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October 4, 2004 08:53 AM

Kudos To You!

Posted by jena on October 4, 2004 at 08:53 AM in Top Story | Comments (0)

October 1, 2004 11:48 AM

2013....trying for 2004!

New to the cadre and missed the 2013 discussion, so I will share one really positive staff development model which seems to be successful in moving our teachers and staff forward in the integration of technology with the curriculum. We work together with a neighboring school district to sponsor a Summer Tech Camp for Staff and have just completed our third year. We experienced a 65% increase in registrations since the first year; 170 participants this summer! Classes begin the last week in June and continue through the first week of August. Each class is 12 hours and runs from 8:30-11:30 Monday through Thursday. There is no charge, and teachers who wish to obtain PSU credit pay a very reasonable fee to the university and are required to take two of the courses and attend an additional 6 hour class to produce a classroom unit infused with technology. Class offerings all focus on classroom instruction, management, and activities and include iPhoto, Video Production Boot Camp, iMovie, Web Design, Using the Internet, Spreadsheet/Database, Word Processing/Draw/Paint, Using Inspiration/Kidspiration, etc. Because the teachers and staff have the time to learn the skills, to practice them, and to reflect with colleagues, the evaluations for these courses are very positive. We will be surveying participants later this year to see if their instructional activities are including the learning they gained from the summer camp, and indeed, if their teaching practices are changing. In addition, the blending of teachers from two districts creates a wonderful atmosphere of sharing.

Posted by on October 1, 2004 at 11:48 AM in Effective Staff Development | Comments (0)

2013 Classroom

The biggest change Parkrose SD has made toward a 2013 classroom is taking the first steps of offering district support to teachers for online courses. We have trained some teachers on the use and features of Moodle CMS. Several teachers have developed powerful learning environments, at each school level (Elem, MS & HS). Several people in our district have made comments expressing the belief that this tool is moving us toward 21st Century teaching and classrooms. We believe, in 2013, a lot of instruction will be provided online. This first step has initiated the process of us (our district) developing the necessary expertise. It is ?forcing? our teachers, students and parents to begin to interact and learn about this process. We are building a learning community that is involved with the design and development of a 21st Century learning environment for our students. And finally, this initial step has emphasized the issue of access for our students, parents and community in general. As we address one issue, we progress to others. This will continue to be our process until the end of time!!! Communication and collaboration within our local community (and globally), with the use of technology, will be some general priorities.

Posted by on October 1, 2004 at 11:35 AM in General | Comments (0)

The Classroom of 2013

When I reflect on 'what has changed' over the last year to move schools into the vision of the classroom of 2013 I realize that many things - along a continuum of change - have been implemented.

On the 'emerging' end of the continuum one small school district we worked with finally committed to spending the time to develop a multi-year plan to complete the following:
(1) get their LAN up to standard and contract for network services versus trying do this without having the knowledge and skills to really do it.
(2) get rid of old PCs that were not being used - even for word processing - and committing to going with fewer stations over the short run, but purchasing only higher end machines that would allow multiple users and uses.
(3) really assess what technology skills teachers had and don't have and then work with teachers individually and in pairs to build their skills with technology based on their existing curriculum and the students they serve.

On the 'developing' and 'innovation' end of the continuum we have multiple districts moving into all types of technology and uses including the following short list of examples:
(1) online teaching and professional development courses.
(2) student and classroom webpages
(3) two-way videoconferences between students in addition to videoconferencing for adult meetings and workshops.
(4) TESA for state assessment
(5) digital curriculum as an additional resource in our multimedia collection.
(6) assistive technologies for students.
(7) drafting and other relevant software in PTE courses
(8) digital science equipment
(9) heldheld technologies

Posted by on October 1, 2004 at 11:13 AM in General | Comments (0)

Moving toward 2013

Our Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent have children that will be in the classes of 2013, 2014, and 2016, so they are thinking about this issue a lot.

In general terms, South Lane School District has been making an intensive effort over the past four years to update and expand our technology resources for both staff and students as well as provide improved tech support at each of the nine schools.

