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Power Up Blended Learning
By: Catlin Rice Tucker
This book provides a framework for leaders looking to implement a long-term professional learning plan that supports teachers as they move toward blended learning.
- Grade Level: PreK-12
- ISBN: 9781506396767
- Published By: Corwin
- Series: Corwin Teaching Essentials
- Year: 2018
- Page Count: 192
- Publication date: September 10, 2018
Price: $39.95
For Instructors
When you select 'request review copy', you will be redirected to Sage Publishing (our parent site) to process your request.
Description
Take Blended Learning to the Next Level by Building an Effective Professional Learning Community!
Technology is permeating classrooms and offering teachers and students opportunities to reimagine teaching and learning. Many schools and districts are shifting from traditional teacher-led instruction to blended learning with the goal of placing students at the center of learning. It’s time to power up your approach to professional learning to ensure teachers feel inspired and supported as they make this shift and embrace technology. This book provides an effective and actionable framework for school leaders looking to implement a long-term professional learning plan that extends professional development beyond a handful of days each year to create “coaching culture” that supports teachers as they move toward blended learning.
Blended Learning expert Catlin Tucker provides a clear path for professional learning that is embedded in the school’s culture, blending targeted training (the “spark”), 1:1 coaching, and professional learning communities. This comprehensive approach to professional learning ensures that teachers in a blended environment work continually to improve learning outcomes for students, stay up-to-date on current technology, and learn with their colleagues. This text is full of concrete resources and strategies for leaders and blended learning coaches. It includes
- Coaching protocols
- Virtual coaching strategies
- Templates for feedback
- Lesson planning resources for designing blended lessons
- Rubrics for evaluation
- Stories and tips from blended learning coaches
- Vignettes from teachers who have successfully shifted to a blended learning model
- Reflection questions for leading book studies
This book provides the tools and tips you’ll need to support teachers as they move toward blended learning. From articulating the why behind a shift to blended learning, to creating and implementing an actionable roadmap for building a professional learning infrastructure, this must-have resource will take your PD plans to the next level!
Key features
? Concrete resources for blended learning coaches to use as they move through the coaching cycle with teachers. Resources will include, but are not limited to:
? question sets
? templates for feedback
? lesson planning resources for designing blended lessons
? rubrics for evaluation
? Vignettes and tips from blended learning coaches
? Vignettes from teachers who have shifted to a blended learning model
Author(s)
Catlin Rice Tucker
Catlin Tucker is a Google Certified Innovator, bestselling author, international trainer, and frequent Edtech speaker, who teaches in Sonoma County where she was named Teacher of the Year in 2010. Catlin’s books Blended Learning in Grades 4-12 and Blended Learning in Action are both bestsellers. She has also written a book titled Creatively Teach the Common Core Literacy Standards with Technology to support teachers in thinking outside of the box as they shift to the Common Core. Catlin is working on her doctorate at Pepperdine University. She writes the “Techy Teacher” column for ASCD’s Educational Leadership. She is active on Twitter @Catlin_Tucker and writes an internationally ranked education blog at CatlinTucker.com.
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Chapter 1: Articulate the WHY
Introduction
WHY Blended Learning?
Getting Teachers On Board With the WHY
The HOW: Best Practices
The WHAT: Branding the Shift to Blended Learning
Eight Ways to Strengthen Your School Community
Book Study Questions
Chapter 2: A Roadmap for Building a Professional Learning Infrastructure
Introduction
Blended Learning Demands a New Approach to Professional Learning
Professional Development: Defining the Scope
The Spark: On-Site Targeted Training Led by an Expert
One-on-One Coaching
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 3: Blended Learning Requires Effective Professional Development
Introduction
Traditional Professional Development Is Largely Ineffective
Elements of Effective Professional Development
Leaders Must Lean In
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 4: The Blended Learning Coach
Introduction
Coaching in a Blended Learning Context
Elements of Effective Coaching
Blended Learning Coaches Continue the Learning
Redefining Teacher and Student Roles in a Blended Learning Environment
A Quick Review of Blended Learning Models
Blended Learning: Establish a Clear Plan
Challenges Facing the Creation of a Coaching Culture
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 5: Coaching: Initial Conversation and Goal Setting
Introduction
The Power of Dialogic Interviews
SMART Goal Setting
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 6: Coaching: Initial Observation and Debrief
Introduction
Coaching Must Be a Partnership
What’s the Goal of the Initial Observation?
Communicating With Students
The Debrief
Revisit SMART Goals
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 7: Coaching: Co-lesson Planning
Introduction
Communicate With the Teacher Ahead of Time
Meet Outside of the Classroom
Identify the Goals
Keep the Lesson Manageable: Think Big, but Start Small
Provide Templates to Help Teachers Design Blended Lessons
Don’t Just Plan the Lesson, Create It
Reflect on the Role of Technology in the Lesson
Dealing With Details
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 8: Coaching: Real-Time Coaching
Introduction
Pre-lesson Chat: Review Lesson and Establish Norms for Real-Time Coaching
Real-Time Coaching: “Pause, Discuss, Adjust”
Document the Parts of the Lesson
Written Feedback Using a Blended Learning Rubric
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 9: Coaching: Model Lessons and Co-teaching
Introduction
Designing and Teaching a Model Lesson
Model Lesson Checklist
Co-teaching
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 10: Coaching: Documenting, Reflecting, and Revisiting
Introduction
Dedicating Time, Energy, and Space to Reflection
Becoming a Reflective Practitioner
Reflect Using Documentation
Using Digital Tools to Reflect
Revisit SMART Goals
Next Steps: Developing an Action Plan
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 11: Virtual Coaching
Introduction
Real-Time Coaching: Challenges of Scale
Blended Offline and Online Coaching in Large Districts
Benefits and Limitations of Virtual Coaching
Virtual Spin on the Coaching Cycle
Technology Toolbox for Virtual Coaching
Staying Organized With Google Calendar
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
Chapter 12: Professional Learning Communities
Introduction
What Is a Professional Learning Community?
