PK-8 LaunchPad Application Process 4-23-15 to 5-8-15

As part of our One to World initiative, Barrington 220 is seeking a cadre of teachers committed to redesigning classroom instructional practices using iPads and other Digital Age learning resources. We are calling our first-year iPad launch "LaunchPad." The group will use iPads and other technology resources to engage Pre-Kindergarten–Grade 5 students in self-directed learning, increase personalized learning opportunities, foster creativity, and stimulate innovation.

The Barrington 220 One to World Initiative:

• Allows students to participate as global citizens.
• Provides unlimited opportunities for real-world learning.
• Fosters creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.
• Facilitates personalized learning through ownership, choice, and reflection.
• Allows for immediate and strategic feedback.

Interested teachers in Pre-Kindergarten–Grade 5 are invited to apply to the LaunchPad initiative as Building Grade Levels. Building Grade Level classroom teachers who apply are encouraged to include the Specials (art, music, PE) teachers, Librarians, and Special Education teachers with whom they regularly work on the application.

Professional development is essential to the LaunchPad program and will include a blend of in-person workshops, online learning, collaborative discussions with other LaunchPad teachers, and work with Instructional Digital Age Learning Coaches. Professional development activities will begin before Fall 2015 and continue throughout the school year. LaunchPad classrooms should expect teachers and administrators to visit and observe throughout the year.

Equipment

Students in LaunchPad classrooms will use an iPad Air during the 2015–16 school year.  Teachers will receive both a 13-inch MacBook Air laptop and an iPad Air in Summer 2015 to begin training and professional development. Classroom iPads will be provided in the following configurations:

• Grades PK–K: 10 iPads per classroom
• Grades 1–2: 1:2 ratio (one iPad per two students)
• Grades 3–5: 1:1 ratio (one iPad per student)

Teacher Applicants

• Teachers of students in Pre-Kindergarten–Grade 5 are asked to apply in Building Grade Level groups (all teachers in a grade level at a school).
• Grade level teachers are encouraged to include the Specials teachers, Librarians, Special Education teachers, and other teachers with whom they work regularly in the application.
• All eight elementary schools and the ELC will be included in the LaunchPad initiative.
• Both before- and after-school professional development meetings will be a part of the LaunchPad initiative.
• Ongoing, job-embedded professional learning with your building’s Instructional Digital Age Learning Coaches will occur throughout the year.

Application Process 

The LaunchPad application process will be open April 23, 2015–May 8, 2015. Applicants will be notified of their application status before May 22, 2015. If selected, LaunchPad teachers will need to attend two summer professional development days:

• Thursday, June 11, 2015, 1:00–4:00 P.M. (location TBD). 
• A second date will be determined by the LaunchPad cohort.
• During the 2015–16 school year, the LaunchPad cohort will meet monthly for ongoing support and training. 

If your Building Grade Level is interested in applying for the LaunchPad initiative, please fill out the online application.

Selection Committee

The LaunchPad Selection Committee will include:

• Chief Technology Officer (Chairperson)
• Director of Elementary Curriculum
• Instructional Technology Coordinator
• Director of Media Services
• Representative Instructional Digital Age Learning Coaches, Principals, and other District Technology Committee members

Selection Process

The LaunchPad Selection Committee will review and select teachers and their classes for the LaunchPad program. Factors in evaluating applications will include:

• Prior professional practice related to technology integration.
• Benefits to students.
• Incorporation of iPads into classroom goals and objectives.
• Representation of all grade levels.
• Representation of all Barrington 220 PK–5 schools.

Further Information

If you have any questions about the LaunchPad program, expectations, and/or application process, please contact Matt Fuller, Chief Technology Officer; Joe Robinson, Instructional Technology Coordinator; Becky Gill, Director of Elementary Curriculum; or LeeAnn Taylor, Director of Media Services.

Apply for LaunchPad