District/School Administration PK-16 Program Support
Educational Technology

Adams-Chesire

Kathy Delisle
413-664-4377

The CCATT Model

Adams-Chesire will adopt the model of the CCATT lab as a central place where all the technology and supplies necessary for the creation of adaptive materials for students will be available. In order to achieve this goal Adams-Chesire will use the CCATT Adoption Program package, consultation services and customized training. CCATT, the Collaborative Center for Assistive Technology and Training mission is to help individuals with disabilities gain control over their lives by helping them find ways to communicate and control their environments.

Ashland

Kay Tessier
508-881-0166

Water: A Community Resource or Community

Ashland plans to adopt Shutesbury's Project, Water: A Community Resource in Shutesbury, Massachusetts. The focus of this project will focus on analyzing the impact the contamination of the Nyanza toxic waste site has had on private wells, lakes and ponds used for recreational swimming in town, recreational fishing, and town provided water pipes in Ashland. Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint will be used to sort and display their research. This project is an inquiry-based science project that integrates technology, math and language arts, while students disseminate information as a service to the community.

Bedford

Janet Tortora
781-275-6804

See It, Say It, Write It, Adopt It!

Bedford plans to adopt the Bridgewater Public Schools lighthouse grant, See it, Say it, Write it. This project is designed to use technology as a tool to promote the oral communication and written expression skills contained in the language, literature, composition, and media strands of the English Language Arts Learning Standards. Use of computers, digital cameras, software, scanners, and audio-visual equipment enhances the curriculum for all students, including diverse learners.

Boston

David Dikter
617-635-8880

KidSmart-WriteSmart-AlphaSmart-Writing

Boston will adopt and adapt the use of Alpha Smart Keyboards with 3rd and 4th grade classrooms. This project includes both a Professional Development Model and a Best Classroom Practice Model. The three major components for adoption are: Professional Development, Classroom Practice, and Teachers as Researchers. An RFP will be developed to identify to teachers best current practices integrating technology into the writing process, identification of how they might use the Alpha Smarts in their classes and commitment to the overall project goals and objectives.

Brockton

Susan St. Germain
508-580-4332

Adopting Best Practices

Brockton will use Alpha Smarts, a portable, hand-held word processing tool that enables students to write, edit and transfer text to a PC for complete formatting. Participating staff will visit model sites for training. The staff of Brockton will continue to meet and incorporate plans to use the technology in their on-going writing process.

Burlington

Joan Tuttle
781-270-1781

Linking and Learning

The Linking and Learning model is a replica of the Hands Across Walpole model. This program will involve grade eight students in Family and Consumer Science classes and the Burlington Senior Center. The senior citizens will use e-mail and video conferencing to share experiences with students. Using the Social Studies and Family and Consumer Science Curricula, the students create questions for the seniors and ask questions using video conferencing. The use of QuickCam and software offers technology as the connecting feature of promoting positive relationships among students and senior citizens. The major activities will be video conferencing, emailing and web activities with members of the Burlington Senior Center.

Chicopee

Ellyn Schneider
413-594-3577

The Multimodel Communication Classroom: Best Practices in the Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communications Techniques and technology Devices for Students with Mild and Severe Speech and Language Needs

Chicopee proposes to adopt a multimodel communication model utilized by the Collaborative Center for Assistive Technology and Training at Hampshire Education Collaborative. In this model, teachers will be trained in the use of a variety of instructional strategies and assistive technologies that encourage multiple modes of expression for the students in their classroom. This model focuses on the design and implementation of augmentative and alternative communication strategies and technologies for all students, with an emphasis on students with mild to severe speech and language needs.

Fall River

Susan Horvitz
508-235-2637

Experiencing Social Studies: A Powerful Learning Project via the Internet

With the social studies frameworks as a basis, Fall River staff will create activities for their students which would illustrate core knowledge and the learning standards through interactive lessons using simulations, hotlists, webquests, scavenger hunts, jigsaw activities, multimedia presentations, and desktop publishing applications. The dissemination plan that Fall River will follow is the same one that the Wareham Public Schools used; grade level inservice training which released teachers for half day sessions and a summer institute that is planned for 2001. These workshops highlight specific projects and then involve the staff in creating their own.

Gateway Regional

Paul Facteau
413-667-8711

Gator Gazette On-Line

Gateway plans to adopt the Crocker Farms Elementary School Project. Using Crocker Farms' model, Gateway Regional High School will establish a learning resource web site to integrate three courses: Journalism, Communications Technology, and Multi-Media. This web site will feature student writing work, classroom news, links to research sites and special events. Gateway publications -- The Gator Gazette (school newspaper), The Open Book and Perspectives magazine will all be posted on the Internet.

Greenfield

Carol Albano
413-772-1320

Adaptive Materials Resource Center

Greenfield Public Schools plans to work with the Collaborative Center for Assistive Technology and Training (CCATT) to adopt their model of implementing strategies to maximize participation and inclusion for students in all areas of the curriculum by using technology to access and record information, and communicate this learning to peers and adults. By adopting this model, Greenfield hopes to build their internal capacity for providing curriculum materials and technology support to students with specific needs so that they can have appropriate access to education.