The PLC Process
Organizing the Teacher Teams Within a PLC
Wrap Up
Book Study Questions
References
Index
Reviews
"Excellent resource that includes tools one can use when implementing a blended learning model. It clearly explains the role of a blended learning coach when it comes to professional development. Tucker emphasizes the opportunity to improve one’s practice through coaching and a Professional Learning Community."Craig Yen, 5th Grade Teacher
"There is an urgent need to empower and support teachers through the implementation of digital tools and blended instructional models. In Power Up Blended Learning, Catlin provides instructional leaders and coaches with the essential roadmap to develop internal structures of support within their schools. The time for teacher transformation is now, and this is the book to lead it!"Tiffany Wycoff, Co-Author of Blended Learning in Action
Co-Founder Learning Innovation Catalyst
"Technology can be transformative, but teachers need support to ensure technology is actually improving instruction. Catlin Tucker provides a clear vision for building a professional learning infrastructure to support teachers as they shift to blended learning and use technology thoughtfully and strategically. If school districts are not dedicated to helping teachers continue to learn and experiment, schools will remain out of step with the changes happening beyond the classroom."
Alice Keeler, Math Teacher, Google Certified Innovator, and Microsoft Innovative Educator"Technology can be transformative, but teachers need support to ensure technology is actually improving instruction. Catlin Tucker provides a clear vision for building a professional learning infrastructure to support teachers as they shift to blended learning and use technology thoughtfully and strategically. If school districts are not dedicated to helping teachers continue to learn and experiment, schools will remain out of step with the changes happening beyond the classroom."
Author of Multiple EdTech Books Including 50 Things You Can Do With Google Classroom
"Catlin has provided a critical 'spark' in the blended learning conversation, shifting the focus from technology to culture transformation through ongoing teacher PD and support. As she has in her previous books, Catlin continues to offer practical strategies for high-fidelity implementation of blended practices, this time gifting instructional leaders with essential tools for guiding their professional learning communities."
Jason Green, Co-Author of Blended Learning in Action"Catlin has provided a critical 'spark' in the blended learning conversation, shifting the focus from technology to culture transformation through ongoing teacher PD and support. As she has in her previous books, Catlin continues to offer practical strategies for high-fidelity implementation of blended practices, this time gifting instructional leaders with essential tools for guiding their professional learning communities."
Co-Founder Learning Innovation Catalyst (LINC)
"In Power Up Blended Learning: A Professional Learning Infrastructure to Support Sustainable Change, author Catlin Tucker succinctly presents multiple options for blended learning professional development with a focus on coaching. Through the coaching lens, Tucker offers a clear explanation of the 'what,' a compelling rationale for the 'why,' and tangible guidelines for the 'how' of professional learning for blended learning. This book is an extremely valuable resource for any person or organization looking to grow their individual or collective capacity and implement blended learning successfully."
Lisa Westman, Speaker, Consultant and Author of Student-Driven Differentiation: 8 Steps to Harmonize Learning in the Classroom"In Power Up Blended Learning: A Professional Learning Infrastructure to Support Sustainable Change, author Catlin Tucker succinctly presents multiple options for blended learning professional development with a focus on coaching. Through the coaching lens, Tucker offers a clear explanation of the 'what,' a compelling rationale for the 'why,' and tangible guidelines for the 'how' of professional learning for blended learning. This book is an extremely valuable resource for any person or organization looking to grow their individual or collective capacity and implement blended learning successfully."
"Throughout this book, I found myself (as both a middle school teacher and as an instructional coach) saying, 'Yes!' My copy is peppered already with stars in the margins and graphics circled for future reflection. Power Up Blended Learning is not just for those who are coaching teachers. It’s also for teachers looking for strategies in how to coach students. After all, giving engaging feedback that 'sticks' is a responsibility that every educator has, and sharing engaging strategies and tools is a skill that is continuously evolving. This is an up-to-date and forward-thinking resource for both teachers and coaches."
Heather Wolpert-Gawron, 8th Grade Teacher"Throughout this book, I found myself (as both a middle school teacher and as an instructional coach) saying, 'Yes!' My copy is peppered already with stars in the margins and graphics circled for future reflection. Power Up Blended Learning is not just for those who are coaching teachers. It’s also for teachers looking for strategies in how to coach students. After all, giving engaging feedback that 'sticks' is a responsibility that every educator has, and sharing engaging strategies and tools is a skill that is continuously evolving. This is an up-to-date and forward-thinking resource for both teachers and coaches."
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For Instructors
When you select 'request review copy', you will be redirected to Sage Publishing (our parent site) to process your request.
Related Professional Learning
Related WebinarsRelated Resources
- Create a Foundation of Respect and Understanding Between Coach and Teacher [Lessons and strategies]
- Power Up Blended Learning: A Professional Learning Infrastructure to Support Sustainable Change [Podcast]
- What We Value: Word Cloud Activity [Lessons and strategies]