Implementation Outline

I. Research Phase (0-6 months)

A. Begin and complete research on ePortfolios and how they are being utilized at the elementary level.

Research benefits of using digital portfolios.
Propose the ePortfolios to administrators and team leads, highlighting the benefits.
Have team leads take the information to their team.

B. Delve deeper into the Leader in Me website and core paradigms to plan ways to implement ePortfolios to replace the Leadership Binders.

Align the 7 habits and Leader in Me paradigms to the benefits and learning opportunities that the ePortfolios will offer.
Emphasize how making the switch will benefit the teachers and parents.

C. Research and analyze different platforms available to the students.

Explore different digital platforms students can use to create their ePortfolio.
Narrow down the choices and present them to the staff with pros and cons for each one.

II. Planning Phase (6-12 months)

A. Discuss my innovation plan with a selected committee of teachers and administration.

Meet with the Team Leads to address any questions or concerns the different grade level teams may have discussed.
Take into consideration any changes or adjustments that need to be initially made to the plan.

B. Survey teachers, students, and parents.

Teachers: What are your expectations with implementing this innovation plan?
Parents: Would you be willing (able) to engage with the students and their ePortfolio outside of school?
Students: What are your expectations and would you take ownership of your learning through the creation and use of the ePortfolio?

C. Create learning objectives that align with state standards and Leader in Me core paradigms and the 7 Habits.

D. Outline privacy and safety guidelines with students and parents.

III. Pilot Phase (12-18 months)

A. Select a grade level or class (based on teacher and student input) to put the initial plan into action.

Use Focus Fridays in art class to begin creating the ePortfolios using the students’ chromebooks and google sites (or the platform the teachers and students have opted to use).
Begin uploading content into the ePortfolios, including artwork and accolades.

B. Encourage reflection and connections of student work.

Allow students time during W.I.N. time or technology block to reflect on their work and make connections with their peers and teachers.
Teachers provide feedforward to student entries and work to foster growth and development.

IV. Reflect and Adjust Phase (18-24 months)

A. Bring administrators and team leads back together to discuss initial pilot implementation.

Administrators: What went well and what needs to be changed?
Teachers: How can we move forward with more classes or grade levels with ease and efficiency?
Students: What would you change? What would you continue to do?
Parents: How can we improve ease of engagement and participation?
All: How can we improve communication about creating and using ePortfolios?

B. Make any adjustments needed based on feedback.

V. Moving Forward Phase (Fall 2027)

A. Share Improved innovation plan with staff.

Use BOY school work days to share the plan and train staff on how to implement it into their classrooms.
Offer to continue to allow time on Focus Friday’s in art for students to reflect and upload artwork into their new Leadership ePortfolio.

B. Send communication out to parents about the new plan.

Provide information at Meet the Teacher to the parents about the use of the ePortfolios and the opportunities to become more engaged in their child’s learning.
Be prepared to show an example of an ePortfolio so parents can see it in action.

VI. Continued Improvement and Feedback.

A. Solicit feedback from team leads during monthly ELT meetings about and questions or concerns

regarding any part of the ePortfolio process.

B. Adjust as needed as the students move through the elementary grade levels.

References