School CIO: Back Office Business


Professional development program boosts scores After two years of using a web-based library of professional development resources, Loudoun County, Virginia schools have seen notable improvements in English and math scores for both ESL and economically disadvantaged students.
Kentucky's largest school adopts latest technology The largest school in Kentucky opened its doors for the first time on August 3rd to an eager crowd of over 1,200 students and staff.
New England district integrates data systems Barnstable Public Schools consists of thirteen schools in six Cape Cod towns, employing a combined 350 teachers and serving over 4,400 students.
New Maryland H.S. offers alternative path Prince George’s County Public Schools of Maryland is opening a new high school September 7. But there won't be any ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Arkansas school boards share digital tools The Center for Digital Government reports that many state and local governments are focusing on core services and opportunities to collaborate.
Alabama board of education goes paperless Albertville City Schools has adopted the use of Apple iPads for all of their board members.
Testing program offers hybrid administration, benchmarks The District School Board of Pasco County (DSBPC) Florida has awarded its formative and Web-based assessment contract to Core K12.
Classroom walkthrough program yields gains When the state of Florida gave the Manatee County School District (MCSD) a B grade based on the overall performance of its 51 schools, district head of academics Dr. Lynn Gillman wasn't satisfied.
Wireless expansion keeps traffic flowing Like many districts throughout the country, East Brunswick School District (EBSD) sought to enhance its student’s learning experience by increasing access to computers
Small N.H. district sets big goals Administrators recently set an ambitious goal - to become a top 10 percent school district in achievement, enrichment, test scores and more.
Small school keeps up with teaching technology “One of the biggest challenges facing teachers is keeping students engaged during class presentations,” notes Barnesville Head of School John Huber. “If teachers turn their backs for a few seconds, they may lose a handful of those students who were following closely only moments before."
Nebraska Archdiocese awards assessment contract The Archdiocese of Omaha operates 75 Catholic schools, serving approximately 20,000 students of diverse ethnic and cultural heritages.
Virtual desktop pilot study a success in NY When Buffalo City Schools decided to investigate desktop virtualization for its 59 schools, administrators had several goals in mind.
Integrated data system adopted The Montville Public School district consists of five public schools: one high school, one middle school, and three elementary schools.
Open source provider updates license The CK-12 Foundation has decided to update its content licensing type from Creative Commons By-Attribution-Share-Alike to Creative Commons By-Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share-Alike .
Portable speakers amplify Georgia learning Located in Marietta, Ga., Daniell Middle School serves nearly 1,000 middle school students in grades 6-8 and has projector systems and laptop computers installed in multiple classrooms for teachers to use during class instruction.
Teaching the teachers in Michigan Recently featured by Michigan’s WXYZ-TV Channel 7 as one of the “Best Schools in Michigan,” the Wayne-Westland Community Schools district serves 12,800 students from the communities of Wayne, Westland, Canton, Dearborn Heights, Inkster, and Romulus, Michigan.
Tennessee helps struggling schools As one of the two winners in Race to the Top phase I, Tennessee received $500 million to implement their comprehensive school reform plans over the next four years. But it doesn't end there
In California, thin is in When Campbell Union School District in San Jose, California, wanted to replace its legacy Macs, administrators aimed for a green solution. As it turned out, it was a thin, green solution.A central lab was established in the library for students
District integrates academic, behavior data Located in southwestern Oklahoma’s Caddo County, Anadarko School District 120 manages five K-12 schools.
One to One computing platform helps kids explore technology, world “Kids today live in a world of technology. To take them where we as educators need them to go, we must meet them on their playing field using a digital platform,” said Andi Langdon, a language arts and social studies teacher in her 16th year of teaching
Connecticut to perform statewide student data analysis The Connecticut State Department of Education helps to ensure equal opportunity in education for all Connecticut students through curriculum, research, assessment, data analyses and other assistance.
Florida district gets more bandwidth, dollars With 42,000 students and a growing community near the popular Florida coastline, it's not surprising that Manatee County School District decided to modernize its lagging data center.
Study: Team approach improves teaching Professional teamwork is a key strategy in improving school performance and student achievement, according to a review of research and case studies compiled into a new book from the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future (NCTAF).
Colorado district chooses classroom media provider The Lewis Palmer School District in Monument and Colorado Springs, serves the areas near the United States Air Force Academy, and boasts a 95% graduation rate from its high schools, with over 85% of those students continuing on to college.
Texas HS has new sound, more drama Evadale High School's drama department had to wait a long time for the resources to replace their auditorium's aging sound system. The system was so inadequate that the Texas school's theatre class preferred to use the gymnasium rather than the auditorium.
New Mexico uses technology to boost literacy The New Mexico Public Education Department has kicked off the Building Blocks Project to improve literacy at the New Mexico Summer Institute in Santa Fe.
NYC schools establish e-communications system The NY DOE has recently awarded a competitively bid project to provide New York City schools and parents with secure email service for five years beginning in the 2010-2011 school year.
Chicago elementary thrives with interactive technology The Norman Bridge Elementary School, once a low performing school, has risen to be a star in the Chicago schools under the leadership of its principal, Dr. Christopher Brake. Today, Norman Bridge Elementary is an award winning school at the
California district saves power and $350,000 This rapidly growing district has over 2,000 employees and 25,000 students operating on over 5,000 workstations in an all-Windows environment.
Power of teamwork touted in new book Professional teamwork is the key to improving school performance and student achievement, according to an extensive review of research and case studies compiled into a new book from the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future (NCTAF).
IP network supports security upgrade Located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Council Rock School District serves more than 12,300 students in its ten elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, and an alternative high school. The schools are spread across 72 square miles.
Large Texas district looks to wireless for bandwidth, speed The second largest school district in the San Antonio area, North East Independent School District (NEISD) has more than 70 schools and magnet programs, with an expected fall 2010 enrollment of 66,000 students. The district offers a web-based curriculum and provides students with technology resources to conduct research, complete assignments and communicate with others to complement their learning experience.
Pilot offers free STEM professional development This summer and fall, teachers in Arizona, New Mexico and Oregon will have the opportunity to attend a week-long professional development course designed to promote student-centered learning and 21st century skills.
Grand Canyon elementary school gets connected The National Indian Programs Training Center’s (NIPTC) Enhanced Learning and Knowledge Network (ELKNet) has installed its 150th satellite uplink.
Getting Easier to Be Green Faced with steep energy costs and shrinking school budgets, cash-strapped IT directors are discovering that going green is not just good for the environment; it’s good for the wallet.
LA Unified agrees on assessment contract The Los Angeles Unified School District board has authorized a 5 year, $24 million contract with CORE K12
P.D. program readies teachers for digital platform Public School 69 – The New Vision School, an 87-year-old school in the Bronx surrounded by single-family homes and low-rise apartment buildings, has plenty of experience with technology.
Virtual Academy opens in Indiana Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) has taken another step in support of its 1-to-1 computing efforts begun last fall. With the opening of the the EVSC Virtual Academy, students will now be able to take online classes for advancement or credit recovery.
Florida library hosts summer math games Eager bookworms visiting the Pembroke Pines Library this summer will find a new addition between the latest biographies and great works of poetry. But it won’t be another great read…instead it will be educational video games that are used in 25 schools across Broward County.
Math program gets high marks The U.S. Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) recently updated its online database of middle school math interventions and found only one program to have strong evidence of a positive effect on student achievement, with no contradictory evidence.
Connecticut schools moving toward digital learning More than ten years ago, Groton Public Schools (GPS) Groton, Conn., started to make the move away from traditional textbook based teaching and began incorporating various technology components and online resources across subject matters.
ARRA funds used for online curriculum Nearly 50 school districts nationwide have used American Recovery and Reinvestment (ARRA) funding to purchase an online learning program, while nine others are pursuing Investing in Innovation federal grants to expand their successful implementations of the same program.
Whiteboard training a success in Honolulu elementary school Equipping classrooms with up-to-date interactive technology is a great idea, most educators would agree.
North Carolina school districts combine games, learning Two counties in North Carolina will expand their use of an educational resource that combines math, reading, writing, science and social studies with interactive games and rewards.
Students, teachers and districts benefit from digital shift The December 2009 study found that 40 percent of publishers are repurposing content for digital platforms, up from 25 percent in 2008.
California districts support visual learning California’s two largest high school districts have opted for the same digital media management solution.
Online CE adds 21st century skills training In Michigan, all educators are required to complete 18 State Board Continuing Education Units (SB CEUs) 6 semester credit hours to renew a professional education certificate.
Kentucky schools move to cloud The Kentucky Department of Education has selected a cloud-based service to bring 21st century communications and collaboration tools to more than 700,000 students, faculty and staff statewide. With the move, the state expects to avoid $6.3 million in operational costs over four years.