Holyoke

Elaine Lathrop
413-493-1631

Jumpstart

Holyoke plans to adopt the Highland Elementary School's Project HEAT. The establishment of technology/curriculum learning teams will be the next step for Holyoke. They will begin by aggressively approaching to provide technology/curriculum based professional development to the staff while providing continuity for their students across the grades. Holyoke wants to JumpStart their teachers and students to move them from the static world of textbook and paper to the collaborative, creative, and dynamic world of technology.

Lawrence

Debra Gabriel
978-975-2190

Process Writing In the Curriculum- "Inspired Writing"

The purpose of this project is to provide a form of technology (Alphasmarts) that is not wiring dependent in order to replicate the experiences of those students in other schools who have access toward processing in their classrooms. The MCAS Item Analysis for the Tarbox School in Lawrence indicates that process writing skills are in need of improvement. Implementing the "Inspiring Writing" model in the third grade will lay the foundation for improved writing skills in the the fourth grade. Alphasmarts along with a publishing station will afford the opportunity for these students to achieve these goals.

Lexington

Linda Schaye
781-861-2520

Standards Based Digital Portfolios

This grant proposes to add digital portfolios to the curriculum at Harrington Elementary School by the year 2001. The goal of this project is to teach students to reflect on and assess their own learning growth and to give students a vehicle to showcase their talents. Students put samples of their best writing (scanned or imported from a word processing document) and speaking abilities (sound or video clips) into their electronic portfolios. IMovie or PowerPoint technology will be used to exhibit students work. The goal of this grant is to use technology to improve student interest and learning.

Lowell

Stephen Warnick
617-923-1198

Integrating a MIDI Music Lab in the Middle School

The MIDI (acronym for musical instrument digital interface)lab provides a unique and innovative musical environment for the middle school learner. The software programs that will be installed on the computers, and in use in the lab, Band in the Box, Music Ace, and Music Time, comprise a comprehensive and integrated learning package, addressing numerous aspects involved in the process of creating music.

Marion

Anne Marie Dyer
508-799-3554

Using HyperStudio to Motivate Students in Science and Social Studies

Students in sixth grade will use HyperStudio to create and present a multimedia project in which sound, graphics and images are integrated. Students will be allowed to choose any topic from their science or social studies text. Teachers are asked to recommend students that have motivational difficulties but have the ability to do well in school. Sippican School has a vision where all students, regardless of academic ability, income level, race, gender, English speaking ability, and physical condition, have the opportunity to use computers for higher level cognitive activities.

Mendon-Upton

Paula Johnson
508-634-1590

Not Just Tools: Solutions

The goal of this grant is to improve writing skills by providing portable word processors throughout the school day so that students can more easily edit, revise and publish their writing. By using the John Collins Writing Process and portable technologies, Mendon-Upton hopes to seamlessly integrate technology with the writing process.

Norfolk County

Angela Avery
508-668-0268

NCAHS Distance Distance Learning Program

NCAHS plans to launch the first distance learning World Language courses in a vocational setting through adopting a distance learning model used by Bridgewater State College and the Moakley Center. This project creates a distance learning lab using previously purchased videoconferencing equipment and computer workstations will allow students on-line access to the instructor and the language lab materials. This program will allow students to explore new professional development opportunities not currently available in curriculum in a time and cost efficient manner.

North Andover

Donna Loeser
978-794-0124

Inquiry: Within Every Quest There is a question?

North Andover plans to adopt the ESE Lighthouse Grant model entitled "Creating Order out of Chaos: Web Site Pathways to Internet Research" This model was originally developed by teacher sin the Westford Public Schools. In the first phase of the adoption, pilot projects will be developed at grades 3 and 4. Students will use an inquiry model to explore a content standard in the science or social studies frameworks. Web Theme Pages will be developed by teachers, librarians and consultants from The Boston Collaborative.that will guide student use of the Internet. In the second phase, a series of workshops will be opened to teachers who are interested in learning how to implement inquiry using Essential Questions and Web theme pages.

North Reading

Ed Biggs
781-944-3213

The Batchelder School in North Reading plans to adopt a project developed by the Abbot School in Westford as a Lighthouse Project. This project used WebQuests as a unifying activity. Teachers and students developed search techniques for the Internet and web pages for collected resources. The WebQuest became a focus for student investigations, and the completion of multimedia projects using Hyperstudio was a culminating activity. Preliminary work done by North Reading using this model has energized teachers with its integration of curricular areas, standards goals, and an exciting, engaging learning environment.

Northampton

Robert Hanna
413-587-1322

MUD-CAT PROJECT

Northampton will adopt the MUD-CAT program of Holyoke High School. Holyoke teachers will assist Northampton teachers in using multimedia tools to integrate virtual tour-type activities into various curricula. All projects will be cross-curricular, addressing different standards and objectives in the Massachusetts frameworks and local curricula.

