Virginia Initiative for Technology and Administrative Leadership (VITAL) | Virginia Department of Education and a coalition of universities that focus on teacher education: The College of William and Mary, University of Virginia, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Program Description
The VITAL project is an intense professional development leadership experience for principals and superintendents in Virginia. This initiative recognizes the need for Virginia's educational leaders to be given rich and relevant experiences that take advantage of the power of technology to support and improve teaching, learning, and leadership in Virginia's schools.Virginia Standard(s) Addressed
Planning & Assessment (ISLLC standard 3)Instructional Leadership (ISLLC standard 1)
Safety & Organizational Management for Learning (ISLLC standards 2 & 3)
Communication & Community Relations (ISLLC standard 4)
Program Goals and Objectives
By the end of this program participants will demonstrate the ability to:
- Lead and manage the systemic whole school change processes;
- Support effective professional development;
- Attain knowledge of technology and student learning;
- Create and maintain technology plans that reflect sound decision making and planning;
- Facilitate the effective integration of technology.
Program Format
Participation in the program will begin with a meeting between the district superintendent and one of the primary VITAL contacts. The initial kick-off day's agenda will be fine-tuned to ensure that individual division priorities are addressed. During or shortly after the kick-off day, each school will conduct an informal technology needs assessment, with assistance from one of the lead trainers identified in the program. Once the needs assessment has been completed, a team including the lead trainer, the superintendent, the participating principals, and project coordinators will map out a professional development path for the next year. This path will address issues faced by administrators on a day to day basis; including data-driven decision making, understanding the role of technology from a school/division administrator's perspective, identifying and promoting effective uses of technology in the classroom, etc. To ensure relevance and long-term success, all professional development is built around the principles of adult learning and is geared specifically toward the challenges faced by practicing Virginia administrators.Target Audience
Any practicing division superintendent or building level school principal in Virginia. Both public and state-approved non-public schools/divisions are qualified to enroll.Self-Selection and/or Identification Through School Division
Yes/yes.Duration of Program
Each participant receives in-depth technology leadership training that includes one-on-one interaction, access to leadership materials and resources, and participation in an online community of peers that will provide ongoing support and learning.Outcomes Measured
Information is collected about technology planning, budget, policies, resources, technical and instructional support, teacher and student skills, classroom use, community involvement, professional development, and how technology affects what happens in the classroom.Program Evaluation
Program evaluation is conducted using Taking a Good Look at Instructional Technology (TAGLIT), a set of on-line assessment tools designed to help principals gather, analyze, and report information about how technology is used for teaching and learning in their schools.Contact Information
Chris O'Neal
Director, Vital Program
University of Virginia
Ruffner Hall
405 Emmet St.
Charlottesville VA 22903
Ph: 434-924-0858
onealc@virginia.edu