Title II Part D Competitive Grant Award (2003-2007)

EETT Newsletter Fall 05

Corinth Partnership: Corinth Central School District , Glens Falls City School District, Granville Central School District, Johnsburg Central School District, Warrensburg Central School District, Saratoga Catholic, St. Clements, St. Mary's/St. Alphonsus

Mission Statement: Improve student interest and performance in ELA and Mathematics through infusion of advanced technology tools and quality professional development programs aimed at enhancing effective teaching practices, and by increasing student access to and experiences with advanced technologies in a school environment.

Activity Summary: The activities of the grant are organized via five interconnected goals, all centering around the core principle of increasing student achievement.

1.     Raise achievement levels on the grade 4 and grade 8 ELA and Mathematics assessments and increase student attainment of the NYS Learning Standards.

Quarterly benchmark assessment using Scantron Performance Series online assessment tools

Consistent informal assessments using the Scantron Classroom Wizard and handheld technology

After-school, technology-rich, enrichment and academic intervention programs in ELA and Math

Staff development to improve Math instruction through Teacher Leadership Quality Program

2.     Increase access to technology for high-need school districts identified for priority funding due to insufficient Title II Part D formula allocations

Purchase/installation of equipment for Distance Learning rooms in Corinth, Granville, and Johnsburg

Purchase/installation of mobile wireless computer labs and desktop computers as necessary

Purchase/installation of PolyCom videoconferencing units in consortium schools

Purchase/installation of SmartBoard technology and multimedia projectors

Purchase/installation of  Palm and AlphaSmart Dana hardware for assessments and field experiences

Analysis network connectivity in consortium schools

3.     Develop and sustain effective Early Literacy programs in participating districts

Early literacy teams of teachers to pilot software (Plato, Fast ForWord, Connected Educator, etc)

Training on the use of DIBELS assessment measures

Creation of thematic units for technology integration into instruction by groups of grade level teachers

Provision of virtual field trip experiences and follow-up activities

4.     Offer high-quality sustained staff development to enhance knowledge and skills of teachers in using technology effectively in the classroom to ensure all students meet the NYS Learning Standards

3-day Summer Institute for Teacher Leader training

Design of cross-curricular professional learning teams in school buildings

Utilization of Accelerate U, Plato, Connected U, and other online professional development resources

Utilization of Blackboard.com. district websites, and other media to share results

Development of best practices for inclusion in the NYS Virtual Learning Space

Presentations at technology workshops and conferences (NYSCATE, NECC, etc.)  

5.     Improve communications with parents and community to promote parental involvement in student learning and success

Availability of school computer labs in evenings for parent, student, and community use

“Technology Nights” for presenting training and technology resources to parents and community

Maintenance of Blackboard.com web community for course information, homework, and projects

Distribution of bi-annual newsletter and necessary postal mailings