Innovation Project Update
I am currently in the planning and preparation phase of my innovation project, with a primary focus on presenting my proposal to the CTE directors and coordinators of Galena Park ISD. Their approval and guidance are essential at the district level to ensure proper direction and support. Once approved by the directors, the next step will be to present the proposal to the Board of Trustees for final confirmation and approval.
Time Line
To ensure a smooth and successful implementation of my innovation plan, I am shifting the introduction of e-Portfolios to the 2026–2027 school year. Here is the previous timeline of the innovation plan.
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The delay of the innovation plan would help and allow us to:
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Develop and implement a well-thought-out plan for the successful rollout of e-Portfolios.
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Establish a team of teachers who will receive training during the year preceding implementation to support and prepare staff for the upcoming school year.
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Identify and apply for grants to ensure that software and technology remain up to date and that all classrooms are properly equipped.
New Timeline
June 2026 - July 2026 (Planning)
Curriculum development was completed in collaboration with all Anatomy and Physiology teachers under the guidance of the CTE Department. The curriculum has been finalized and is ready for implementation.
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August 2026 - The first official in-person training with the Anatomy and Physiology teachers will take place during a dedicated professional learning (PL) day. During this session, teachers will receive hands-on guidance on how to effectively integrate e-Portfolios into their classrooms.
September 2026 - December 2025 -Meet monthly for one hour after school check-ins will be held with the Anatomy and Physiology teachers to assess what aspects of the innovation plan are working and which areas need improvement. These meetings will also provide opportunities for peer support and collaboration, ensuring that teachers who are struggling receive the guidance and assistance they need.
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January 2027- During PL sessions, we will come together to reflect on what can be improved and identify changes that will support greater student growth. These sessions will also provide an opportunity to offer targeted assistance to those who need support as we prepare to kick off the new semester.
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February - May 2027 - Monthly check-ins will continue to identify any ongoing misconceptions and provide support as needed throughout the remainder of the school year.
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May 2027 - At the final PL session, all Anatomy and Physiology teachers will come together to review and reflect on the first year of the innovation plan. They will identify what worked well and what needs improvement. Based on this feedback, curriculum revisions will be made and used to guide planning for the following school year.
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June 2027 - July 2027 - Review the curriculum revisions discussed during the last meeting, along with all collected notes, to help inform planning for the next PL session in August.​
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Learning Process
​​​​What's Working?
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Clear Approval Process
-Establish a clear approval process outlining the required steps and individuals involved (Principal, CTE Directors, School Board).
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Strategic Timeline and Execution
-Develop a comprehensive implementation plan that is thoroughly reviewed and approved by the Principal and CTE Directors. Ensure full support is in place to facilitate the plan’s approval and successful implementation.
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Approval of Fellow Colleagues
-Fellow colleagues are on board to join the teacher team that will help implement and introduce e-Portfolios in the classroom.​
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Evidence - Driven Goals
-Both quantitative and qualitative methods have been established to assess the effectiveness and desired results of the innovation plan.
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What Can Be Done Better?
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Engagement and Involvement of Colleagues​
-Promote collaboration and alignment among colleagues regarding the new innovation plan. Provide support and share strategies to help them understand and contribute to its success.
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Assessment Planning
-Develop and utilize rubrics and surveys to establish clear assessment measures and identify potential misconceptions regarding the innovation plan.
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Early Planning
-This approach will minimize initial misconceptions and support a more seamless implementation process.
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​​​​What Lessons Have You Learned?
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Plan Thoroughly and With A Committee
-By planning with a committee, you receive different ideas and thoughts to help make a decision for whats best for the students.
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Collaboration and Feedback is Key
-Feedback is a critical component of any process. It allows for the identification of areas that require refinement and supports the organization and enhancement of the innovation plan.
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Start Small and Gradually Build Your Idea
-By starting with a small idea, you can build upon it using feedback and suggestions to help refine and implement your plans. This iterative process ensures that your ideas are well-developed, practical, and more likely to succeed.
Promote and Communicate Your Innovation Project?
I plan to present my innovation plan to district personnel to help raise awareness and generate support. From there, I hope to present during professional development sessions to further share and promote the plan. By engaging colleagues in these presentations, I can gather valuable feedback and suggestions to refine the plan. Ultimately, this approach will help build buy-in and ensure a smoother and more effective implementation across the district.
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​What Would I Do Differently?​
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Conduct grant research and secure funding to ensure technology remains current and fully supports the innovation plan.
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Begin implementation this year to identify and make any necessary adjustments for improvement.
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Collect information in advance to obtain timely feedback.
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Assemble a group of tech-savvy teachers to collaborate and contribute innovative ideas.
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How Would You Apply What You Have Learned to Your Next Innovation Project?
Looking back, gathering feedback from coordinators earlier in the design process would have been beneficial. This early input could have informed and strengthened the development of my 4DX plan and Influencer Strategy.
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The knowledge and experience gained from this project will guide future initiatives, enabling more informed decision-making. By reflecting on each decision, I can identify areas for improvement and enhance the outcomes of subsequent projects. I will also ensure that COVA (Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authentic Learning) is integrated into all future projects to guarantee that every voice is heard. Additionally, it will allow me to create a CSLE (Collaborative, Supportive Learning Environment) where individuals can freely share their thoughts and ideas during the planning process. This process of continuous reflection ensures that lessons learned are effectively applied and, over time, contributes to increasingly successful and impactful outcomes.
