Agenda - 11-10-1998 - Attachment #3a

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Technology The effective use of technology can improve instruction and learning. The effective and innovative use of technology by both students and staff is a critical element in this school. A successful technology program is supported by modern hardware, quality software, staff development, and techhical support. The Technology Director and User Support Technician will support teachers in the development of their technology skills, in integrating technology into their teaching, in supporting the school's vision of technology, in purchasing and planning, and in maintenance of equipment and networks. All teachers will have a dedicated computer and students will have access to computers in their classroom and media center. During the planning year, a study will be conducted to assess the financial. costs of providing computers to students who do not have them in their home and to create an implementation plan. This would provide all families with access to the school's web site and to communication through E-mail. Using the data from the phone survey, we may assume that 79% of the families will have a computer that can access the Internet (See Appendix). An estimated cost of $170,000 would provide computers for the approximately 100 families who do not have computers. This cost does not reflect an estimate for technical support. During the first year of operation, the school will make efforts to provide students with access to computers after school hours by having the technology director and/or media specialist on flexible schedules. The technology subcommittee, working with the technology director and media specialist will: -decide on a platform to be used -decide on software -decide on technology available for each classroom -decide on a video system to be used -decide how students will store data -collect information about computers in homes and study the feasibility of partnerships to provide computers for families who do not have computers in their homes -decide on staff development for teachers, teacher assistants, and parents -develop a technology plan which includes how to upgrade equipment over time Exceptional Education The school will practice responsible inclusion with its exceptional education students. Responsible inclusion requires staffing of resource teachers and inclusion facilitators so that students can be educated effectively in the least restrictive environment. The staff, in conjunction with Margaret Blackwell, will: -create a common definition of responsible inclusion •delineate roles and responsibilities for special educators and assistants, and regular educators and assistants (collaboration, staff development, etc.) in relationship to exceptional 'education The school will have at least one self- contained, district wide class for students with moderate disabilities. The Pre -K class will be a blended program serving tuition- paying, Head Start, and disabled four year olds. Some disabled three year olds may be served Gifted Education Services Following the Board's plan for identifying gifted students with flexible, inclusive methods that will serve more students than the state process has allowed, a gifted education program will be developed by the curriculum subcommittee. As with other schools in the district, the plan depends on the expertise of the classroom teacher as instruction is developed for a wide range of students. Teachers will differentiate instruction and accommodate different learning styles. Grouping 4