APPLE DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL APPLICATION
A PPLE D ISTINGUISHED S CHOOL A PPLICATION
Location Houston, Texas Introduction The mission of Second Baptist School is to train students in areas of knowledge that will allow them to understand clearly, to think deeply, to judge wisely, and to have the courage to live their lives on the great principles and convictions of biblical truth as they engage an innovative and digitallybased global community.
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Shared Leadership
Visionary Leadership
V ISIONARY L EADERSHIP 1. Shared Leadership—School leaders take collective ownership of the initiative. 2. Individual Leadership—A credible and inspirational thought leader sets and articulates the vision. 3. Community Engagement—Broad community sponsorship supports the institution’s initiatives.
In fall 2009, Second Baptist School formed a technology committee to implement the 1:1 laptop program. After extensive research, the committee decided the Apple MacBook best fit the School’s mission to train students to engage an increasingly digitally based global society. In spring 2010, 172 faculty and staff members received iMacs and MacBooks. In August 2011, every student grades 5-12 received a MacBook for year-round use in the classroom and at home, and each Early Childhood Program - Grade 4 classroom received iPads for project collaboration, centers and reading comprehension activities. Lower School was also given a mobile laptop cart and a MacBook lab. In fall 2012, every fourth-grader received an iPad and many classrooms throughout the school received Apple TVs. By spring 2013, third grade students received their iPads and in fall 2013, first and second grade students were given iPad minis. The Middle School math department also received iPads in fall 2013 enhancing their in-class curriculum. Innovative classroom integration is discussed in weekly administrative meetings, weekly academic team meetings and meetings with each head of school. Also, a technology integration specialist for each school level works with teachers on implementation.
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In November and December 2012, all laptops were updated to MacBook Airs. This upgrade provided our school with the best technology tools for engaging students.
Community Engagement
Individual Leadership Within months of his becoming Head of School, Dr. Jeff D. Williams took action to ensure that Second Baptist School remains on the cutting edge of integrating technology into education. He envisioned that the School would move toward preparing students to engage in a society where technology is not simply a reference but a tool for daily use. Dr. Williams initiated the formation of the Technology Department in 2009 by hiring Second Baptist School graduates Mr. Blake Skidmore ’03 and Ms. Hannah Noble ’03. They joined Mr. Chris Yam, Technology Support Manager. The creation of a wireless campus began, and with the implementation of the 1:1 program, students and teachers at every level now have immediate access to the best technology. Second Baptist School is also an authorized Apple Service Center with three certified technicians available to students daily. Over the past four years, the Technology Department has grown to nine people, with three of them holding advanced degrees in curriculum and instruction with emphasis on technology integration. Community Engagement Since the inception of the technology initiative, the Second Baptist School community has rallied around the vision of training our students to think innovatively using 21st century skills. The changes have led to increased student engagement,
Presentation of Apple Distinguished School Award 2012-2013.
creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking skills. The success of the technology initiative relies on cooperation between students, parents and the School. Throughout the year, the Technology Department communicates with parents and students through parent workshops and education about laptop use, safe Internet practices and use of our WhippleHill Communications student information system. The Technology and Communications Departments worked together to publish two publications for faculty, parents and students explaining the 1:1 program. Most recently, the Office
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of Admissions has begun using iPads to enhance campus tours. In addition, SBS has hosted several area schools to observe our implementation of the 1:1 program. In October 2013, Second Baptist School will host TechFest, an all-day educational technology conference for our staff as well as participants from over fifteen Houston area schools. In November, we are proud to host an Apple Education Seminar to showcase Second Baptist’s distinguished program. Additionally, the School appointed a Parent-Technology liaison through the Parent’s Association who will assist with technology events and coordinate informational parent meetings.
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Student Learning
Innovative Learning and Teaching
I NNOVATIVE L EARNING AND T EACHING 1. Student Learning—Learning is a personal experience for every student. 2. Instructional Practices—Faculty are master learners who expertly guide their students through difficult and complex tasks. 3. Curriculum Design—Innovative and rigorous curriculum is designed to leverage technology.