More specifically, we recently hired a new, highly skilled network administrator who is reorganizing our system and correcting the network problems that we have struggled with over the years. We also have a newly approved tech plan that calls for a plan to be developed requiring technology skills to be taught at each grade level. Our network administrator and other staff are working on a slew of web services to help support this process, including services that allow students and parents to have access to student progress in their classes as well as providing info about CIM/CAM/PASS/ Ed Plan progress.

At our new high school (built last year) we purchased 250 new computers and have three labs available for 750 students.

Finally, we have successfully acquired monies through competitive grants over four consecutive years that have allowed us to begin implementing programs for handheld computers district-wide. We currently have about 700 Palms in use throughout the school system in which use ranges from small group work to general curriculum applications for classes of 32 students. Our hope is to further expand the handheld project to include all teachers and students k-12 over the next few years.

Posted by kerry on October 1, 2004 at 10:47 AM in General | Comments (0)

Cadre engaged

Posted by jena on October 1, 2004 at 10:31 AM in Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

Working

Posted by jena on October 1, 2004 at 10:29 AM in Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

WESD

Posted by jena on October 1, 2004 at 10:20 AM in Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

Learning

Posted by jena on October 1, 2004 at 10:19 AM in Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

Cadre in Salem

Posted by jena on October 1, 2004 at 10:18 AM in Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

Cadre

Posted by jena on October 1, 2004 at 10:09 AM in Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

Cadre

Posted by jena on October 1, 2004 at 10:05 AM in Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

Cadre

Posted by jena on October 1, 2004 at 10:04 AM in Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

The Classroom of 2013

When I reflect on 'what has changed' over the last year to move schools into the vision of the classroom of 2013 I realize that many things - along a continuum of change - have been implemented.

On the 'emerging' end of the continuum one small school district we worked with finally committed to spending the time to develop a multi-year plan to complete the following:
(1) get their LAN up to standard and contract for network services versus trying do this without having the knowledge and skills to really do it.
(2) get rid of old PCs that were not being used - even for word processing - and committing to going with fewer stations over the short run, but purchasing only higher end machines that would allow multiple users and uses.
(3) assess what technology skills teachers have and don't have and then work with teachers individually and in pairs to build their skills with technology based on their existing curriculum and the students they serve.

On the 'developing' and 'innovation' end of the continuum we have multiple districts moving into all types of technology and uses including the following short list of examples:
(1) online teaching and professional development courses.
(2) student and classroom webpages
(3) two-way videoconferences between students in addition to videoconferencing for adult meetings and workshops.
(4) TESA for state assessment
(5) digital curriculum as an additional resource in our regional multimedia collection.
(6) assistive technologies for students.
(7) drafting and other relevant software in PTE courses
(8) digital science equipment
(9) heldheld technologies

Posted by on October 1, 2004 at 09:34 AM in General | Comments (0)

Oakridge in 2013

Since Oakridge received an Ed Tech Grant for the 2004-2005 school year, teachers and staff have been re-thinking how to effectively deliver curriculum in their classroom.

While our district continues to address the traits of an effective "Classroom of 2013," teachers are beginning to embrace and apply additional strategies that will lead their teaching in a direction that better meets the needs of students and makes the learning process a more meaningful experience.

Currently, areas teachers are focusing on are:

* project based learning to connect learning with life experiences.
* electronic means of teaching will facilitate collaboration.
* cross curricular learning. i.e. writing instruction in non-Language Arts classes

As teachers become more familiar and comfortable with the technology placed before them, our students will only benefit as our district strives to implement a more student-centered learning environment.

Posted by on October 1, 2004 at 08:30 AM in General | Comments (0)

Are we nearing Classroom 3/27/

I remember when we implemented email into a school a few years back. Teachers put up their fists fighting "I won't need this, I don't want this". Now try and take email, and the Internet, away from them.

We are progressing towards true integration. Why? Is it because our culture is moving in that direction. Is it because the new teachers are more confident with technology. Is it because of Cadre's like ours?

