Using Technology to Engage Stakeholders in Shared Ownership and Accountability for Austin ISD’s

Strategic DirectionCouncil of Great City Schools, October 21, 2010

Meria Joel Carstarphen, Ed.D; Janis Guerrero, Ph.D.; John AlawnehAustin Independent School District

Context of AISDContext of AISD

Austin ISD CGCS 2010 www.austinisd.org, (512) 414-1700 2

• 86,103 students

• 63% Economically Disadvantaged

• 29% English Language Learners

• 124 Schools (including special campuses)

• 12,183 Employees

• $974,092,900 Total Budget (including Total Operations, Food Service and Debt Service)

Austin ISD CGCS 2010 www.austinisd.org, (512) 414-1700 3

Our Theory of ActionOur Theory of ActionIf we innovate with technology to support our work to

engage and communicate with stakeholders, then people will be better informed, more supportive, and excited about

Austin ISD and its strategic direction.

Austin ISD CGCS 2010 www.austinisd.org, (512) 414-1700 4

Student Virtual JamStudent Virtual Jam• Collaboration with IBM to use “collective

intelligence” software

• 130 student representatives from each middle and high school

• Online discussions about boosting attendance, college and career readiness, teacher quality, dropout prevention, student rights and safety

Austin ISD CGCS 2010 www.austinisd.org, (512) 414-1700 5

44 in 4 and Ongoing Campus Visits 44 in 4 and Ongoing Campus Visits and Superintendent’s Blogand Superintendent’s Blog

• Following each campus visit, Superintendent posted highlights

• Great way to share positive news, schools’ successes, and best practices

• View the Superintendent’s Blog at www.austinisd.org

Austin ISD CGCS 2010 www.austinisd.org, (512) 414-1700 6

End of School Year ReportEnd of School Year Report• An online interactive timeline captured

important landmarks using mixed media: video, documents, photos

• Makes AISD more open, engaging, and transparent for students, families, and community

Austin ISD CGCS 2010 www.austinisd.org, (512) 414-1700 7

School Hall Virtual ConvocationSchool Hall Virtual Convocation• Annual staff convocation was virtual and

interactive

• A “fourth wall” of the theatre was a video backdrop that displayed staff from 4 schools

• Email account was activated so that employees could ask follow up questions

Visit www.austinisd.org for all of AISD’s Council of Great City School presentations and handouts

AISD CGCS PresentationsAISD CGCS Presentations

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AISD REACH: Supporting & Rewarding Educator Excellence David Lussier, Executive Director, Educator Quality

Urban Students with Disabilities and Secondary EducationJanna Lilly, Director, Special Education Dr. Paul Cruz, Chief Schools Officer

Turnaround Schools: The Austin WayMeria Joel Carstarphen, Ed.D., Superintendent Dr. Paul Cruz, Chief Schools Officer

Using Technology to Engage Stakeholders in Shared Ownership and Accountability for Austin ISD’s Strategic DirectionMeria Joel Carstarphen, Ed.D., SuperintendentJohn Alawneh, Executive Director, TechnologyJanis Guerrero, Executive Director, Planning & Community Relations