Abstract:

Through a review of evaluation data and reports collected from studies of successful ICT Leadership development seminars in schools over five years and across multiple countries, the contextual factors regarding how schools can effectively integrate ICT is examined. The Intel Teach Leadership Forums were created by Intel® Corporation as a professional development experience for K-12 educational leaders to help these leaders promote and support technology integration in their schools and districts to improve teacher effectiveness and enhance student achievement.

A meta-analysis of multiple evaluation reports and studies collected will describe Intel®’s process of applying a strategic professional development seminar for school leaders and discuss the systemic factors associated with understanding classroom level change. A synthesis of these studies illustrate the effectiveness and impact of the Intel Teach Leadership Forums in informing and supporting school leaders, as well as the role of school leaders in the successful implementation of Intel Teach courses in their school and the implementation of the training strategies following the course.

Results from Leadership Forum participant survey and interview data provides evidence of the immediate outcomes and longer term impact of this professional development course for leaders, such as increased support through funding, time release, priority status, interest and involvement. In addition, findings from these studies highlight the strong impact that leadership can have in facilitating whole school change towards effective technology use across the curriculum.

Transforming education systems and supporting national competitiveness are difficult, long-term endeavors. However, on-going, embedded professional development can help inform policy development that supports real change. Likewise, awareness of systematic, replicable methods in establishing a common framework that begins with clear goals and objectives, implementation strategies, and local contextual dependencies may also enable sustainable change.

Keywords:

School Leadership, Professional Development, ICT.