The state of WI established a state statute put into effect in July 2010 that all teachers grades 6-12 teaching an online course must meet a minimum of 30 hours of professional development focused on specific standards and skills.
Sounds great!
But the puck moved..........
As often happens, legislation takes time and falls into word smithing and political negotiations. While valiant in efforts and intent, the final outcome has fallen short, and in times of economic distress and unusual political climates, many have fallen back on black and white interpretations rather than what is best for kids, communities, and the public in general.
Teachers, community, and some administrators are unaware enough to believe that 30 hours of professional development will turn a teacher into a qualified online instructor. Certification of completion of professional development hours is misinterpreted as "certification to teach online". Currently there is no licensure or certification for online teaching in WI. There are policies in place as to content certification and other things, with the addition of having some professional development in online course instruction.
Seat time is not equivalent to proficiency or quality, but it is still the currency in which we barter. Educators working with students and peers in online environments should have some level of competency and continuous learning for themselves. The systems and technology change too often for anyone to have a "life" license or certification. Learning is continuous - birth to grave, it just comes in different forms through our path of life. Life is learning....look at this video.
The online PD requirement was established with good intent and the right thing to do. The final product has put us in a "behind" situation again. It is written for online "course" instruction, in a day and future that is still defining - blended, flipped, personalized, Web 2.0, collaborative, ........
Educators, administrators, schools and districts can take the easy way out. They can read the statute as black and white and work around the requirements as they are not delivering online courses when they are using things like Moodle and WIKIS, and social networking along with face to face instruction or ways that engage students.
But the professionals and those who are leading education transformation towards a system that will ensure the quality of life for communities will find the high ground. Instead of digging in and pointing to the black and white of the statute, they will move forward in logical and forward moving steps to ensure that quality education is delivered in our public schools.
There is a place for doing the right thing, reaching for the target beyond the one in front of us and ultimately coming out ahead instead of making up lost ground.
I challenge our educators to stand above compliance.
I challenge our leadership to create the environments that allow for continuous growth and achievement within the capacities and resources available.
I challenge our communities to trust our schools to move forward safely and in the best interest of students and their futures.
I promise to work with those who take this path and put kids and our community futures first.
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