LEADTech: Louisiana Educational Advancement and Development through Technology

Louisiana Department of Education

Baton Rouge, LA
 

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

Introduction/Overview

Louisiana Educational Advancement and Development through Technology (LEADTech) was funded through the Gates Foundation and was developed by members of the Louisiana Department of Education, state professional organizations, and district and school leaders. It is a technology leadership initiative that prepares school and district administrators, including superintendents, with an indepth understanding of the role of instructional technology as it relates to total school improvement and increased student learning. LEADTech involves school and district administrators. LEADTech began in January of 2000 and averaged 12 cohorts per year as of the end of 2004; the program has affected more than 1,300 educational leaders. The main goal is to identify and develop administrative competencies in the area of instructional technology and to demonstrate effective integration of technology that supports school improvement and achievement of growth targets.

Organizational Change

Goals and planning decisions were made by the task force that consisted of participants from the Louisiana Department of Education, state professional organizations, and district and school leaders. The program was designed for administrators and is facilitated by administrators. The program has been tremendously successful and continues to increase its number of participants each year.

Budget & Finance

The cost of the project is $640 per participant. Participants pay a fee of $500 and state funds are used to offset the remainder of the costs.

Professional Development

Facilitators receive ongoing professional development in how to facilitate online courses along with technology updates and training.

Technology Infrastructure

During the first 3 years of the program, participants were given laptop computers through the Gates Foundation grant. Laptops are no longer given but participation continues to increase. Participants are given Inspiration, Timeliner, and Principals Connection software.

Outcomes

LEADTech has developed a cadre of administrators who are able to provide instructional leadership and technology integration in their schools.

Evaluation

The critical factor that allows the program to be a success is the networking of administrators throughout the program. Completing the majority of the program online is also a key factor, since it allows busy administrators to participate at their own schedule. For the program to be truly successful, it requires a full-time person to coordinate, organize, and facilitate the learning process.

Contact Information

Kirk Guidry
Kirk.guidry@la.gov
225-763-8585