However, is technology moving faster than we, as educational professionals, are implementing the technology?

Posted by Admin on October 1, 2004 at 08:22 AM in General | Comments (0)

Class of 2013

Not having been here during the original brainstorm, I will respond to this with the things that I have done in the past year to move students and teachers toward the future of teaching and learning as I see it. :-)

I see the classroom of 2013 as one in which collaboration among students and differentiated learning are the norm. With that, students will more likely be the primary focus with the teacher as mentor and guide.

Technology will be available as a learning and teaching tool, and will be used by students "as needed" rather that whole class instruction in particular applications, etc.

The physical layout of a classroom will accomodate multiple means for collaboration amoung students and between student and teacher. Communication may even be wireless between student and teacher. This will create the ability to have ongoing immediate assessment.

With that said, in the past year we have been able (thanks to the Title IID grant) to provide wirelass labs to some elementary schools. Teachers are already beginning to have them available as one of the many instructional tools that they use. Students are working collaboratively on projects and to assist one another. They can work in their classroom environment, choosing to use technology if it is appropriate, rather than to adhere to a computer lab schedule that may or may not fit seemlessly into their learning.

Students are working at their own levels, and when the whole class is working on a particular project, assessment does occur immediatley as the teacher cruises the room and can look at the computer screens, talk to students, etc.

Posted by tricia on October 1, 2004 at 08:21 AM in General | Comments (0)

Tools, Training and Colla3/27/

25 teachers now have the tools to help them integrate technology, an InFocus and laptop. Nine additional computer labs in our district of eleven schools, six Read 180 labs and two handheld labs.

The Train the Trainer model is starting to take off. Many of the teachers use the InFocus daily. Schools are ordering additional projectors because of demand. The teachers have many of the tools, training on software and knowledge of resources, by just giving them the time to share and collaborate they are moving along quickly.

Students are now seeing teachers use projectors to show websites and PowerPoint presentations. Many students who have never used computers a all at school are now using labs for research, projects and to improve their reading.

Posted by natalie on October 1, 2004 at 08:20 AM in General | Comments (0)

Planting Seeds

I have mostly planted seeds. In many workshops I mention resources that are available and encourage teachers to explore them on their own.

I have been requesting better presentation resources to use at our ESD and within our department. As a staff developer I find it challenging to model technology integration for a variety of reasons - lack of the technology, time to learn the technologies myself, and then the time to prepare quality presentations that integrate the technologies. I value being a part of this group because it keeps me connected.

Posted by linda on October 1, 2004 at 08:17 AM in Effective Staff Development | Comments (0)

Class of 2013

Last year we were in a state of panic. Our school was becoming a mausoleum for antiquated technology equipment. Teachers were frustrated, which implicated that soon they would give up using tech tools in their teaching. Students could not count of consistent saving and retrieving of files. After five years of piloting technology, our vision for a school laden with the best technologies was fading into a state of comatose exhaustion. The problem was simple, we had no money.

Our best and last hope was a public charter school grant. The deadline for notification came and went. We waited on pins and needles. When we finally verbalized our grief over the apparent rejection of our grant, an email appeared from ODE! We were chosen!

The grant meant $350,000 to buy training and equipment over a 3 year period. It was manna from heaven.

OK, so I am being a bit wordy here, but nothing can describe the elation I felt when I found out that my dream would continue and thrive. My dream began in high school many years ago, a dream that began as a result of innocent discrimination. A group of boys was given the opportunity to explore computers. Although I had scored better than many of them in math classes, I was not asked to be involved. They were a group of TAG kids who were given opportunities beyond those of the traditional classroom. No girls were asked?.. From that point on, my curiosity about technology drove me to learn. It also fixed in my mind that all students are TAG. All students deserve technology that allows them to go beyond the limits that others set for them.

Finally, yes we are moving toward the school of the future, a place where feedback is instant, learning disabilities are diagnosed and treated with the best practices in teaching, kids, parents, community members and teachers love learning! Project based learning will drive the curriculum. Relationships, mentoring and role modeling will keep at-risk kids in school. We will have made our world a better place by being active in it.

