College and Workforce Readiness Branch

Delaware Center for Educational Technology
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
Delaware Digital Learning Cadre

PURPOSE OF THIS MEMORANDUM

This Memorandum of Agreement defines the vision, mission, roles and responsibilities of the members of the Delaware Digital Learning Cadre. The Cadre is open to all public school entities that agree to collaborate in the systemic improvement of efforts related to digital learning. This Cadre is a partnership with the purpose of:

  • Promoting digital learning and technology literacy for all students; and
  • Exploring, designing and modeling professional development that utilizes best practices in instructional technology.

This Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) defines the principles for operation, the collaborative processes as established by the Cadre, and the conditions under which the Cadre will be supported by the Delaware Center for Educational Technology / Delaware Department of Education (DCET/DDOE).

DEFINITIONS

Digital Learning is any instructional practice that effectively uses a variety of technology to strengthen the student learning experience. Instruction can take place in a supervised brick-and-mortar location or at least in part, through online delivery with some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace.Digital learning encompasses a wide spectrum of tools and practices, including:

  • applications of technology in the classroom and school building;
  • providing access to high-level and challenging content and instruction;
  • online content and courses for students and teachers;
  • participating in professional communities of practice;
  • increasing focus and quality of teaching resources and time;
  • utilizing a variety of learning platforms;
  • using online and formative assessments; and
  • adaptive software for students with special needs.[1]

Instructional Technology is the use of a variety of teaching tools to improve student learning. We usually think of computers and computer software when we think of instructional technology, but instructional technologies are not limited to computers in the classroom. Instructional technology describes all tools that are used for teaching and learning in alignment to standards.[2]

Student technology literacy means student knowledge and skills in using contemporary information, communication and learning technologies in a manner necessary for successful life-long learning and citizenship in the knowledge-based, digital, and global 21st century, which includes the abilities to effectively communicate and collaborate; to analyze and solve problems; to access, evaluate, manage and create information and otherwise gain information literacy; and to do so in a safe and ethical manner.[3]

VISION OF THE Delaware Digital Learning Cadre

The Delaware Digital Learning Cadreenvisions all teachers capably and appropriately utilizing digital learning so that Delaware students graduating from high schooldemonstratetechnology literacy.

MISSION

The Cadre exists to build LEA capacity in the area of digital learning and ensure that all teachers have the capacity to utilize digital learning such that students are technologically literate.

The Cadre will develop and continue to foster instructional technology leaders in all public and charter schools who will provide their districts with:

  • Vision and leadership regarding digital learning in general;
  • Guidance in utilizing and teaching others to use technology tools and techniques;
  • Assistance in developing curricularassets utilizingtechnology;
  • The capacity to enable the increased use of digital learning in their LEA;
  • An understanding of a variety of electronic meeting and professional development tools;
  • The capability to develop and/or facilitate an online course; and
  • Opportunities for sharing their expertise and learning in a professional learning community.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The purpose of the Cadre is to develop and support digital learning capacity and leadership in the districts and charter schools. To this end, Delaware Digital Learning Cadre members will:

  • Liaise with their district administration about issues, policies and concerns using refined knowledge about key issues related to digital learning;
  • Refine their knowledge about digital learning through research, exploration, and application;
  • Design curriculum assets that promote digital learning;
  • Develop a repository of professional development tools and techniques utilizing technology;
  • Utilize and understand alternate methodologies for professional development and for meetings including, but not limited to, Blackboard, Blackboard Collaborate, and video conferencing;
  • Design online professional development opportunities;
  • Facilitate online professional development opportunities;
  • Evaluate digital learning solutions;and
  • Identify and collaborate with lead teacher(s) in each school building within the LEA.

PARTICIPATION

The number of participants in the Delaware Digital Learning Cadrewill be based upon the following:

  • All full-time instructional technology staff or an LEA designee from each LEA;
  • LEAs may also select a curriculum supervisor to be a part of the Cadre;
  • DCET and DDOE personnel; and
  • Individuals from the educational community with expertise in digital learning and instructional technology could be asked to join the cadre by DCET invitation.

