Why do students at CdM need technology in the classroom?

Laptops are the essential tool for today’s university student.  Virtually every college student uses a personal laptop or notebook.  University students use their computers for research, communication, writing, note-taking, and presentations.  Furthermore, universities are increasingly providing digital content instead of text books. Whether your child is a middle performer or a top performer, you need to prepare her or him for the new college environment. 

How can smaller learning centers or academies help my child?

Studies show small learning environments to be one of the most successful models for elevating academic achievement. Interest-specific academies have been shown to dramatically increase student engagement by tapping into real-world subjects. Interest-specific academies are particularly successful for mid-performing students who have not performed at their full potential in the traditional high school model.  CdM plans to introduce a Performing Arts and Multi-media Academy (PAMA) in the fall of 2007 specifically for students interested in careers in technology, performing arts, fine arts and media.  This is an internationally renowned and highly challenging curriculum designed for students who want to study at the university level while in high school.   Many universities accept IB graduates as sophomores.  Future academies will be identified based on student, teacher, and parent interest surveys. 

Does the technology program benefit Middle School students as well as High School students?

Yes. In fact, we plan to pilot a laptop computer program in limited Middle School classes as a fresh new teaching method using discipline-specific digital software in place of paper books and “one-on-one” teaching (one computer for every teacher and student). The teachers are already working on new lesson plans for the fall on Foundation funded laptops. 

Is there overlap between this program and recently passed “Measure A” or “Measure F”?

No. The passage of Measures A and F created an opportunity to sell bonds to cover many of the deferred maintenance items for the school district. Several infrastructure projects are slated for CdM High School and Middle School. These include some new technology infrastructure as well as other electrical, plumbing, lighting and painting types of projects. These funds do not cover purchase of computers or discipline-specific software of other items for the Technology Plan. The Foundation’s funds are totally supplemental to and compatible with any funding from Measure A.  In fact, some of the Measure A work to be completed this summer will dovetail with the implementation of the Tech Plan.  Measure F improvements are slated for some time in the future. 

How much does it cost to fund this program? Will it all be funded in one year?

The total Tech Plan, including equipment, furnishings and infrastructure is estimated to cost $600,000.  Almost half of that money has already been raised. We can complete a majority of the plan by fall if we have adequate financial support from parents. Can you help us?

Do the High School and Middle School Administrators fully support this effort?

From the outset, principals of both CdM High School and Middle School have been the visionaries behind this strategic plan. Our administrators and teachers have been involved in drafting every step of the strategic plan and support and wholeheartedly endorse all the elements of this plan.  The Administration has asked the Foundation to lead the effort to raise the money to put the plan in place.  They are committed to seeing this plan through to completion. 

Having Technology at the school is great, but are the teachers prepared to fully use this new technology?

The District has developed a technology certification program.  The Administration is in the process of having each of the teachers become Level I certified, with a goal to have all teachers Level II certified.   Level I certification requires proficient use of technology (Spreadsheet, Presentation, Database, Video Editing, Teacher, Web Builder System, Easy Grade Pro, Podcasting, Blogging) and Level II requires the ability to implement technology-based teaching techniques.  Our Administration believes nearly all CdM teachers have reached Level I proficiency and they must now pass the certification test to prove it.  Level I certification requires greater technology proficiency than many parents have. Some teachers, like Brian Tulley, CdM HS’s Technology Site Coordinator, have reached Level III proficiency which means they are capable of teaching computer skills to other teachers. In addition, the District is developing a program that will tie a schools’ district funded technology to the proficiency of their teachers.  So there is plenty of incentive for teachers to perform and improve their proficiency.

Won’t students just use the internet cafes to send messages to each other?

The Administration plans to use filters at all internet café sites that will prevent students from accessing unauthorized sites including certain websites, MySpace and other sites deemed to be inappropriate. Teachers will monitor students’ computers for inappropriate uses in the classroom.  This will keep students focused on appropriate school academic activities.