Second, the district created the Coordinator of Educational Technology position to be responsible for providing the support and assistance necessary for teachers to be able to use technology in their classrooms. Third, a mini-grant program was funded to provide the technologically fluent teachers with the equipment they needed to specifically address the infusion of technology as an instructional tool within the context of the core curriculum and to share their innovations with other teachers. Fourth, a robust Professional Development Program for technology training began offering classes for everyone in the district wishing to acquire or improve technology skills. Fifth, a student lap top program was implemented. This program, in partnership with Microsoft and Toshiba, consists of grade-level teams of core curriculum teachers who provide an integrated curricular program that fully incorporates the use of technology as an instructional tool.
Parents purchase the laptops.
All teachers and students utilize their laptop computers on an ongoing basis. This program was piloted at two comprehensive high schools for approximately 150 students and expanded to additional sites in 1998-99 school year. Career Academies and International Baccalaureate programs now are part of the Laptop Program. Full school wide involvement is the ultimate goal. These programs quickly captured the attention of the majority of the staff.