Preparing for NECAP testing in Math Classrooms

Fourth grader teachers used the DOE website to help students prepare to take the NECAP assessments next week. They downloaded the NECAP review sheets off the Department of Education Website and reserved data projectors to help display the problem sets to the class.



The PDF files were then printed as Windows Journal Write files, so they could be used on a Tablet PC's Journal Writer program. This allowed teachers to use a stylus to markup the documents using the tablet's stylus during a group problem solving process as they examined sample test items. The colorful pen and highlighter tools, projected on an oversized screen helped students stay engaged during the extended period. "We didn't even notice that snack time had come and gone"

This was the first time Tablets were used in the academic classrooms. Fourth grade teacher, Ms. Walters transitioned from her overhead transparencies to the tablet quite naturally. "with no stains on my clothes from the overhead markers" laughed Ms. Walters.

Welcome Back

Newt, Rita, and Lucie would like to welcome you back. This year is off to a busy start with us working together to support the use of technology in teaching and learning.

• In order to better support you, we've implemented a new online Tech Support feature. This will help improve communication, along with organizing and documenting our work.
  
• The Five Year Tech Integration Plan has been launched with Grade 4 classrooms equipped with the technology they need to be the focus of our grade level tech immersion. New computers have been installed and smartboard and projectors are on the way.
  
• A team of your colleagues have been learning new tech tools, including Web 2.0 applications such as blogs, wikis, social bookmarking, and virtual communities. Look for some cutting edge applicatiosn of these tools during the upcoming school year from the Tech Savvy Learning Community.
  
• A team of 50 students from town school and city school received training to kick off our Tech Savvy Student Leadership Teams this year. They are ready and eager to work with their classrooms and help move our school forward.

Let's gear up for a new and exciting year!