21st Century High School Teacher Tools and Resources - MLTI

INFORMATIONAL LETTER: 4 POLICY CODE: IHAJ

TO : Superintendents of Schools, Principals, Business Managers, Technology Coordinators

FROM: Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner

DATE: July 20, 2007

SUBJECT: 21st Century High School Teacher Tools and Resources - MLTI

The Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce the expansion of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) to include teachers, school counselors, and administrators in high schools and career and technical education centers throughout the State. This initiative is a critical next step in supporting Maine educators in preparing all secondary students for postsecondary education, careers, and citizenship in the 21st Century. At this time we are only able to provide the laptops to certified staff.

In addition to the knowledge and skills in the eight content areas of the Maine Learning Results, students need be able to be able to think critically and use technology as a tool for learning. Teachers also need to be able to prepare students in these areas so that students make a smooth transition from high school to postsecondary education. These skills reflect the rapidly changing structure of colleges and careers today, and will be emphasized in the materials and support provided by the MLTI.

All certified educators and administrators in grades 9-12 will receive professional development, equipment, and support beginning in September. Dr. Michael Fullan and others recommended improving student achievement by focusing professional development on literacy and numeracy through the use of learning communities as well as through virtual learning communities. Opportunities for this will be made available for teachers throughout the year, using digital technology as a delivery vehicle. In addition, school-based leadership teams will have opportunities to convene regionally in facilitated professional learning groups focused on secondary school redesign.

The MLTI project has had many successes at the middle level. Students tell us that they are more motivated and engaged in their academic work because of the use of technology to support their learning. It is our intention to continue that experience of motivating and engaging curriculum, instruction and assessments for our high school and career and technical education students.

This initiative is ultimately about recognizing and embracing the need for high school redesign, enabling teachers in grades 9-12 to use technology as an effective tool for ongoing professional development and effective teaching to help their students prepare to enter and successfully compete in the high-tech global marketplace.

Key Dates

Friday, July 27, 2007 - 21st Century Teacher Tools and Resources Agreement Form, High School Staff List (to verify number of devices needed), and Additional Staff Device Order Form due. Forms may be downloaded from http://www.maine.gov/mlti.

Late September, 2007 - MLTI device delivery at each school

Late September to early October - Regional leadership training, Technical Lead training

October and ongoing - Educator training

Question and Answer Conference Calls

Call in number: 1-877-760-2043

Participant Code: 939403

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

9 am - 10 am For school administrators and teacher leaders, general program questions

10 am - 11 am For school administrators and teacher leaders, general program questions

11 am - 12 pm For technology coordinators, technology-specific questions

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

9 am - 10 am For school administrators and teacher leaders, general program questions

10 am - 11 am For school administrators and teacher leaders, general program questions

11 am - 12 pm For technology coordinators, technology-specific questions