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MAR*TEC Technology Fellows Institute

Goals and Purpose

The MAR*TEC Technology Fellows Institute is designed to improve the ability of educators in the mid-Atlantic region to address the increased accountability demands of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). A prime goal of the Institute is to develop a cadre of school and school district professionals to provide online and on-site support for peers in the five jurisdictions that MAR*TEC serves. The Institute will help school personnel understand and interpret the data they need to collect as part of their responsibilities to implement NCLB. It will also assist the fellows in identifying technology-based products and programs that are grounded on "scientifically based research."

Eligibility for Institute Participation

Nominations for the Institute will be accepted from state education officials, intermediate service units, and school districts. Self-nominations will also be considered; however self-nominees must provide at least one reference from an educator who can attest to their skills and abilities. Nominees should be highly motivated individuals who desire to enhance their skill and knowledge base. They must meet at least one of the following three criteria and be interested in developing expertise in the others:

  • possess superior skills in mentoring, peer coaching, or professional development;
  • demonstrate outstanding skills and knowledge in the area of data collection and analysis, or
  • have experience in either webpage or online course development.

Six participants will be selected from each of MAR*TEC's five jurisdictions: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC.

The Institute

Selection Process: The deadline for nominations is April 1, 2003. A committee composed of university faculty, policymakers, and professional development providers from the region will choose the fellows. Thirty nominees will be invited by May 20, 2003.

The Program: Institute participants will progress through three stages.

  • During Stage 1, participants will receive intensive support and training in the latest technologies. Participants will meet for three 2-day workshops twice during the summer of 2003 (June 19-20 and August 7-8) and once in the spring of 2004. All expenses will be paid, and participants will receive stipends. Fellows will have the opportunity to work on a set of NCLB-specific case studies and develop best practices. Online support will be available during that time and throughout the following school year.
  • During Stage 2, Institute participants and MAR*TEC staff will collaborate in the design and delivery of online and in-person professional development programming. MAR*TEC mentors will assist participants in identifying appropriate audiences for both online and onsite programming
  • During Stage 3, participants and MAR*TEC staff will function as colleagues, and participants will be incorporated into the cadre of experts delivering professional development programming on an as-needed basis within the region. Throughout the duration of their participation, MAR*TEC staff will continue to support the mentor teachers' knowledge and skills to enhance the overall capacity of schools within the region, blending both online and in-person supports.

Background on NCLB Requirements and Institute Rationale

Educators face new challenges in meeting the ambitious expectations of NCLB as well as aligning curricula with state standards. Administrators in schools and school districts must analyze student data, document adequate yearly progress, and make sure all children-regardless of their present condition-achieve at "proficient" levels within the next 12 years. Accomplishing these goals will require cooperation of everyone involved in the educational process.

The Institute's task will be three-fold:

  • to provide increased awareness of the provisions of NCLB, to clarify what "scientifically based" research means, and to show how technology can be used as a key tool in helping schools make informed decisions concerning the implementation of the legislation;
  • to develop online programs that can help build and sustain capacity throughout the mid-Atlantic region'; and
  • to disseminate knowledge about effective programs to regional educators.

Principles Governing the Institute

Three principles underlie the establishment of the Institute:

  • The Institute will provide opportunities for participants to expand their knowledge and skills. The Institute will focus on issues relevant to the participants.
  • The Institute will support personnel from schools, school districts, intermediate units, and others committed to improving student achievement. Participants will be given access to a special website where program materials will be made available. Mentor/participant interactions and all materials developed will be available online. A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) resource will be available online as well.
  • The Institute is designed to be an ongoing technology-facilitated professional development program as new participants are recruited each year.

MAR*TEC's Capacity

MAR*TEC is housed in the Temple University Center for Research in Human Development and Education and is uniquely positioned to offer such an Institute. Not only is MAR*TEC part of a research center with a longstanding commitment to using scientifically based practices to improve student achievement, but MAR*TEC's highly skilled staff know how to deliver quality professional development both online and in person. Through its annual assessments of current and future needs, MAR*TEC staff are positioned to lead the discussion of current and future priorities and demonstrate how technology can be used effectively and efficiently to meet the new educational challenges.

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