more engaged in the lessons.”
Problems with the technology have not been as distracting as feared, so Mr. Hicks has instead spent his
hours thinking about ways to overcome steep and varying digital learning curves and generate quality digital
content.
The early adoption program is part of the district’s large-scale professional development effort this year.
Early adopters were chosen selectively both to model the power of the technology and to serve as a resource
next year, and their classrooms have been visited regularly by other staff members. MCS has taken a differentiated approach to preparing educators for the roll-out, starting with needs assessments. Teachers have
choices in training and the model lessons they’d like to learn more about.
“You have such a range of where teachers are with comfort, expertise, and knowledge with technology,” Dr.
Winstead said. “That’s true with all things, including differentiation and management. But it’s especially true
with technology. The one-size-fits-all approach was not going to work.”
As teachers and administrators work hard to prepare for device deployment in July, and as community members continue to build local WiFi networks, there’s one group of individuals eager for the iReach initiative to
spread district-wide: Students. Karen Van Son, parent of three MCS students and the parent representative
for iReach at Maryville Junior High School, says her ninth-grade son has already benefited from recorded science lessons online to review while studying, as well as online calendars of assignments and requirements.
“My son is extremely into technology,” Ms. Van Son said. “That’s how they think. This is how they study.”
Maryville City Schools:
Strategies for Students
1. INCORPORATING TECHNOLOGY INTO DAILY INSTRUCTION IN A WAY THAT RESONATES WITH
AND ENGAGES STUDENTS
2. WORKING WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO MAKE TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE AND
ACCESSIBLE TO ALL STUDENTS
3. TAKING A THOUGHTFUL APPROACH TO THE TECHNOLOGY ROLLOUT WITH PILOT PROJECTS
AND CUSTOMIZED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS
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