Goals and Approach

The MA-TLC program focuses on professional development and ongoing support for district superintendents, public school principals, and private and parochial school heads. Our goals are to enable these school leaders to strengthen their abilities to lead systemic educational improvement efforts that include:

• high standards for all students, including those with special needs;
• in-depth, inquiry-based teaching practices;
• multiple forms of assessment, including performance assessments;
• strategic thinking based upon knowledge of the change process in schools;
• effective team-building within the school and district, and across the community;
• data-driven decision making;
• the integration of technology throughout the curriculum to enhance teaching and learning;
• the effective use of technology for administrative and communication functions;
• continuous program assessments to inform ongoing improvement efforts.

Our approach is a multifaceted program that incorporates (1) a Core Program that integrates a multi-phase in-person Institute with online activities, (2) the development of a state-wide leadership cadre, (3) a special in-depth summer program for selected district teams, and (4) ongoing information sharing. These activities are described in more detail below, under Project Activities.

Participants and Incentives

The most recent available data show the following numbers of potential participants in the MA-TLC program:

The MA-TLC program is designed with the expectation that 80% of those eligible will participate in program activities during the next three years. We believe this goal is feasible since we have the strong support of key leaders of all the relevant professional organizations and the State Department of Education, the consortium partners have strong networks throughout the State, and we plan an extensive outreach component for the program.

There are multiple incentives for those eligible to participate. Most important is the opportunity for each individual to strengthen his or her own leadership abilities and to learn to take advantage of the educational potential of technology. Participants will have opportunities to increase their own fluency in using technology in their work, to experience using technology as learners, and to participate in an ongoing community of education leaders. They will also be able to obtain optional academic credit for their work.

The MA-TLC planning committee is also seeking support to provide additional incentives, in the form of products, such as a Palm Pilot or other PDA, and in the form of access to additional resources, such as mentoring by a member of the Technology Leaders Network (described below) or eligibility for additional professional development activities.

The participants will also be able to receive Professional Development Points (PDP’s), based on the level of their participation (participant or instructor), leading to their state-required recertification.

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