Key HCESC Initiatives to Support Schools and Districts

HCESC Teams Up With Robert J Marzano, Charlotte Danielson, and Doug Reeves to Offer iObservtion to Inform PD Needs of Individual Teachers

• HCESC the regional representative for iObservation
• iObservation is instructional and leadership improvement system - collects, manages and reports longitudinal data from classroom walkthroughs and teacher observations
• Informs professional development differentiated to individual learning needs for every teacher and leader to increase his/her effectiveness each year. 
• HCESC will be offering a variety of programs to help districts and schools learn about and take full advantage of this powerful system. 
• For more information, contact Monica Mitter at (513) 674-4238 or Monica.Mitter@hcesc.org.

Race to the Top Funds Provides Schools and Districts with Opportunities and Challenges

• Many area districts and community schools are potential recipients of federal Race to the Top (RttT) funds. 
• HCESC is being contacted about providing technical assistance for the writing of community school and district proposals. 
• HCESC is responding by providing several sessions for writing teams to help them craft their proposals. 
• In addition, HCESC is responding to requests to provide services that these funds make possible. 
  For more information on how HCESC can support your efforts regarding Race to the Top, contact Bill Sears at (513) 674-4207 or Bill.Sears@hcesc.org.

Virtual Education Takes Off in Hamilton County and Beyond!  HCESC is Part of National Initiative to Train Student-Led Teams; Districts Sign Up to Participate

• HCESC has partnered with educational service agencies in Iowa and Connecticut to bring the Virtual Reality Education Pathfinders (VREP) program to southwest Ohio. 
• VREP provides students the opportunity to lead and learn using three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality education.
• Student developers lead and facilitate this training with professional support.
• Students participate as both developers and users of 3D VR environments and applications.
• Teachers then use student-created applications in the classroom to facilitate learning for all.
• For more information about the Virtual Reality Education Pathfinders (VREP) program, contact Renita Heideman at (513) 674-4312 or Renita.Heideman@hcesc.org.

• HCESC is a professional development affiliate of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills which supports the integration of 21st century skills into all aspects of teaching and learning.
• The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is the leading advocacy organization focused on infusing 21st century skills into education.
• This organization brings together the business community, education leaders, and policy makers to define a powerful vision for 21st century education to ensure every child's success as citizens and workers in the 21st century by providing tools and resources to help facilitate and drive change.
• The Partnership for 21st Century Skills Professional Development Affiliate Program equips individuals and organizations with resources and assistance in integrating 21st century skills into their professional development practice.
• To learn more about how the Partnership for 21st Century Skills can be of value for your school or district, contact Bill Sears at (513) 674-4207 or Bill.Sears@hcesc.org.