Alternative Professional Learning (PL) Plan Outline

Supporting the Hillcrest Innovation Plan

Innovation Plan Link:

I. Audience & Purpose

This PL plan supports Hillcrest School teachers as they transition into a more intentional and structured blended-learning environment. The purpose is to help educators implement GoGuardian, Google Classroom, and predictable digital routines that increase engagement, improve clarity, and create student-centered learning environments.

II. Integration of the 5 Key Principles of Effective Professional Learning(Gulamhussein, 2013)

1. Significant, Ongoing Duration:
- Semester-long learning cycle with anchor workshops and coaching.
2. Support During Implementation:
- Coaching cycles, modeling, troubleshooting, and classroom-based support.
3. Active Learning:
- Hands-on tool practice, simulations, and immediate lesson creation.
4. Modeling:
- Demonstrations of blended routines and monitoring workflows.
5. Discipline & Grade-Level Specificity:
- Breakouts for grade bands, subject-specific examples, and templates.

III. Collaboration Plan

Collaboration through PLCs
shared templates
group problem solving
monthly reflections
peer demonstrations

IV. Instructional Design Framework (Fink’s 3-Column Table)(Fink, 2013)

V. BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)(Collins, 2025)

By the end of the semester, 90% of Hillcrest teachers will implement technology-supported blended learning that improves engagement, structure, and clarity.

VI. Schedule & Timeline

Phase 1: Foundations (Week 1)

Introduce blended learning
GoGuardian overview
Google Classroom setup
Modeled lesson.

Phase 2: Routines & Monitoring (Weeks 2–4)

Monitoring practice
Routine design
Blended task creation.

Phase 3: Implementation (Weeks 5–8)

Coaching cycles
Student artifact collection

Phase 4: Reflection & Growth (Weeks 9–10)

Share lessons
Compare routines
Evaluate engagement

Phase 5: Sustainment (Ongoing)

Updates to PL hub
Optional teacher-led PD
Continued support

VII. Resources Needed

Chromebooks
Wi-Fi
GoGuardian licenses
Templates
Model lessons
Videos
Coaching time
Student artifacts.

VIII. Support & Infrastructure

Troubleshooting resources
student digital expectations
consistent templates
headphones
backup plans.

IX. ePortfolio Placement

Dedicated page in the ePortfolio for updates
templates
videos
long-term access.

X. References

Collins, J. C. (2025). BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal). Jim Collins. https://www.jimcollins.com/concepts/bhag.html

Desimone, L. M., & Garet, M. S. (2015). Best practices in teachers’ professional development in the United States. Psychology, Society & Education, 7(3), 252–263. https://scispace.com/pdf/best-practices-in-teacher-s-professional-development-in-the-2wtninv9e4.pdf

Fink, L. D. (2013). Creating significant learning experiences: An integrated approach to designing college courses (Rev. & updated ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Gulamhussein, A. (2013). Teaching the Teachers Effective Professional Development in an Era of High Stakes Accountability. Center for Public Education. Retrieved from http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/system/files/2013-176_ProfessionalDevelopment.pdf

Harapnuik, D. (2018). COVA: It’s about learning – Creating significant learning environments. It’s About Learning. http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991

Sinek, S. (2009, September 28). Start with why – How great leaders inspire everyone to take action [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/u4ZoJKF_VuA