Educators in North Carolina are experiencing a transformative shift in teaching methods, thanks to the Rethink Education Facilitator Badge professional development program. This initiative, designed to address the challenges of traditional learning disruptions, is showing significant improvements in student outcomes.
The program, spearheaded by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), aims to combat interruptions in education due to unexpected events such as the COVID-19 pandemic or severe weather. Supported by a $17.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Rethink Education enhances instructional resilience by training educators in high-quality blended learning techniques.
Blended learning combines face-to-face and online instruction, utilizing digital tools to offer flexible, personalized educational experiences. The program’s professional development aspect enables teachers to become facilitators and peer trainers, thereby boosting local school communities’ instructional capabilities.
“Today’s students need to be prepared for tomorrow’s dynamic work environment,” stated Melissa Davis, director of the Office of Virtual Instruction Support Services at NCDPI.
A study conducted by The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Education Policy Initiative at Carolina (EPIC) highlights the impact of Badged Facilitators. These educators, equipped with blended learning training, have been linked to a notable rise in student performance. On average, there was a 5% to 10% increase in standard deviation scores on end-of-grade math and English Language Arts tests, which translates to about a 4% to 5% gain in proficiency. Notably, groups traditionally underperforming on standardized tests, such as male students, Black students, and economically disadvantaged students, showed significant improvement.
A survey further underscores the program’s benefits:
- Nearly all participants (98%) found the Rethink Blended Learning Facilitator Course valuable.
- Over two-thirds (68%) observed enhanced student engagement through blended learning.
- More than half (56%) reported that students are developing stronger digital literacy skills.
- Almost all respondents (92%) agreed that blended learning is effective for all students.
Since its inception, Rethink Education has successfully trained and certified over 1,800 educators across 100 districts, two tribal schools, and 29 charter or lab schools throughout North Carolina. The program’s cohort-based training spans five to six months and is offered at no cost to participating educators or their institutions. Upon completion, these educators are expected to continue their roles as facilitators and instructional leaders, extending their impact beyond the initial training period.
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