Outline for Professional Development Initiative

Outline for Professional Development Initiative

Title of PD Initiative:
AVID Strategies for Success: Enhancing Classroom Engagement and Rigor through Technology and AI

Topic/Focus:
Implementing AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Strategies in the Classroom with Full Integration of Technology and AI

Goals/Objectives:

• Equip educators with AVID-based strategies to foster student engagement, critical thinking, and academic rigor.
• Create a collaborative environment where teachers can share best practices and support each other in implementing AVID strategies.
• Develop a culture of high expectations and support for all students, particularly those who are underrepresented in higher education.
• Utilize technology and AI tools to enhance AVID strategies, ensuring teachers are comfortable with digital tools that promote student learning and engagement.
• Provide comprehensive training in technology and AI integration within the AVID framework during professional development sessions.

General Overview:
Rationale for the PD:
AVID strategies are designed to help students develop the skills necessary for academic success, including organization, note-taking, and critical thinking. With a focus on equity and access, this professional development initiative aims to train teachers in these strategies, enabling them to effectively support their students in becoming independent learners. Educators will learn to implement AVID methodologies that not only engage students but also encourage them to take ownership of their learning. The integration of technology and AI will further enhance these strategies, allowing educators to leverage innovative tools for improved educational outcomes.

Model for Implementation:
This PD initiative will follow a Blended Learning Model, incorporating both face-to-face (ftf) and online components. This approach allows educators to engage in meaningful learning experiences while providing flexibility and accessibility. Workshops will include hands-on activities, collaborative planning, and opportunities for reflection and feedback, with a strong emphasis on using technology and AI tools.

ISTE Standards:

• ISTE Standard for Educators 2: Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments.
• ISTE Standard for Educators 5: Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership.
• ISTE Standard for Students 6: Creative Communicators.

# of Hours:
40 hours total (distributed throughout the year)

Plan for Delivery:
Hybrid Model:

Monthly Workshops (24 hours total):
Description: Each 3-hour workshop will focus on a specific AVID strategy, such as Interactive Notebooks, Socratic Seminars, or Collaborative Learning Techniques. Workshops will include direct instruction, modeling, and hands-on practice with technology and AI tools.

Topics Include:

• Workshop 1: Introduction to AVID: Principles and Practices
• Workshop 2: Developing Interactive Notebooks for Student Engagement
• Workshop 3: Implementing Socratic Seminars to Foster Critical Thinking
• Workshop 4: Collaborative Learning Techniques in AVID
• Workshop 5: College and Career Readiness Strategies
• Workshop 6: Integrating Technology and AI in AVID Strategies

Online Learning Modules (10 hours total):
Description: Self-paced modules that teachers can complete at their convenience, focusing on AVID strategies, technology integration, AI applications, and best practices. Each module will require teachers to submit a reflection or a lesson plan incorporating what they learned.

Topics Include:

• Module 1: AVID and Digital Tools for Note-Taking
• Module 2: Using Educational Apps and AI to Enhance Collaboration
• Module 3: Assessment Strategies in AVID Classrooms with Technology
• Module 4: Leveraging AI for Personalized Learning in AVID

Informal Learning Communities (6 hours total):
Description: Bi-weekly virtual or in-person meetings to foster collaboration and support among teachers. These sessions will provide a platform for sharing experiences, troubleshooting challenges, and celebrating successes. Participants will engage in peer observations and feedback sessions to improve practice and integrate technology effectively.

Plan for Evaluation:
Formative Assessment:

• Regular feedback surveys after each workshop to assess understanding, gather suggestions for improvement, and determine the effectiveness of the sessions.
• Peer observation feedback forms to collect insights on the implementation of AVID strategies and technology in classrooms.

Summative Assessment:

• End-of-year evaluation measuring the effectiveness of AVID strategies through classroom observations, student feedback, and teacher self-assessments.
• Collection of lesson plans showcasing the integration of AVID strategies, technology, and AI usage, demonstrating growth in teaching practices.

3 – 5 Minute Multimedia Presentation
At the beginning of the year, a multimedia presentation will be delivered to introduce the PD initiative to teachers. This presentation will include:

Overview of the PD Initiative:

• Introduction to AVID strategies and their significance in promoting student success, particularly for diverse and underrepresented student populations.
• Focus on the integration of technology and AI to enhance AVID strategies for improved student engagement and learning outcomes.

Focus on Collaboration:

• Emphasis on building a community of practice among educators, highlighting the importance of collaboration and sharing experiences to enrich professional growth.

Workshop and Module Highlights:

• Overview of the workshop schedule, including dates, topics, and objectives, especially focusing on technology and AI integration.
• Introduction to online learning modules, explaining how they will complement the workshops and enhance learning.

Support for Implementation:

• Discussion of the informal learning communities and the importance of peer support, observations, and feedback in fostering a risk-taking environment for technology integration.

Call to Action:

• Invitation for teachers to engage actively in the PD initiative, embrace AVID strategies, and commit to elevating student engagement and academic success in their classrooms through the effective use of technology and AI.

This multimedia presentation will serve as an engaging introduction to the yearlong professional development journey, motivating teachers to embrace AVID strategies and enhance their teaching practices while fostering a supportive learning community that utilizes technology and AI effectively.