http://www.riversideinfo.org/forum/topic/d-96-dollars-and-sense/page/2#post-8861
"Although this is something that the district has been moving toward all year, I am not sure that most people know about it because it has not been written about in the papers. It has, however, been discussed in the form of updates at the PTA(O) meetings and the Board meetings several times during the year."
Although I admit that the issue was brought up at PTA(O) meetings, since I wrote that post that Chris quoted above, I did look at the minutes of most of these meetings (to try to follow the thread of how this decision was made), and they were not really discussions but "updates" - much like the updates that were given to the board. The board voted last October to move forward with the program...it was an official "District Goal". The goal was not to see if this was a good idea, the goal was to get the computers. There was never, to my knowledge, a chance for the public/parents to have any input. It was a done deal from the minute the board voted in October.
I am worried about the specifics of how much this will cost, but I do believe that we do have the money. Actually, the fact that we do might even be what worries me the most! That allows us (meaning the district & administration) to move forward with something that has - as many have pointed out - never been shown as an academic need. No one has said that we need to improve in (fill in the blank here with any academic shortfall of our students) and that computers are a way to reach that goal. Also, there is no way to assess whether or not the "program" will work. The FAQs say the measure will be if the students are becoming metacognitive thinkers - which is not really a measurable quality. I am not against higher level thinking skills being promoted by the district, quite the contrary, but it can't be measured.
That is probably my biggest complaint overall with the district. They have a tendency to change programming without showing what the need is, making a change without taking the time to truly explore the options in an open forum, and then not following up with the data to support the change. As one example, they suddenly took away the advanced placement for math a few years ago without replacing it with anything besides "differentiation" - which is not a program, but simply how good teachers teach in classrooms throughout the country. They have not collected data to show that the kids who were in the program are now performing at a higher level. (By the way, my children were not ever in that program, so I don't have a personal stake in it.)
I guess I feel helpless when something like the computer initiative is rolled out and the public never had a chance to give its input. And I am not anti-computers in the schools at all. My complaint is how it unfolded.
I agree with Beth and the majority of posters here.
It is an interesting discussion about the equality of all students that reside in Dist. 96 and what that means, but that is really not the point.
The point is,
What was "state of the art" when I was 11? Getting my own ??? whatever it was, would have advanced my ???what???
I remember getting our first VCR player when I was 12. It was HUGE, like not just cool but heavy, enormous, with a top loading feature. We had one blank tape. We recorded Yog Monster from Space on the Son of Svengoolie Show. We watched it alot, a real lot....
"Mikko, the water is ice, that's not usual.....
Ahhh, its just an iscolated current..........
DAH DAH DAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
Does a really good calculator make me better at math? Or does it save me from knowing how to do math?
Does a spell check/grammar program make me a better writer, or does it save me from the public embarrassment that I don't know how to write, or spell for that matter?
(And, like in Where is Waldo, can you find the incorrection....)
Does creating a power point presentation in the 3rd grade make me a good presenter? Or does getting in front of the school at the Talent Show and hula hooping for two minutes serve the same purpose? (which btw our pto cut the budget in half this year, from $500 to $250, (that is just dollars, not hundreds of thousands of them) and, I am amazed that this year 42% of Central's student body is participating "extra-curricularly.")
Our kids need content, not hi-tech.
A music class, not I-Tunes.
A foreign language, not how to translate a document into a pdf.
Is there anyone out there that thinks the current technology will be "state of the art" 30 years from now?
Please, give my kids the basics now. They will grow with the technology available, but they need the CONTENT today to make the most of it.
My nephew from Zurich who is 10, speaks better English than his parents. His brother will begin English when he is 8 also. In two years, like his brother, he will be able to communicate, perfectly, in a language that is not spoken in his home, or often in his country.
My kid will know how to do a powerpoint. My kid will know how to download an excellent I-tune.
Who is ready to compete?
Like all huge spending projects it sounds like a great "goal". Wouldn't it be nice if.... But lets look at the program goals in the words of the FAQ:
http://www.district96.org/resources/1-to-1-laptop-initiative/
How does the 1 to 1 laptop initiative meet the District 96 mission?
• Students will develop 21st century skills that support creativity and innovation.
• Students will become self-directed learners who exhibit critical thinking skills in
choosing tools and resources.
• Students will exhibit respect and responsibility as global citizens.