Through daily technology use, Second Baptist School students have increasing opportunities for individualized learning. Even Pre-Kindergarten students use iPad apps such as SuperWhy to gain stronger understanding of curriculum. Also in Lower School, students use technology to showcase knowledge; first graders created Keynotes to share fairy tale writing projects and third graders created infographics to demonstrate understanding of the history of Rome. With iPads, fourth graders use Dictionary.com for word study, DrawApp to diagram sentences and complete math problems, Screenchomp to show thinking in math and Sock Puppets for story development. The second graders also use Dragon Box to develop their understanding of algebra concepts. Middle School teachers regularly challenge students to go beyond basic comprehension and exhibit synthesis and evaluation through technology. For example, fifth graders create iBooks filled with poetry. Sixth grade global studies students use Pages to create brochures on Latin American colonies. Seventh grade Texas history students use GarageBand to create a podcast about pioneers. Also, eighth grade students makes iMovies about the Bill of Rights. Across 5
the curriculum, Middle School students use technology for testing, presentations, publication and skills practice. Through technology, Upper School students are on the cutting edge of education. Teachers move beyond the traditional classroom to train students to utilize 21st century skills and think deeply about curriculum concepts. In physics, motion and force sensors connect to computers for data collection and analysis. In foreign language, students use Duolingo to practice both in class and at home. When iOS Programming course utilizing the Harkness Method, students use Airplay mirroring and the Apple TV to share resources quickly. In Advanced Programming, students choose a programming language and then build their own curriculum under the guidance of their instructor. These students make and meet their own goals as in a business environment. In Upper School are two iOS programming courses during which students create iPhone and iPad Applications. A 2012 graduate, now attending Texas A&M University, returned to our internship program in summer 2013, developing three apps currently used throughout the School.
Instructional Practices Apple TVs, Interactive Whiteboards, Mimio and SMART products assist teachers in modeling best practices. In the classroom, teachers use Mimio clickers to ask questions or to review and take tests. Math and English teachers use iPads and SMART Slates to model problem-solving and grammar. Also, every classroom has a projector for interactive instruction. Outside class, teachers use the School’s website to post links, assignments and documents. Students are required to turn in projects and papers via the website’s dropbox. In Athletics, coaches utilize the iPad for keeping and updating stats during practices and making plays during games. With these tools, teachers provide their students with technology-enhanced lessons that are current and purposeful. Every teacher has the opportunity and resources available to use technology effectively in the classroom. Curriculum Design Second Baptist School is continually seeking to integrate technology into the classroom in practical, effective ways. Technology Integration Specialists regularly meet with school-level curriculum administrators and classroom teachers to shape the technology scope and sequence at each grade level. Many Middle and Upper School textbooks are available online, and with the use of Google Drive and Duolingo, students can access their work virtually anywhere. Teachers also share their ideas via Google Drive and more easily plan team meetings through Google Calendar. 6
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Relevant and Timely Professional Development
Ongoing Professional Learning
O NGOING P ROFESSIONAL L EARNING 1. Relevant and Timely Professional Development窶認aculty engage in a cycle of inquiry that promotes reflection, experimentation, and sharing.
Since 2009, technology has become deeply ingrained into the culture of Second Baptist School: teachers are constantly challenged to think of creative ways to integrate the newest tools, and students are interacting with the curriculum like never before. In order to equip and support our faculty continually, the SBS Technology Team actively stays on top of the most current pedagogical practices and invests time year-round in to helping the teachers implement new and Lower School Technologist, Melissa i n n o v a t i v e w a y s t o Herring, presenting at ISTE 2013. incorporate technology into the classroom. Second Baptist School believes in the importance of connecting with other educators not only to learn from others, but also to share our knowledge. Faculty members routinely attend educational conferences. Within the past year, the Technology Department has been invited to speak at five different nation-wide technology conferences and have led sessions on topics such as iPad management, iBooks Author, and social media in the classroom.
