Dovetailing to the SIP (School Improvement Plan)
It is the district's goal to see technology continue to be integrated into all grade levels and all learning environments. The main impetus of this plan is to provide ubiquitous access to technology in the classroom by maintaining a 3:1 workstation / student ratio. At the same time the six computers in each classroom and the lab computers will be maintained and upgraded to provide access to students before, after, and during school. Staff development, community access, and adult classes are scheduled in the lab.
Through the Engaged Learning Model , students will design complex collaborative multiple discipline projects that integrate state goals of language arts, mathematics, science, and fine arts. Staff training in the Engaged Learning Model as well as the integration of software designed to support it are planned. It is the districts goal that the Engaged Learning Model directly links the "Application of Learning" in all fundamental learning areas described in the Illinois Learning Standards at all grade levels.
Planning committees of teachers, administrators and the Tech Coordinator have dovetailed technology with the districts efforts with the School Improvement Plan. Teachers have made plans and developed activities to incorporate the following technologies / purchases with the associated sections:
Phase I
A) Two (2) Palmtop hand held computers for the collection of data in the field: Sections 11A 1.c and 1.d, 11B 2.c - 2.f, 12A-12F, 13B.1 through 13B.2, as well as the Language Arts sections 3C.1-3b, 3B.3b. - cost $650
B) Network Licensee for HyperStudio 3.01. - 4B.3a, 4B.3b, 3C.2b, 5C.2a. $1500
C) Allocation of $500 for individual tiles/licenses to be determined by the Tech Committee/ classroom teacher and Tech coordinator. The emphasis for selection and allocation of these funds should be based upon SIP sections. 12 A-F and 13B.1 and 13B.2
Phase II:
A) Two (2) Palmtop hand held computers for the collection of data in the field: Sections 11A 1.c and 1.d, 11B 2.c - 2.f, 12A-12F, 13B.1 through 13B.2, as well as the Language Arts sections 3C.1-3b, 3B.3b. - cost $650
B) Allocation of $500 for individual tiles/licenses to be determined by the Tech Committee/ classroom teacher and Tech coordinator. The emphasis for selection and allocation of these funds should be based upon SIP sections. 12 A-F and 13B.1 and 13B.2
Phase III:
A) The purchase of a Database program capable of being run under Windows 3.1 and 95 to be applied towards section: 11B, 11A, $500
B) Allocation of $500 for individual tiles/licenses to be determined by the Tech Committee/ classroom teacher and Tech coordinator. The emphasis for selection and allocation of these funds should be based upon SIP sections. 12 A-F and 13B.1 and 13B.2
Student Record Keeping, E-mail, Staff development
Student/Staff record keeping at the classroom level has been accomplished with the purchase and installation of Excelsior Grade2. Training sessions for the staff were held and on-going staff support is being provided by the Technology Coordinator as well as experienced staff in a peer-to-peer environment. Intranet e-mail has been in place and used extensively since October of 1996. All staff members have an Intranet e-mail address.
It is the district's goal to have daily attendance and lunch data collected via the school's intranet. This plan includes the purchase of administrative software to centralize the collection and distribution of student grades via the school's intranet. To that end, administrative software that will use and/or convert data from the currently used classroom management / grading software is being reviewed. Internet access to research and governmental sites is also part of the districts goal. Training on all aspects of these goals for office staff, administration, library staff and teachers is also planned
Technology to support: Fine Arts, Gifted Ed, Special Ed.
Fine Arts: Three major themes emerge with the use of technology in the Fine Arts Programs at Prairie Hill School:
1) Yearbook Production. The publisher of the schools yearbook produces a program to aid in the creation, layout and design of the yearbook.
2) Image Creation. A digital camera, photo editing software, scanner, and art tablets to replace mice on arts computers would provide computer based simulations of more traditional art medium.
3) Infusion of Fine Arts with Technology in support of the Classroom Curriculum.
Gifted Education: The major concern of the Gifted Teachers is not for an infusion of more technology and software, but rather that the existing programs be fully utilized with gifted students. This would require that funds be allocated for more teacher training directed at infusion models and teacher awareness of what capabilities we have at Prairie Hill School.
Special Education: sees the need for computer simulations for life skills, problem solving and language arts. Keyboarding skills need to be emphasized as well as basic language arts skills.
It is the districts goal that traditional as well as electronic tools assist the students in their art work. Students use computers, graphic software, digital cameras, scanners and tablets to enhance their ability to communicate visually. It is further hoped that experiences in fine arts and related technologies will lead to activities that promote group work, consideration of others, communicating ideas, and reaching consensus.