11/13 Progress Update

1 to 1 Initiative Losing out to the Economic Times

Since beginning my posts on this subject in June, we've tried to move forward each time and work towards a goal of having a 1 to 1 computer environment for the HS in the 2010 - 2011 school year. Hate to say it, but our timing is looking to be really LOUSY!

The technology team has done a great job of meeting to hash things out and has put together a plan that benefits all students K-12 through interactive technologies including LCD projectors, white boards, wireless slates, sound assist systems, and student response systems. But...to do this there is a price involved and on the heels of the Governor's 10% budget cut, it will be difficult for us to fund such a program without seeking community help through the implementation of an Instructional Support Levy.

Earlham is one of a handful of schools in Iowa that do not have this levy. The levy is a way to augment the district's funds, through an additional levy on property taxes or income surtax (for more information on this read this document). A Google search of Instructional Support Levy Iowa gives you some more reading info about this as it relates to Iowa schools. When I first arrived in Earlham in 1999, the district had this in place, but the levy was allowed to "sunset" when it came time to vote for the new building. The levy at that time was generating close to $200,000 for the district that was used primarily for technology and transportation purposes.

When the levy was allowed to sunset, another funding stream came available for schools called Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP). This was a federally funded stream of dollars that gave the district an average of $40,000 per year to use for technology. The dollars allotted are based on enrollment, and once a district reaches an average daily attendance of 600+ they no longer qualify for the funds. We started receiving these funds in 2004 and were able to begin our current practice of lease renewal through this program. The problem is, we have been a growing district and in 2008 we went over the 600+ number for average daily attendance and now no longer receive the funds.

The technology team will continue to meet to discuss other options for supporting our teachers with the tools they need to infuse technology in their teaching daily, but at this point we may have to shift our focus. Here's the plan for a 1 to 1 initiative that the group developed, hopefully the dates can just be changed when the vision becomes a reality!

Tech Committee Proposal to the Board tonight

Hi out there 1 to 1 followers. This evening will be an important step forward for a 1 to 1 initiative. The Technology Committee will be speaking to the board tonight about their work over the summer and recommending that we proceed with this program to either vote on an Instructional Support Levy or to change the revenue purpose statement. Should be an interesting discussion!

Tech Committee Gets Rolling

The Technology Committee met for the first time Tuesday, May 19. Don't forget to check the Earlham Tech Spot for details on this committee and their progress.

http://www.earlhamtech.blogspot.com/

Check out the Earlham Tech Blog

I will keep things updated specifically as to the 1 to 1 project in this blog, but would like to direct you to my Tech Blog at http://earlhamtech.blogspot.com . This site will have current information about the Technolgy Committee and progress this group makes through out the coming months.

School Board Provides Direction for the 1 to 1 Initiative

During the regular board meeting April 8th the Earlham School Board discussed the 1 to 1 laptop initiative and provided the administration some direction as to how they would like to proceed. The board highlighted these necessities to move forward:

1. A clear vision and purpose for this committment
2. A proposal for the funding of the program
3. Community input on the issue

In the next few weeks we will be looking at these questions and working to renew our Technology Committee to help with this task. To those parents who shared their opinions thus far - Thank You! If you would like to be a part of this Technology Committee please contact me, Lance Ridgely, at the school.

Check back for future updates!

Earlham 1 to 1 Group Visits Newell-Fonda Schools

A group of teachers, Kevin, and I made the drive to Newell March27. The teachers found the visit informative, and I believe Kevin felt the same way. The 1 to 1 program will be discussed at the next board meeting, April 8. The public is encouraged to attend!

Earlham going 1:1?

First of all, what is 1:1? What I am referring to is an initiative to put a computer in the hands of each student attending the high school here in Earlham. That's right, all 9-12 students having their very own laptop to use 24/7 at school and at home. Quite a jump it may seem? Let's take a look at our current reality.

7 Years ago we committed to a tech refresh cycle of renewing teacher computers and computer labs every 3 years. Since that time we have adjusted the schedule to a 4 year cycle, with the idea that every 4 years our technology will be updated and our students will have at their disposal means to tap the vast resources available on the web today. Currently at the high school we have a ratio of 1 computer for every 3 students (computers designated as student use machines, this does not include teacher machines). We have one wireless lab for grades 9-12 with 20 machines and two stationary labs with a total of 46 machines between the two. When I visit other schools I know that our resources here are much better than others thanks to the lease renewal cycle.

This is our year to renew the high school lab, and since the fall I have been looking at different options - lease machines as we have in the past, do the things we have always done, or perhaps move in a different direction. That different direction is the 1:1 program. Are we making a difference in our current mode of operation? One can say yes, students are learning about the machines, but not really much beyond that.

I want our students to be consumers of the information, evaluating sources, analysing opposing views, synthesizing, and developing their own products. Creativity is an important piece of our world today. Can students be creative in a traditional sense - of course! But what type of student do we see in our classrooms today? The student of the digital age. If you want to know more, the best thing I can tell you to do is go to YouTube and search for "Shift Happens" or "Digital Natives" and wade through the different video/slideshow offerings that are there. Some of the statistics are staggering!

If we are to move this direction, it would take a paradigm shift in the thinking and approach to instruction in Earlham. To do this we MUST support our teachers through ongoing professional development. Working with folks that have expertise in the area, having these people come to our site to help our teachers develop new skills and instructional techniques. We have to use the technology as a tool to make the learning more rigorous for our students! Using the technology as a means of gathering information won't do this type of a commitment justice.

So, there you have it. I welcome your thoughts and hope this develops a rich conversation about the potential of this program for the Earlham High School!