But a paperless school is only part of what this district has done with technology. In the fall of 1997, the school board, unhappy with academic progress throughout the district, formed a team charged with integrating technology to improve achievement. The district hired two full-time technology specialists and one teacher to help maintain and update current technology. It trains 15 staff members each summer on how to mentor students in technology and troubleshoot computer problems. One way the board has stretched the technology dollar is by having students build and upgrade computers throughout the district.
Students learn a valuable work skill as well.
The district uses technology to keep track of students who are at risk of failing the mandatory Texas Assessment of Academic Skills. Students in third to 10th grade are assessed in September and January, with tests electronically scored. Individualized programs are designed for students at risk of failing after the fall assessment. If students are still considered at risk in January, they receive tutoring and computer-assisted instruction after school until the April exam. More than 90 percent of these students pass the statewide test, Carroll says.