Exciting New Technology & Planning
Internet Access
During the past year we have explored various options to improve our district’s bandwidth that would allow our students easier access to the Internet. I am pleased to announce that as of February 1 our access to the Internet for students and staff will increase over 2,000 PERCENT!
You may have seen recent construction on Bay Avenue and Porter Street. The completion of this construction will enable us to utilize fiber optics throughout our district. Our new capabilities will enable us to expand our curriculum in the area of research and be able to obtain information almost instantly.
We are excited to be able to explore different course offerings that are now within our reach because of our new connectivity. Having our students design presentations and projects that utilize the latest technology or new software is very important to us. As a result, our student exploration and engagement in the area of multimedia will expand significantly within the next couple of years.
New Laptops
Another major investment in the area of student technology will be the purchasing of nearly 200 Chromebooks. Each of our elementary schools will be receiving at least 40 of these devices. Having 40 Chromebooks at the elementary schools in addition to a completed modernized computer lab will enable our teaching staff to have the option to work with a large number of students in a computer setting for project based learning.
We considered different devices before purchasing the Chromebook. The Chromebook computer will enable us to utilize this device during the upcoming Smarter Balance testing period. We plan to immediately place these devices in our student’s hands, which will allow them a significant amount of time to become familiar with this new device and to engage in learning beyond the classroom. During our recent visits to other school districts we were impressed with the student engagement that we observed when students were utilizing Chromebooks. The opportunities to learn beyond the classroom were exciting to observe.
Preparing for California’s New Academic Testing
This year’s testing period will occur late April through May. We are planning to divide our district up into two testing groups to create an easier testing schedule for our students. Also by dividing all of our schools into two testing groups we will be able to complete the testing and minimize “student testing anxiety” that may occur during the first time this new test is administered.
We are exploring testing options that will enable our children to be able to take the test with very little interruptions and to provide the best testing environment. It is most important to remember that our children are taking a new assessment and even though they have received practice questions, taking a full battery of new assessments can be challenging.
I have spoken with staff at each of schools, and I assured them that it is most important that we do not over emphasize our state’s testing assessment that will be implemented this spring. Every district will need a minimum of two more years before valid scores can be demonstrated over a period of time. The California Department of Education continues to refine the protocols that will be used to determine student proficiencies. Presently this rubric is a living document and is being changed continually.
I am excited that we continue to find avenues to improve our classroom instruction. Our teaching staff is second to none and with multiple opportunities in the area of media instruction and project based learning. I can guarantee you that our children are going to engage in numerous outstanding projects that will prepare them for the 21st century.