CISD Digital Leadership

Digital Leadership: Chapter 11 Summary

Digital leaders seek out innovations that foster authentic learning experiences and provide unsurpassed educational opportunities for students.  It is essential that districts form strategic partnerships that support the district’s vision and mission.   District leaders must find a way to attract top partners by distinguishing their district from the rest.  District leaders should systematically establish a variety of partnerships that provide a wealth of resources that enhance the educational experiences of students.  University partnerships can lead to professors working with district teachers in STEM classes and college courses being taught in the district schools.  Experiential learning partnerships such as, the Fort Worth Museum of Science, provide opportunities for students to learn outside the traditional classroom.  Intraschool partnerships allow teachers and students to collaborate and learn with other teachers and students in neighboring schools, across the nation or around the world.  Corporate and community partnerships enable to students explore and learn about a variety of issues such as social, economic and environmental justice.  Establishing a mental health partnership can help districts meet the mental and emotional needs of their students, which is important to their academic growth.

Leveraging social media is also discussed as a useful way to bring attention to the great innovative things taking place in districts and schools.  Using social media not only brings positive attention to the district, it also can possibly bring more opportunities for partnerships and connections.