Educational videos bring world to juvenile offenders The 1200 students of the Illinois Youth Centers now have access to educational videos from the National Science Foundation, National Geographic and Disney Educational Productions.
Tacoma tries new math method Tacoma Public Schools is the first school district in Washington state to implement a pilot program using immersive educational video games.
Michigan approves statewide K-12 public cyber school Michigan students will soon have the option to complete their public school education online, with the recent approval of a new statewide charter school, Michigan Connections Academy (MICA).
Online H.S. curriculum offers high-tech challenges According to the National Center for Education Statistics, as many as one third of high school graduates that go to college are not prepared for post-secondary education - requiring community colleges and four-year institutions to dedicate time and resources to remedial, non-credit courses.
Memphis schools add high speed bandwidth Memphis City Schools (MCS), the largest public school system in Tennessee and the 23rd largest in the nation, operates over 200 campuses and serves more than 105,000 students.
NJ district innovates purchasing system The Newark Public Schools District is the largest and one of the oldest school systems in New Jersey.
Students share in global adventure online, raise funds Students from California's Pioneer Elementary School have taken virtual journeys to Siberia and Tunisia this year while helping to raise money for global causes along the way.
Elementary schools boost performance with reading software For North Elementary School Principal Carol Gibbs, the school year began with 75 percent of kindergarteners unable to recognize or name a single letter of the alphabet.
Stimulus funds awarded for Colorado student tracking One day after Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed legislation linking educator performance evaluations to student academic progress, the federal government granted $17.4 million to track student performance data over time.
Grant supports sustainable fishing video game Schmahl Science Workshops is a not-for-profit partnership of students, parents, teachers and science professionals who work together to foster a love of science among pre-K through 12th grade children.
Statewide virtual schools a growing trend Virtual schools are experiencing historic growth as states invest more in online education, even in a difficult economy.
Grant supports educators' instructional technology development WHRO, PBS member station in Norfolk, Va., has been awarded an Enhancing Education Through Technology grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
New science curriculum for Wisconsin students There’s a big change coming for middle school students in Racine, Wisconsin. This September, the school district’s 4,000 sixth, seventh, and eight graders will study science through a new curriculum featuring virtual labs, animated simulations, and interactive online activities designed to lead them on a journey of exploration and discovery.
Wireless network expands technology use in Massachusetts HS After less than a year on the job Framingham (MA) Public School District, director of technology Adam Seldow faced a daunting challenge – how to turn the district’s aging network infrastructure and PCs into the reliable system that students, teachers, and the community required.
Small California high school offers ten AP courses In California’s Vacaville School District, offering Advanced Placement courses to students at Buckingham Charter Magnet High School was a natural fit for the school’s high standards.
Texas district honored for data integration Pasadena Independent School District (ISD) has received a 2010 Schools Interoperability Framework (SIF) Excellence Award. The district was chosen as the winner in the category for Outstanding Local Education Agency/Horizontal SIF Implementation.
Study: Hybrid learning model raises graduation rate In the fall of 1999, Wichita Public Schools launched a dropout-recovery and credit-recovery program, called the Learning Centers, in response to the district’s low graduation rate.
Baltimore schools gain website platform Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) serves nearly 83,000 students through a broad range of 201 programs and schools. Under the leadership of Dr. Andrés A. Alonso since summer 2007, the school system has made dramatic gains in student achievement in recent years, and implemented a series of structural reforms to place more resources and decision-making authority in schools.
Math scores rise with use of interactive program Like many school districts across the country, Raytown was experiencing a downward trend on state math assessment tests scores as students progressed to higher-grade levels.
Arlington Schools seeks Information Systems leader Arlington, VA Public Schools is seeking an Assistant Superintendent for Information Systems.
First grade teacher brings world into classroom When first grade teacher Valerie Gresser of Superstition Springs Elementary School saw an opportunity to realize her vision for a 21st century learning environment, she wasted no time.
New Mexico district promotes energy awareness through Web As part of an ongoing campaign to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, Moriarty-Edgewood School District has launched an energy awareness Web site designed to help students, parents and faculty reduce energy costs and improve the environment across the community.
New backup system restores data and confidence in North Carolina In 2007, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools had more than 50,000 students enrolled in their system. That many students means a lot of data- ranging from emails to financial information to legal data - from its students, staff and other users.
Kansas district seeks new IT director Are you an experienced school district technology director looking for a new challenge? If so, Blue Valley School District may want to speak with you.
Tennessee group partners with education company Last month, Tennessee was one of only two finalists selected to receive the first highly competitive U.S. Department of Education Race to the Top grants. In his remarks, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan praised the recipients for achieving statewide approval for their comprehensive school reform plans and “demonstrating the courage, capacity and commitment to turning ideas into practices that can improve outcomes for students.”
Large Florida district automates computer access Florida’s Palm Beach County School District serves over 170,000 students from kindergarten to grade 12, in over 200 schools. For years the district's IT staff had been using manual processes to manage user access to various systems
Study shows reading program boosts scores For the second year in a row, students using a "visual discrimination" literacy program achieved significantly higher sight-word assessment scores than students who were not exposed to the program, according to the results for Phase Two of a five-year study conducted by Empirical Education.
Florida elementary monitors progress while teaching Monitoring students’ progress is ay critical aspect of education. But are students losing valuable instruction time to increasingly frequent testing? At Bunnell Elementary School (BES), of Flagler County, Florida, they’re trying to balance
Online technology maximizes 1:1 computing As school districts across the country are putting in the hands of every student, they must also consider how they will tailor the curriculum to the new technology.
District selects new community management platform Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District (C-FB ISD) has selected the Schoolwires Centricity strategic website and community management platform to meet the communication and community engagement objectives of its large constituent community
Study notes math gains with interactive digital curriculum Elementary math students are improving as much as three grade-level equivalents over the course of one school year as a result of SuccessMaker, an adaptive digital learning environment for K-8 students, according to the latest independent efficacy research from Gatti Evaluation, Inc.
Hawaii boosts digital content, science for K-8 students The Hawaii State Department of Education is a unified statewide school system of more than 170,000 students and 250 schools with an annual operating budget of approximately $2.4 billion -- which makes it the nation's tenth largest public school system. The Department is implementing an ambitious reform effort aimed at ensuring that all Hawaii public school students are college- or career-ready when they graduate.
Online assessment, mobile learning devices approved in Texas The Texas Education Agency Multi-regional Purchasing Cooperative Awards Committee has approved Brainchild’s TAKS Achiever! online assessment program and Study Buddy handheld tutors for schools in Texas regions 9, 11, 14 and 15.
Illinois district expands interactive video With over 600 employees, the Park Ridge/Niles School District 64 operates five K-5 schools and two middle schools in Northwest Chicagoland.
One-to-one pilot success leads to school-wide program Students entering Watauga High School (WHS) in the fall of 2010 are opening a new chapter in the history of this public school in North Carolina’s scenic Blue Ridge Mountain high country.
Reading, writing and results for one middle school At the start of the 2008-2009 school year, Troutman Middle School Principal Jeff James was dissatisfied with his students’ writing scores. He believed that what the school needed was a new approach – one that would both actively involve students in their own learning and also build literacy skills across the curriculum.
Software analyzes one-to-one laptop use in Kansas district North Kansas City Schools serves more than 18,000 students in suburban Kansas City-North and prides itself as a place where “learners achieve excellence, embrace change and forge new traditions.”
Idaho video network expands educational opportunities In the state of Idaho, three metropolitan areas enjoy the technological amenities that most of us consider integral to everyday life. But 90% of the state is rural and mountainous, with little or no high-speed Internet access — creating a disparity in educational opportunities for students who lack access to modern learning tools.
Online pioneer upgrades learning management system In its 13 year existence, Virtual High School Global Consortium (VHS) has pioneered online high school education, in the process earning several national and international awards for best practices. Designed to supplement a school's in-person curriculum with online courses, VHS is a non-profit collaborative of high schools, teachers and students.
NY schools save paper, gain secure storage in cyberspace Recognized by The New York Times for its national reputation for excellence, Clarkstown Central School District (CCSD), based in New City, NY, comprises 11 elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools. Its technologically-savvy student base eagerly embraces of the latest software applications and digital tools, such as Web-based "lockers," Google Applications (Apps) for Domains, wikis, blogs, VoiceThread, and more.
Success of RTI pilot program spurs expansion Nestled in suburban Charlotte, NC, Cabarrus County Schools is the 10th largest school district in North Carolina and rapidly growing. In the past 12 years it's opened 13 new schools - with three more due to open this year.
