More Curriculum Enhancements, Technology Integration, and Professional Development August 18, 2020

Dover School District Update: Curriculum Enhancements, Technology Integration, and Professional Development

The August 18, 2020, Dover School District meeting provided an in-depth look at the district’s efforts to prepare for the upcoming school year, including curriculum updates, technology rollouts, and a strong focus on professional development. The initiatives reflect a commitment to consistency, inclusivity, and adaptability in the face of evolving challenges.

Curriculum Updates and New Offerings

The district continues to enhance its curriculum, with several updates and new courses approved:

• Fine and Performing Arts: Revisions were made to Art 1-4, while Advanced Dance was introduced as a new high school course.

• World Languages: Spanish curriculums for grades K-2 and 3-6 were updated, along with symposium courses at Dover High School.

The district praised teachers and supervisors for their hard work in completing these curriculums ahead of schedule. This effort ensures students have access to high-quality, engaging content aligned with educational standards.

Technology Rollout for Virtual Learning

As part of the district’s reopening plan, major investments in technology are underway to support virtual and hybrid learning models:

• 1,400 iPads will be distributed to elementary students, while secondary students will receive laptops.

• The district emphasized the importance of consistency in technology platforms, standardizing the use of Google Classroom across all grades to simplify the learning experience for students, parents, and staff.

To further support this transition, a new Technology Integration Specialist has been hired. This position, funded by the CARES Act, will:

• Provide hands-on training for teachers, ensuring effective use of technology in the classroom.

• Offer video tutorials and resources for parents and students, including materials translated into Spanish.

• Enhance the district’s ability to adapt to the challenges of virtual instruction.

Professional Development Plan for 2021

The district’s professional development plan, informed by staff surveys and the work of the District Evaluation Advisory Committee (DEAC), focuses on equipping educators with the tools and skills needed for a successful school year. Key components include:

• A new partnership with Apple Technologies for the Vanguard Program, which will train 40 teachers in advanced technology integration. These teachers will then lead training sessions for their colleagues.

• Workshops on Google Classroom, inclusion practices, and literacy to ensure teachers are prepared for both virtual and in-person instruction.

With the start of school delayed for students, teachers will receive additional professional development days focused on technology and instructional strategies during this time.

Inclusivity and Support for Special Education

The district has been accepted into the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education’s Technical Assistance Program. Starting in September, this program will help Academy Street School transition to a more inclusive model for special education. This initiative reflects the district’s commitment to creating an equitable learning environment for all students.

Consistency and Accessibility

One of the major lessons learned from the spring school closure was the need for consistency in technology platforms. By standardizing tools like Google Classroom and Google Meet, the district aims to:

• Simplify the experience for families, ensuring all students use the same platform regardless of grade level.

• Streamline technical support and reduce confusion for parents and staff.

The district is also preparing video tutorials and guides for students and parents to ease the transition to these standardized platforms.

Looking Ahead

The Dover School District is committed to continuous improvement, with a focus on supporting students, parents, and staff during these uncertain times. By prioritizing technology integration, curriculum development, and professional training, the district is building a foundation for success in the 2020-2021 school year.