FIRSTTech: Framework for Inducting, Retaining, and Supporting Teachers with Technology

Louisiana Department of Education

Baton Rouge, LA
 

Introduction/Overview
Organizational Change
Budget & Finance
Professional Development
Technology Infrastructure
Outcomes
Evaluation
Contact Information
 

Introduction/Overview

FIRSTTech is an innovative approach to new teacher assistance. It provides a mechanism for restructuring components of the Louisiana Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program (LA TAAP) to allow for increased time for mentoring and for higher quality interaction amongst mentors and new teachers. FIRSTTech will:

• Provide opportunities for online professional development.
• Provide new teachers and their mentors with a laptop computer.
• Offer teachers access to worldwide resources that could enhance student learning.
• Support mentors and new teachers in the development and implementation of the Louisiana Components of Effective Teaching.
• Allow teachers to integrate technology into the classroom.
• Promote the exchange of ideas and solutions to shared problems.
• Strengthen the relationship between mentor and new teacher as effective instructional practices are developed and shared.

Eligibility Criteria (Audience): New teachers and their mentors.
Project Timeline: The FIRSTTech competitive grants are funded for a 2-year cycle with EETT funding.

Organizational Change

District proposals were accepted based on an RFP available in spring 2004. These regional centers were established with the 2002–2004 cycle of EETT funding, but the proposal application process was open to all districts. No new districts applied for this funding opportunity. The EETT competitive grants are managed by one assistant director at LCET. New applications and renewal applications are processed, professional development activities carried out, and monitoring and evaluation activities are handled.

Budget & Finance

A total of $1.5 million of EETT funds was awarded to the 10 FIRSTTech grants funded for 2004–2005.

Professional Development

Key Components/Activities of the Program
FIRSTTech will:

1. Provide each new teacher and his/her mentor with a multimedia laptop computer, Internet connectivity, and an e-mail address.
2. Provide a structured online learning support environment and/or online course for each participating mentor and new teacher.
3. Send a two-person team to two EETT Grant Workshop activities during 2004–2005.

Technology Infrastructure

Technology infrastructure is handled by the district serving as the fiscal agent for these grants. This includes all hardware upgrades, wiring, and technical support. This funding can be used for hardware, software, wiring, and improving access. 25% must be reserved for ongoing, sustained, professional development activities.

Outcomes

Key outcomes include:

1. An induction program will be enhanced with technology resources.
2. There will be increased retention and successful performance of new teachers.
3. Stronger new teacher/mentor relationships and interactions will be developed.
4. Ten FIRSTTech grant proposals will be funded for 2004–2005.

Evaluation

The project’s success is attributed to the fact that in this model the relationship between the mentor and new teacher is being strengthened.

Contact Information

Margo Murphy
Margo.murphy@la.gov
225-763-5575