district. In January 2007, Superintendent Vaughn asked the school board
to commit 33% of the interest earned
on the school’s fund balance toward
sustaining the laptop learning program at FISD. This allowed administrators to have a predictable revenue
stream for the TIP program. The
T3 Grant (another Texas Education
Agency grant) helped fund laptops
and whiteboards for the elementary
school.
types of projects that are part of the
learning process excite students and
teachers. This renewed interest in education is a big reason for the success
of our laptop initiative in Floydada.
Sandy Vaughn is the technol- ogy immersion coordinator for Floydada Independent School District, 50 miles northeast of Lubbock, Texas. Vaughn manages 800 student and staff laptops in Floydada ISD.
“This program demystifies the intimidating research paper process. It’s smart, interactive and helps tudents take ownership and evelop skills.” —Christa Preston Agiro, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Integrated Language Arts
Evaluation and Assessment
Our Technology Evaluation Committee began an evaluation process a
few years ago using an Apple walk-through document. We asked teachers to observe technology use in other
classrooms to reinforce the standard
that all educators use technology in
learning and teaching. The process
was a nonjudgmental way for teachers
to give and receive ideas for technology use.
During the summer of 2009, administrators and teachers created a
guide for best practices in technology
use for teachers. Educators can review
this guide when planning technology
integration.
Administrators are evaluating and
assessing the technology immersion
program. The superintendent and
principals are constantly gathering
data on its benefits. They have seen
increases in reading levels and writing
scores. They have also documented
increases in standardized test scores,
including increases in the number
of students receiving “commended
performance” on Texas Assessment
of Knowledge and Skills tests across
all subject areas and the number
of students passing the Advanced
Placement exams. This data will also
provide support for the program’s
sustainment.
FISD has seen a general resurgence
of interest in school from students,
and teachers don’t want to go back
to their old methods of teaching. The
lessons we teach now and the unique
Build
confidence
A technological revolution for research papers
Introducing Builder™ Research Paper Edition
from Mead®. This innovative learning tool helps
students plan, organize and write better papers.
It changes the way students learn, and the way
you teach. Let the Builder software handle the
details of “building” the paper, freeing you to
inspire great writing. It’s learning simplified.
Enter Your
Registration Code
LLTSEP10
Register for exclusive incentives
and try the free demo at:
meadbuilder.com/LLT