Arizona charter and district schools to share resources While charter schools and traditional public schools operate side by side in many school districts, there hasn’t been a notable history of cooperation among them. That may be about to change in Arizona
Open source or proprietary? When it comes to assessment solutions, it doesn’t have to be an either or decision. Packaged assessment solutions are much like a prix fixe meal—satisfying but limiting. Open source software is like homemade chicken soup—delicious but a pain to make.
Texas districts use Web 2.0 tools Two Texas school districts are successfully integrating technology into the learning environment and improving community engagement.
Math program boosts scores from Florida to California In 2003, only 38% of students at Florida’s Indiantown Middle School met or exceeded Elementary Secondary Education Act (ESEA) requirements. By 2009, that number had risen to 67%.
Virgina school proud to premier Diary of a Wimpy Kid Promethean joined 20th Century Fox, National Education Association, School Library Journal, and publisher Harry N. Abrams Inc. to recognize Riverside Elementary School's impressive proposal to convert its auditorium/gymnasium into a movie theater for the premier of Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Washington state names companies to assist in reform The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) oversees K 12 public education in Washington state. Its responsibilities include not only assisting state’s 295 school districts (and one million public school students) in administering basic education programs, but also implementing
Florida school helps ease transition for Haitian students Florida schools are seeing significant numbers of Haitian students file through their doors - whether the schools are prepared to work with the young earthquake victims or not
NJ district boosts bandwidth, saves $80,000 After 13 years with the same telecommunications provider, administrators of New Jersey’s-based Wall Township Public Schools (WTPS) realized a change was needed.
Digital system sparks science inquiry One of the largest school districts in Oklahoma is adding digital handheld science learning systems to science classes at all nine of its high schools.
School uses 1:1 technology to enhance math, language and science St. Paul Academy and Summit School (SPA), an independent co-educational school located in the Twin Cities, enjoys a stellar academic reputation and is one of Minnesota’s oldest independent K-12 institutions. The 855-student school is committed to the role technology can play in improving and enhancing the learning experience.
Web filter keeps data flowing and kids safe Located in Southern California, Poway Unified School District (USD) serves the educational needs of 33,000 students in grades K-12. In recent years, the district’s curriculum has increasingly included many more on-demand programs and applications which strain network bandwidth - almost to the point of overload.
West Virginia pilots math video games The Blue Ribbon Mathematics Partnership Committee in West Virginia has selected seven middle and high schools to participate in a nine-month pilot program using educational video math games.
Software analyzes SUNY network data during RIAA crackdown Located in the historic village of Geneseo in the upstate Finger Lakes region, the State University of New York at Geneseo is a premier public liberal arts college with a rich tradition of academic excellence.
Digital content replaces textbooks in pilot program When Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) administrators recently turned their attention to social studies education, they concluded that a better means of engaging and holding students' interest was needed.
Writing test offers feedback throughout school year More than 18,000 South Dakota students will participate in a pilot test of a new state writing assessment this spring.
Autism challenge met by Ontario district Over the last year, Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board (TBCDSB) in Ontario, Canada, has seen a 17 percent increase in students with autism among its more than 8,000 students, and predicts a total of 80 students to be identified in the upcoming school year.
Five day math seminar for W. Virginia teachers More than 150 middle school, ninth grade, and special education teachers from 22 schools in Kanawha County near Charleston, West Virginia will participate in five days of intensive math content training
Texas district pioneers one-to-one curriculum Like many of her fellow educators, Dr. Susan Simpson is continually striving for better ways to keep her students actively involved in their classrooms - and their education.
Data tracking and analysis supports Indiana district goals The website of Carmel Clay Schools in Carmel, Indiana, has an entire page devoted to the 2008-2009 accomplishments of the students in its 15 schools.
NY district outfits all classes with interactive whiteboards Located on the Queens and Nassau border, the Elmont Union Free School District comprises six elementary schools serving 3,900 students from varied backgrounds and international origins. EUFSD’s educational approach focuses on meeting and exceeding state learning standards. Students develop reasoning
Schools bridge language gap According to a survey released this week, communicating with limited-English speaking students, parents and communities amidst shrinking budgets is a major concern for school districts for the 2010-2011 school year.
High school students learn principles of personal finance The Idaho Department of Education stresses the importance of students having basic knowledge of economics and personal finance before entering college or the workforce. In fact, it considers a one-semester personal finance course necessary to prepare students for life and work in the 21st century.
Washington HS trains students for IT careers- without college Not every high school student goes to college. Yet that doesn't mean that those students don't have a chance to succeed in the working world
Range of Virginia students benefit from text reader software With nearly 170,000 students statewide qualifying for special education services, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has a ongoing need for technology to support literacy for students with physical and reading disabilities.
Online school runs smoothly with network monitor Originally designed to help reluctant learners gain access to the kind of alternative education they need for credit recovery or supplemental assistance, Class.com has developed into a comprehensive online education service, which helps schools individualize instruction, offer high-quality standards-aligned curriculum, and provide alternatives for students who need new ways to learn.
Tiny NJ district increases bandwidth, learning Although New Jersey-based Denville School District comprises only three schools, it has the same goals as systems 10 or 20 times larger - goals such as empowering their students to be productive global citizens.
Handheld pilot program shows early success With 99 schools and over 90,00 students, Fulton County Schools is the fourth largest in Georgia. Its leadership believes in excellence and academic achievement. Many of its leaders also believe that the current generation benefits from the integration of cutting- edge technology into the classroom – and beyond.
Georgia tech teachers leave school to learn How do you identify the leaders in your school system who are already integrating technology and media in their classrooms, yet want more?
Texas district locks up student data With more than 66,000 students in 98 campuses, El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) is the seventh largest district in Texas and the 57th largest district in the United States. So it isn't hard to imagine the amount of stored student data the district must protect every minute of every day, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
The Principal's Tale Many schools are going without necessary new technology or upgrades because of recession belt-tightening. What can one high school principal alone do about such a lack in his school?
International schools embracing educational software Although schools in Taipei, Australia, Jordan and Singapore may not share many similarities, they do share at least two: the desire to promote the best learning strategies for their students, and the belief in 21^st century technology as the means to do so.
Teachers, administrators expand use of recording platform When Jason Murray, technology coordinator for the Cornwall-Lebanon School District in Lebanon County, Pa., visited a fourth grade classroom in 2009, he was excited to see 10-year-old students using technology that had once been reserved solely for adults.
Guide to Emergency Technology For Non-Tech Executives Was your school hit by the recent record-breaking “Snowmageddon” storm? What can you do to prepare for a blizzard – or for any emergency?
Data management system saves time for teachers, staff With 37 schools distributed over 88 square miles outside of Houston, Klein Independent School District (ISD), faced challenges with the increasing time required to compile and report data from its many applications. Klein staff spent hours, days, or even weeks
It's 8 A.M. Do you know where your textbooks are? All school districts, whether serving fewer than 900 students or more than 40,000, must keep track of inventory. Textbooks are among the most challenging items to monitor
Student scores rise with teachers' use of video resource When teachers receive high quality professional instruction, does it directly affect their students’ learning and test scores? That’s the question many schools want to answer - before they invest scarce resources in professional development programs.
Which Comes First - the Interactive Technology or the Technology Backbone? Most school districts today understand the importance of providing interactive, engaging learning environments for their students. But in their drive to improve students' classroom experience, districts frequently prioritize the adoption of new technology platforms without first ensuring that they have the right IT infrastructure in place.
Educational data system boosts CA district performance The U.S. Department of Education recently released a report, “Use of Education Data at the Local Level: From Accountability to Instructional Improvement," detailing the value that educational data systems can bring to school districts, by providing teachers with timely, relevant information about student performance. Despite this finding, the report notes that only a small minority of districts and schools have made data use a regular part of teachers’ practice.
Cinncinati schools gain bandwidth, save money with WAN management system At CPS, preserving access to education-related content and applications has always been a priority. But, notes Network Administrator Paul Wright, “Our bandwidth resources were being absorbed by file-sharing requests.”
North Carolina virtual school adds streaming digital content Its online courses maximize student interaction in each class, and are taught by highly qualified teachers who use video, interactive whiteboards, wikis, active worlds, and online discussion tools to engage students.
Discounted online services available to Texas schools Established more than 30 years ago, the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) Purchasing Cooperatives extend into 24 counties throughout Texas.
Game-centered learning explored in Michigan pilot program Central to the one-to-one concept is incorporating 21st century methods of teaching and learning, including the use of virtual environments and gaming technologies.
Professional development resource adopted statwide by Hawaii Hawaii’s public schools are guided by these ideals: high expectations of students’ knowledge, ability and passion for learning and high expectations for the performance of teachers and staff at every school.
Virtual storage offers security, space As Pennsylvania schools begin to embrace new one-to-one computing initiatives, students and teachers are gaining valuable technology experience through the use of next-generation Web "lockers" that are simplifying the way they access and store electronic files.
