While the addition made a big difference, Principal Barbara Valerious and the school's local school council still struggle to finance equipment and maintenance. To underwrite some of those costs, the Ag school rented its gym to the State of Illinois for the Illinois teachers certification tests last summer. Occasionally, too, the Ag school rents a classroom, gymnasium or a multipurpose room to a local Catholic grade school. The school's local school council has been supportive of training efforts as well, assigning funds to pay for substitutes so that teachers can obtain training during school hours. At the elementary school level, Shields Elementary School in Brighton Park is making gains.
Many classes use small-group workstations that include computers and other resources.
Working at these stations, students read books and then report what they have learned to other class members. Software selection has been key to the school's efforts. Rita Schuble, the school's technology coordinator, and Rita Gardner, its principal, say they and others at the school take special pains to buy software that will serve specific curriculum needs rather than programs oriented toward drill and practice or games. They also have teachers test the software before purchasing it, encouraging them to look beyond the most heavily advertised popular brands. Shields has made impressive gains in student achievement.