Innovation Outline

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Stafford Municipal School District is in the beginning stages of creating a STEM Magnet School for grades 3 through 8.  How can we push an interest in our students to pursue a career in coding through the STEM program? We can get these potential students ready for a successful future integrating coding into our curriculum if we begin as soon as possible.

This proposed outline for implementation will shift as the phases progress in which I will first implement in my own classroom of 44 students.

 

Research Phase

September 2019 – November 2019

1. Look to and research why coding is important in students as another means of learning

2. Explore Swift Playgrounds curriculum lessons and activities

3. Check with IT to ensure student iPads are updated with necessary software

4. Work with Lamar University for guidance and support

   1. Attend regular weekly meetings with Lamar University for Q/A and guidance

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Preparation and Support Phase

October 2019 - November 2019

1. Define Academic Goals for program success

2. Define teacher as Facilitator and NOT authority of program

3. Supporters:

   1. Campus Principal

      1. Open to Coding Program during tutorial time for implementation phase

      2. Assisting with materials if needed

   2. Apple Education

      1. Attended Apple Lead and Learn Conference for Professional Development

      2. Availability of Apple Distinguished Educators for support

   3. Lamar University

      1. Weekly meetings with whole academic group or middle school cohort lead

4. Technology

   1. Readily available for software update and as needed

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Planning Phase

October 2019 - November 2019

1. Compare Swift Playground lessons with Everyone Can Code curriculum

2. Begin small group rotations to model expectations

3. Assess student knowledge of various applications with iPads

4. Manage students and groups within iPad software

   1. Groups of 2-3 students

   2. Create e-portfolio using Keynote, Clips, Pages apps

   3. Begin Swift Playgrounds Learn to Code 1, MeetBot, Sphero EDU

 

Implementation Phase

December 2019 – May 2020

1. Begin student class rotation using Swift Playgrounds, Keynote, Clips, Pages, Everyone can Code Curriculum

2. Continue to model and express expectations through program

3. Encourage students and parents to get involved at home

4. Continue to manage students and groups using e-portfolio presentations, Classroom App

5. Create student and parent interest during Family Learning Night, December 3, 2019

6. Present Proposal to Stafford MSD School Board, December 9, 2019

 

Revision Phase

Summer 2020 – School Year 2021

1. Attend Professional Development with Apple Education and Lamar University

2. Promote 2nd Summer Coding Academy with new students and returning students

   1. New Students – beginning concepts

   2. Returning Students – advance concepts

3. Lead a Professional Development course for new and returning teachers to Stafford to implement part of the coding curriculum for their students

4. Create a plan for next steps

5. Propose coding “play” for all Stafford MSD teachers at first district PLC day of the year for teacher interest.

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Materials and Storage

All materials (iPads, Carts, Pencils, Spheros, etc.) will be stored according to the Technology Department’s guidelines for end of year inventory.  Teachers will need to keep their technology issued hardware for Professional Development use and/or further planning.