Additional technology has encouraged collaboration both within and among districts. The participating districts worked cooperatively with Shirley White, Grants Coordinator, to develop this grant project during the spring of 1997. The Connections West grant was funded in the summer of 1997 along with a continuation grant issued during the summer of 1998. Participating districts believed that integration of curriculum is necessary for additional success in meeting the goals of all students. Empowering teachers to work collaboratively in aligning and implementing new, hands-on lesson plans is the goal.
Student achievement is the focus.
More than 90 teachers and instructional supervisors within these 10 districts have participated in professional development activities exposing teachers to examples of rigorous math, science, language arts, and social studies curricula based on high academic standards and the needs of young adolescents. Finding additional time is becoming a powerful incentive for teachers who want to be innovative, yet are making the transitions required by reform. Learning to effectively use technology can be a solution to this dilemma. Teachers have been encouraged to collaborate with other teachers through e-mail and voice communication. Learning from other teachers in like roles has been one of the exciting activities of this project.