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At the TCEA 2013 Conference, our own Melissa Herring spoke about publishing iBooks. Ms. Herring has written three iBooks on the subject of 1:1 iPad programs, one of which is being used as required reading at the University of Wisconsin. Melissa also led a session at ISTE 2013 entitled “Who Needs 100 Apps: Effectively Use What You Have.� At Summer Spark, a locally hosted private school conference, Katie Blades and Hannah Noble led a roundtable discussion on social media in the classroom with fellow educators. Members of the Technology Department will soon be traveling to the Hawaii International Conference on Education and the TCEA conference to lead sessions on Google Apps and Distance Learning, IT office structuring, and Independent Schools 1:1 Rollouts. From their expertise, the Technology Team energizes the SBS faculty to use technology innovatively and effectively in the classroom. In October, Second Baptist School will be hosting TechFest, a one-day educational technology conference with sessions led by our own teachers and administrators. SBS will host faculty members from over 15 Houston-area schools. Also during the summers, faculty are encouraged to connect with Technology Integration Specialists to help design curriculum.
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Quantitative
Compelling Evidence of Success
C OMPELLING E VIDENCE OF S UCCESS 1. Quantitative—Data is routinely collected and analyzed to inform progress and success. 2. Qualitative—Narrative, reflective, or anecdotal evidence is collected and shared.
With the addition of 340 iPads, 1,000 MacBook Airs, and 40 iMacs to the Second Baptist School campus, the School has seen tremendous improvement not only in curriculum creativity, but also in our students’ academic momentum. Thirty Lower School students read over one million words in their Accelerated Reader books and scored high on their book quizzes. Additionally, six students were named multimillionaires as they each read over two million words. With the addition of iPads to the Lower School classroom, students are able to access a variety of nonfiction text through websites such as National Geographic Kids and GoGo News. This digital text has renewed excitement about reading, and even our youngest readers are excelling. In 2013, the ERB standardized testing went entirely digital. Students used their Macbook Airs and the computer lab Macbooks to test through the online ERB portal. In addition, ACT test scores for Second Baptist students were 21 percent higher than the national scores for 2013. The average SAT score for Second Baptist students was 360 points higher than the state average. The Class of 2013 was offered more than $6.1 million in scholarships. One hundred percent of Second Baptist graduates pursue an undergraduate degree at a four-year institution. The success of the 1:1 program provides them the ability to engage in a digitally based global community.
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Qualitative “Having 1:1 iPad Minis ensures that the entire class is engaged. We used to have to share our technology tools, which wasn't as efficient and required significant one-on-one teacher guidance. Now I can model to the whole-class how to create a KeyNote using AirPlay on Apple TV via my projector, and everyone can benefit from that instruction instead of pulling each student aside one-by-one and having to repeat directions. In first grade, having all the students being able to work simultaneously on a project maximizes instruction time. It is crucial at this grade level that all students be engaged, or we lose their focus, and classroom management issues arise. Technology takes something that used to be done with paper and pencil and transforms the task into something magical, creative and fun!” -Christine Hackney - First Grade Teacher
“In global studies, the world is considered relevant. One of the only ways to get current information and data about our world is to have the most up to date technology. My students can use their MacBooks to gain knowledge in real time. We are accessing history as it happens! Aside from the wealth of information and knowledge the computer allows us access to, it provides a medium of expression. My students can engage with the world and one another digitally. They can have a conversation from afar. They can create a digital story about their learning. They can author a blog post to be read by the world. They can create professional, informative materials that can be printed or
distributed. They are encouraged not only to gain information, but to synthesize it, and create new learning by sharing with one another and the world using digital technology. We are knit closer together as a global community as a result of Apple technology. What a privilege to have access to a product and mindset so revolutionary.” -Ellen Barrett - Sixth Grade Global Studies Teacher
“The benefit of having a Mac in the hands of every student has allowed the class to take a look at the fast paced, complex world of government, economics and social behaviors. Government and economics cannot be successfully taught out of a textbook today. Students need access to the world where the active participation in governmental and economic systems take place. Macs serve as the medium to all the information we need, but also add a new layer that is one of the greatest skills with which we can equip our students. Macs allow collaborative, real world problem solving in the class. They also enable me to harness the creativity that each student possesses and to individualize their learning. This brings a passion and relevancy to learning that will push the students to their intellectual limits. I love teaching in this dynamic because I know that there are no limits, and the students are having fun!” -Cal Burnham - Upper School Government/Economics Teacher
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School Design and Facilities
Flexible Learning Environment
F LEXIBLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT 1. School Design and Facilities—Facilities and schedules are designed to maximize learning opportunities that technology provides. 2. Information Technology (IT)—IT infrastructure supports innovation in teaching and learning.
