The Michigan Department of Education is explicitly planning their future for technology in education with their State Technology Plan 2010, but they are just one agency involved in the equation. Without a clear, concise plan of who is responsible for what, plans such as these can be quickly brought down like deflated party balloons. And it’s kind of like there is a party being planned; everybody who wants to celebrate also has a role in planning the party. But this goes well beyond who’s bringing candles, and who’s bringing hats?
In my mind, the five “goals” of the document break down the clear responsibilities of each stakeholder (party-goer). These are the things each group needs to do to ensure this party is actually a hit.
Goal number one, 'Teaching for Learning', is actually the theme of the party. It’s not “Western hoe-down” or “Disney princesses”, no this party’s theme is ‘technology-aided learning experiences for the future’ (so maybe robots?). This theme is supported largely by the good people at 21st Century Skills, who could be seen as the up-scale party planning experts. Their vision will act as the blueprint for all else, and I suppose that’s why it’s the first item in the plan.
Goal number two, 'Leadership', is clearly the responsibility of the Michigan Department of Education. The MDE leads the charge, which means they will act as the host of the party. They’re sending out invites, setting the place, date, etc. What games will be played? Ask the host.
Goal number three, 'Professional Learning', falls upon the shoulders of Michigan’s educators. Guided and aided by a 21st Century Skills set of their own, teachers act as the ones directly responsible for setting up lessons, assessment and mastery (the party games), ensuring that the attendees will actually have the skill set for the games, otherwise the party is a certain bust.
Goal number four, 'School and Community Relations', outlines the responsibilities for parents, school boards, and community members. These groups will constitute the peripheral supporters, more on the sidelines than in the fun and games. Their role is outlined to not necessarily hold the skill-set of the 21st Century, but be willing and able to support those seeking it. It’s kind of like a parent who is happy their son is invited to the party, will gladly take their son to the mall and purchase something Pokemon for the birthday boy, but really has no desire for a plush Pikachu doll of their own.
Goal number five, 'Data and Information Management', seems to imply that school divisions, districts, and agencies all up the ‘chain of command’ must back the needs of educators. In the party model, it states that if the games are going to be a hit and we trust the game organizers (teachers), they need the resources (professional, financial and technology infrastructure) to make the games happen. You can’t play (a high-tech version of) pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey without a blindfold, a tack, a tail and some sort of donkey. If there’s no success in the games, there’s no reason for the celebration.
Beyond the identification of the five goals (party responsibilities), I think the host (MDE) has given a thorough support structure for each goal, explicitly bundling each goal with specific strategies, performance indicators, and action steps. It’s clear to me that the host of the party recognizes they can’t take care of all the details and they need to delegate. In drafting such a meticulous protocol, I think the MDE has smartly coordinated all its guests to contribute to the party planning and share the responsibility. It’s inclusive and may even allow the host to enjoy their own party.
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