Progress reports for kids, schools benefit Colorado districts The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and Center for Assessment believe that having a better understanding of student performance and achievement over time is invaluable in providing the best educational environment for their students. So, after a decade of work
Communications system keeps Bronx school in business Keeping families informed in an increasingly uncertain world is a top priority for administrators at Alfred E. Smith High School in the Bronx. So when unwanted news about the school's pending closure arrived, parents and community members were quickly informed.
Oregon institutes new teacher certification process All states recognize the importance of well-qualified teachers to the progress of their students. One way to ensure quality teachers is to implement a thorough, standards-based, up-to-date test - and a testing procedure that's user friendly.
Three schools, three success stories with targeted instruction In a classroom full of students with diverse needs, teachers are challenged to tailor instruction so every student learns. In a growing number of school districts, the answer to this challenge lies in sophisticated software systems that help individualize teaching
Video camera system provides smart security for NY district Nestled in a valley with rural surroundings, the Onondaga Central School District is located in picturesque upstate New York, just seven miles outside of Syracuse. In light of increasing violence at schools across the country, the school district’s administration wanted to help ensure that students and staff would be safe at all times while on school property.
Electronics, cable offer flexible TV solutions for district Students can watch TV programs on a large projection screen from their desks or anywhere in the classroom, thanks to a specially designed and integrated video and data system that uses a simplified cabling network.
Supportive professional development key to better teaching Technology-based formative assessment is a powerful tool for improving education. However, educators must have the skills to analyze and interpret the data produced. For that reason, a professional development program is essential.
Rhode Island District saves money, time and space with zero-client software “In K-12, IT staffing can be a huge issue for us because each tech is responsible for supporting around 650 PCs. This isn’t a formula for success,” said Mark Lamson, director of technology for the Westerly Public School District. Electrical distribution and space are also issues, Lamson added.
Studies indicate software effective against plagiarism With the tremendous educational technology growth of recent years comes both achievement and peril. Students may use their computers to produce creative work of the highest order -or they may use them to avoid doing any work at all.
Schools turn to online professional development, tools for mentors Successful veteran teachers are being tasked by administrators with providing leadership and coaching to their peers to help them develop effective teaching skills and strategies.
Employment software levels playing field for small districts While many large school districts use sophisticated software systems to automate human resources management, smaller districts have had to make do with cumbersome paper-based systems or spreadsheets.
Quality stadium sound achieved in under four hours When administrators of Hatboro-Horsham High School in suburban Philadelphia approached Omega Electronics about replacing their stadium P.A. system, they were looking for a substantial upgrade.
Vermont district benefits from special education program Rutland City Public Schools, a Vermont district of six schools, strives to do the best for "every student, every day," as its mission statement avers. But how does a small district with a restricted budget do its best for those students who need additional or special attention?
Cleveland schools go electronic for college applications The process of applying for college is a difficult one, even under ideal circumstances.
Top digital district expands telecommunications capabilities Recognized in 2009 as one of the nation's best digital school districts, New Jersey's Howell Township School District was quickly outgrowing its ATM network.
Computer system overhaul yields $60,000 savings in one month Based in Indianapolis, Ind., the GEO Foundation has worked statewide to improve public education since 1998. The foundation helped foster support for Indiana's current charter school law and now sponsors three charter schools in Indiana and Colorado, with a total of more than 1,300 students.
District expands use of math video games According to Texas state law, all 8th grade students must pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) mathematics test in order to be promoted to the 9th grade. They have three chances before the end of June.
Atlanta school overcomes sound barriers in assembly hall Established in 1926 in midtown Atlanta by forward-thinking educator Ms. Eva Edwards Lovett, the Lovett School continues a tradition of excellence today, with over 99% of its students going on to attend four-year colleges. The private school has some 1,400 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Ohio schools add wind energy, save thousands per year Like many K-12 districts, Perkins Local Schools in Sandusky, Ohio, contended with an outdated and inefficient infrastructure. The district’s boiler plant dated back to the 1920s, for instance, and needed an overhaul. Numerous building envelope repairs were required to prevent air loss.
Washington school district standardizes high quality curriculum Bellevue School District (BSD) of Bellevue, Washington has an ambitious statement of purpose clearly displayed on its Internet homepage: Our mission is to provide every student with a top of the line college preparatory education so that they can enter and succeed in the college or university of their choice.
Wireless overhaul yields improved reliability, simplicity Maintaining adequate wireless coverage was a continual battle. Placed on a shelf, a table, or the floor in a classroom, access points were easily moved, unplugged, or even stolen. Without central management, there was no way to know a problem existed until a user complained.
Chicago HS drill uses online program to maintain learning Schools across the nation are preparing for the possibility of widespread closings due to H1N1. And although VOISE Academy High School in Chicago isn't a typical American high school, it shares the same concern of all U.S. school districts - how to keep education going despite a flu epidemic, or any emergency.
When learning is done well, the technology becomes transparent Today was our last day in Australia, and we are exhausted. Our feet and legs are tired from walking, and our brains are tired from taking in and processing so much information. We're tired but we're satisfied with how we've spent this time -- giving lots of people in lots of schools lots ideas for how to utilize the features of our site and bring 21st century concepts into the classroom.
Filling the Gap in Emergency Response When disasters occur, from tornado warnings to domestic or international terrorism, PDAs, cell phones and email are of little help to those without them or those ignoring them. To protect school campuses and the wider community, wireless PA systems compatible with existing two-way radio systems are filling the emergency response gap at some of the nation's school campuses and municipalities.
New England schools improve literacy while kids have fun In today's information-based society, strong literacy skills are critical for success. Without strong foundational reading skills, students may lack self-confidence, motivation to learn, and face significant hurdles throughout their academic career. As a result, educators are placing ever-increasing demands for higher levels of reading competency.
California educators honored for communication excellence When four North Sacramento area school districts merged in 2007, they formed a new district of 27,000 students in 54 schools, covering 120 square miles. Many of the parents and students affected by the merger had questions and doubts about the new organization.
Districts gain reliability, save money with integrated communication system The simple days of Ma Bell are long gone. Now it’s not just telephones – it’s a variety of communication equipment and functions, all integrated and controlled through one computer system. Many schools districts struggle to achieve and maintain such a complex, integrated communications system – especially one that is reliable, flexible and cost-effective.
Special education students set own goals, see progress With over 100 special education students with learning disabilities, Alliance Middle School teacher Laura Kelleher had been trying for three years to get her students to set their own goals and to take ownership of their own reading skills.
Students learn math, have fun in virtual world Kids like animals and computers games. And teachers need to a way to engage kids in learning math concepts. The Minnetonka Public School District put one and one together and started using an online virtual world to build young students' mathematics skills.
Software offers key to reading success Children are often told that, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. But what if you still don’t succeed? This was the dilemma facing Liberty Public Schools (MO).
Georgia schools see CRCT scores rise Since the state of Georgia launched the Georgia Performance Standards, schools have been working to enhance their instruction to help students achieve the rigorous expectations for student work.
Rebuilt charter school anchors New Orleans neighborhood Broadmoor, a New Orleans neighborhood in the Uptown/Carrolton area, was among the worst affected by Katrina flooding. Since the state did not have plans to re-open the badly-damaged school, Broadmoor residents took it upon themselves.
Spokane schools increase graduation through online options Superintendent John Glenewinkel of East Valley School District (EVSD) in Spokane wanted to tackle his district's high school dropout challenges and expand educational opportunities to all students.
Western NY adds digital file-sharing for 41 districts Western New York Regional Information Center (WNYRIC) provides provides information and technology services to five regionally based Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and their component school districts, comprising a quarter of a million students.
Milwaukee schools embrace streaming digital media Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has begun implementing Discovery Education streaming Plus in more than 140 schools. The program boosts curricula with up to 9,000 videos and 71,000 digital video clips, aligned to state standards and searchable by keyword, content area and grade level.
Reading software yields gains in three Michigan districts If there is a single skill most important to a child’s learning, it must be reading. Without the ability to read well, children will struggle to succeed in all their subjects. Even math requires a certain level of literacy to grasp and apply key concepts. But a number of factors may lead to literacy problems, including socio-economic circumstances, special education needs and ESL issues.
Interactive whiteboards promote collaboration, discipline With more than 63,000 students enrolled at more than 100 schools, Mobile County Public Schools (MCPS) is the largest district in Alabama and the 50th largest district in the United States. With that many students, it's understandable that student attentiveness and behavior might be ongoing concerns for educators.
Free Website a boon for Idaho district With under 5,000 students, Lakeland School District in tiny Rathdrum, Idaho, doesn't have a huge I.T. budget. Yet Lakeland has the same need to communicate with parents, students and community members as any larger school system would.