• If an administrative request is submitted and approved by the School Board for
students at an elementary school to be permitted use of the laptop outside of the
school day, the 1 to 1 laptop program will extend learning beyond the walls of the
classroom by providing 24/7 access to digital tools to support academic
excellence.
Point by point:
Is there a less expensive way to foster creativity and innovation? Suggestions = Paper, Paints, Clay, Singing, Writing, Dancing. Does a Garage Band/ITunes mash-up of someone elses work constitute creativity?
In grade school I would prefer a little less self directed learning and a little more teacher directed learning. Critical thinking is great but if you don't know the fundamentals of math you won't be doing a whole lot of algebra or calculus.
GLOBAL CITIZENS??? What is THAT? Are they giving out GLOBAL PASSPORTS somewhere? Last time I checked District 96 students were required to be residents of Riverside which might imply a framework of living within the laws, customs and citizenship requirements of the United States. I understand that not all residents in the district are US citizens. Since a District 96 student's parent or caregiver made a choice to reside in Riverside, North Riverside or Lyons there might naturally be an expectation that Citizenship Requirements of the United States might be the educational emphasis.
24/7 Access to educational tools? Can anyone in District 96 point to any scientific study that would back up the need for a fifth grader to have access to educational tools at 3:00 am? Most studies say the opposite. They get too little sleep and have too much screen time.
Has any type of cost/benefit analysis been performed? They cite other school districts where this has been implemented, do they have cost figures from those districts over a 3 year period. Do they have any type of test scores, grade results or any other studies that have indicated this expenditure results in superior performance from what is currently being utilized?
Have they provided a budget for this and how much it will cost in year 2, year 3 year 4? That is "all in cost" computers, salaries AND BENEFITS, additional classroom teacher training, software upgrades and maintenance?
I agree with a lot of the points made here. I do want my child to be technologically educated, but I also know technology innovation changes like the wind. My child gets enough computer time by being on Club Penguin, WII and DS systems at home. I'm more worried that my child doesn't get enough challenging subjects in school, activity and basic interation to develop better communication skills. Personally, I actually supplement my child's education because of this and other reasons that I won't mention here at this time. Technology came out of innovation and creativity. Is there a class designed to teach my child about building his/her own computer where my child can see the connection between mathmatics and computers? I would prefer that my child learns a foreign language more than have a laptop. Knowing another language teaches one how to think differently and understand multicultural ideas better. Language is connected to culture. One thinks in his/her own language. One dreams in his/her natural language. Once that child understands how the brain "switches" to speak in another language, that child begins to understand why cultures are complex, and that there are many different ways to get a job done. I should know because I speak three languages myself and lived in different countries myself. Calculators makes us lazy. I had the opportunity to use calculators in my elementary classroom when I was a child, and I can honestly admit that I still have trouble to this day to remember basic math due this--and yes, I'm college educated, too. In short, I want my child to be able to compete in our global village, but the only way to do that is to speak more than one langauage, and be proficient in reading, writing and math. "Braindrain" exists, and I want my child not to become a victim to Braindrain in his/her own country--i.e. the United States of America.
This discussion is good but I think the school board needs to hear it. It has already been approved and is going forward, no matter what we say here.
For the record I have already emailed Dr. Lamberson my thoughts on the issue.
1. I have not heard a convincing case for the increased use of laptops or computers in the classroom. At one of the meetings, in response to a board member's question "do the laptop have a positive effect on test scores", they trotted out some non-answer studies that pointed to a possible link to increased test scores in reading (or maybe it was math; I can't recall.) There was a mention of one study: just one. And it was a POSSIBLE link.
2. There were a couple teachers present at that meeting (it was at Hollywood school) sharing their thoughts on why 1 laptop per child was a good idea. One teacher thought it would save time when student's needed to redo part of their project that they would not have to wait for a laptop (apparently they need to schedule time on the laptops.) I say boo-f'n-hoo - so, the kid has to wait. My kid is in the district. He has to wait. So what?
