Web-Based Professional Development to Study Homeless and High Mobility in Schools

by Judith Martinez, NCSE Director

Web-Based Professional Development (WBPD) leads to improvements in educational practices and promotes school success for disadvantaged students. This accredited project is sponsored by NCSE and creates teams to address the needs of students and families experiencing homelessness and high mobility. Since 2003, WBPD has involved over 90 participants, 34 community teams, and eight states (Arkansas, Colorado,

Georgia

, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington.) Each cycle of professional development is a year long and coincides with the school year (August to June).

NCSE is currently accepting applications for the 2007-2008 cycle of WBPD. Applications are due by Firday, May 25, 2007. Up to 20 teams will be selected to participate.
Click here for an application.

WBPD begins by recruiting teams through an application process. Teams selected to participate in WBPD create a framework for wraparound educational services for students experiencing homelessness and high mobility (H&HM). Each team includes a minimum of three members who represent specific roles (school administrator, teacher and community member/service provider.) Each team member works to increase resources and attention to H&HM (see Venn diagram below.)

The professional development strategies include:
1) National Training;
2) Online Instruction;
3) Facilitated Peer Learning;
4) Participatory Action Research (PAR) to increase the academic achievement of students experiencing homelessness and high mobility; and
5) Dissemination of Best Practices.

Venn Diagram - WBPD Team Model

Examples of Actions Implemented by WBPD Teams:

* A WBPD participant offered lunchtime tutoring (called Lunch Bunch). This effort improved academic achievement of participating students.

* WBPD team members worked collaboratively with families living in transitional housing to organize a parent/child homework club. This action increased parental involvement.

* Protocols were developed and welcoming kits distributed to help students enrolling after the start of school. This type of welcoming process is now being replicated in other schools.

* Title I teachers tailored assessments to better track academic achievement of students experiencing homelessness and high mobility.

* WBPD gave voice to how homelessness impacts the education of children and youth. For example in Colorado, two high school students expressed how important it was that the school made them feel welcomed, that the teachers cared that they showed up, and that the school staff acknowledged their existence. The hardest part of staying in school for them was “getting there”, and when at school, not knowing whether or not they had somewhere to go afterwards.

For more information about WBPD, email info@schoolengagement.org and/or visit the NCSE website

Frequently Asked Questions
about WEB-BASED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (WBPD) to improve educational practices and increase academic achievement of students experiencing homelessness and high mobility.

Who pays for the project?
NCSE has received funds from state departments of education (Title X, Title I, Migrant Education and Special Education…) to support the majority of WBPD teams. This year NCSE is also seeking funds from private foundation and businesses.

The WBPD team application process is competitive and selection is generally based on input from state and local funders. There is no application fee required of team participants.

What are the incentives to participate?
WBPD enriches the lives of participants personally and professionally. It also offers attractive incentives, such as:
* Stipend awards of up to $1000 for team members who successfully complete the project.
* An opportunity to earn six graduate credits from Adams State College (in Colorado), Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) and/or participate in a doctoral program through Jones International University.

Is WBPD for you?
WBPD has been described as “intense fun.” The work is rewarding and requires a year-long commitment (August to June.) Participants spend approximately 2 to 3 hours a week (or an average of 8 to 10 hours a month) on WBPD. The use of asynchronous technology is popular with online instruction because it allows team members to participate at times that are convenient to their schedule. You do not need to have experience in online training to participate, but it helps.

WBPD is for experienced educators and community leaders who want the opportunity to think critically, talk openly about problems related to teaching and learning, and take action to address the needs of students and families experiencing homelessness and high mobility. WBPD is about being critically reflective and reflectively critical. For more info. click here.

Who facilitates the WBPD Project?
NCSE consultants and staff who are experts in web-based technology, homeless education, and qualitative research methods faciliate the rigorous work of WBPD. Alana James, Ed.D., developed the WBPD project and conducts the national training. She also provides oversight to online instruction and the Participatory Action Research (PAR) component. Brian McKay-Epp, Online Facilitator, supports team members in creating role level dialogues, known as Communities of Practice. Brian is exceptionally helpful in walking participants through navigating the WBPD website.

For more FAQs click here.

NCSE is an initiative of the
Colorado Foundation for
Families and Children

Getting to Results: