District Learning Community

Irving Independent School District

Irving, TX
 

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

Introduction/Overview

Developing out of a need to talk with other districts about their challenges with one-to-one initiatives, Irving Independent School District (ISD) organized a learning community of districts from around the nation to come and dialogue with colleagues in a symposium format. Through research from various sources, a list of laptop-using districts was generated and each district was invited to participate in this event. All of the districts that were a part of the Texas TIP grant were also extended an invitation since many of them were just beginning their projects. About 200 participants came together last November to share ideas and challenges about managing one-to-one initiatives. Participants came from all over the United States—Maine, Virginia, Florida, Kentucky, and Texas—to learn from each other.

Organizational Change

The planning process began with the Irving ISD team. We brainstormed all of the components of hosting a symposium and assigned everyone a task. We met regularly to check on progress toward the meeting. Early on, we invited other districts to send people and present sessions at the symposium. We posted a Web site, created flyers, e-mailed and mailed invitations, kept track of registrations, and encouraged selected vendors to participate. This was like putting on a mini-conference! We ended up with a program that consisted of a research panel, keynote speakers, invited guest speakers from the state and national level, and breakout sessions for participants. We also encouraged many Irving ISD staff members to participate so they could learn from each other and see what other districts were doing in their programs.

Budget & Finance

The overall cost of hosting the symposium was about $15,000, which was paid partially out of TIP grant funds and the rest from contributions from vendors who sponsored designated symposium activities.

Professional Development

The symposium was a wonderful professional development activity for all involved. With the program that was developed, there was something for everyone—administrators, university faculty, teachers and principals. Student projects were also highlighted to show what our students are capable of creating if their teachers foster the right learning environment. There were many opportunities for participants to talk with colleagues, share ideas, and get new ideas to take back with them. Since the event was hosted at one of our high schools, tours were given so that the program was able to be viewed in action.

Technology Infrastructure

Our district’s wireless network was used for this program, with participants being able to take advantage of the connections if they brought their laptops. Each classroom has a mounted data projector that was used for presentations and breakout sessions. No extra infrastructure was needed beyond what our district currently provides. If an event like this was hosted at a hotel or other site, a great amount of cost would be incurred due to rental of equipment.

Outcomes

Our outcomes exceeded our expectations with this event. We maximized our participation the very first year and had full capacity for our location. We gained more in revenue from our vendor sponsors than we ever anticipated, which helped us provide good food and materials for all symposium attendees. Every speaker and session was given the highest of reviews by participants with no session receiving negative comments. Most of the participants said it was an event that they needed right at that moment since many of them were just beginning their projects. It became a wonderful networking opportunity for all who came and new friendships and professional relationships will grow from this event. I am currently working with ISTE to find a way to continue this dialogue through a session at NECC this summer and possibly a special interest group that they would sponsor. We have been asked to host a similar event next year and will be working with our new friends from Maine to plan together.

Evaluation

Critical to the success of this event was careful planning and a great staff to make things happen. Next year, we need more time and an earlier start. We also need to create some sort of database state- or nationwide so we can contact all the districts that are currently conducting similar projects. We are all in this together learning from each other, so we need to get together to share ideas from time to time. We think this should be an annual event with other districts taking the lead at some point.

Contact Information

Alice Owen
aowen@irvingisd.net
972-215-5250