The other teacher mentioned things like podcasting and websites and a webcam. Well, none of those things help one bit with learning the three Rs, and probably detract from learning. As someone here mentioned previously, a calculator is a crutch not a tool at this stage. Children need to learn the basics. We've already shown we educate our children poorly enough WITHOUT the additional use of computers (case in point: ever buy a cup of coffee or whatever, and the bill is $2.04, and you hand the cashier a $5. She punches in $5 to the register and the change comes back $2.96, but now you come up with $.04 to make your change $3, or GOD FORBID you come up with a nickel and are expecting $3.01 back. Ever notice the panicked look in the cashier's eye as she tries to do the math? Ever have to tell her what your change should be? Ever see them pull out a calculator to figure it out? It's pathetic, and these are kids that graduated HS last year, 5 years ago, 10 years ago, well before this laptop initiative.)
The same teacher mentioned an online dictionary, thesaurus and some sort of speaking dictionary. All these things are great tools, ONCE YOU ALREADY HAVE COMMAND OF THE LANGUAGE. (sorry for shouting.)
3. How are they going to pay for this? Money saved on health insurance premiums? Already part of their technology budget? Well, if this money was already in the technology budget, why the need for a strangely-titled "5 for 4" program or "1 to 1 laptop initiative"? Because spending $150K of your technology budget to replace old computers is just not sexy enough. So, what happens to the old computers now? They just sit, getting older? If we're buying 170 new laptops, and they become the responsibility of one child solely for the next 4 years, how are we going to pay for the things the technology budget was SUPPOSED to pay for previously?
4. They must think we're stupid if we think that there is not going to be an increased personnel cost. They are taking one teacher and putting her in charge of this. What happens to the work she used to do? (I read the FAQ: they're going to hire someone to replace her. That means the project manager is an additional cost of this project.)
In addition to that position, the director of technology is going to have more work, they're going to rely more on teacher's to help with computers in the classroom, they're probably going to need additional tech support.
Aside from all these things the distrcit is not being forthcoming about, I don't believe they have made a case that additional computers in the classroom helps the learning process. If they have shown that somewhere, please point me to it.
Please share your thoughts about the program with the board of education and Dr. Lamberson. Talking about it here might make us feel better, but they need to hear your thoughts, if not for this school year, maybe we can have some effect on the next one.
great comments. See what can come out when 'the public' and many eyes and experiences are engaged - and even a little enraged? It can bring out important aspects of this and other initiatives proferred by the admin, to better the proposals, leaven them, and get the best value from them. We want to keep the eye on the ball - educating our kids the best way we can with the limited funds that we have.
I also just dropped the catchword here, ENGAGED. connected. This is what we want for our kids vis a vis education - for them to be the most engaged in their education - 'at one' with what they are learning, if you will - not 'at sea'. It is always productive to have a conversation about how best to educate the kids, what the best methods are, and what what the goals and touchstones are in good, (cost-) effective education.
Following RR, I consider this forum more as a communal workspace to throw out and reality test ideas, and therefore would be anything from a rough to a final draft of an idea. Agreed 100 pct with RR that anyone really interested to effect change to send memos to the admins and-or to the representatives on the Boards - in this case, Dr Lamberson and the d96 board. The posters above should send their comments in, whether with name or not (in case concerned about repercussions) since they are valid points. See links here. In other cases, the other admins and boards.
It does look like this 1-1 is going through, but realize everything is fluid, and many things are still possible - how the laptops are used, for example. Also, we can still bring up other issues that have been brought up even in this space - Please spend wisely 'cause we're looking, Don't forget the three R's, The subject, The predicate, and Getting up on stage declaiming, or even hula hooping. Uh, you might say, 'they owe us'.
Speaking of creativity, the children of Blythe Park Elementary School are doing another one of their creative productions called, "Bohemian Rhapsody." It is a collection of various performance pieces focused on Russian culture and the country's complex history. For instance, the finale tells the story of the Romanovs and the Russian Revolution. Like the points that were made here, these children are learning world history by dancing, acting and singing it, which is far more interesting then just sitting at a desk and reading world history from a book or just sitting behind a desk in front of a computer. In fact, one of the 5th graders is actually doing the monologue (The Czar's very own words) of the Czar when he abdicated the thrown! Also, they are learning how to choreograph, formulate ideas, work together and present all these techniques on stage, while learning history! In other words, Blythe Park PTA are responsible in doing this highly stylized performance project! I highly recommend that all of you attend one of their performances. If any of you can attend, I would go to the Thursday performance on May 28th, at 2:00 p.m, since the theater will be relatively empty. The reason why I know all this is my son is in the show. He came home from school yesterday and asked me, "what does communism mean?" I laughed because I knew then he was ENGAGED in trying to understanding what the Russian Revolution means, and he is only six years old! Yes, I know he is not going to understand everything about the Russian Revolution, but he does understand that it had significant importance during the turn of the century, and in the future he'll understand that our current or past world politics has a lot to do with Russia and its impact on our global village as well as the United States.
