MDE + MVU = MiLP

Michigan LearnPort Provides Online Professional Development Services

An interview with Cheryl Poole, Office of Professional Preparation Services, Michigan Department of Education and David Myers, Michigan LearnPort Administrator, Michigan Virtual University

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and Michigan Virtual University (MVU) have teamed up to launch Michigan LearnPort (MiLP). LearnPort is a statewide communication and professional development Web site that incorporates Web-based tools and resources to expand learning opportunities for teachers. This new partnership will help ensure that Michigan schools meet the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirement for highly qualified teachers in every classroom. Leading Change staff recently asked LearnPort co-collaborators Cheryl Poole and David Myers to describe what administrators, teachers, and parents might expect from this evolving online service.

Q: What is LearnPort and what is its connection with MVU and MDE?

A: LearnPort was launched in 2003 as a joint effort between MVU and the MDE to make traditional and online professional development activities available to Michigan educators. Our goal is to develop a site that enables individuals to participate in learning communities, create professional learning plans, and find resources that will help them meet their professional goals.

MiLP’s extensive database feature will allow teachers and administrators to manage, assign, and teach professional development activities. Moreover, these activities can align with district, building, and teacher goals or improvement plans. LearnPort will significantly expand the capacity of Michigan’s education community to deliver online professional development services.

Q: Who can access and use LearnPort?

A: The site was designed to offer services to Michigan teachers, administrators, and instructional paraprofessionals. For the immediate future, all other school employees may sign up for membership in Michigan LearnPort at no cost. This will allow districts to reach all employees with communications and training in the online environment. Anyone can visit the site at www.learnport.org to read news and find curriculum and professional learning resources. Also, staff of the MDE , MVU, and other Michigan educational professional organizations may use the communication and professional development delivery features that can improve instruction and support for teachers and administrators.

Q: Is there a cost to use LearnPort?

A: MiLP is currently funded through the Title II federal grant and Section 98a of the State Aid Act. These funds support the development and maintenance of the infrastructure of MiLP. In addition, these funds cover the enrollment costs of Michigan teachers, administrators, and other instructional support professionals. Funds also cover grants to local intermediate school districts and professional organizations/ consortiums for content development and support and training by MVU. Planning is also underway for securing national vendor professional development opportunities for distribution to Michigan teachers and administrators.

Current funding for LearnPort covers activities through the next two school years (2005–2007). During that time, MDE and MVU will develop a model for sustaining funding for MiLP in years to come.

Q: What kind of professional development credit/certification does LearnPort offer?

A: Michigan teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals will be able to earn State Board Continuing Education Units (SB-CEUs) and college or university credit by participating in LearnPort’s online seminars, workshops, and courses. The cost of credit or CEU’s will be borne by those taking the courses.

Q: Who develops the online seminars, workshops, and courses available through LearnPort?

A: There are currently approximately 100 titles available in Michigan LearnPort ranging from a complete set of no cost compliance courses, such as Bloodborne Pathogens and Right to Know, to fee based courses offered through national vendors such as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and Thomson-Gale. In addition, the MDE Online Professional Development Grants Program initiated a request for proposals in July 2004. The MDE awarded seven grants to intermediate school districts or professional organizations/consortiums in October 2004. Professional development grant projects target several priority areas:

• Support for NCLB requirements to meet the standard for highly qualified teachers or paraprofessionals.
• Support for adequate yearly progress (AYP) requirements under Education YES! and NCLB.
• Support for the data driven decision-making needs of district and building administrators.
• Support for the Michigan Curriculum Framework and Grade Level Content Expectations.
• Support for the goals of the State Board of Education.

The online projects will specifically target adult learners and use highly interactive Internet-based learning materials including coaching, mentoring, and technical support. New titles are being added each month as the search for high quality professional development opportunities continues. Intermediate school districts (ISDs)/regional educational service agencies (RESAs) and local education agencies (LEAs) are encouraged to develop their own courses to meet the needs of local school employee groups. LearnPort has a complete set of online course development tools and MVU offers training in course development.

Q: How will LearnPort affect teacher quality and the future of professional development in Michigan?

A: LearnPort expands the variety of learning opportunities available to Michigan teachers to help them reach the “Highly Qualified” status defined in No Child Left Behind. In addition, school districts and professional organizations should welcome the cost-saving potential of online delivery of quality professional development. LearnPort also makes professional development courses more convenient. Most teachers and administrators have to attend advanced training after school, on weekends, and in the summer. Through LearnPort, teachers and administrators will be able to access training from their desktops anytime, anywhere.

Online delivery also improves timelines for professional development. Learners will no longer have to delay educational opportunities until the next course is offered or the next workshop is planned. As educators develop a need, they will be able to find a source of information.

LearnPort learning communities have the potential to enhance classroom instruction while reducing teacher isolation. Too often educators participate in great professional development activities or workshops only to find themselves back in the classroom without ongoing support and communication. LearnPort’s powerful communication features connect teachers across Michigan, allowing them to talk to one another over time about topics of shared interest.

Q: When will LearnPort be available to the Michigan educational community?

A: A catalog of 29 no-cost courses was released for immediate access to LearnPort members. Any school employee can obtain an ID and password by visiting www.learnport.org and can join LearnPort through an online registration process. During May and June 2004, MDE and MVU presented a series of informational meetings across the state to build anticipation and excitement among ISD/RESA and LEA leadership. This was followed by a training program for users arranged through the Regional Educational Media Center (REMC) Association and by local LEAs. Additional training is available to users by contacting MVU.

Q: What’s Next?

A: Currently, LearnPort offers news, links, and resources for new and experienced teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators at www.learnport.org. Many new professional development programs are currently available, including “Social Studies Benchmarks Using Technology,” Brain-compatible Instruction in the Content Areas,” and “Empowering Teachers with Data.”

For more information, contact: Cheryl Poole, Office of Professional Preparation Services, Michigan Department of Education, (517) 241-4546, PooleCL@michigan.gov or David Myers, Michigan LearnPort Administrator, Michigan Virtual University, 3101 Technology Parkway, Ste. G, Lansing, MI 48910, (517) 336-7733, dmyers@mivu.org, www.learnport.org.