School districts across the country have developed programs and models that other districts covet and would love to see part of their own district’s program. Transferring this knowledge is both desirable and challenging. One way to raise awareness about these programs is through the sharing of best practices. NSBA’s Technology Leadership Network is offering an opportunity for districts throughout the country to learn from others. You can read about what they are doing, listen to podcasts, or participate in one of the Technology Leadership Site Visits. This month we will hear from Kathy Rains of the Madison City School District in Madison, Alabama.
Kathy’s article is filled with real-world practices used by teachers and administrators who lead the Madison School District. You’ll learn about their insights from years of practical experience. Their story can shed new light on the strategic opportunities available for similar efforts in your school district.
Additional Resources
Tech savvy teachers to utilize skills in city-wide competition
Article from the Huntsville Times, February 11, 2009. By Gregg L. Parker. Madison teachers are competing in a contest that puts technology to the test. The technology contest is intended to provide video clips from seasoned teachers to new teachers for applying 21st century skills in the classroom. "Second, the contest can drive teachers to include project-based learning and technology," said Kathy Rains, director of technology for Madison City Schools, who is coordinating the venture.
In This Issue: Best Practices - Effective Use of Data - Electronic School February 2009
by Gene Broderson, Director, National Affiliate Services and Technology Programs
Planning for the Future: Madison City Schools
By Kathy Rains, Director of Technology, Madison City Schools, Madison, Alabama. The technology program for Madison City Schools in Madison, Ala., is answering all of these questions with a resounding YES! With a very supportive and technology-savvy school board, this technology team, of which I am proud member as the director of technology, is utilizing many technologies to create a futuristic learning environment for a technology-based community. Madison is neighbor to NASA and the Marshall Space Flight Center, and many NASA engineers call Madison home. This hard-working community expects the best education possible for their children. They know what the future holds and want their children prepared for it. So, how do we do it?
Mission Control: We Have a Solution!
Mission Control: We have a solution! In its ten years as a school system, Madison City Schools has proven to be a state leader in the area of technology use and resources. Beginning with its dedication to provide open resource computer labs, mobile laptop labs, student workstations in every classroom, and multimedia teaching workstations in every classroom, technology has been the background for strong teaching and enhanced learning opportunities. Visit Madison City to learn solutions to problems facing many school districts.
Speak Up 2008 Data Coming Soon
Look for new data in mid-March. "Speak Up is an annual national research project facilitated by Project Tomorrow. The purpose of the project is to collect and report the unfiltered feedback from students, parents and teachers on key educational issues, use the data to stimulate local conversations, and raise national awareness about the importance of including the viewpoints of students, parents, and teachers in the education dialogue. Quantitative survey results are available to participating schools and districts, online, free-of-charge, so that they can use the data for planning and community discussion. National findings are released through a variety of venues, including: a Congressional Briefing in Washington, DC, national and regional conferences, e-mail distribution, Project Tomorrow website, and our Speak Up partners. Local, state and national stakeholders report using Speak Up data to inform their new programs and policies."
NASA Education
Take a look at how "NASA’s journeys into air and space have deepened humankind’s understanding of the universe, advanced technology breakthroughs, enhanced air travel safety and security, and expanded the frontiers of scientific research. These accomplishments share a common genesis: education. As the United States begins the second century of flight, the Nation must maintain its commitment to excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education to ensure that the next generation of Americans can accept the full measure of their roles and responsibilities in shaping the future. NASA will continue the Agency’s tradition of investing in the Nation’s education programs and supporting the country’s educators who play a key role in preparing, inspiring, exciting, encouraging, and nurturing the young minds of today who will be the workforce of tomorrow."
NSBF Receives Grant from the Gates Foundation to Help School Boards Use Data in Decision Making
The National School Boards Foundation has received a $755,603 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to promote the effective use of data in school board decision-making. The grant is part of a $22 million initiative announced by the Gates Foundation on Jan. 22 to help school districts, individual schools, and states gather and effectively use student performance data to improve teaching and learning and create evidence-based links between students, educators, and policymakers. The initiative supports the Gates Foundation’s efforts to ensure all students graduate from high school prepared for college with the opportunity to earn a degree with real value in the workplace.
Pockets of Potential: Using Mobile Technologies to Promote Children's Learning
This report recently released by The Joan Ganz Cooney center "illustrates how mobile devices might be more broadly used for learning. Examining over 25 handheld learning products and research projects in the U.S. and abroad, this report highlights early evidence of how these devices can help revolutionize teaching and learning. The report also outlines mobile market trends and innovations, as well as key opportunities, such as mobile's ability to reach underserved populations and provide personalized learning experiences.
2009 Horizon Report Profiles Six Key Emerging Technologies for Higher Education
Download this new report. "The New Media Consortium (NMC) and the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI) jointly released the 2009 Horizon Report. The annual Horizon Report seeks to identify and describe emerging technologies likely to have considerable impact on teaching, learning, and creative expression within higher education."
Intel Schools of Distinction
There is still time to enter your school! Deadline is February 17, 2009. "Intel believes all students, everywhere, deserve to have the tools they need to become the next generation of innovators - and that good schools and good teachers are the foundation of student excellence. Intel Schools of Distinction exemplify this excellence. Every year, Intel honors U.S. schools that have demonstrated excellence in math and science education as Intel Schools of Distinction. Eighteen schools – three elementary, three middle and three high schools in each of two categories – math and science – will be selected as Finalists, receiving a cash grant for $2,500 from the Intel Foundation. Six winners - one elementary, one middle and one high school in each of the two categories receive $10,000 cash grants and more than $100,000 in products and services from sponsors. One of the six winning schools is chosen as the Star Innovator, and receives an additional $15,000 grant from the Intel Foundation as well as additional products and services."
Education Criteria for Performance Excellence
The National Institute of Standards and Technology's Baldrige National Quality Program "provides a systems perspective for understanding performance management. They reflect validated, leading-edge management practices against which an organization can measure itself. With their acceptance nationally and internationally as the model for performance excellence, the Criteria represent a common language for communication among organizations for sharing best practices. The Criteria are also the basis for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award process." Find out more information here.