Innovation proposal

Dear Amanda Hannegan and fellow colleagues of BCISD,

As we have seen over the last few years technology is becoming increasingly important within our education system. We not only have to keep up with the ever-changing world, but we also have to ensure we are preparing our students for that “new” world. We need a way to boost our student achievement and close the learning gaps that seem to be ever increasing. We have students in fourth grade who cannot read or write complete sentences when they should be at a level to where we are teaching them to write extended constructed responses. There are some who can’t do basic addition and subtraction when we should be focusing on multiplication, division, and fractions. It is our job as educators to help these students not only be on grade level but exceed that. 

I am proposing to pilot a blended and flipped learning environment using lab rotations over the next year. This will: 

• Create a student-centered learning environment.

• Open up time for teachers to do more individualized mastery based one-on-one teaching.

• Allow time for tailored small group instruction.

• Differentiate and personalize student learning in struggling areas.

• Extend content knowledge for students who surpass grade level content standards.

• Empower students to develop a sense of ownership.

• Give teachers real time feedback/data.

• Close the gaps we are seeing in our students' learning.

• Boost content mastery. 

I look forward to creating a significant and authentic learning environment for all students at the intermediate level. Giving them choice, and ownership of their learning experiences by first changing their mindset to a growth mindset. This is where students will understand that with persistence their talents and intelligence can be developed. (Harapnuik, 2021). I ask the BCISD administration to support this plan and allow me to use the computer and tech lab with 2 paraprofessionals one day a week for the next year. The students will work on programs such as progress learning, Wakelet, Gimkit, and Flip to try to close in the gaps we are seeing while also engaging our students. If we have learners who are below grade level these programs will meet them where they currently are in math and give them the fundamental building blocks they need to succeed. For my learners who are above level, like my GT students, they will have a more rigorous sped up learning environment so that it will challenge them and let them reach their independent goals. As for the students who are on grade level it will help instill those concepts and give them a chance at real world situations that will engage them, building that love of learning we don’t see anymore. While my students are in the computer and tech lab it will give me time to have more small groups and one on one instruction with students in my classroom. This will give me more time to study their progress from the lab and build lessons based on where they are and what they might be struggling with. When I have my advanced learners in the classroom we can start with small group instructions, then give them time to have choice and do more hands-on projects. “Results established that learners taught mathematics utilizing flipped classroom approach had higher mathematics achievement and interest scores than their peers taught using the conventional approach.” (Egara & Mosimege, 2023).

Based on the data and growth of my students in this year's timeframe I would love for you to consider implementing this blended learning style district wide. I ask everyone to please be open minded, ask questions, and share any input or suggestions with me along the way. I feel if we work together for the success of our students, we can build lifelong learners who value taking ownership of their success and watch them thrive as they move through our district.”The most important aspect of this method is to consider what engages, helps, and grows students’ mathematical understanding.” (Holland, 2022) By adopting a blended learning environment where mastery becomes the goal, we will be giving our students a chance to truly have control and personalize their own education. 

Sincerely,

Rose Rayner