Projects that Increase Student Engagment (Element 1)

Implement "My Voices" Survey to Positively Enhance Student Culture

Goal: Middle and high school students will participate in a survey focused on school climate and culture. The survey is designed to help educators understand how comfortable, connected and supported students feel in each school, and then adjust programs and teaching methods to create an environment more supportive of students' needs.

Progress: Arrangements have been made with the Montana Office of Public Instruction to administer the survey to grades 6-12 in middle and high schools in february 2012. Willard and Seeley-Swan schools have piloted this project, having administered the survey twice previously to students.

Implement a K-12 International Baccalaureate Programme

Hellgate High School will be the first MCPS school to launch an IB programme in fall 2012, and it will be only the second program in a public school in the State of Montana. In ensuing years, programs will expand into the elementary and middle school levels. This rigorous program engages students through global and international studies, robust deliberation and community service learning.

Implement K-12 Themed Academies

A Health Science Academy will be initiated at Big Sky High School in fall 2012, the first academic academy in the State of Montana, with additional academies at each of the urban high schools planned for implementation by fall 2014. Career academies provide opportunities for students to learn in small learning communities, through a hands-on and project-based approach. Small learning communities, where groups of students share the same cadre of core subject teachers, provide opportunites for closer student and teacher interaction. Thematic-based small learning communities have proven to increase attendance anywhere from three to 15 days per year and decrease dropout rates by three to six percent.

Implement K-12 Language Immersion Programs

Two-way language immersion provides opportunities for students to learn to think, read and write naturally in two languages simultaneously. Students develop dual language proficiency with respect and understanding for global cultures, rigorous academic achievement, and creating career and educational opportunities beyond the K-12 system. A dual language immersion strand in each school building, K-12, will provide opportunities to enrich the community and students' academic outcomes.

Implement Capstone Projects in Grades 5, 8 and 12

In grades 5, 8 and 12, students will prepare and plan an intensive, active learning project that aligns with their personal or career interests, and is supported by several courses. Each student will present a final product that represents their “capstone project” during their senior year.

Implement District-wide Robotics Electronics Program

Students in MCPS high schools and middle schools will have an opportunity to complete in robotics competitions throughout the region beginning in winter and spring 2012. Students can use science and engineering skills to design and construct a robot for competition. In addition, business and communications skills are used to develop a program budget, raise funds and collaborate to make decisions.

Develop a website "hub" to support student and community engagement

MCPS, in partnership the Missoula Chamber of Commerce, is developing a website that will connect high school students with available internships, job shadows and volunteer opportunities in the community. In addition, businesses and local professionals will be able to register on the website to provide these experiences and other resources to educators. The site will serve as a a digital “hub” for connecting and engaging students and educators with local businesses and community experts. 

Projects that Transform Learning Environments (Element 2)

Integrate new technologies into the classroom

Goal: Ensure teachers and students have adequate infrastructure, hardware, and software to support the rapidly increasing demand for technologies. Support educators as they integrate cutting edge technology in the classroom, including iPads for staff and classroom sets of iPads for flexible learning environments and access to reteaching tools. Provide software technicians to support classroom teachers. Educate students about social media and other online applications that will allow the opportunity for learning anytime, anywhere.

Develop a District-wide Facilities Plan for 21st Century Schools

Goal: Coordinate a planning process beginning in spring 2012, involving parents, teachers, staff and community members, to study and draft a long-term comprehensive plan (0-15 years) that outlines the necessary steps toward re-purposing or remodeling buildings, or constructing new facilities, to support 21st century programs and integration of technology across the District.

Creative Flexible Scheduling Models for School Calendars

Goal: Consider more innovative, alternative approaches to traditional school year, school week and school day schedules, which are currently rigid and leave little time for enhanced professional development and creative learning environments. Review scheduling models that support improve student engagement and achievement, and support non-traditional learning environments.

Develop strategies to increase user satisfaction in regard to technology

Goal: Ensure all stakeholders have immediate access to information and web-based learning tools across the district. Ensure that networks, web portals, social media websites and other web-based software are accessible as necessary to support classroom learning.

Support Innovators (Element 3)

Develop an Innovators' Cadre and System for Sharing Successes

Goal: Identify MCPS educators who integrate the six 21st century change elements through innovative teaching methods. Highlight strategies and projects they are implementing to engage students. Bring cadre of innovators together monthly to provide support, identify barriers to success and problem solve. Employ new technologies, such as blogs and wikis, to enable innovators to collaborate and communicate. Hold annual “21st Century Innovators Conference” to share experiences and inspire entire teaching staff. 
 

Personalize Professional Growth (Element 4)

Enhance Professional Learning for All Employees

Goal: Embark on a rigorous and dynamic professional development program that provides additional time and training for educators as they embrace the 21st Century Model of Change. Identify programs that will highlight methods that are research-based, engage students, and integrate new technologies into the classroom.

Integrate 21st century accountability measures into supervision and evaluation procedures

Goal: In collaboration with the Missoula Education Association, modify the existing teacher evaluation and supervision procedure to support the integration of 21st century teaching and learning methodologies. Identify an avenue to measure the success of integrating the 21st century model.

Enhance Communications (Element 5)

Implement website platform that enhances communication, integrates web 2.0 tools and supports 21st Century Model of Change 

Goal: Design and implement district and school websites that enhance communications and transparency through collaborative tools, including by not limited to, wikis, blogs, forums, surveys, video hosting and other social media concepts. Encourage parents and community members to participate in these communications to improve student achievement.

Each school will develop 21st century communication plans

Goal: Each school will develop a communications plan that provides consistent and meaningful messaging to studuents, parents and community members through both traditional (print, websites) and non-traditional (tools such as social media, video) communication tools.

Collaborate to Make Decisions (Element 6)

Implement Graduation Matters Missoula 

Goal: Graduation Matters Missoula – a partnership between MCPS and the community – continues to play a significant role in reducing the District’s dropout rate and increasing the graduation rate. In the 2011-12 school year, GMM is focusing on implementing programs and strategies that will increase student attendance, engage more volunteers, and promote student wellness.  

Implement K-12 Professional Learning Communities Model 

Goal: Educators across the District are coming together to foster collaborative, long-term learning through a Professional Learning Community model. This model will serve as the structure for many engaging and meaningful discussions as MCPS continues the implementation of the 21st Century Model of Change. These new collaborations will require additional time and energy.

Integrate the "four Cs" of the 21st century model into budgeting and district operations.

Goal: Challenge traditional budgeting and district operations through the integration of the four Cs -- creativity, communications, critical thinking and collaboration -- more fully into all decision processes.