It won't be the technology that makes the school of 2013 better than today's. It will be what people can do as a result of the technology.

Posted by carrie on October 1, 2004 at 08:15 AM in General | Comments (0)

Preparing for 2013

Expanding access and building teacher confidence has been a target for our district. Developing systems that move teachers toward using technology as a professional tool has been challenging and rewarding, especially for our elementary staff. The growing enthusiasm and desire for immediate access to information is exciting. We find it challenging at times, to keep up with their requests.

The desire to use technology in the classroom is quickly gaining momentum. We look forward to our professsional development plan for 2004-05. Teachers will have the opporutnity to enhance their technology skills, learn about appropraite uses of technology and gain insight into best practices for implementing technology into their instructional program.

Moving forward with excitement and energy.

Posted by cnorfleet on October 1, 2004 at 08:13 AM in General | Comments (0)

Classroom of 2013

I wasn't able to attend the Fall 2003 Cadre meeting so I'm not certain what ideas where discussed about the classroom of 2013. During the past year my school district has not undertaken any major technology initiatives. Roseburg Public Schools have been in the midst of a 3-year construction and realignment project.

Most of the focus in my district has been on building contruction at the high school and on transitioning grade 6 to the middle schools and grade 9 to the high school. Primarily our technology integration efforts have focused on supporting several content areas and instructional materials adoptions. Several of our schools began using the electronic versions of the Read Naturally program to support Title I activities. A number of our elementary schools are making good use of PLATO''s Math Expeditions and mini-applications that are closely tied to the Bridges and Math Investigations programs.

Posted by on October 1, 2004 at 08:10 AM in General | Comments (0)

Classroom of 2013

Last year we proposed a classroom that was far reaching; it met all needs and all students. I continue to believe that the classroom of the future will reach beyond walls, students and technologies. That classroom is still in my mind, but not physically in place in Lakeview, Oregon schools. We are doing well in educating our young people, but the technologies are still limited. However, I think that we as educators still need to learn all about the new methods and technologies that "out there." Some of us will be speedboats or even sailboats, but some of us are freightliners or cruise ships. I think that is also true with our school districts and our use of the education dollar.

Posted by on October 1, 2004 at 08:09 AM in General | Comments (0)

Changes in Stanfield

The staff at the Stanfield School district received an ed. tech. grant through the hard work of Tim Sprenger, Nancy Pratt, Gene Jorgenson, and Joe Buglione.

This past school year Stanfield experienced a little bit of a turn over in personnel. Tim has moved on to become the Principal/Superintendent in Long Creek. Gary Mounce has gone to Clatskanie to become the principal. I (Guy Post) have stepped up to take Tim?s position as the team coach. Steve Staniak, the new principal has become project director. Our new science teacher, Bill DeLong has come on board as the new science teacher.

With the grant we purchased two classroom sets of lap top computers, and a set of stand alones for the computer lab. We also purchased three classroom sets of TI-84 graphing calculators, along with some Vernier probe ware and sensors. These materials will be utilized by the science and math departments at the high school and middle school levels. We also have a teacher on board who will be working with ELL students during class and an after school program called Bench Builders.

With these materials we hope to see a rise in math scores and hopefully a significant rise in math and science scores with our ELL students.

We are excited about the opportunities that this material will afford us.

Posted by guy on October 1, 2004 at 08:09 AM in Effective Staff Development | Comments (0)

Teacher / Parent Communic3/27/

The teachers of the Echo School District are currently maintaining individual Blogs about their classrooms. The intent of the teacher?s Blogs is to help increase communication between the school, parents and other members of the community. These Blogs may include classroom rules, daily lesson plans, homework assignments, schedules and notes to parents. The administration of the school district have only received positive comments about this new means of communication and we hope that more individuals from our service area will take advantage of this opportunity.

