Project I4 – Overview
Project I4: Innovate, Inquire, Iterate, and Impact: Igniting the Power of Networked Improvement Communities to Enhance Professional Learning for Educational Leaders. This $9.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education SEED (Supporting Effective Educator Development) office is the largest grant the College of Education has ever received.
The grant is led by primary investigator Matt Militello, the Wells Fargo Distinguished Professor for ECU’s Department of Educational Leadership in the College of Education. Militello is joined by co-investigators Len Annetta and Charity Cayton with the College of Education’s Department of Math, Science and Instructional Technology.
The grant has partnered with the Institute for Educational Leadership in Washington, DC—IEL works with under-resourced communities to equip leaders to better prepare children, youth, adults, and families for postsecondary education and training, rewarding careers, and civic and community engagement. We are also working with the Wisconsin Center for Education Products and Services who have a school wide leadership feedback process that will benefit our participants. Finally, we are working very closely with our very own North Carolina-based SparkPlug Games to develop a virtual reality platform.
Purpose:
Cohorts of school leaders will engage in a professional learning experience in-person and on-line with coaching and virtual reality supports. Project I4 uses innovation and inquiry with the intention of iteratively and exponentially impacting equitable math and science results in these ways:
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utilize evidence-based observation practices in math and science classrooms;
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revitalizing principal conversations with teachers about improving instructional practices;
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re-imagining useful professional learning experiences for teachers.
Program Features:
Using the processes and pedagogies of the Leadership Learning Exchange model to promote access and equity in math and science, these are key features.
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Professional learning experience resulting in a micro-credential (6 graduate credits)
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Improved knowledge, skill and efficacy in observing and conferring about equitable classroom practices
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Virtual reality use to improve efficacy in observing and conferring about math and science teaching
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Use of improvement sciences to guide cycles of innovation and inquiry
- Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammel, Superintendent, Oakland Unified School District
- Dr. Manuelito Biag, Associate- Networked Improvement Science, Carnegie Center for the Advancement of Teaching
- Dr. Jere Confrey, Joseph D. Moore Distinguished Professor of Mathematics Education, North Carolina State University
- Dr. James Minogue, Elementary Education Program Coordinator and Science Education, North Carolina State University
- Dr. Ron Smith, Senior Director of Education Initiatives, Salesforce.org
