Learning Transformed
Current Events
Cheney School District
In the first year of the project, CSD is focusing on integrating technological tools into high school math classes. The following elements of the grant have been or are currently being implemented:
- One additional math teacher has been hired that enables:
- Daily collaboration periods for math teachers
- A math lab for students identified as being at risk of not passing the 10th grade WASL, students in this course will also screen and give feedback on selected software
- The math department set criteria for software evaluation and is scheduled to test approximately seven software packages
- 60 laptops were ordered and received to equip two portable computer labs
- MAP testing has been administered to students
- Several professional development courses have occurred that were geared toward the project, for instance, district teachers and administrators received training on reading and using MAP test results in instruction strategies
- Planning for monthly family nights to engage parents with student progress technology
Eastern Washington University
The Department of Education at EWU is currently evaluating and significantly changing its curriculum to develop Professional Development Schools. Each Professional Development School is located in a community school and is expected to further involve EWU faculty and graduate students in field-based action research that focuses on models, methods and strategies that promote student learning, and connections across grade levels in subject matter knowledge and skills.
Microsoft and Washington Governor's Executive Policy Office
Personnel from Microsoft and the Governor's Executive Policy Office have:- Developed a project charter
- Developed internal and external communication plans
- Developed a first year work plan with identified outcomes and objectives
And are currently:
- Assembling the Advisory Committee
- Planning site visits to gain knowledge and insights on other projects and to incorporate best practices
- Implementing the communications plan and the work plan
- Arranging for Microsoft to evaluate current and future technological needs for the project