MEETINGS

The Delaware Digital Learning Cadrewill meet in-person and electronically according to the following schedule:

Month / Format / Month / Format
September 13 / In-person / February 14 / eLearning event
October 11 / eLearning event / March 14 / In-person
November 8 / In-person / April 11 / eLearning event
December 13 / eLearning event / May 9 / In-person
January 10 / In-person

F2F meeting dates for 2012-2013 are the second Thursday of the designated month: September 13, November 8, January 10, March 14, and May 9.

In-Person meetings

In-person meetings will be held for a full day. Each meeting will begin at 9 AM to allow for travel time and end by 3:00 pm. Locations of the meeting will the Collette Center in Dover, Delaware. Meetings will be divided into three parts: (1) Business Meeting; (2) Curriculum Development; and (3) Professional Development.

eLearning Events

During the eLearning events, methodologies and tools will be modeled and employed including the use of Blackboard, Blackboard Collaborate, regional video conferencing centers, Google, Edmodo, and other appropriate tools. The group will utilize these events and the appropriate tools to conduct business, develop curriculum, and provide professional development, such as,but not limited to, book and literature reviews, exploration of Web 2.0 tools, and sharing of best-practice by members.

eLearning events will be synchronous and/or asynchronous. Synchronous events (e.g.; Blackboard Collaborate or use of a regional video conferencing center) would require member participation at a pre-determined date and time. Asynchronous events (e.g.; Edmodo, Blackboard, Web 2.0 tools) would allow the member flexibility in determining when they would logon and participate in the activities. These activities could be longer in duration than a single meeting. For example:

  • A literature study conducted in Blackboard could be conducted over the course of a month.
  • The group could meet via video conferencing and additionally have online professional development activities in which to participate.

COSTS

Costs for participation in the Delaware Digital Learning Cadrewill be minimal as most instructional technology cadre do not have teaching responsibilities. Participating districts and charter schools are responsible for providing substitutes, when needed, for the days during the year that the Cadre members would be out of the building and cover any related travel costs to the meeting location per normal district policies.The DCET/DDOE will provide funding for support resources.

LEADERSHIP IN THE Delaware Digital Learning Cadre

The Delaware Digital Learning Cadrewill be led by the DCET/DDOE and a Leadership Team of five (5) consisting of four (4)LEA Cadre members and the Instructional Technology Consultant from the DCET/DDOE. Members of the Delaware Digital Learning Cadrewill select the LEA members of the Leadership Team which willbe comprised of:

  • Two (2) Instructional Technology Leaders from New Castle County;
  • One (1) Instructional Technology leader from Kent County; and
  • One (1) Instructional Technology Leader from Sussex County.

The county Leadership Team members will be elected by Cadre representatives from the county using DDOE county designation with one vote per LEA. All Leadership Team members, with the exception of the DOE Instructional Technology Specialist, will serve a two-year term and shall not serve more than one consecutive two-year term. After leaving the Leadership Team for at least one year, the member can serve another term on the Leadership Team. TheDCET/DDOE Instructional Technology specialist will remain on the Leadership Team throughout the life of the organization or their tenure at the DCET/DDOE.Note: In the first year, two of the four county representatives will be randomly selected to serve a one-year term rather than a two-year term. Thereafter, two Leadership Team members will be elected annually.

The purpose of the CadreLeadership Team is to:

  • Provide guidance on the operating procedures and practices for the Delaware Digital Learning Cadre that promotes the goals to:
  • Promote digital learning and technology literacy for all students;
  • Explore, design and model professional development modules that utilize best practices in instructional technology; and
  • Select appropriate topics for study, research and review;
  • Take a leadership role in developing and overseeing a strategic plan for digital learning in Delaware, including teacher professional development;
  • Promote partnerships among the state’s districts, charter schools and universities to enhance digital learning; and
  • Convene monthly via electronic means to determine and establish the meeting agenda for the following month.

The CadreLeadership Team may recommend the establishment of sub-committees to identify and manage projects related to the vision and mission of the Cadre.