May I also add that last year, these children of Blythe Park School did a show called "Circle of Celebration," which focused on multicultural diversity and world peace. It was very cirque du soliel, colorful and acrobatic. They even had professionals from places like Goodman Theater to talk to the students about the connection between theater to literature, theater to reading, theater to memorization, and theater to history. I thought all of you here might be interested in knowing this, since we are discussing what makes a better school. Go to www.blytheparkpta.org to see the synopsis etc.
That is very commendable. I agree they are not likely to forget Russian history after that experience, which employs multiple senses.
I also agree with those who point to a regrettable emphasis on form over content. With the decline of manufacturing, there are few places left in this country for those who have not mastered reading, writing and math, and they are many.
There is a District 96 Board meeting tonight at 7:30. Here is the agenda.
RIVERSIDE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
63 WOODSIDE ROAD
RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS
HAUSER JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 7:30 p.m.
AGENDA
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
A. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Pledge of Allegiance
B.1.a. Board of Education Awards Program.
1. Elementary and Junior High School Spelling Contest
2. National Geographic Geography Bee
3. WordMasters Challenge
4. AAUW Poster & Essay Contest
5. PTA Illinois Reflections Contest
6. WSCAE Highest Awardees
1.b. Public Comment/Statement.
2. Riverside Education Council.
3. Consent Agenda. (Roll Call Vote)
a. Minutes of the Education Committee Meeting of April 21, 2009.
b. Minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting of April 21, 2009.
c. Minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of April 21, 2009.
d. Minutes of the Special Board Organizational Meeting of May 5, 2009.
e. Approval of the Financial Statement as of April 30, 2009.
f. General Invoices - Schedule A-687.
g. Resignation, Instructional Staff-Schedule B-377.
h. Request for Maternity/Parental Leave.
i. Acceptance of 2009-10 Bids:
Milk & Dairy Products
Ice Cream
Paper
j. Application for Building Permits, ISBE Regional Office, Hauser Jr. High and Ames.
k. Approval, Personnel Report.
4. Old Business. (Roll Call Vote)
a. Approval, Board Policy Manual as reviewed by IASB.
2
5. New Business. (Roll Call Vote)
a. Acceptance of Bids – A. F. Ames Hardscape/Landscape Project, Summer 2009.
b. Acceptance of Bids – Hauser Jr. High Portico Repair, Summer 2009.
c. Appointments, 2009-10 Support Personnel, Schedule C-918.
d. Appointments, 2009-10 Instructional Personnel.
d.1. Appointments, 2009-10 Instructional Personnel, Special Staff, Schedule C-919.
d.2. Appointments, 2009-10 Instructional Personnel, Ames School, Schedule C-920.
d.3. Appointments, 2009-10 Instructional Personnel, Blythe Park School, Schedule C-921.
d.4. Appointments, 2009-10 Instructional Personnel, Central School, Schedule C-922.
d.5. Appointments, 2009-10 Instructional Personnel, Hollywood School, Schedule C-923.
d.6. Appointments, 2009-10 Instructional Personnel, Hauser Jr. High, Schedule C-924.
e. Appointment of Committee Members and Special Assignments 2009-11.
f. Establishment of Committee Meeting Schedule 2009-11.
C.1. From Superintendent and Staff.
a. Certificate of Financial Recognition 2008-09.
b. Update, 2008-09 District Goals – LiST Presentations.
c. Kindergarten DVD Presentation.
d. Student Enrollment Report, April 30, 2009.
C.2. From School Board Committees.
a. Building.
b. Education.
c. Finance.
D. Future Meeting Dates.
a. IASB Policy Governance Workshop, June 15, 2009, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Doubletree
Hotel, Oak Brook, Illinois.
b. Regular Business Meeting, June 16, 2009, 7:30 p.m., Hauser Junior High LRC.
E. Recommend an Executive Session to consider information regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.
(5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)
F. Adjournment.
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