Posted by on October 1, 2004 at 08:08 AM in General | Comments (0)

Stepping Toward the Futur3/27/

Mobile Classroom - More and more of our teachers are getting equipped with mobile technology such as handhelds, laptops, data projectors, probeware, etc.

Tech Skills - We are working on a district wide tech skills survey to that we can assess current skill level and plan thoughtful staff development to fill in the gaps.

Posted by on October 1, 2004 at 08:04 AM in General | Comments (0)

Wireless Collaborative En3/27/

This last year, our 5th and 4th grade classes utilized a wireless lab of 12 laptops and a Smart board to implement projects in science and social studies. This was made possible through grant funds. It has moved those teachers and students closer to an interactive, collaborative, wireless environment. We are now using our limited technology dollars to buy our own Smart board and will check out the district's wireless lab for specific projects.

Posted by joyce on October 1, 2004 at 08:04 AM in General | Comments (0)

Small Steps

How much progress have I made toward the classroom of 2013? I am still taking small steps. In our curriuculum council I have been sharing what I pick up at the cadre meetings, such as blogs, moodles, the handheld projects and an idea for a wireless laptop lab.
I just ordered a ten laptop wireless lab to take with me when I go into buildings to do professional development. I am hopeful this will be a first step to acquiring at least one more lab to check out to schools, modeled after UMESD's project.
The connections that I have made from this group have been very helpful. It has given me the network that I need to bring "experts" to our region to provide professional development for teachers. One of the best was Lynn Lary, who traveled all the way to Nyssa for a geocache course for teachers. We purchased 2 sets of GPS units that are checked out by teachers. The sets are checked out pretty much all year and the project has been very successful. We have Ag, math, science and social science teachers integrating them into their instruction.

Posted by on October 1, 2004 at 08:02 AM in General | Comments (0)

Progress on Classroom of 3/27/

How do you think students would describe instruction in the classroom of 2013? Would their descriptions align with ours?

Posted by on October 1, 2004 at 08:01 AM in General | Comments (0)

Blogging to 2013

I wasn't involved in the meeting last year, but our district is slowly getting to the classroom of 2013. The good news is that we have some staff who are ready and eager to lead others toward this goal. We are using our technology grant to provide tools and training for teachers to use. The bad news is that we don't have enough money to get the all of the tools to all of the staff that want/need them. But we're working on that.

One of our most important steps was to inservice our administrators on what to look for as they evaluate teachers in the area of technology integration in the classroom. Theirs can be the first step toward encouraging teachers to incorporate technology into their classes to make their instruction more effective as they prepare students for the world of 2013.

One step at a time.

Posted by jfletcher on October 1, 2004 at 08:01 AM in General | Comments (0)

How have me moved to the 3/27/

Looking back over the last year, I think our district has made giant baby steps in moving away from using technology only for information and data gathering, and more towards putting it into the hands of kids so that they can learn and show us what they know. We have ten teachers using classroom sets of Palms with kids, and those same ten classrooms have been outfitted with flexicams, projectors, laser printers, and infrared technology. That is huge compared to where we were a year ago. Our teachers have been given access to more resources "online," and our IT department has realized that the future is putting the technology in the hands of kids. One of our high schools was the recipient of an HP grant and are working on integrating technology into what we do. I think the most significant change in the impact of the technology is that teachers are renewed and excited to be able to use tools that excite and motivate kids to do their best learning.

We have a long way to go still.....ten or fifteen teachers out of nearly 300 is a drop in the bucket. It is however a start...and a great one at that.

Posted by on October 1, 2004 at 08:00 AM in General | Comments (0)

technology integration

Our most significant progress in moving towards the 2013 classroom has been in the area of multi media applications and use of handheld computers. Consider the possibilities of a simple application such as Microsoft Word. Choose a creative template from the web, import graphics, modify font and colors and ZAM you have a basic document utilizing several technoogy skills. If you wish, all of this work can be copied to a Palm operating system and the students can go mobile. Our focus has been to take better advantage of existing technologies.

Posted by on October 1, 2004 at 07:59 AM in General | Comments (0)