Study shows third-graders boost scores with literacy program Results from a recent study among third graders in a suburban public school district show substantial improvement in reading scores for those students who learned using a differentiated literacy program. The study was conducted in the East Hartford (CT) Public School District by Main Street Academix, an independent, university-based research company.
Louisiana kids gain confidence, skills with design software Students in special education programs may present unusual challenges to educators, because they need more time than other students to achieve learning goals and reach key milestones. How, then, can teachers keep students’ attention and provide immediate positive reinforcement for their efforts, thereby preventing frustration and loss of interest in school?
CA district focuses efforts on kids at risk to drop out More than 1 million students drop out of U.S. schools every year. In many districts across the country, educators are grappling with this sober statistic and seeking ways to keep kids in school.
Math challenge uses video games to spur learning Many educators agree that one of the best ways for children of all ages to enhance learning is through play and useful applications of the skills they have developed. Not surprisingly, then, many teachers are increasingly adding educational video games to their mix of classroom tools.
Five essential practices to transform failing schools Amid growing pressure on public school districts to improve performance of chronically struggling schools, two nationally known education organizations have formed a consortium to offer a research-based approach for transforming these schools into successful learning environments without requiring mass dismissals of staff, school closures or turnover to charters or outside management organizations.
Data analysis essential for decision making The typical educational institution generates terabytes of learning management system (LMS) data on an annual basis. When combined with data extracted from other sources such as network or security devices, operating systems and complimentary application systems such as SIS, ERP
Cloud, thin computing saves $200,000 yearly Beech Grove City Schools in Indiana had a problem with their IT system. It delivered the basic educational and administrative support, but at a steep cost in maintenance.
NYC HS improves online access for students, teachers NYC iSchool is a model high school program developed through a special initiative from the NYC Chancellor’s office. In a supportive environment, it offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with a focus on interdisciplinary study of real-world problems, individualized learning, and on-line coursework. Technology is part of every content area and facilitates the individualized programming and on-line work.
RTI program supported by reading software Kanawha County Schools, the largest public school district in West Virginia and the district serving the state capital of Charleston, has selected Reading Assistant™ from Scientific Learning to help boost the performance of struggling fourth and fifth grade readers in the district’s 26 Title I elementary schools.
Boulder upgrades 1300 classrooms with integrated technology Boulder Valley School District, a 29,000-student public school system serving Boulder, Colorado, and its surrounding communities, is undertaking one of the most comprehensive district-wide technology improvements in the country – outfitting nearly 90 percent of its K-12 classrooms with state-of-the-art, instructional technology.
D3M software speeds information access in Indiana With “student achievement” headlining its 2009-10 Strategic Plan, the district stepped up the search for a data-driven decision making (D3M) product that would allow them to gain immediate access to multiple data points to demonstrate continuous improvement.
2009 Digital School District Survey Winners Winners of the sixth annual Digital School Districts Survey have been announced by e.Republic’s Center for Digital Education, the National School Boards Association and Converge Online magazine. The Survey’s purpose is to recognize school districts and school boards across the nation whose use of digital technology in interfacing with students, parents and community, district governing, and bettering of operations proved exceptional.
Vocational institute uses CMS to address privacy, cost concerns IT Director Michael Baker and his colleagues evaluated a handful of classroom management solutions with three specific criteria in mind.
New York State Adds Education Vendor How does a state as geographically large and populous as New York manage the information and technology needs of hundreds of diverse school districts? Through twelve Regional Information Centers (RICs), which work with all Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and school districts throughout the state to deliver technical support, resources and solutions.
Managing Internet traffic in Canadian schools Network security and student safety have emerged as top priorities for education leaders in Canada as educators rely increasingly on the Internet for instruction, educational resources, assessment, data management, and more.
Missouri district sees scores rise with diagnostic program The Park Hill School District, with 15 schools and more than 10,000 students, is a suburban district located just north of Kansas City, Missouri. Although teachers have regularly used classroom assessments to gauge student learning during the year, the district lacked the means to consistently measure student performance against the Missouri Grade-Level Expectations or to predict student performance on the MAP.
Oregon goes digital with science Across the country, teaching science from textbooks alone is going the way of the dinosaur. Most educators believe that in order to hold the attention of 21st century learners and to prepare them for the technology of tomorrow, digital resources must become primary teaching tools.
Strengthening the home-school connection in St. Louis Saint Louis Public Schools Executive Director of Communications Patrick Wallace believes it's essential to the home-school connection for teachers to be able to create and maintain interactive, up- to-date websites. Additionally, tools for creating websites should be easy for teachers with any level of computer sophistication to master.
Vacant TV channels yield broadband solution For the first time in the U.S., unused TV broadcast channels freed by the transition to digital TV are being used to deliver wireless high-speed Internet connectivity to education, business and community users.
Activity-Based Reading Software Improves Skills With a student population made up of 96 percent Hispanics and 60 percent English Language Learners, administrators at Mountain View School District in California needed a literacy program which would identify skill gaps and provide differentiated instruction and practice in key skill areas. The district began using Lexia Reading in 2007. Last year, it moved to a full implementation in all elementary schools.
Preschoolers Benefit from 1,000 Computer Centers According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the fastest growing ethnic group in the U.S. population is also the most likely to drop out of high school. What's more, they are also highly underrepresented in technical and engineering professions, according to the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering. That's why IBM is spearheading an effort to promote education within the Hispanic community.
ROI in Less than One Year with Systems Software Academy School District 20 of Colorado Springs serves 22,000 students and is one of the largest and oldest school districts in Colorado.Because of the district's location, fast-growing city and large physical layout, ASD20's IT staff, in charge of managing 30 servers and more than 8,000 computers, found that its imaging, license tracking and help desk processes were unable to properly manage the district's evolving systems.
DC Schools Launch Improved Website The new District of Columbia Public School’s (DCPS) Web site gives teachers, students and parents superior access and easier navigation to all offerings of the public education system.
Grant for Noisy Classrooms Holly Grove Elementary School of Holly Springs, N.C., was experiencing many challenges related to student engagement, including overcrowding and noise from both inside and outside the classroom.
Policy Brief Cites Effective Data Program A recent policy brief, published by the Alliance for Excellent Education, identifies “Using Data” from TERC as a professional development program that is helping schools use data to improve teaching and learning.
Literacy Program Uses Gaming to Boost Reading The results of research conducted by George Mason University Professor Jack A. Naglieri indicate that oral reading fluency scores improved considerably for students who used the Skatekids™ literacy program, and that the more students use the program, the more they
San Francisco Unified Launches Communication Solution San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is implementing a new school-to-home communication solution that aims to solve the district’s problems in communicating with a population that speaks more than twenty languages.
Interactive Whiteboards Factor in Improved AYP Cumberland County Schools (CCS) in Fayetteville, North Carolina, has witnessed a significant increase in its Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) score.
Iowa recognizes importance of assistive technology Not every student with a disability needs to be placed in a special education environment. In fact, many don’t. Often, just having a few simple and relatively inexpensive technological aids available in the classroom erases learning disadvantages and simplifies teaching.
Minnesota District Quadruples Computers On a Budget The combination of thin clients and virtualization has maximized the school's technology budget, allowing the district to put in four times as many thin clients as PCs.
