent. It was suggested that the first part of our meetings be spent in our individual PLNs and doing the things necessary to make our classrooms successful environments. The second half of the PLC meetings could then be spent discussing new revelations/ideas acquired. Discussed a book Josh is reading. He shared a little about what the author states that would give us power in the now. "In today's rush we think too much, seek too much, want too much, and forget about the joy of just being."
 * GLBs
 * Grades

February 6, 2013
Josh plans to teach PowerPoint to 6th grade, therefore Deb will need to revise the inclusion of PowerPoint in her curriculum Sandi would REALLY benefit from having an Elmo available to her for demonstration purposes Deb discussed her need for digital camera equipment - a plan is in the works, but Deb is not too optimistic

January 23, 2013
Discussed the learning team assignment scenarios & answered the assignment questions Unable to get to other agenda items due to faculty meeting

January 16, 2013
Discussed exploratory options for next year Recapped PLC time in preparation for facilitator's meeting

December 19, 2012
Looked at AEA Online Resources

December 12, 2012
​Looked at a variety of subject-oriented online PLNs. Will be spending some time during each of the following meetings looking at individual PLNs for resources and ideas.

December 5, 2012
2nd trimester is going well. Students seem to be working hard. Class mix is good so that helps things run smoothly. Sandi inquired about about the quality of Mobile Lab 1. She is concerned that the lab doesn't work well so is reluctant to try to use it. We discussed the new laminated posters that were distributed by DLT. Time has shown that education is very trendy, but the changes in Bloom's Taxonomy seem to be good changes. Josh talked about the recent PLTW conference and the possibility of upcoming changes.

November 7, 2012
We would like to spend some time with online personal learning networks to broaden our PLC time. This would give us an additional resource to add to our PLC time. Answered questions regarding where to locate attendance reports for grades.

October 31, 2012
Things have gone relatively well this week. The end of the trimester is drawing near and overall we are pleased with how things have gone. 2nd trimester will bring a whole new set of students, but we anticipate another good trimester. Dealing with a new curriculum put Deb in a bind schedule-wise, but that is to be expected with new curriculum. Hopefully the 2nd time around will be better.

October 24, 2012
Sandi reported that the work in the computer lab this week went well. She is frustrated, however, with the infrequent availability of technology to her classes. She is frustrated that it was decided, this week, to take the lab in Room 211 away from the encore teachers and trade it with the Social Studies classes for their mobile lab (which works sporadically), but that this was not discussed with or communicated to the encore teachers before the decision was made. Josh is frustrated with the complacency of his students. Students don't want to work and/or think for themselves. They don't know how to do simple things like find half of 4". Deb commented that her 8th graders recently created Prezi multi-media presentations but that the quality of work for most students was at about a 3rd grade level.

October 17, 2012
Sandi got into the computer lab for the first time today! YAY!!!! Deb shared cool things she learned at the ITEC conference. It's too bad that more people do not ( or chose not) to go. Josh shared that he has converted his chalkboard into a place to record his daily learning targets.

October 3, 2012
Learning Targets are being rephrased to better fit the criteria 7th grade students seem to be doing better than last year. It helps that some students have had us before --- they know what is expected of them and helps with classroom management. Josh is experimenting with individualizing his curriculum for students who are showing an aptitude in his area. Deb shared about the Dream Vacation project her 8th graders are doing at this time. Sandi shared about the excitement her students showed after attending the Nutrition Power Summit in Des Moines. It is encouraging to see them excited about making smart nutritional choices.

September 19, 2012
Issues/Concerns:
 * Discussed concerns regarding FCS's inability to secure the computer lab for activities intended for tech integration (SMART goal progress). The stationary lab (room 211) is supposed to be reserved for encore, however, MAP testing overrides any other use of that room. Sandi will keep trying at a later date, but 1st and 3rd tri students will not have equal opportunity for tech integration.
 * Discussed frustrations with flash drives. Josh's students are unable to access the flash drive in a simple way. For the most part, aside from Josh's issue, flash drives have solved a good number of log in issues, but creates problems when they forget their flash drives, the flash drives disappear, or get washed in the laundry.
 * LanSchool is not working in Josh's room, and Deb doesn't have it at all (even though it has been promised for the past 4 years)
 * There is not enough tech support personnel to cover the needs and it is affecting instruction.
 * If we are to adequately integrate technology into the curriculum, the district needs to seriously consider a tech integration specialist.

Learning Targets:
 * Learning targets need to be written as "I can" statements. Josh and Sandi expressed frustration that the learning targets they post were not considered adequate. Deb shared that she posts hers LTs on Edmodo, however that is not feasible for those who don't have access to computers.

September 12, 2012
Infinite Campus questions/issues were discussed and/or addressed. Staff members without email signatures set up signatures Discussed website creation tools for the purpose of creating classroom websites.

August 28, 2012
Looked at the various SMART goals as per Mary's Syllabus Discussed the comment(s) on the FCS/IT/Tech wiki page Deb shared Edmodo as a classroom tool. Discussed Learning Targets -> what it is; how post it Talked about student behaviors/performance so far. Students seem to be doing remarkably well for the beginning of school, but seem to be lacking in problem solving skills. It's as though they are being spoon fed so much that they cannot think for themselves.

August 22, 2012
Discussed PLC plans for the year. Wrote norms for PLC meetings. Developed a SMART goal for the members of this PLC. Created an action plan for reaching the 2012-2013 SMART goal.