Case Study A: Who Took My Chalk?

XYZ High School:  21st Century Skills…with a Focus on Technology

A consulting and training program developed specifically for education, Who Took My Chalk?™ provides a customized solution to schools focused on the cultural aspects of change and the shift to 21st Century skills and learning.  The following case study documents one school’s progress using the Who Took My Chalk?™ model.  

The Challenge:

The principal at XYZ High School wanted to implement 21st Century Skills, with a focus on technology in her school. Although this initiative would be in the best interest of the students, she knew the transition would be challenging given the average age and years of experience of her teachers. While she knew that she had wonderful, highly qualified and experienced teachers, she also knew that the teachers’ mindsets needed to change for them to embrace technology as an effective teaching tool.  After she and the school technology coordinator saw part of the Who Took My Chalk? ™ presentation at the WV State Technology Conference, they knew that their teachers needed that specific training. 

The Solution:

Who Took My Chalk? ™ became the centerpiece of a four-day technology institute for XYZ High School.  The institute began with a Who Took My Chalk? ™ session discussing change and attitudes.  Numerous activities engaged the staff, both new and experienced and gave them the opportunity to look at themselves individually and as a group to determine their concerns about the 21st Century Skills Initiative.  Issues and concerns around making changes within the classrooms of the school were addressed in a very open environment.  This approach is often used in businesses, but teachers rarely have the chance to discuss changes and advancements in this type of facilitated atmosphere. 

The EdVenture Group worked with the staff in a variety of sessions on implementing and understanding  21st Century Skills.  A follow-up Who Took My Chalk? ™ session was also held for goal setting and discussions on how the school could support the effort and address issues of major concern.  The principal was involved in the discussions every step of the way and provided the support and leadership necessary for any significant change movement. 
With The EdVenture Group, the school has been able to provide sustained professional development throughout the year that has enabled and empowered teachers to try new technology.  The principal has asked her teachers to try one new technology tool each week, so that by the end of the year, they will have a toolbox full of technology tools that they can use in their classrooms.

The Outcome:

After six months, XYZ High School is a technology rich school with teachers excited about using technology.  According to the principal, teachers are now asking “What’s the next step?”.  When teachers are excited about teaching, students are excited about learning.  The principal knew from experience that careful consideration must be given to the effects of change on those expected to implement it.  In addition, the teachers needed to receive the necessary professional development to become proficient in the implementation of 21st Century Skills in the classroom.   Knowing the staff well, the principal knew it would be a struggle to get some of the “digital immigrants” to accept these new classroom skills.  Preparing the staff for change, even before training them on the technology, made the difference between success and failure for XYZ High School.