PA Hybrid Learning Initiative Kick Off: Agenda

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

8:00 – 9:00 AM Coffee and Networking

(Introduction and Welcome by Heather Staker,

Senior Research Fellow for the Education Practice at Innosight Institute)

(Speaker: Anthony Kim, President and Founder/Education Elements)

The goal of this session is to align participants’ understanding of and terminology in hybrid learning.  This session will define what is hybrid learning and some of the components that make up a hybrid learning school as well as what hybrid learning schools are not.  Participants will see examples of 3 different approaches to hybrid learning: Rocketship, KIPP LA, and Carpe Diem.   The session will include time for a Q&A.

(Panel:  Amy Morton/PDE, Jim O'Neil/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Matt Brouillette/Commonwealth Foundation;

Facilitator:  Eric Darr/Harrisburg University)

The goal of the panel session is to gain perspectives on the future of hybrid learning, including discussions around the importance of hybrid learning in preparation for gaining 21st century skills, potential problems that hybrid learning can solve, the impact and transformation that hybrid learning can make, predictions on the next few years, and why now is the right time for change.  The session will include time for a Q&A.

12:00 – 1:00 PM Lunch

(Speaker: Deborah McGriff/Partner, NewSchools Venture Fund)

The goal of this session is to explore a variety of ways that charter and school management organizations are planning to turn around chronically underperforming schools using blended school design models. Several models will be presented and participants will identify implementation challenges. Interaction will be encouraged throughout the session.

The goal of the breakout session is to connect participants interested in particular topics by providing a stage for discussion and idea exchange.  The breakout topics are subject to change but may include:  1) online content-experiences, needs, and weakness; 2) staff recruiting, teacher time, and professional development; 3) evolution of the instructional model; 4) implementation planning.  Participants will have the opportunity to identify critical questions and common challenges, as well as share ideas for solutions.

At the end of the day, participants will get back together as an entire group and each breakout will share key questions, solutions, and ideas on the breakout topic.  We will close with final thoughts and next steps.