USD 250 adopts new technology curriculum |
Pittsburg USD 250 attempted to take a big step toward keeping pace with the ever changing world of technology at Monday night's board of education meeting. The board voted unanimously to adopt a new technology curriculum that had been in the works since fall of 2004. "We've never tried to plan curriculum that changes as much as technology does," said Matthew Wendt, USD 250 assistant superintendent. "Not even science in Kansas changes as much as technology curriculum does." The USD 250 computer technology curriculum committee began meeting last fall with Randy McDaniel from VRSchoolhouse to review, edit and write new standards for the K-12 technology curriculum. Using national, state and local guidelines, the committee, made up of administrators, library media specialists, teachers and technology staff, reached consensus earlier this school year on how to enhance technology throughout the district. "I have some facts for you, because I'm a facts-driven guy," said Cory Gibson, Lakeside Elementary School principal said. "More information has been put out in the last 20 years than there has been in the previous 5,000. That's because of the changes in technology." The committee recommended three changes last spring. The first was to enhance the use of a Microsoft platform in technology classes, specifically in PHS business courses. The committee also suggested restructuring technology course offerings at Pittsburg Community Middle School, adding computer technology to the sixth grade exploratory wheel. The third suggestion was to continue to enhance student "test out" procedures to include a Microsoft platform. The USD 250 board of education approved those changes at its May 9 meeting. All board members attended the meeting. In other business, board members: * Heard an audit from Douglas Stuckey of Piper Jaffray. Stuckey said that the district was in strong shape in almost all of its funds, and that they didn't commit any violations on any statutes, which he said was rare. Stuckey then thanked Darcy Baldonado, outgoing USD 250 director of business operations, who helped with the audit. Baldonado, who attended a board meeting for the last time, left the district to become the Dean of Finance and Operations at Fort Scott Community College. * Appointed board president Dawn McNay to the 2005 delegate assembly, with all other board members serving as alternates. The Morning Sun, (www.morningsun.net) November 14, 2005 |
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