School Board learns about technology assessment initiatives
Many technology and assessment initiatives are underway in the district, according to a report presented by Instructional Technology and Assessment Coordinator Katherine Little. Little highlighted progress being made including:
- purchase of 254 computers to keep on track with a 5-year replacement schedule;
- installation of terminal services for the deployment of eSchool and DataPoint, the district’s student database system and data warehousing and analysis programs; Elementary staff will be trained at each building during September and October on how to use terminal services.
- 1-year operation of eSchool which has incorporated the elementary progress report, state report generation, student Academic Progress Profiles, export of student academic and demographic information into DataPoint and training and support;
- selection and installation of DataPoint to support data-drive decision making for school improvement;
- the Academic Progress Profile switch from paper to electronic form, allowing teachers direct access for editing and viewing;
- creation of a 3-year technology plan using enGauge, a process that helps staff think about education in a digital age; Presentations about the process, on-line employee and community surveys and focus groups are among the activities occuring during the first semester. A plan will be written in December with an action plan expected in January.
- implementation of an internet filter to block chat and pornography;
- introductory training for secondary-level teachers in the Marco Polo web site, which provides standards-based K-12 content for the classroom; and
- elementary teacher training in Plato, a computer-based curriculum that will support and extend the mathematics curriculum.
Summer is busy time for workshops, professional development
While students may be on vacation during the summer, many Hamilton staff members participate in professional development activities and update curriculum. Instructional Services Supervisor Margaret Bauman reported on the activties of the summer.
Curriclum projects included development of:
- world language and art curriculum revision;
- lessons and units that integrate multi-cultural activities into the elementary social studies curriculum;
- kindergarten and first grade science resource binders;
- elementary enrichment and extension activities;
- middle school writing program support activities;
- new courses including middle school enriched communication arts and science, “20th Century U.S. History” and “Communication Arts 10” honors courses, “Global History” and “Advanced Placement Physics.”
Professional development activities included:
- technology workshops;
- Marco Polo internet research;
- achievement data and test analysis;
- PLATO mathematics software training;
- strategies to assist difficult students;
- instructional leader training;
- CPR and first aid training;
- mentor-new teacher workshops;
- Lannon writing project;
- Willow Springs curriculum planning; and
- instructional aides reading and writing strategies training.
Bauman reported that 13 teachers also attended the Sally Ride Academy, a weeklong institute that promotes improved instruction in mathematics, science, technology, reading and writing. The district also sponsored the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee course, “Balanced Literacy in the Kindergarten Classroom.”
Bauman noted that all but two of the workshops were taught by district staff members.
Special Services Supervisor Charlene DeGroot reported that 11 parents requested early admission for their children — 10 for kindergarten and 1 for first grade. After screenings were performed, two students were granted early admission into kindergarten.
Personnel matters approved
In personnel matters, the School Board:
- accepted the resignation of Hamilton Associate Principal Catherine Tillman who was hired to be principal at Madison East High School;
- also accepted resignations of Maple Avenue teacher aide Michael Dahm and Templeton teacher aide Barbara Huckstep;
- appointed June Prestin as Lannon teacher aide, Cheryl Schroeder as Hamilton teacher aide, Steven Brooks as Marcy first grade replacement teacher, Margaret Bauer as Hamilton business education part-time teacher, Jesse Monte as Woodside kindergarten replacement teacher; Melanie Moody as Woodside first grade replacement teacher; Melissa Mortl as Maple Avenue part-time kindergarten teacher; and Michael Sturino as Templeton part-time music teacher.