Call for Nominations for the Technology Leadership Network Salute
What is a District Salute?
NSBA recognizes education initiatives in a district that have had a positive impact on student achievement through the District Salute recognition program sponsored by the National School Boards Association’s Technology Leadership Network. Each year during T+L, school districts are honored for technology achievements.
As a Salute District, your superintendent will have an opportunity to share the district’s accomplishments with over 2,000 attendees at the T+L Conference that takes place in Seattle, Washington, October 28-30, 2008. Salute Districts receive a display in the Education Excellence Fair as well as a panel discussion session. This is a chance to gain national press coverage.
The 2007 Salute Districts were:
- Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, Farmers Branch, Tex.;
- Forsyth County Schools, Cumming, Ga.; and
- West Chester Area School District, West Chester, Penn.
NSBA’s goal is to showcase district models that have established track records of proven results that can be replicated by other districts. Now that most technology discussions are moving beyond hardware and connectivity, NSBA wants to make sure the District Salutes focus on outcomes and providing students with 21st century learning environments. What education challenges did technology help your district address?
What characteristics do Salute Districts demonstrate?
Salute Districts have used technology tools and strategies to improve, reform, and/or restructure their school environment with the goal of improved student achievement.
Salute District initiatives should...
- Show alignment with the district’s educational goals.
- Be supported at the district level.
- Show evidence of improved student achievement.
- Demonstrate long-term commitment by the school board and community as reflected through moral and financial support.
- Have a positive impact on instructional practices, administrative operations, increased parental involvement, and/or community support.
A panel comprised of educators from previous Salute Districts and education association leaders will review each submission. They are looking for...
- An overall profile of the district that addresses the above characteristics
AND - One or two specific initiatives described in more detail.
The overall profile should examine the district’s technology efforts in relationship to the six key leadership areas identified by the Technology Standards for School Administrators (TSSA). For your convenience, the six categories from the TSSA framework, and the types of topics included under each, are listed below. Your submission should address each area, not necessarily each of the possible examples.
- Leadership and Vision
What have your administrators and school board done to create environments and establish policies that support improved student achievement through strategic planning and continuous improvement; district & community collaboration & consensus building; alignment of district resources; business partnerships that address work force preparation; or community relations & communications? How is your district using data to drive decisions?
- Learning and Teaching
What role does technology play in creating a 21st learning environment? How have curricular design or instructional strategies addressed things like scientifically based research; closing the achievement gap; project-based/problem-based learning; online learning; virtual schools; collaborative learning; alignment of curriculum to standards; practices to support students with disabilities; English language learners; or the use and access of Web 2.0 tools? - Productivity and Professional Practice
What efforts are underway in the areas of professional development; training & techniques; highly qualified teachers; alternative certification; incentives & rewards; teacher recruitment & retention; classroom management; communication and collaboration among district staff; training for substitutes and paraprofessionals? - Support, Management, and Operations
What technology tools are helping you manage the enterprise? How are the operational aspects of NCLB and the "nuts & bolts" of technology support being implemented? What’s happening with infrastructure & maintenance; technical staff; emerging & adaptive technologies; managing public school choice options; supplemental services; funding issues; alignment of district resources; building & network security; facility design; security issues; and portals or tools that establish 24x7 access to students at home? - Assessment and Evaluation
What is the district doing to facilitate a comprehensive system of effective assessment and evaluation? How is it dealing with identifying effective assessment tools; data collection, disaggregation, interpretation & dissemination; Annual Yearly Progress; formative & summative assessment; high stakes testing; and accountability issues related to student achievement? Is the district assessing 21st century skills? - Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues
Is the district addressing the social, legal, and ethical issues related to technology and helping students learn to model responsible decision making related to these issues? Have the issues of gender, race, and socioeconomic status, equity, access, diversity, and online privacy been considered? How are you dealing with issues like Internet safety, cyber bullying, and intellectual property?
Educators from previous Salute Districts have enjoyed sharing this national recognition with their communities as a public affirmation that their technology initiatives are having the desired impact. As a Salute District, your superintendent will have an opportunity to share the district’s accomplishments with over 2,000 attendees at a T+L general session. In addition, your district will have a special display in the Education Excellence Fair and be a part of a workshop panel featuring Salute District representatives. Throughout the year, NSBA often refers members of the media, the U.S. Department of Education, and international visitors to past Salute District applicants when asked for a list of "model programs". Since this process acquaints the TLN staff with your efforts, this process may lead to invitations to host a site visit, serve on advisory panels, or result in other special opportunities.
How can my district be considered for a District Salute?
To be considered for a Salute District, interested school districts must...
- Make sure your district is a current member in good standing of NSBA’s Technology Leadership Network. E-mail itte@nsba.org if you have questions.
- Submit the online form and support documentation to TLN no later than April 18, 2008.
- Make sure your entry addresses the components on which the submissions will be evaluated.
- OPTIONAL: Submit a district-produced video that "tells your story" in 3-5 minutes to support your written materials.
If your district is selected for a District Salute your responsibilities will include...
- Coordinating the general session presentation with the TLN Manager during the summer of 2008.
- Participating in script review in July 2008.
- Providing/producing video for use at T+L
- Sending at least one district representative to the T+L Conference. (The conference registration fee is waived for this individual.)
Whom should I contact for more information?
Education Technology Programs
itte@nsba.org
703-838-6219
National School Boards Association
1680 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-3493
How Do I Apply?