Recommendation for Technology Baird Middle School Ludlow Massachusetts

Recommendation for Technology Baird Middle School Ludlow, Massachusetts By Jim Painchaud Ed Skutnik Terry Smolka

Scenario • Current Environment • Computers and equipment only in ITT’s computer lab. • Teachers for English and Social Studies only have a portion of students in computer class at the same time.

Desired Outcome • Technology integrated into classroom curriculum. • Increase student achievement and engagement. • Provide alternate avenues for students with different learning styles and abilities.

Research Shows. . . Michael Russell, Damian Bebell, Jennifer Cowan, and Mary Corbelli Technology and Assessment Study Collaborative Boston College

Research Shows. . . that students with access to a Word Processor, improved their writing skills, both electronically and on paper, by a significant percentage.

Technology combined with the following instructional strategies improves student performance: • Jigsaw cooperative learning: Activities used in different areas where students can learn a skill and share and learn skills from other groups in class. • Differentiated instruction: Computers provide music, sound, videos, interactive websites to enhance differentiated instruction resulting in all types of learners doing better. • “Moments of Discovery” where learning can be accomplished using technology tools in a short period of time.

Proposed Solution: • Provide two NEO 2 carts (30 per cart) to the 6 th Grade English and Social Studies teacher to improve writing.

Proposed Solution: • Install 4 Desktop computers in the each 6 th Grade English and Social Studies Classroom (20 total) to support continued work with written projects. • Provide Microsoft Office, Inspiration, and other software application support. • Installation and training for teachers prior to school year start.

Proposed Budget for Implementation • 2 Neo 2 Carts Plus Response Technology $ 9, 900 • 20 Dell Desktop Computers $ 12, 100 • Software Office Suite Inspiration • Professional Development Training $ 1, 980 Total $ 25, 000 $ 1, 020