The Episcopal Academy in Philadelphia designs new print environment Sometimes, it’s just great to get a fresh start. At The Episcopal Academy in suburban Philadelphia, aging facilities were threatening to hold the schoolback. Buildings were in need of renovation. A hodgepodge of unreliable printers left students andteachers frustrated. In
San Antonio ISD creates new ILP Web-based program The San Antonio Independent School District has purchased Learning Plans on Demand™ for its secondary schools. The Web based program will be used to help teachers quickly create individual learning plans for students without complicated assessments.Betty Burks, deputy superintendent for
Glenwood Springs Elementary implements new ELL program(2) Glenwood Springs Elementary School in Colorado, where almost half of all students enter as English language learners, recently implemented an intervention program to help the ELLs keep up with their native English speaking peers. The program uses Longman Cornerstone, an
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Turns to E-rate Manager for Applicants for Assistance with E-rate Program In 2008, through the E rate program, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools received more than $1 million in funding for vital telecommunications services such as phone and Internet connections. E rate Manager for Applicants, an online suite of tools developed by Funds
New Jersey Students Master Technologies, School District Saves Money Like most educators facing tight fiscal times, Dr. Thomas Gant is always looking to maximize his budget dollars while still providing students with the latest technology to enhance their learning.As the supervisor of education technology for the Tabernacle (N.J.) School
YES Prep Public Schools adopts faster PCs NCP engineering GmbH announced that its 64 bit Windows VPN client has helped the YES Prep Public Schools of Houston, TX to adopt faster PCs for its staff. The school system selected the NCP Secure Entry Client because it supported
Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School deploys 4,000 ThinkPad R500 laptops On September 23, Lenovo announced that the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School (PAVCS), a K 12 public cyber charter school in Norristown, PA, deployed nearly 4,000 ThinkPad R500 laptops to give its students the technology they needed to complete a high
Wolf Creek in Alberta improves network security and integrity To improve network security and integrity for users on its wired and wireless network, Wolf Creek Public Schools in Alberta, Canada selected a combined integrated security solution from InfoExpress and Alcatel Lucent. The new security capabilities will protect the public
South Carolina’s Battery Creek High School adopts Pearson PD South Carolina’s Battery Creek High School has adopted a teacher professional development program from Pearson, aimed at improving student achievement through teacher learning communities. Pearson is underwriting the cost of the program for one year to showcase its potential at
Managing textbooks to increase accountability K 12 school districts nationwide are adopting Follett Software’s Destiny Textbook Manager to help increase accountability and control over annual investments in textbooks. Destiny Textbook Manager, a centralized, browser based system, is now in over 11,000 schools. Officials at Plainfield
West Potomac Academy revamps TV program The West Potomac Academy provides students with opportunities to take advanced, specialized classes in communications and the arts. The Academy is one of five high school academies in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). The Academy’s mission is to provide opportunities
Testing goes wireless in Arizona Marie is in the seventh grade at Pine Junior High School. She starts every morning by text messaging her friends on her cell phone. She continues through breakfast, one hand spooning cereal, the other texting. During the day, she spends
Albemarle County Public Schools makes AYP Albemarle County Public Schools achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for 2008 09 under the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Albemarle met all 29 benchmarks and indicators of student achievement included in NCLB. To help achieve these results, the
Florida Schools Prepare to Choose New Math Programs for State’s Students Each of Florida’s 67 school districts is now in the process of selecting new math programs for the state’s 2.5 million plus students. With one half of the fastest growing occupations in the country requiring math or science backgrounds, educators
New York State's Alden Central School District goes wireless The more than 1,900 K 12 students and teachers who returned to New York State's Alden Central School District on September 1 gained ubiquitous high performance wireless Internet access for the first time using a district wide Meru Networks 802.11n
Monroe Township School District expands teacher training Monroe Township School District’s Challenge In addition to providing differentiated instruction to its 5,500 students,Monroe Township School District (MTSD), located in Middlesex County, NJ,also believes in delivering differentiated professional development to morethan 500 teachers. However, attending to the individual needs
Indiana schools choose parent notification system To build support for school to home communication, 16 public school districts in Indiana have joined others in the state in choosing the SchoolReach parent notification system to provide schools with emergency alert and parental notification messaging.SchoolReach has entered a
Ohio elementary schools uses Pearson to identify student performance and needs Western and central Ohio elementary schools are using Pearson’s AIMSweb solution, an assessment and web based data management system, to identify student performance levels and address individualized learning needs. Many of Ohio’s principals, teachers, guidance counselors and other school staff
Mansfield ISD improves reading performance To help struggling readers and boost student performance, the Mansfield Independent School District (MISD) in Mansfield, Texas has invested $1.7 million in Scientific Learning’s Fast ForWord products, to be used by the district’s 37 elementary, intermediate, middle and high schools.
Philadelphia school makes cost-effective new print environment Eager to update its campus technology, the PreK 12 Episcopal Academy (Philadelphia, PA) worked with HP to plan a flexible, cost effective print environment as part of its new campus developments.For some time, the academy’s buildings were highly in need
Michigan awards Pearson with 5-year teacher training contract Pleased with the company’s performance, Michigan has awarded a five year contract to Pearson’s Evaluation Systems group to continue managing teacher certification testing. The Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) program will build on Pearson’s nearly two decade relationship with
New report links achievement and video streaming A new report completed by the independent research firm Cometrika shows a link between usage of Discovery Education streaming and higher achievement scores—specifically, in grades 3 8 in math and reading. The report, based on data from the 2006 07
Western Wayne SD chooses thin clients In efforts to keep up its strategic use of technology in classrooms, the Western Wayne School District (Northeast PA) has announced that it will implement Wyse Technology thin clients. Western Wayne received a “Schools of Excellence in Technology” award in
California gets results with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Schools across California are finding success with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s suite of standards based curriculum data analysis. The company collaborated with California educators to create assessment platforms that quickly collect and analyze student performance data, evaluate student progress, set achievement
Greater Latrobe School District updates tech The Greater Latrobe School District, which manages over 2,000 workstations and laptops across six locations, recently implemented Novell ZENworks Configuration Management to help update its technology.One of the district’s challenges was its small IT staff—employees were often busy imaging machines
Hampton City School District chooses business intelligence software Hampton City School District (VA) recently started using business intelligence (BI) software from Noetix Corp. to give technical analysts and other administrators the ability to locate data required to create BI reports more easily.With 23 elementary, six middle and four
David H. Ponitz Career Technology Center revamps video production lab Based on an interview with Jennifer Bryant The Donitz Career Center High School (DCC) is part of the Dayton Public School District in Ohio. It is an urban school, and of the nearly 400 students enrolled in
Henrico adds fiber optic network Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) in Virginia recently added a new data center onto its Richmond area fiber optic network with the help of Cavalier, a provider of telecommunications services throughout the eastern U.S. The new center enables a secure
Idaho schools saves money, reduces energy with Faronics' PowerSave Coeur D'Alene School District (ID) was looking for ways to save money on its energy bill. With over 10,000 students and 1,300 staff members, the district had about 4,000 workstations operating on Microsoft Windows XP. Bryan Martin, the district's Director
Moses Lake SD chooses Hitachi Software StarBoards Moses Lake School District (WA) has selected Hitachi Software StarBoards for all grade level and subject curricula. The district, with the help of Troxell Communications, allocated over 100 Hitachi FXDUO 77 StarBoards along with the Hitachi CP A100 3LCD ultra
School for the deaf collaborates with Tandberg for videoconferencing The Kentucky School for the Deaf (KSD) in Danville, KY, recently decided to use TANDBERG video communications equipment to unite its students with the deaf community nationwide. KSD’s 150 elementary, middle and high school students make up a deaf population
PA first to integrate Keyboard Town PALS keyboarding program The Jeffrey Primary School (Glenshaw, PA) will be the first public school to integrate Keyboard Town PALS (KTP) into its curriculum. Keyboard Town PALS is a computer keyboard method that incorporates successful association and memory techniques, as well as story
Arts School finds safe browsing solution The Sallie B. Howard School for the Arts and Education (SBH), like many schools, is struggling to keep up with the times. To prepare students for life after school, the integration of technology is a must. However, relying on technology
Texas and MD schools hit one million video mark through Discovery's streaming Northside Independent School District (San Antonio, TX) and Prince George’s County Public Schools (MD) are among the first American school districts to view one million videos through Discovery Education streaming.Streaming, a digital video based learning resource, offers a library of
What Works Clearinghouse praises Pearson’s SuccessMaker Enterprise The Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse has praised Pearson’s SuccessMaker Enterprise, a new digital, supplemental, curriculum solution designed to support classroom instruction in reading and math for grades K 8. The WWC rated the program as having “potentially positive
