Wethersfield High School

Four-year, public high school that serves grades 9 through 12.

Mission:

to prepare all students to make a positive and meaningful contribution to society. this effort is made in a safe, healthy and respectful environment conducive to optimal teaching and learning.

focus placed on creating a positive work ethic among students and the development of positive relationships.
all staff members and resources at WHS are dedicated and committed to student achievement and well-being.

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Students must earn 22.5 credits for graduation. Student population is approximately 1200, 22% representing various minority groups. Specialized programs are structured to serve the needs of all students with unique educational needs: CREC hearing impaired, ELL, ALS and ADP programs. Understanding by Design (UbD) framework utilized by all departments in designing curriculum units, performance assessments and instruction.

CAPT results from 2007-2011 show WHS consistently scored above state average in all four measured disciplines.

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Futuring
Provides powerful insights into the opportunities and possibilities that might exist in the uncertain future. Thinking critically, creatively and analytically about these uncertainties, organizations can devise strategies and rehearse responses to what might arise. A long-term vision can be determined, planning for the future can dictate current and future decision making.

Educational relevance

Educational leaders must develop innovative responses to future challenges and anticipate future influences.
Curriculum design, delivery and assessment must adapt to meet the changing needs of the student that will enter the future society.

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Scenario building
stimulates strategic thinking, creativity and foresight. allows for critical decisions to be made, appropriate organizational adjustments and methods for utilizing future innovations to be developed.

Scanning

process of gathering and analyzing information to identify potential opportunities, challenges, and innovations that will affect an organization.

S-T-E-E-P factors- The following factors must be considered in

developing a vision of the future: S = Social T = Technological E = Economical E = Environmental P = Political
(Microsoft, 2009)

Microsoft Corporation. (2009). Scenarios for education. [Presentation slides]. Retrieved from http://www.is-toolkit.com/workshop/scenario BuildingVisionUsingScenarios.pdf

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Educational Technology trends
The ubiquity of powerful and versatile mobile technologies. Mobile devices can make learning more interesting, engaging, interactive, collaborative and individualized. With technology integration comes the growing necessity for professional development in technology literacy and pedagogical knowledge. It is necessary to ensure that teachers have the space and support to become confident pedagogical innovators with new technology (Becta, 2008).

Becta. (2008). Analysis of emerging trends affecting the use of technology in education. 14, 1-39. Retrieved from http://www.becta.org.uk

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Economic and Public Policy trends
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) reauthorization as proposed by the Obama administration plans for much needed reform to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
Under the proposal, funds will be allocated for the creation of high-quality educational digital content; grants to states to develop and improve their capacity to use technology to improve instruction (U.S. Department of Education, 2011).

TEF, the economic policy of Tax structures, Economic development policies, and Funding for schools (National Education Association).
The economic structures currently in place benefit the rich and offer subsidies to big businesses, resulting in inadequate educational funds.
National Education Association. (nd). TEF: This is a balanced approach to Tax, Economic development, and Education funding policies to create a bright economic future for ourselves and our children. Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/home/36580.htm U.S. Department of Education . (2011). A Blueprint for Reform: The Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/blueprint/publication_pg3.html#part3

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Vision of 2017 for Wethersfield High School
1:1 student to mobile device ratio. All teachers will utilize mobile devices for instruction, access to Internet based resources, individualized learning and assessment. Smart Projectors, Smart Boards or Apple TV in all classrooms to allow teachers to share presentations, Internet based media, interactive activities and student work. All teachers will maintain a blog and/or social media outlet. School will maintain an online classroom management system. Digital textbooks and an extensive digital library powered by Overdrive.

These innovations will create an active, stimulating and engaging learning environment that allows students to control their learning.

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Rationale for Vision
Current teaching methods will not suffice to prepare student for the lives they will lead in the twenty-first century. Schools must learn how to effectively use technology in a way that gives students more control of the learning process (Project Tomorrow, 2009, p.6). Mobile technology combined with the wealth of Internet based resources provide opportunities for the personalization of learning. Changing demands of workplace skills require schools to focus on developing active learners. We must take advantage of the capacities of the digital natives that fill our classrooms. Research shows that students desire and expect an educational environment infused with technology.
Project Tomorrow. (2009). Learning in the 21st Century: 2009 Trends Update. Retrieved from http:// www.mivu.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=gCiahuCHWPY%3D&tabid=373

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Opportunities for enhanced learning
Students will be interested and engaged in classroom learning activities Student motivation to continue learning through the collection of online resources available for every course. Learning will become student-centered, allowing each learner more personal control over the way that they manage and explore resources. Teachers will have the freedom to develop innovative and creative learning environments. Differentiated instruction and support based on each students individual strengths and weaknesses. Communication and interaction between and among students, instructors and parents would be enhanced.

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Challenges to technology integration
Funding will determine the extent of technology that can be purchased and maintained. Technology must be accessible to all students, including those with disabilities and those who are economically disadvantaged. Necessity for professional development in technology literacy and pedagogical knowledge. Distractions and disruptions caused by Internet access and text messaging are the major detriments. Academic fraud (texting answers, photographing tests) through the features of these devises.

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If Vision is not realized
Wethersfield High School risks missing the transformative and innovative opportunities (Open Educational Technology, 2008, p.3). Students will not experience the responsibility and intrinsic motivation of learning that is student-centered. The school will not foster the capacities that graduates need to be successful in the twenty-first century.

Open Educational Technology: The Collective Advancement of Education through Open Technology, Open Content, and Open Knowledge. (2008). Retrieved from http://mitpress.mit.edu/books/ opening-education

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Initial Steps
District technology personnel must plan visits to school districts that have been successful in utilizing mobile technologies and online learning solutions. Speaking with experienced personnel in these districts can provide critical advice to assist in the integration. Must develop a time-table for systematically purchasing mobile devices, developing the proper infrastructure and employing adequate technology support. Professional training and specific time must be allocated to develop the digital literacy skills and knowledge. District must research and select an online classroom management system that will most effectively align with the curriculum structure.