Education Technology Helps Unite School Communities, Improve Academic Achievement

Gone are the days of the one-room schoolhouse, rote learning and the brightly colored, movable beads of an abacus. Instead, innovative education technology and Internet-based programs are increasingly being incorporated into classrooms nationwide. This increased use of technology in education is due in large part to the landmark No Child Left Behind Act, which brings greater accountability for the improved academic achievement of all students. Under the federal law, states and schools are required to assess and report student progress, identify learning gaps, ensure instructional quality, provide educational options to students in schools needing improvement, and inform parents of choices to better meet the needs of their children. Customizing Assessments The education industry has responded to these requirements by developing more effective technology solutions that do not simply replicate existing practices online. These advancements individualize instruction, expand access to educational resources, and increase communication with parents and other key stakeholders--engaging students in a more dynamic learning experience. One practical example of this shift has been the development of programs, such as Following the Leaders and the School Information Partnership, which offer technology resources and information access not only to comply with NCLB, but also to bring together all of the stakeholders in a child's education. These solutions were designed to incorporate the strategies and principles identified through scientific research that enhance the effectiveness of schools, as well as address some commonly identified challenges to school and student success. NCLB can be achieved, especially in schools where teachers and administrators have the tools, training and support to provide for the unique academic needs of every student. Current advances in technology offer welcome relief from laborious tasks that decrease the amount of time teachers have to focus on instruction. These advances also allow teachers to acquire, manage and use data to increase student achievement. Technology helps teachers answer two critical questions: What have students learned and what do they need to be taught? Teachers access online resources to efficiently and effectively develop assessments that are aligned to state standards and textbook curriculum. Assessments can then be assigned to the entire class to help gauge the progress and varying rates of learning for all students. Through an arsenal of online resources, teachers can also customize assessments to an individual or group of students. Ready access to online course material, lessons and assessments is the most effective tool for helping students meet their full learning potential. Once students have completed assessments online, scores are recorded automatically in reports of both student and classroom performance. Teachers review individual student and class information to guide instructional decisions, as well as to assign enrichment or remediation lessons that target the particular needs of each student. These types of tools enable classroom teachers to maintain their focus on teaching rather than having to create tests, grade papers, calculate and record grades, and research activities for lesson instruction. Web-Based Technologies In Charleston, W.Va., Dunbar Middle School stood out as the only secondary school in Kanawha County to meet all of the requirements under NCLB during the 2002-03 school year. Principal Lynda Gilkeson credits new technologies available through programs like Following the Leaders with providing a solid framework for teachers to better understand state standards and testing systems. This technology provides teachers with information at their fingertips, enabling them to link classroom instruction to state standards. It also offers easy access to reports on student progress against these standards. …