LEADERSHIP TEAMCHAIR

The Cadre Leadership Team will elect from its membership a Leadership Team Chair who will serve a one-year term. A Leadership Team Chair shall not serve more than two consecutive one-year terms. The Leadership Team Chair shall be responsible for collaborating with the Leadership Team andthe Delaware Digital Learning Cadreat large to organize andprovideleadership to the meetings, both F2F and eLearning, and setmeeting agendas. The F2F meetings will be co-facilitated by the Leadership Team Chair andthe DCET/DDOE Instructional Technology Specialist. The Leadership Team Chair will also ensure an appropriate person(s) is assigned to facilitate each of the eLearning events.

DELAWARE CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY / DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

The Delaware Center for Educational Technology / Department of Education endorses the Delaware Digital Learning Cadreas an approach to building LEA capacity to ensure that all teachers have access to quality professional development in the area of digital learning and all students have access to digital learning and can exit our public schools with high levels of technology literacy as a workplace or academic skill. The DCET/DDOE sees the Delaware Digital Learning Cadre as a means of supporting a coordinated, comprehensive, coherent approach to digital learning and related professional development. DCET/DDOE will work with the Delaware Digital Learning Cadre to support programs as follows:

  • Provide funding for support resources;
  • Support professional development that is aligned to the Learning Forward (formerly the National Staff Development Council) Standards for Professional Development and the National Education Technology Standards for Students, Teachers, Administrators, and Coaches (NETS-S, T, A, and C);
  • Support the development of Curriculum assets that are aligned to the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics and English Language Arts, the Delaware State Standards, and the National Education Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S); and
  • Maintain a Website for the Cadre.

HIGHER EDUCATION

One representative from each institute of higher education in Delaware may attend the in-person meetings of the Delaware Digital Learning Cadre. Representatives will be selected by each institute of higher education.

PARTICIPATING DISTRICTS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS

The Delaware school districts and charter schools participating in the Delaware Digital Learning Cadresupport the implementation of digital learning. The goal is to bring about continuedgrowth in teaching and learning with technology in Delaware K-12 classrooms.

As a member of the Delaware Digital Learning Cadre, school districts and charter schools agree to

  • Support and/or deliver professional development in the area of digital learning to their LEA;
  • Ensure that the district or charter school curriculum is aligned to the National Education Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S);
  • Identify and support at least one Digital Cadre member per the requirements outlined in the section entitled PARTICIPATION above. This designated person will participate in the Cadre for at least one year. The LEAdesignates the Cadre member(s) for his/her district or charter school each year. Districts agree to release the designated Cadre member(s) for the meetings and any appropriate and district-approved professional development established by the Cadre. The District or charter school agrees to pay substitute stipends for meetings held duringschool. It is expected that the Cadre members will become the experts on all issues related to the use of digital learning and instructional technology in the districts and charter schools and thus will be capable of being the change agents for improvements; and
  • Work towards a coordinated, comprehensive and coherent approach to digital learningthroughout the state.

The following Signature of Agreement page should be returnedto

Corinne Stayton, Delaware Department of Education, , fax 302.739.1775.

Although members can be added to the Cadre at any time, we would appreciate this form being returned no later than Friday, June 29, 2012 to allow for fall planning.

Signatures of Agreement – 2012-2013

We, ______(School District/Charter School), do hereby agree to participate fully in the Delaware Digital Learning Cadre and will support the individual(s) designated below. We understand that the Cadre member will act as a liaison with the district to fulfill the vision and mission of the Delaware Digital Learning Cadreas outlined in this Memorandum of Agreement.

______

Superintendent / Head of SchoolDate

______

Curriculum Director / SupervisorDate

Designated Delaware Digital Learning Cadre Curriculum Director / Supervisor member (if desired):

Name: ______

Email address: ______

Designated Delaware Digital Learning Cadremember(s):

Name: ______

Email address: ______

______

Delaware Digital Learning CadreMember SignatureDate

Name: ______

Email address: ______

______

Delaware Digital Learning CadreMember SignatureDate

Instructional Technology Specialist, DCET/DDOEDate

3/21/12 Page 1

[1] Modified from definition found at

[2] Modified from definition found at

[3]Bill S. 1178 to reauthorize the Enhancing Education Through Technology Act of 2001.