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Fort Smith pilots SAMR technology model at Tillis Elementary; early walkthrough data show higher student engagement
Summary
Tillis Elementary is piloting a technology‑integration model based on SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition). District staff reported early walkthrough data showing increased observed student engagement and instructional alignment and outlined plans to expand coaching cycles to other schools.
Fort Smith School District staff presented a mid‑implementation report on a technology integration pilot at Tillis Elementary that uses the SAMR model (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) and a coaching cycle to train teachers and measure classroom use.
Director of Elementary Education Dr. Kimberly Starr and Director of Student Information Systems Dr. Laurie Yates described a staged rollout that focused on grades 3–5 in the pilot school. The district trained teachers on substitution and augmentation in the first quarter, provided modification training in the second quarter, and plans redefinition training in the fourth quarter of the school year. Staff said kindergarten through second‑grade teachers have also received training and may participate.
The district developed a walk‑through tool tied to the SAMR levels and measures both “instructional use” (alignment to objective, developmentally appropriate use, feedback) and “student engagement” (active engagement, collaboration, facilitation through technology). Early baseline comparisons reported improvement across several measures after October 16: a shift from heavier substitution toward more augmentation and reported increases in observed high student engagement from roughly 59% to 86% on the walk‑through instrument.
District leaders also described coaching cycles run by an EdTech team; post‑cycle survey results from the first cohort reported high satisfaction, with 97% of teachers saying the cycles were effective in helping them integrate technology, 91% of principals recommending continuation or expansion, and 87% of principals noting building‑level improvements.
Dr. Starr said the district intends to expand the SAMR coaching cycles to additional schools and cohorts, using the Tillis materials and walk‑through tool to scale training and monitor impact. “Technology will not replace great teachers. But technology in the hands of great teachers can be transformational,” Dr. Starr said.
The pilot report was presented as an information item; no board action was required. District staff said they will continue to collect walkthrough data and refine coaching and training as they add schools to the model.