At Second Baptist, three schools are spread across a 42-acre campus. Because of the size of the campus and the fact that the School shares buildings with Second Baptist Church, many unique challenges arose when building a WiFi infrastructure over the campus. Over the course of 2010, however, SBS implemented a wireless campus; with the help of Xirrus devices, the School was able to do this quickly and avoid many problems that other schools have come across when managing a new infrastructure. Since the transition to wireless across campus, SBS has recently upgraded devices not only to meet, but also to go above the current wireless standards. The School added over 400 iPad devices to the 1:1 program between 2012 and 2013, restructuring wireless for greater density and higher traffic. Due to more online resources provided by teachers (using Apps on iPads to screen capture and upload to online class pages) SBS has seen more individualized and self paced learning. Students are rarely without their laptops accessing teacher websites, interacting on instructional sites or using online textbooks. The 1:1 program fosters selfdirection and time management skills. Second Baptist School prepares students to enter the ever-evolving digital workforce, 11
which will require creative, self-motivated, digitally literate people.
SBS. The cloud-based apps have expanded the walls of the classroom so that it is accessible anywhere, anytime.
Information Technology (IT) As SBS adopted Apple laptops, the School also switched over to 2 Xserves and MacPro servers to utilize the Apple Wikis and Blogs. The infrastructure was designed to maximize efficiency for speed and low energy cost. With the addition of wireless internet and connectivity, teachers have been able to integrate technology into the curriculum easily and seamlessly. The upgrade in 2009 to gigabit speed and a 10gigabit backbone has helped speed up internal networking and our storage. Due to heavy usage and the need for reliability, the School has added many data storage units to make sure there is enough space to backup over 30TB of teaching materials for students. SBS uses Promise and DROBO systems for redundancy and has a video server for file storage as well as a backup for teachers to sync their files locally on servers. For dealing with any issues, the School uses tools such as the CASPER suite from JAMF and WebHelpDesk, which helps manage the School’s computers remotely and provide the faculty, staff and students with the most efficient means of help. Utilizing several cloud-based apps from iCloud, Google Drive, WhippleHill and other web 2.0 tools has helped keep data redundancy high and secure. SBS also has a feedback channel using UserVoice, for crowdsourcing ideas to help improve digital environment at 12
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Contribution and Credits
The school liaison and the following people are willing and able to address these areas. 1. Visionary Leadership Dr. Jeff D. Williams Head of School Email: jwilliams@secondbaptistschool.org 2. Innovative Learning and Teaching
C ONTRIBUTION AND C REDITS 1. List of people willing to address 5 areas of best practices.
Mr. Justin A. Smith Head of Middle School Email: jsmith@secondbaptistschool.org 3. Relevant and Timely Professional Development
The administration and a majority of the faculty possess the ability and are willing to articulate how they use Apple products in alignment with the five best practices as it applies to our school’s technology implementation program.
Mrs. Melissa Herring Lower School Integration Technology Specialist Master Technology Teacher Email: mherring@secondbaptistschool.org 4. Compelling Evidence of Success Ms. June Harrison Fourth Grade Teacher Email: jharrison@secondbaptistschool.org
School Liaison Ms. Hannah Noble Interim Director of Technology Email:hnoble@secondbaptistschool.org
5. Flexible Learning Environment Mr. Cal Burnham Upper School Government/Economics Teacher Email: cburnham@secondbaptistschool.org 13