Getting the Most out of Model Schools
1. Bookmark the Model Schools Website and subscribe to our blog, Twitter feeds, and Facebook page. The Instructional Technology Website (http://lhric.org/instructional_tech.cfm) is the entry point for all LHRIC Instructional Technology Services. The calendar of events and courses is accessible via the Model Schools website and registration for all events, courses, webinars, and conferences is online via My Learning Plan. You may also wish to subscribe to LHRIC News (http://lhric.org/newinfo.cfm) so that you are kept informed of new events and offers as they become available.
We’re committed to providing a constant flow of thought, information, feedback and updates as you utilize the service. Subscribing to our Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/lhricms), Blog (http://lhricblog.blogspot.com/), and Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/LHRICModelSchools) is highly recommended as we are relying on them more and more to be a lifeline of information to our subscribers.
2. Distribute copies of the e-catalog. We publish a Core Service catalog from September – June that is available in the beginning of the school year. In addition, we have created a calendar version as well as an alphabetical listing which can be displayed in faculty rooms, lounges, and other visible places for staff to have access to courses during the year.
3. Plan to attend Consortium Meetings.
Twice a year, we meet as a consortium to reap the benefits of contact with colleagues from across the region. The consortium meetings are the most effective way to have the district voice represented, which is critical to maintaining a legitimate stake in the service. Districts may be represented by Directors of Technology, lead teachers, building principals, and/or curriculum administrators. We welcome teams of districts to attend.
4. Take advantage of the Members only sections of the Model Schools website. The Member Resources section of the Model Schools website (http:// lhric.org/instructional_tech.cfm?subpage=255) houses important materials, links and resources attached to Model Schools sessions on popular instructional technology topics. Teachers from member districts have access to blogs, wikis, and session agendas that they can follow or modify to suit their needs. These resources are a valuable addition to a member’s personal growth and development library.
5. Use the Model Schools Team.
Model Schools is comprised of consultants with specific areas of expertise, including videoconferencing, online learning, web content management tools, curriculum specific areas or applications, Interactive Whiteboard expertise, and so on. Our contact information is available at: http://lhric.org/instructional_tech.cfm?subpage=225.
6. Utilize Substitute Reimbursement.
One of the features of this program is the reimbursement of expenses associated with staff development in educational technology. The qualifying staff development activities are those offered through the Model Schools Program and the covered costs include:
• Per diem costs for substitute coverage when teachers attend staff development sessions.
• Stipends paid to teacher-trainers for staff development sessions offered through Model Schools.
• Stipends paid to teachers for participation in staff development that is held outside the regular school day.
Fully furnished forms are due to the LHRIC by June 1 of each year in order to be processed. The policy and form are online at:
http://lhric.org/files/filesystem/Reimbursement_Policy.pdf
http://lhric.org/files/filesystem/Reimbursement_Form.pdf
7. Participate in Core Service sessions.
Model Schools delivers content through a variety of means: face to face sessions, webinars, and Technology Solutions Conferences and Instructional Technology Briefings. The best measure of the value to a district is achieved through consistent utilization of the service, making the opportunities fully available to staff members and administration.
8. Stay connected.
The Model Schools Essentials courses are only the first link in a chain of learning for everyone who participates. Each course is an invitation to remain connected to the topic(s) through our social network sites that facilitate questions, tangent conversations, and live chats for “online office hours.” We often invite “guest experts” into the dialog, so you’re sure to meet and connect with master users and leaders in this field of reform through innovation.