Pelham

Rena Moore
413-259-1212

Enhancing Science Instruction Using Light

Pelham School plans to adopt a model technology project originally developed by Ken Lindsey at the Shutesbury Elementary School. The Light and Optics Project guides students in the use of digital cameras, Adobe Photoshop, and photographic printers to help them look at the world with new eyes. Students use their skills to make photo essays of their local environment, which incorporates what they learn about light and optics, share their skills with kindergarten students, and help the kindergarten students learn to explore and understand the world around them. The Pelham School will incorporate the use of these technologies and the use of cross-grade tutoring.

Pioneer Valley

Mary Leyden
413-648-9356

The Turtles With Four Left Feet

Bernardston Elementary plans to adopt Erving Elementary' exemplary project, the "Turtle School of Dance." Through the completion of this project students will learn to use the logo computer language found in MicroWorlds to develop a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts of geometry. Students combine the use of spreadsheets and MicroWorlds programming to create intricately choreographed routines, complete with music and colorful design. Students will engage in problem solving, communicating, reasoning and connecting skills.

Salem

Gail Doherty
978-825-3614

Investornet

Investornet will be a cross-curriculum high school course online, utilizing the same types of web elements and designs that were used in the The Crucible: A Cross-Curricular Web Site Model Project developed by Shawsheen Valley Vocational High School. Teachers will work together over the course of this year to develop the technology skills and teaching strategies necessary for implementing an on-line curriculum. Investornet, in short, will be an Investing course online, replete with all of the constituent elements: daily stock quotes, readings, templates, and rubrics.

South Hadley

Cynthia Shepard
413-538-5060

Meeting the Needs of Learning Disabled Students Through the Use of Assistive Technology

South Hadley plan to adopt the Center for Assistive Technology and Training Center (CCATT) mission to help individuals with disabilities to become independent, communicate and control their environments through creative cutting edge technology. Specialized instructional methods will be integrating across the curriculum to teach reading and writing to language learning disabled children. The classroom environment will be modified through the use of cutting edge technology to ensure that each student becomes an independent, active learner in the acquisition of literacy skills.

The Education Cooperative (TEC)

Gail Ross-McBride
781-237-3028

The CCATT Center will train a multidisciplinary group of professionals within The Education Cooperative in the hardware and software necessary to set up and run an Adaptive Curriculum Materials Center as part of the Center. Establishing this Adaptive Curriculum Materials Center staff will be assisted in providing equal access to all areas of the curriculum. The goal of this project is to provide access to information for all students at any level. All students will benefit by becoming skilled in new technology and productivity tools and by experiencing information provided in alternative formats.

Wakefield

Joan Snell
781-245-2569

The Write Stuff: Using technology and the Curriculum Frameworks to Enhance Writing Instruction

The Write Stuff is a writing project dedicated to providing quality writing instruction across the curriculum for grade 2 students. This project uses technology to aid emerging writers in exploring different forms of written and different purposes for their writing as emphasized by the Curriculum Frameworks. Word processing and multimedia presentations integrated with reading, math, science and social studies are the core of the project. Students use computers to create writing samples and explore the editing process. They create curriculum-related multimedia presentations and share their work with the class and with their parents. Finally, students accumulate an electronic portfolio of work over the course of the year.

Watertown

Lisa Breit
617-926-7700

Watertown FITs: Full Infusion Technology

The Watertown Full Infusion Technology project (FITs) will address the need to sustain the integration of technology across all curriculum areas and grade levels by involving all the curriculum administrators in the district, as technology infusion leaders. FITs will adopt best practiced from MetroLINC, Watertown's federally funded Technology Innovation Challenge Grant, pairing MetroLINK Pioneer teacher with curriculum directors to select technology based materials, resources and tools in each subject area of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, and to demonstrate classroom implementation..Curriculum leaders will attend workshops, observe classes, and develop web pages for their departments.

Westport

Susana Amato
508-636-1013

Collaborative Project: Pre-School, Kindergarten and Technology

The purpose of this grant is to adopt the Fall River Public Schools Lighthouse Challenge Grant: Collaborative Project: Preschool, Kindergarten and Technology. Their model involves creating study groups to collaborate on forming curriculum and technology connections. These study groups create lessons that align to the district curriculum and frameworks and serve as a guide to all primary teachers.

Worcester

Robin Hynes
508-799-3247

School to Work Graphic Design Projects with Current Technology

The Worcester Comprehensive Skills Center is designed to offer a diversified non-traditional educational experience to at-risk students, will facilitate training experiences in graphic designs, copy writing, editing and marketing skills. With the use of guest speakers from the community and advanced technology teachers, students will become familiar with the elements and principles of design and work with industry standard hardware and software to create graphic design projects involving individual and cooperative efforts for community businesses or special events.