SAMR

A technology integration model that helps teachers design and deliver units and lessons that are technology-infused. The SAMR model consists of four levels of technology integration and encourages teachers to continue progressing through those levels, with the ultimate goal of the teacher consistently integrating technology at the highest level. The four levels of the SAMR model are as follows:

Substitution - technology is simply substituted as a tool with no functional change
Augmentation - technology is still a substitute but there is some functional change
Modification - technology allows the teacher to significantly redesign lessons and tasks
Redefinition - technology allows the students to complete tasks that are not possible without it

STEM

Curriculum, lessons, tasks, and projects geared toward Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math content domains. The goal is to integrate STEM content throughout the curriculum in an interdisciplinary approach.

Ten Elements of Effective Instruction

MDIRSS has identified ten elements of effective instruction that support student learning. These were adapted from and based on Tripod's 7C's of Effective Teaching Framework, the results of the MET Project, the research of Marzano and John Hattie, and the Marshall Teacher Evaluation Rubrics. These ten elements are as follows:

Content - demonstrates content knowledge
Classroom Culture - shows empathy and commitment
Conversation - invites ideas and promotes discussion
Connections - inspires curiosity and interest
- Clarity - establishes purpose for learning and cultivates understanding
- Creativity - fosters innovative thinking and problem-solving
- Consolidation of Learning - integrates ideas and checks for understanding
- Challenge - presses for rigor, persistence and excellence
- Classroom Management - sustains order, respect and focus
- Classroom Strategies - uses specific high impact instructional practices

MasteryConnect

A web-based application that tracks progress toward meeting standards. MasteryConnect provides teachers with a good picture of where each student currently is in relation to meeting standards and informs instruction going forward. MasteryConnect also provides a platform for teachers to collaborate and share common assessments and resources.

Student Tech Team

A group of students that provide basic technology support in the classroom. Students are trained to diagnose and resolve common technology issues that may arise during instruction. These teams extend the capabilities of schools to provide "just-in-time" technology support to teachers and provide an opportunity for students that enjoy working with technology to practice and improve their skills.

Mount Desert Island Regional School System

Technology

MDIRSS Technology Plan (2016-2019)

Parent Education Workshops