ANNOUNCEMENT
December 4, 2000

ARE YOUR CHILDREN PREPARED FOR A CHANGING WORLD?

Are your school system's computers used only for word processing? Does your school have a comprehensive technology program? Are parents active in the development and implementation of the program? Are teachers given the training they need? Does your school system assess technology impact? Are you looking for an idea for a program-how about a forum on this subject? Invite speakers from your system to discuss children, teachers and technology education.

Connecticut PTA believes that school districts, libraries, and communities, in collaboration with parents, must develop a technology plan because a comprehensive, sequential K-12 computer education plan is an essential element of a well-balanced education. Equitable access to the information highway is necessary for all Connecticut's children to develop the skills and acquire the knowledge they need to compete in today's work force.

Research has shown that education technology contributes to improved student achievement. However, two factors most influence the effectiveness of technology education. The first is the manner in which computers are used in the classroom and the second is the level of teacher training. Benefits to students increase when computers are used for activities that develop higher order thinking skills rather than drill and practice. And, teachers are more likely to teach more effectively with computers if they receive computer training. Access to education technology and teachers trained in how to incorporate it into their instruction leads to improved achievement, motivation, and school attendance for students of all ages, races and income levels. Research demonstrates this connection. However, there are few systems in this state that can make this connection because there are few systems that assess the impact of technology in their classrooms. How does your system fit in? Is it time your PTA started asking this question?

This past fall Connecticut PTA had the honor to participate in the unveiling of Preparing for a Changing World: Expectations for the Effective Implementation of Educational Technology, a monograph commissioned by the Connecticut Academy for Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology. The Connecticut PTA's Board of Directors fully supports the use of this document in schools and communities throughout the state. We have sent copies to all unit and council presidents. The document is user-friendly and easy to read, consisting of a series of topics with a check-off column. Topics include expectations for: curriculum and instruction; students; teachers, administrators and schools; and parents and community. The bulleted topics allow each system to assess their needs, achievements and successes. Sample items include, "Students use multiple sets of information sources and are able to distinguish between important and inconsequential information," and "Technical support is available to teachers while students are engaged in learning activities," and "Parents ask how instructional technology is employed in their child's learning experiences and what measurable impact it has on improved performance."

We strongly encourage all school systems in the state to use this informative and helpful document. We also strongly encourage PTAs to use the document to stimulate discussion, run panel discussions, and present parent programming. Additional copies are available through the Connecticut PTA or through the Connect Academy website at the following address: