In doing so, they acquire technology skills and develop instructional strategies to use with their students. They are taught by other teachers who have used technology effectively in their classrooms. I simply communicate to them what we need, what level of competency we are talking about and they accommodate. The district sought the assistance of the Alliance for Education, a group that helps fund unmet needs in education by pairing up ideas educators have for improving education with businesses. The program was funded again in 1999, was at least 25 percent bigger than in 1998 and teachers say it speaks directly to the kinds of issues that keep them from using technology.
Teachers apply teaching strategies they learn from the course.
Like most other districts, SPS has had to deal with resistance on the part of older teachers who don't want to change their teaching methods. However, the teachers who have a natural affinity and enthusiasm for using technology and trying something different often win over other teachers in their buildings. Others teachers in the district are reluctant to use technology because they have concerns about lack of support. The district has addressed this by providing as much support as they can, and by enlisting high school students to help out with technical assistance. Seattle is no stranger to technology.