Tool 8.1 CARE Model: Planning Tool (Harris, Edmonson, & Combs, 2010)

Identify Concerns that must change (look to the future)

1. need for as-needed support 
2. need for collaboration 
3. need for real-world, challenge-based instruction 

Identify Affirmations that must be sustained (look to the present)

1. high TAKS scores 
2. teacher ownership of classroom and student success 
3. low discipline problems 

SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely) Recommendations that must be implemented:

1. Monthly professional development centered around one aspect of 21st Century Instruction in the STaR Chart with follow-up classroom visits to support implementation. 
2. Volunteer inquiry-oriented teacher learning communities, with goal of producing future technology mentors 
3. Robust technology Web site with FAQ, anytime access to help, discussion board, STaR Chart breakdown, tips, forms for input, how-to’s, information from monthly professional development 

EVALUATE – Specifically and Often (Identify the best ways to evaluate the implemented recommendations.)

1. *Level I, participants’ reactions: Interviews/discussion board 
2. *Level II, participants’ learning: discussion/board/surveys 
3. *Level III, organizational support and change: surveys 
4. *Level IV, participants’ use of new knowledge and skills: lesson plans/discussion board/surveys/classroom visits 
5. *Level V, student learning outcomes: artifacts/classroom visits/pictures/videos/benchmarks 
6. Summative: 2011 STaR Chart Results (“District and Campus,” 2003). 

*“Critical levels of professional development evaluation” are formative assessments to guide activities (Guskey, 1998).

References

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps from Analysis to Action. Larchmont, NY: Eye On Education, Inc.

Guskey, T.R. (1998). “The age of our accountability.” Journal of Staff Development, 19(4).