ERIC Number: ED423853
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1998-Feb
Pages: 7
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
STEPS: An EPSS Tool for Instructional Planning.
Northrup, Pamela Taylor; Pilcher, Janet K.
Support for Teachers Enhancing Performance in Schools (STEPS) is a World Wide Web and CD-ROM electronic performance support system (EPSS) designed for preK-12 and preservice educators to assist in designing and developing lessons, units, or curricula; this tool was developed around school reform and accountability initiatives in Florida. To achieve the four areas of accountability (i.e., integrated curriculum, integrating technology, alternative assessment, and diverse learning environments) and to maintain that all teachers would be able to use STEPS for instructional planning and ongoing support, the following variables were established as development guiding principles: easy access; user interface; teacher planning model; scaffolding for guidance; teacher developed and tested materials; and plan for continuous evaluation and revision. Six components were established within STEPS: (1) Lesson Architect, a guide through the instructional planning process; (2) Tutorial Library, 40 instructional tutorials centered around the four areas of accountability; (3) Model Units, designed for teachers to use as models for planning their own units; (4) Related Web Links, over 400 annotated links to relevant, reliable Web sites; (5) Best Practices Database, accessible by Sunshine State Standard and subject area or keyword; and (6) Coach, scaffolded help. A diagram of STEPS is included. (Contains 13 references.) (DLS)
Descriptors: Accountability, Alternative Assessment, Computer Software Development, Computer Uses in Education, Curriculum Development, Databases, Design Preferences, Educational Change, Educational Environment, Educational Planning, Elementary Secondary Education, Faculty Development, Inservice Teacher Education, Instructional Design, Instructional Development, Instructional Materials, Integrated Curriculum, Online Systems, Optical Data Disks, Postsecondary Education, Preschool Education, Preservice Teacher Education, State Standards, Technology Integration, World Wide Web
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Florida
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Goals 2000
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A