IBM helps Alabama schools mine student data more efficiently IBM announced its partnership with Mobile County Public Schools (AL) to help teachers, administrators, principals and guidance counselors mine student data more efficiently. MCPSS is Alabama’s largest school district, with over 63,000 students in 95 schools. MCPSS previously struggled with
Clovis USD chooses thin clients for 1:1 With over 37,500 students in 42 schools, the Clovis Unified School District’s goal of 1 1 computing for students is ambitious, to say the least. The district, located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, is coming closer to achieving its goal
Alabama partners with STI for statewide enrollment and scheduling STI announced its partnership with the Alabama Department of Education to provide a Web based statewide enrollment and scheduling system for the state led online learning program. STI’s InformationLIVE will help Alabama manage scheduling and staffing for ACCESS (Alabama Connecting
Reading Assistant improves more than scores in MA The Parlin School in Everett, MA introduced Scientific Learning’s Reading Assistant program in December 2008, and has praised the program’s impact on the second graders who participated. Second grade teachers at the school explain that through the program’s three 20 minute
Rutherford County picks Lenovo for new pilot program Rutherford LEAP announced its selection of the Lenovo IdeaPad S10e netbook as the computer for its pilot program at Kittrell School in Rutherford County (TN) for the upcoming school year.The county’s technical administration team and Rutherford LEAP found the netbook
Duval County assesses reading program The Schultz Center for Teaching & Leadership has published a research brief on the longitudinal impact of helping strugging readers in Duval County with Fast ForWord, a technology based intervention intended to help students’ cognitive processing skills. The study assessed
More evidence online learning works A new study examined more than a thousand empirical studies of online learning from 1996 through July 2008. The resulting report, Evidence Based Practices in Online Learning A Meta Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies (2009), found the following
Tuscaloosa City Schools go green Tuscaloosa City Schools (AL) recently overcame a major conflict—the district wanted to go green, but its goal of teachers and staff working together in groups usually required travel and use of building resources. With the help of Novell Teaming, the
Tennessee school launches netbook program On June 20, Rutherford LEAP announced its selection of the Lenovo IdeaPad S10e netbook as the computer for its pilot program at Kittrell School in Rutherford County (TN) for the upcoming school year.The county’s technical administration team and Rutherford LEAP
Laredo Independent School District chooses Scientific Learning to improve reading Laredo Independent School District’s twenty elementary and four middle schools have incorporated Scientific Learning's Reading Assistant software into their resource classrooms, with the goal of improving students’ reading fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.Alma Rodriguez, Assistive Technology Coordinator, explains that since over
Alabama schools overcome data corruption issues Mobile County Public Schools (AL) recently turned to Information Transport Solutions to overcome data corruption issues and update the technology for its K 12 schools. System users were complaining about the slow performance of school based applications, and the IT
Illinois districts first to implement Miller & Levine Biology program High school districts in the Illinois counties of Lake, Will, Kendall and Kane will be some of the first to implement Pearson’s new “Miller & Levine Biology” program. Many other Illinois middle and high school students will also use Pearson’s
Buffalo schools using gaming to teach math Buffalo Public Schools (NY) recently selected DimensionM™ education video games to supplement their math curriculum for 12,000 students in 45 schools. The district will begin using the games during the upcoming summer school session and continue in the fall. Tabula
Virginia schools conduct student performance study In order to meet President Obama’s mandate for education reform, schools in Virginia are implementing learning programs that have shown to improve student performance. The school districts are now using Scott Foresman My Sidewalks, a research based reading solution for
Minnesota middle school chooses StarBoards Hidden Oaks Middle School, located in Prior Lake, MN, has selected Hitachi Software StarBoard interactive whiteboards. The school uses the FXDUO 77 model in math, social studies and English classes.Brent Stufft, English teacher at the middle school, finds the StarBoard
Tennessee prep school tightens Internet policy Battle Ground Academy, a K 12 prep school in Franklin, TN, is now in its second year of issuing PCs that have been pre loaded with Microsoft Office and classroom software to its students. At first, students were able to
Rochester district updates website with Schoolwires The Rochester City School District (NY) recently licensed the Centricity solution provided by Schoolwires. The district, which serves 32,000 students, will use the solution in pursuit of its goal of creating a user friendly, “interactive and engaging website” for community
Indiana district chooses Calypso to manage AV Michigan City Area Schools (IN) has chosen Calypso Systems products as key components of their total classroom technology solution. Calypso products are already being used in 41 Michigan City classrooms and another 40 are expected to be converted by next
Idaho virtual school selects Starfish student tracking system On June 1, Idaho Distance Learning Academy (IDLA) adopted Starfish Retention Solutions, Inc., a provider of student success systems, to help identify at risk students and connect them with support resources to assist them. IDLA is a state virtual school,
Texas district takes new approach to testing The Richardson Independent School District (RISD) in Dallas, TX has used a new approach on testing for several years now with the program TI MathForward. It incorporates real time assessment using technology, and allows teachers to see who exactly understands
Florida rethinks RTI Florida educators have announced a statewide plan for “response to intervention” and will be targeting individual instruction for students with the help of Pearson, an education and technology company. Pearson has developed a comprehensive suite of K 12 math instruction
TN school finds new tool to better organize data Finding it difficult to evaluate school performance for the No Child Left Behind Act, the Hamilton County Department of Education (HCDE) turned to PASW Modeler data mining software from SPSS Inc. to find a better way to organize information and
Dublin City Schools starts employee safety program The Dublin City Schools (DCS) have decided to implement EmployeeSafe Suite from PublicSchoolWORKS (PSW) to help employees complete required safety training during times that were convenient for them, and in a manner that saves the schools time and resources.DCS introduced
Protecting your IT investment Winston Salem Forsyth is the fifth largest school system in North Carolina with about 51,000 combined students in its 40 elementary, 15 middle and 11 high schools. The Computrace® software will be used on over 25,000 computers.The Computrace solutions address
Formative assessment gets results in Arizona schools Mesa Public Schools is the largest school district in Arizona, serving 70,000 students in a diverse population east of Phoenix. The district includes two Native American communities, and approximately half the student body is composed of minorities. Mesa Public Schools
Arizona schools graduate first seniors without textbooks Empire High School (Vail, AZ) seniors will be the first group of students to have started and completed their high school careers without the use of traditional textbooks, using personal laptops instead. When the school began its 2005 school year,
NComputing saves district a over half million in hardware Steve Young, Chief Technology Officer of the Judson school district in Texas, recently performed his own energy cost analysis a year after beginning a major computer upgrade and expansion program in his school district of 21,000 students outside of San
Texas SD installs new multimedia distribution centers The Franklin Independent School District (Franklin, TX) recently implemented a new control system solution for multimedia distribution centers, using the CampusSV system from SchoolView Technologies, LLC. (Plano, TX) in conjunction with other devices. The system interfaces nearly all audio and
Houston district chooses Xiotech’s Emprise 7000 for data storage The Galena Park Independent School District in Houston recently selected Xiotech’s Emprise 7000 storage system for its data center and has had it in production since February. The district chose the Emprise 7000 system primarily for its self healing capabilities
Florida school tests success of ultra-mobile PCs Lake Gem Elementary is part of the Orange County Public School System, and has over 840 students in grades K 5 with a large percentage of African American and Hispanic students. The school will conduct a two week test to
Evergreen Public Schools improves website, school communication Schoolwires, a provider of website and community management solutions for K 12 districts, has expanded its partnership with Education Service Center (ESC) Region XI in Texas, in order to provide certified hosting of the company’s solutions to more districts. This
Florida will launch new math standards in 2010, may choose Pearson Florida will launch its new math standards in the fall of 2010, and Pearson hopes to take part in designing a new learning environment for the state’s students. Pearson submitted a comprehensive suite of K 12 math programs to the
Minnesota Online High School delivers virtual PCs The Minnesota Online High School (MNOHS) has selected SIMtone to deliver virtual PC environments to students and faculty of the as part of its Education Thunder Program. The program aims to provide access to full PCs in the cloud to
11 crisis management tips for administrators CDW G offers the following checklist of topics and questions for non technology executives and administrators to review with their management teams and IT departments to prepare for significant facility shutdowns – regardless of the cause 1. What functions and
SCW program gives cash back to education customers Southern Computer Warehouse (SCW) has launched a “Red, White & You” rewards program that will give government and education clients cash back on all purchases. Joseph Gabriel, chief executive officer of SCW, explains that the goal of the program is
Follett and Red Rock Reports help schools find AARA funds Follett Software Company recently announced a partnership with RedRock Reports to help states and K 12 school districts identify available ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) funds, and to help find products and communication tools that will address their needs.
