1.2 Showing Readiness

What is readiness?

Readiness is the term used to reference a classroom where learning is maximized and both teachers and students are "ready" for devices in practice and in mindset. In many cases, readiness determines the success or failure of blended implementation as a whole. 

Showing Readiness: From a leader perspective

Here is some advice from CICS West Belden Principal Scott Frauenheim about how readiness is important not only to passing out devices, but also to starting to blend as a whole!

Click here Links to an external site. for transcript.

juliana headshot“When first given devices, Scott wanted to jump in and distribute them on day one, but thankfully he did not. Instead he realized he NEEDED to hold back — which he now names as one of the keys to success! Instead of handing out devices in August, he had his teachers go through a personalized PD program, design their classes to match the new model, and set up effective stations during the fall term. Once each classroom was set up, stations were effectively implemented (without technology), and students were able to transition, collaborate, and work independently, the teacher was named “ready” and got them their devices.

Scott, along with many others, highlights how vital patience is to any blended roll-out. Dropping devices in a classroom that is not ready on day one can lead to chaos, frustration, and misuse of the technology. 

Remember you owe it to your school, your teachers, and your students to be as strategic as possible so that when you begin to roll out blended you are setting everyone up for success!”

– Juliana Finegan, Blended Learning Curriculum Designer at Relay GSE

Showing Readiness: From a teacher perspective

Hear from Ms. Bair, an elementary math teacher at Navigator-Gilroy Prep, about why it is so important for students to show readiness before distributing devices.

Click here Links to an external site. for transcript.

Summary

Showing readiness ensures that both teachers and students are “ready” not only for devices to be in the classroom, but also for the strategic implementation of that technology in a blended manner.

Some schools have students show readiness by:

  1. Working independently for a set amount of time on a consistent basis
  2. Transitioning with efficiency
  3. Understanding why the technology is being used and how it will support their learning
  4. Illustrating that they are able to collaborate and communicate effectively in groups

On the other hand, teachers can show readiness by:

  1. Implementing given set-up strategies to allow for smooth student movement (e.g., transitions, classroom set-up)
  2. Allowing students to struggle and work independently
  3. Building a blended culture
  4. Beginning to analyze and apply data in a meaningful manner

Having BOTH teachers and students show readiness allows both parties to feel a sense of ownership and buy-in, as well as one of preparedness for true blended instruction and not just bringing in devices for the sake of technology. Understanding the WHY is important for students and teachers alike, and waiting to hand out devices ensures that the classroom is ready and the teachers and students can roll out the devices with urgency and purpose!

Showing Readiness: From a district perspective

Many schools have started (or continue) to have both teachers and students show readiness BEFORE devices are even brought into the classroom. One key component to using this strategy is setting up a concrete plan that matches the students', teachers', and school's needs in order to personalize what readiness looks like at each school.

Here is a document Links to an external site. from Ellen Dorr, Learning Technology Director from Highline Public Schools in Washington state, that is used on a district level to help teachers and schools measure their level of readiness through a self-assessment rubric. The document is based on the work of Aspire Public Schools, which originally coined the idea of showing readiness when rolling out blended at their schools.

Additional Reading on Readiness

Go Blended coverGo Blended! is a practice-based guide written by Liz Arney, former Director of Innovative Learning at Aspire Public Schools and current NewSchools Venture Fund Partner. This book is an amazing resource when starting to roll out blended because of its actionable content, key insight, and clear focus on the implementation of blended through best practices. In order to get the most out of this session, we suggest you buy the book and read a few excerpts to get a firm grasp on what readiness looks like from the school, teacher, and student perspectives.

  • Chapter 2: Determining School Readiness, excerpt pages 32-35, explores the criterion needed to prove readiness for school leadership and staff
  • Chapter 11: Teacher Readiness and Classroom Readiness, pages 158-169, outlines what readiness is, why it is needed, and how to achieve it.
  • Readiness Rubric, page 250-251, maps out elements needed for a successful launch