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Bernice Hart Elementary School
Austin, TX
School Type: Public
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School Setting: Suburban
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Level: Elementary
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School Design: Traditional
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Content Presented By:
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Edvantia
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Summary
The practice: Professional Development - School leaders must provide relevant, meaningful, and ongoing professional development for all staff.
- 13% of teachers had high experience with a particular technology at the start of the school year, compared to at least 54% at the end of the year.
- New school that opened August 1998
- Teacher selection based on commitment to technology and a constructivist approach to instruction
- Texas Successful School Award
Before the school opened, the principal selected administrators and teachers who showed a commitment to technology and a constructivist approach to instruction. A rigorous interview process helped staff the school with teachers who exhibited an aptitude for creative approaches to learning. Partnerships were established with university faculty members as well as staffers from Southwest Educational Development Lab (SEDL). A professional development program grew from the collaboration. The goals of The Future Is Now--A Model for Creating Effective Learning Environments were to:
- create competent educators committed to lifelong learning,
- develop the use of technology to facilitate learning, and
- create independent, self-motivated learners who can use a variety of resources to collaboratively solve problems.
Additionally, Hart was chosen to participate in Applying Technology to Restructuring and Learning, funded through the U.S. Department of Education and implemented by the Technology Assistance Program at SEDL. Formal sessions and individual assistance in planning, problem solving, and technology use were provided both on site and on-line by SEDL staff and Hart co-developers.
This site also exemplifies the following practice(s):
- Access - School leaders must ensure equitable access to current hardware, software, and connectivity that supports instructional goals.
- Assessment and Evaluation - School leaders must utilize assessment and evaluation techniques to inform decision making and ensure continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
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