District Administration: 6 Keys to Finding and Implementing STEAM PD
Our own Jason Innes is back at it again with the new article “6 keys to finding and implementing STEAM PD”. The article describes best practices when using ESSER funds for ed-tech investments that come with flexible and ongoing professional development.
The article reads in part:
“With millions of dollars of ESSER funding still available, the smartest ed-tech investments are the ones that come with flexible and ongoing professional development.
While the exact amount varies according to who you ask, it’s fair to say that there are still millions of dollars available to schools from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. It’s certainly tempting for a lot of districts to spend that funding on new technology, but the smart money is on technology supported by proven professional development. That’s especially true when it comes to STEAM tools for young learners, because elementary classroom teachers are often not trained in STEAM practices like computer science and the engineering design process. Here are six useful steps in picking professional development resources that will help your teachers and students make the most of all those fun new tech tools.”
The 6 keys are:
- Look for qualified or standards-aligned PD.
- Customize expert solutions.
- Start with hands-on, in-person sessions.
- Be flexible with follow-up support.
- Use PD to connect STEAM skills to existing classroom subjects or routines.
- Be open to learning together.
Read the full article.
