TLCF Best Practice Selection Process

Technology Based Lessons, 2001-2002

Mt. Juliet High School, Mt. Juliet, Tennessee

 

In our grant proposal, the definition for “best practice” was the following…

 

"Innovative project-based learning activities which utilize any form of technology, are easily replicated by other educators, produce the desired educational outcomes, and are effective toward meeting standards of the curriculum."

A concise definition of best practices will standardize communication about lesson plan design, structure for Tennessee curriculum standards, effectiveness of practice, and guidelines for professional development goals.  It should also focus on curriculum design and delivery, instructional methods, assessment practices, and teacher education for the purpose of being an exemplary model.

Further, it was stated in our proposal regarding selecting and jurying our best practices…

 

In order to determine selected "Best Practices" models, a committee will be formed to include the Technology Coach, the Principal and/or Assistant Principals, departmental mentors, and the Supervisors of Instruction. This committee will meet once each semester to review and select the "Best Practices" models to post on our web site.

 

Steps in determining the best practice:

 

  1. Determine and/or revise a definition for “best practice”.

 

  1. Decide on criteria.  Create and/or review, revise, and refine a rubric much like teachers have done to plan their technology-based lesson.  Adopt a rubric for general consensus.

 

  1. Review printed and electronic lesson plans teachers have created.  View notes made by observer analyzing student reactions during lesson, teacher interaction, and success of learning goals.  Analyze the post-observation document completed by the teacher to determine reflections made.  Critique student sample of work.  Make notes to share in discussion.  The best practice committee members use the best practice definition, the rubric, observation and post-observation documents, and sample of student work to select one or more best practice examples.

 

  1. Come to a committee consensus and post on our web site for State Department of Education, Department of Accountability requirements. 

 

  1. Those selected will also be eligible to receive a personal laptop computer (purchased by our school) as representative of the school “best practice” award for the TLCF grant.  This will be awarded after a second round of review in the Spring, 2002.

 

MJHS Best Practices Home Page      MJHS TLCF 201 Home Page