Westmoor+School+Project+Page

=Creating a Parent Forum - Our Story= =**Westmoor School PLP Project**=

====**Objective: Change the behavior, temperment and culture of Westmoor School to use 21 century learning instructional practices. Secondarily, we will introduce staff to tools and resources that can help Westmoor students, staff and families become more connected to the school and the larger community.**====

**Step 1: Interview Staff**
Westmoor School: Powerful Learning Practices (PLP) Technology Interview Questionnaire  __In this grade level/subject area, what would you consider to be the learning area in which children excel the most? (Be specific)
 * Academics:**

In this grade level/subject area, what would you consider to be the learning area in which children struggle the most? (Be specific)

What is something you wish the students could do or would do more?

As a team, would you describe yourselves as: 1.) Open to changing teaching and learning practice, 2.) Open to the idea, but not sure if you can do it now, or 3.) Willing to listen, but not ready to change current practice? __

**Technology:** __Describe how you use technology within the classroom?

What do you wish technology could do for your students?

What factors limit your use of technology in the classroom? __  __Would you find a “tech buddy” helpful in implementing new technologies or in the development of new teaching/learning practices within your grade level/subject area?__

__Do you currently have an interest in a particular area of student learning practices that we could assist you in?__ The Westmoor PLP Team met after completing the survey and brainstormed possible technologies that could support the learning needs for individual groups of staff. Themes identified in the survey were grouped together and the PLP Team assigned a member as a "Tech Buddy" to the group.
 * Step 2: Brainstorm Technologies that Meet the Idetified Learning Needs**

Each Tech Buddy arranged an initial meeting with his or her assigned group to discuss and "flesh out" more detail about the learning needs identified during the survey. The Tech Buddy then shared an initial technology that could meet the identified need and discussed this with each team. Once the project scope was identified we moved to step 4.
 * Step 3: Meet the "Tech Buddy"**

This step is the meat of the project. Tech Buddies worked hand in hand to help support the project, but more importantly to help shape the thinking of teachers and students. The Buddy arranged professional development, work time and was given release time to be present as the staff used their project with the students.
 * Step 4: "From Concept to Keys" - Tech Buddies are there from start to finish**

One of the most useful portions of the project for our PLP team was regular feedback sessions. Two surveys were given and regular face-to-face time was provided to offer discussions that not only gave our team direction but offered new opportunities to bridge projects or begin new projects with staff members.
 * Step 5: Feedback Sessions**