Our primary goal is to continually improve the quality of learning taking place in our classrooms. Our immediate goal in this project was to improve the delivery of instruction through the use of more advanced technology. This was based on the belief that students’ learning would benefit from a technological method of delivery that is familiar to them.

Our pursuit of these goals has led us to bring technology into classrooms through a carefully planned, multi-year initiative that:

• Helped meet district and building goals
• Involved a variety of stakeholders including administrators and teachers

Students and parent groups:

• Utilized the library media program as a central component, and provided many levels of teacher training and support.

Definitions for this Project:

“Smart Classroom” – A networked, technology-rich teaching and learning environment consisting of a Smart Board, overhead data projector, laptop or workstation with Internet access and productivity applications. See information.

“Smart Board” – A brand of electronic white board that connects to a computer and data projector in order to provides a large visual, touch-sensitive, interactive surface for demonstrating computer applications to a group. See example.

“More advanced technology” – Teachers were familiar with various technology concepts such as the Internet and PowerPoint, but they were not actively using these technologies in the delivery of instruction.

“District Initiative” – Each year the superintendent expects each building principal to establish a minimum of two initiatives for the next school year designed to improve the quality of learning.

“Department Coordinator” – A lead teacher in charge of coordinating a department’s activities, but who does not function in a supervisory capacity.

“Supervisors” – District administrator such as the Principal, Assistant Principals or Superintendent are responsible for conducting formal and informal performance reviews of teachers.