MEMBERSHIP
Membership ensures opportunities for education leaders from different states to meet and learn from each other, gain new insight into what works, and access professional development materials. Technical support is available to members on data collection and analysis, reporting, educational program design, instructional strategies, and the selection and use of online curricula. IDEAL Consortium workshop topics and ongoing discussions are shaped in response to the needs and interests of consortium membership.
In addition to the following membership levels, customized professional development packages are also available. If your state does not permit the purchase of memberships, we can provide alternative technical assistance plans. We look forward to hearing from you about your membership.
Membership Options
- Up to five hours of mentoring to support state education and PD leaders
- Two-day, annual summer institute for two people in person, four online*
- Access to learning circles where state leaders can discuss important topics of interest, share successes and resources, and ask questions to support their planning and innovation
- Access to a virtual Community of Practice for distance and blended education leaders, including an ongoing online discussion forum and periodic webinars
*States/Institutions arrange and cover the costs of travel and lodging for all participants. If your state does not permit purchase of memberships, we can provide alternative technical assistance plans.
- Up to 10 hours of mentoring to support state education and PD leaders
- Two-day, annual summer institute for two people in person, four online *
- Access to learning circles where state leaders can discuss important topics of interest, share successes and resources, and ask questions to support their planning and innovation
- Access to a virtual Community of Practice for distance and blended education leaders, including an ongoing online discussion forum and periodic webinars
- Access to all professional development courses
*States/Institutions arrange and cover the costs of travel and lodging for all participants. If your state does not permit purchase of memberships, we can provide alternative technical assistance plans.
Learning Circles
Learning circles meet synchronously online and are open to IDEAL member states. The learning community conversations focus on sharing of ideas, identifying solutions to challenges, and/or collaborative resource development. They are targeted at state office staff, PD developers, and PD facilitators. Previous topics included Artificial Intelligence, Learning Management Systems, HyFlex, and Digital Literacy Plans.
Community of Practice
Connections made at the IDEAL Institute are strengthened through continuous online discussions throughout the year. IDEAL members post questions to support just-in-time learning. Additionally, EdTech staff facilitate discussions based on technical support issues raised in communication with member states. Topics have included:
- Checklists for developing blended learning lessons
- Lending WiFi hotspots and devices to learners
- Models for providing distance learning (at local programs or at a centralized hub)