July 2004 — SETDA
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West Virginia: Technology Leadership at the District Level: A Look at the Monongalia County School District
This furthered the use of technology through teachers being technology integration leaders and role models within their schools and through the development of a cadre of master trainers using a "teachers teaching teachers" model. From this beginning, staff development for teachers, administrators and support personnel has continued to be extensive and a high priority. Knowing the importance of combining numerous funding sources, the county technology coordinator and school technology leaders have aggressively pursued funding from federal, state and county funds as well as competitive and formula grant sources.The focus on professional development for school principals, who can serve as visionary leaders in promoting the integration of technology, necessitates the county's ongoing staff development and specifically designed summer sessions for principals. In addition, the West Virginia Department of Education received a $1.2 million State Challenge Grant for Leadership Development from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This grant aided in preparing the county superintendent and school principals for their emerging roles in technology. It also enabled them to become informed leaders who support and encourage the use of technology to transform student learning. This county and state focus on leadership training gives principals the tools to infuse technology into their roles as instructional leaders. One example of the influence of principals' staff development occurred immediately after a recent training on handhelds for principals. A significant portion of time was spent on curriculum integration; leading by example, county principals and school technology teams quickly added to school technology plans the idea to integrate a classroom set of handhelds as an effective tool to enhance student writing.
A shared vision and planning; solid leadership at all levels; a strong connection between curriculum, instruction and technology; equal access for all students; staff development; and always keeping student achievement in the forefront as new technologies emerge - these priorities emerge as the hallmark of Monongalia County's technology implementation.
Online Resources
- Monongolia County Schools
http://b'e.mono.k12.wv.us/ - West Virginia Department of Education
http://wvde.state.wv.us/ - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
www.gatesfoundation.org
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