Other

Other
(Zaben) I believe I've mentioned this on at least one of the other pages, but I'd really like to see some sort of mandatory computer literacy course taught at the late middle school or early high school level. Most of my students are fairly savvy with technology in general, but they could all use some basic instruction on evaluating internet sources, online safety (this would be a great place to tackle cyber-bullying as well), basic OS instruction, word processing and presentation software instruction, basic website design, video and photo editing, etc. These are all skills which various teachers will ask students to employ, but no one can site a single, specific time students were supposed to learn these skills. Whether our graduates are headed towards more education or the job market, they all need some basic instruction in computer literacy. (Zaben)

I agree with Zaben. We need to look more closely at what computer literacy skills are being taught and when. Once again it I think it goes back to standardization - what do we have out there that everybody can use and evaluate students on? - Denise

Could we look at making some changes to the Directory Release that the parents sign at the beginning of the year. I do not think they fully understand the repercussions of answering "no" to some of the choices. Maybe if there were examples or explanations next to the items?


 * Jonathan's statement above about a required computer literacy course has been discussed. Actually, at one time a basic CIS course was required for all students. NCLB and AYP and the evolution of technology in general was the end of that, I recall. SOL courses and the importance of the standardized tests is the big hurdle here. Our 8th grade students are required to be "technology literate" according to NCLB. We are requiring our middle schools assess this competency using various means. We have an online assessment our middle schools can use for no charge or they can create their own and submit it. This assessment is based on the ISTE NETS*S standards which deals with most of the topics you mention. The issue we come back to is since this assessment is not critical for AYP, its priority is not high.

Also, we had a pacing guide we developed many years ago to address the K-8 technology SOLs. Technology resource teachers actually met last year to **** see if we wanted to create an updated pacing guide, but it was decided not to. The major hurdle we run into here is the diverse scheduling amongst the schools. Also, building principals ask their resource teachers to address specific needs and this changes the curriculum from building to building. One size does not fit all.

We are looking at revamping the Directory Release form. It causes confusion and we hope to come up with something that makes sense. I am going to work with Kelly Storey and Ebbie Linaburg on this one. **