#FTPolaris19
Design Thinking to Spark Creativity, Curiosity & Innovation
Calling all Learners
At the heart of this project is the idea that through empathic understanding and sharing we can create practices and projects that will engage all learners with whom we work in new and exciting ways.
Throughout the course of the #FTPolaris19 cycle, participants take a deep dive into the Fort Thomas Portrait of a Graduate and will work through design thinking strategies to share understanding, goals, and project development to take our ideas and learning further.
Ready to fall in love with a problem? Join us and find a new direction.
What Will We Do?
- Develop a project that supports the District Mission and Vision and GUIDES your students to develop enduring dispositions as related to the Fort Thomas Portrait of a Graduate
- PD Academy, August 13 - 3 hour initial training in Design Thinking and Portrait of a Graduate
- 6 Required After School Meetings on Thursdays throughout the year (that could count as flexible PD, or possibility of compensation)
- Certification of Choice - participants will work to earn either an Apple Teacher Certification (iPad, Mac or Swift Playgrounds) or Google Certification (Level 1, 2 or Trainer) - participants optionally may work with smaller break out groups through training modules
- Additional coaching meetings and small group break out meetings on an as needed basis for project development and certification
- Possibility of some "flipped" learning style activities, videos or readings to make best use of face to face time
- First choice to attend with condition that you will apply to present at KySTE March 13-15, 2019 - participants are encouraged to apply to present in some capacity
- First choice to attend ISTE Philadelphia, June 23-26 (* eligibility contingent on completion of fulfilling expectations & availability of space)
- Develop as leaders at the school level to share successful integration
- Recognition of work at the June 2019 School Board Meeting
#FTPolaris19 Outline
- July 1 - Applications due
- August 1 - Applicants notified of acceptance status
- August 13 - PD Academy 3 hour introductory training
- September or October: Empathy & Definition Focus - Key Activity shadow and interview a student, fall in love with the problem
- November or December: Imagine Focus - Research and ideate on solutions, design sprints
- January: Create & Test Focus - Project sketch, tuning protocol
- February: Create & Test Focus - Prototype project elements and reflect, one-on-one meeting
- March: KySTE
- April: Test & Reflect Focus - share out with group about project progress and findings
- May: Reflect & Share Focus - through project web page development
Application Deadline July 1, 2018
Application Details
Deadline: July 1, 2018
Applicants: Certified staff from Fort Thomas Independent Schools
Cohort make-up: There is a goal for the group to be comprised of individual from a variety of grade levels and disciplines. You do not have to be a technology guru to apply and make it into the cohort. You should just have a desire to learn something new and develop ways to better your teaching practice.
Project Tips: As part of the application you will need to brainstorm a possible project to develop that helps to foster creativity, curiosity and innovation in our students. Ideally the project would be replicable, and other teachers can learn directly from your experience either through formal presentation, sharing at PLCs or faculty meetings. Your project may change based on needs.
Application Judging: Names will be removed from the applications and members of the admin team will have input into which applications are the strongest for inclusion in the cohort.
Polaris Project Pilot Group 2018: The Risk Takers
Engagement in World Language
Global Communication and Collaboration
Leftin's Letters
Automate the Boring Stuff
Personalizing Math
Music Room Engagement
Connecting Across the Country
Madness into Mastery
Your project here...
Application Full Form:
Questions?
Email: heidi.neltner@fortthomas.kyschools.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/fortthomas.kyschools.us/polarisproject/introduction
Twitter: @heidinelt