Colorado Spring School District aims to improve achievement with Discovery School administrators of the Colorado Spring School District #11 have committed to improving student achievement by integrating Discovery Education digital services and hardware. The services purchased by the district for its 48 schools include Discovery Education streaming Plus, a digital
New Hampshire Department of Education makes plan to better manage data The New Hampshire Department of Education has selected a team of companies, led by Center for Educational Leadership and Technology, to help them use their data more effectively.One of these companies is ESP Solutions Group, a PK 12 data consulting
Huntington County Community School Corporation adopts Pearson Inform The data analysis and decision support tool is designed for K 12 districts, and will benefit the 6,000+ students of the district’s 11 schools. In the past, teachers and administrators of the district collected student data but had difficulty searching
Colorado district chooses Hitachi StarBoards The Lewis Palmer School District in Monument, CO has selected Hitachi Software StarBoard interactive whiteboards to help develop educational programs, purchased through Troxell Communications. The district uses twenty four of the FXDUO 77 model StarBoards at the elementary and high
Pilot Chosen for One-to-One Laptop Project North Vista Elementary, Florence, SC, has been selected to participate as a pilot site in the state's One Laptop per Child initiative. The One Laptop per Child push is a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Education and the
Texas Districts Sign with Tyler Technologies Tyler Technologies Inc. has signed contracts to provide the Katy (TX) Independent School District and the Canyon (TX) Independent School District with Tyler’s Financial Management by MUNIS solution. The agreements, which total about $3.1 million, include software licenses, related professional
San Diego SD chooses new reading comprehension programs The San Diego Unified School District has chosen to add SkatekidsOnline and the companion program Ramps to Reading to its early literacy and reading comprehension programs. Ramps to Reading, designed for pre K through 1st grade, develops the cognitive and
Georgia creates e-rate support team Schools across Georgia are competing for a portion of E Rate funding, the $2.5 billion in federal technology funding awarded each year by the School and Libraries Program of the Universal Services Fund, and Richardson Technology Systems Inc. (TSI) has
New England schools turn to open source Many New England schools are looking for ways to address growing IT needs and shrinking IT budgets, and are unable to afford new equipment. Some have turned to open source software solutions provided by companies like Rosara, which converts PCs
Fast ForWord chosen in Utah The Utah State Board of Education has chosen the Fast ForWord family of products as an approved language arts program for elementary students, and for English as a Second Language (ESL) students at the middle and high school levels.The products
Egg Harbor picks Infinite Campus The Egg Harbor Township (NJ) School District has implemented Infinite Campus as the district's new student information system. According to Chris Shoemaker, information technology services director at Egg Harbor Township, the Student Information System Selection Committee focused on three criteria
Louisiana District Focuses on Extended Learning The Louisiana Recovery School District has purchased $300,000 of Carnegie Learning Adaptive Math Solutions for middle and high school students as part of an ongoing focus on intervention and extended learning. Purchased with Title I and supplemental funding, Cognitive Tutor
Knox County schools chooses Follett to track and correlate student performance, demographic and financial data In an effort to improve student performance and produce a highly educated work force, the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership (McHenry, IL) has decided to back an aggressive drive to help Knox County schools track and correlate student performance, demographic and
Blue Valley School District in Kansas creates scan-to-print shop with Xerox Xerox has partnered with Rochester Software Associates (RSA) to provide a scan to print shop solution that allows teachers and staff of the Blue Valley School District in Kansas to spend less time preparing materials in their buildings. Tests, reading
Grand Forks Public Schools Develops, Distributes, and Archives Institutional Knowledge with Hosted Collaboration The Grand Forks and Grand Forks Air Force Base School Districts work together as Grand Forks Public Schools to serve 7,200 students who attend schools across the two communities. The district includes 12 elementary schools, four middle schools, two high
NC District Chosen as Fast ForWord Reference Scientific Learning Corp. has chosen the Anson County (NC) School District as a national reference site for its use of the company’s Fast ForWord program. Anson County was selected for its strong implementation of the Fast ForWord program and significant
Maine District Picks Meru WLAN Gorham (ME) School Department has equipped its 850 student high school with a new high speed IEEE 802.11n draft 2.0 wireless network from Meru Networks. Plans call for the extension of the WLAN to the district's three elementary schools over
SD District Picks PowerSchool Premier The Yankton (SD) School District has selected Pearson’s PowerSchool Premier as its new Web based student information system. PowerSchool Premier will serve the district's seven schools, which enroll more than 2,900 students from preschool through 12th grade. The district will
School Loop, TeleParent Partner School Loop and TeleParent have partnered to make TeleParent's technology available through the School Loop Plus online application. This partnership allows parents to receive either a personalized daily email about their child's grades and homework, or, if there is no
Arizona District Upgrades Wireless Access Creighton School District in Phoenix has deployed 802.11abg+n Wi Fi Arrays from Xirrus Inc. The new Xirrus 802.11n Wi Fi network services 7,500 students and 1,200 staff utilizing Microsoft and Apple computing devices and BlackBerrys across nine campuses. Creighton School
Carousel of Ideas Finds Success in California District wide implementations of Carousel of Ideas in California helped 96% of schools meet their Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives as measured and reported for Title III standards for English Language Proficiency.Title III of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
Wireless WAN Helps Students Improve Since the Nederland (TX) Independent School District installed its high speed broadband network, student achievement has improved. The district has been recognized by the Texas Education Agency for education excellence for improvements noted from 2004 to 2008. During that period,
PD 306 Usage Tops 250,000 The number of licensed users for the School Improvement Network’s PD 360 on demand professional learning resource has tripled in the last year to more than 250,000 users. Educators at more than 7,000 schools in 500 U.S. and Canadian districts
Acuity Assessment System Gains Approval in California CTB McGraw Hill’s Acuity suite of diagnostic and predictive assessments has been approved by the California Learning Resource Network. CLRN approval demonstrates that Acuity complies with State Board of Education legal criteria for learning tools, is aligned with California Academic
HP unveils new education products, solutions HP released several new products and solutions at the Florida Education Technology conference, including the HP Mini 2140 Notebook PC that was designed with education in mind. The HP Mini 2140 is highly configurable with an all aluminum case and
Utah Adopts Academy of Reading, Math Academy of Reading and Academy of Math products from AutoSkill International have been adopted by the Utah State Department of Education as “recommended student resources.” The Academy of Reading was adopted as a Utah “recommended student resource” for grades K
Districts Choose SchoolRecruiter Large school districts in Maryland, Nebraska, and Georgia have chosen applicant tracking and hiring software from SchoolRecruiter. The Web based management software solution for K 12 districts, developed by Netchemia LLC, provides districts of any size an affordable, integrated system
State Program, Large Districts Adopt netTrekker d.i. Two dozen local and regional detention homes in Virginia recently purchased the netTrekker d.i. solution for safe Internet browsing. The Virginia Department of Education Division Director of Testing for State Operations Program purchased the software so children in these homes,
Illinois District, Washington School Pick Hitachi StarBoard Western Springs (IL) School District 101 has chosen Hitachi Software FXDUO 77 StarBoard interactive whiteboards and Hitachi CP A100 3LCD projector as part of the Hitachi CP A100+FXDUO bundle. Purchased through Troxell Communications, the StarBoards have been particularly popular at
Technology Helps Dallas ISD Track Truants The number of “contributing to truancy” cases filed by the Dallas Independent School District has increased nearly 10 fold since 2005, thanks to tracking technology. According to information from the Texas Education Agency, the number of such cases has risen
Target Teach Aids Oklahoma Students Washington Elementary in Sapulpa, OK, went from the district’s worst performing school to a Blue Ribbon School in the span of three years. Working with Evans Newton, Inc. Sapulpa School District implemented a school improvement program that featured Target Teach
CDW-G, Discovery Education Launch Technology Sweepstakes CDW G and Discovery Education is accepting entries to its annual “Win a Wireless Lab” sweepstakes through May 1. The program gives K 12 schools nationwide the opportunity to win a 21st century classroom, complete with tablet or notebook computers,
Texas Students Gain on TAKS Students in the Marshall (TX) Independent School District who completed at least one Scientific Learning Fast ForWord course achieved measurable gains on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). Students showed, on average, more than a year’s gain in
Texas District Expands Relationship with Verizon Sherman (TX) Independent School District (ISD) has expanded its decade long relationship with Verizon Business.The technology provider currently is completing the installation of a new voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) platform and is deploying wireless local area networks (LANs) for
Lo Jack Leads to Pilfered Laptop Fort Worth (TX) Independent School District officials say a laptop computer stolen from Polytechnic High School has been recovered through Lo Jack tracking technology. The computer, valued at $1,500, was stolen from a classroom in late October while a teacher
Hawaii Schools Improve Performance with PD360 Reading scores have increased dramatically for students at 14 schools in Hawaii utilizing PD 360, the School Improvement Network's on demand professional development platform. Schools that consistently used PD 360 experienced an average of 6.9 points in improvement, which translates
CoSN Releases New Ethical Standards The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) released its first ever Ethical Standards & Code of Ethics for school district level chief technology officers (CTOs). CoSN developed the code and standards to define and clarify the ethical responsibilities of and expectations
Ohio Schools Improve Graduation Rates The specified URL cannot be found
Pearson Releases Latest Version of PowerTeacher 1.5(2) Pearson’s PowerTeacher 1.5 connects the teacher Web portal with a Web based grade book that enables teachers to instantly access and report key student data. The software is now available for integrated use with Chancery SMS Pearson’s SIS
Pearson Releases Latest Version of PowerTeacher 1.5 Pearson’s PowerTeacher 1.5 connects the teacher Web portal with a Web based grade book that enables teachers to instantly access and report key student data. The software is now available for integrated use with Chancery SMS Pearson’s SIS solution designed
Whitmore Lake High School adopts alternative energy lab Creative Learning Systems is piloting the Alternative Energy SmartLab in a full year program with introductory and advanced courses in Whitmore Lake High School in Whitmore Lake, Mich. Opened in 2007, Whitmore Lake High School’s innovative, environmentally friendly design features
An Ounce of Prevention: Technologists Use Network Access Control to Protect System Resources, Students