Jon Lindquist representing the High School Technology Committee, presented information about future technology needs to the California R-I School Board at its regular meeting Wednesday, Oct. 15.
This presentation included a discussion about BYOD (bring your own device) and 1:1 initiatives (meaning every student has an electronic device). A grant received last year allowed installation of 160,000 feet of cable. Bond issue funds provided the means to purchase and install commercial wireless access points. The previous wireless access points were not adequate for the technology load being placed on them at the school. According to Lindquist, the high school has a new Mac Lab and a new PC Lab. There are also technology improvements in the business classrooms and other areas. He commented that studies have shown that states which have implemented the 1:1 initiative are finding improvements in writing skills. The digital devices and software can be used in math, history and science. "It's a tool, just like a book," Lindquist said.
He said the Technology Committee is looking into the idea of California R-I becoming a "Google School." Working with teachers, the system was designed to help the teachers save time, improve organization and improve communication with students. While moving to a high technology school environment requires a lot of planning, the committee is pursuing this option. Another consideration is that it's not just the technology. It's also the training of the people moving into the high tech environment. If people are forced into it too soon, it probably won't work very well.
"Give the teacher adequate time to learn the system before it's implemented," Lindquist said. "Probably about a year. If we're going to move into being a technology district, we need to have people who are good with the devices and the infrastructure." In a related action, Superintendent Dwight Sanders, presented the district's need for an additional position of Technology Coordinator to the Board. As he sees it, the position would include software installation, maintenance, and upkeep (the current software in use of SIS, SchoolReach, NEE, Recruit and Hire, eValuate and others); district website upkeep; transition to Google; and technology training for the staff among other technology needs. Sanders is still working on a job description before going to the Board for approval.
The Celebrate My Drive initiative pledge was presented, with presentations by three students - Matt Oerly, Morgan Henley and Allan Burger. A video "Pintos Drive Safe!", which is on YouTube, was shown. Librarian Janet Henley and a group of students have spent a lot of effort and time planning and marketing this. Those who go on www.celebratemydrive.com, enter the required information including school "California, MO High School" and the zip code and then take a two-question quiz help the school in its effort to win $25,000 for technology purchases.
The Board approved changing the hourly rate for certified employees working outside of contracted time from $15 to $20 per hour. This includes tutoring, Homework Helper, Homebound Instruction, detention and more. This should help with the cost of living increases since the salary was set some years ago.
Lorrie Brauner and Robb Hartman spoke to the Board about the At-Risk Program at the high school. Throughout the district, identification is being made of interventions to help all students to be successful and to close the achievement gap.
Elementary Principal Daniel Williams reported enrollment at 602, an increase of one from the previous month. There are 111 kindergartners enrolled. Grades two-five have completed a first assessment through the Evaluate software. It is a predictive software tool which helps identify proficiency areas and those which need to be retaught. Elementary students participated in Homecoming Spirit Week.
Middle School Principal Matt Abernathy reported May enrollment at 310. The "Buddy Pack" program now receives 25 of the packs each week. Last year, the program only had eight packs available each week. On the Oct. 13 professional development day, the building MSIP 5 report will be reviewed and analyzed. In addition, there will be reports from tested areas, utilizing rubrics (defined as a standard of performance for a particular population) and goal setting. High School principal Mike Hight reported May enrollment at 419. This year, there are reported to be 190 FFA students, with 44 percent female, 56 percent male. The band will perform at University of Missouri Homecoming Oct. 25.
The next regular monthly meeting is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19.