TASA Midwinter Conference Presentation

During the 2015 Texas Association School Administrators’ (TASA) Midwinter Conference in Austin, TX the week of January 26th, I had the privilege of presenting with Dr. Laina McDonald, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services. We presented the Castleberry ISD Digital-Age Leadership Academy Story.

The Castleberry ISD administrators have been sharpening up their 21st century skills over the last few years in line with the CISD Technology Plan mission, which is to provide a framework for a community of technology enabled learners. Our presentation was a full scale demonstration of this provision showing how educational progress is magnified and teachers’ and administrators’ reach is multiplied in the digital age by using technology more in teaching and learning. The presentation revealed how increased integration of technology in the learning and teaching process produces tangible results.

We told “The Castleberry ISD Digital-Age Leadership Academy Story” through a presentation made with the amazing emaze web app. We took attendees on the CISD journey, starting from the strategic target objective of enabling teachers to create personalized digital learning experiences for students, all the way through interactive digital integration experiences, using web tools and social media.

Attendees were able to get a glimpse inside as principals, administrators, and teacher-librarians were certified through CISD’s Digital Leadership Academy. The Digital Leadership Academy is a technology certification program that took place over the spring and summer of 2014. In addition, videos of the following staff members’ reflections of the Digital Age Leadership Certification Program on YouTube were included.

• Jessica Estillette, Curriculum Director, ELA
• Hollie Lancarte, Principal, Castleberry Elementary
• Leigh Ann Turner, Principal, Joy James Elementary
• April Scott, Teacher-Librarian, Joy James Elementary

Watching and listening to these reflections, it is apparent that Castleberry ISD is fulfilling its mission. Infusing technology in its educational procedures is an ongoing process that over time, and with diligence, is becoming a reality.