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October 17, 2007
A sign of the times
Posted by Christina Gordon, NSBA Staff, at 11:45 AM |
Education Technology Issues
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Press Releases
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 According to an NSBA survey released this morning at the T+L Conference in Nashville, school districts across the country are revising their academic curriculum to give students more 21st century learning opportunities.
The press release points out, More than 50 percent of responding school districts reported that they have revamped their curricula to include higher math, science, and technology standards; and nearly 50 percent have indicated they are now using new assessment measures for 21st century learning skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. Many districts are also reporting that they are offering more Advanced Placement courses and tests (nearly 42 percent), and revamping their workforce readiness programs (35 percent).
The survey, which was conducted via e-mail during the week of October 1, queried approximately 1,400 registrants of the T+L Conference and members of NSBA's Technology Leadership Network. The group includes technology directors and specialists, teachers, administrators, and school board members.
“We believe this is a good indication that school districts are moving beyond the basic requirements of No Child Left Behind and really looking at the advanced skills that students are going to need to perform well in the workplaces of the future,” said NSBA Executive Anne L. Bryant.
The release goes on to point out, For the fourth straight year, survey respondents said by a wide margin – 92 percent – that technology in the classroom increases educational opportunities for students. And when asked how technology helped, nearly 95 percent said it helps students become more engaged in learning.
Home access to the Internet for low-income students continues to be a serious issue with nearly 80 percent of respondents saying it was a problem in their districts, which was about the same reported as last year. Districts are improving Internet access for low-income students by providing opportunities in before- or after-school programs (nearly 54 percent), and supporting access for students at community centers or libraries (48 percent).
A new question about the speed of connectivity to the Internet revealed that the majority of school districts rate their speed as a 4 or 5, on a scale from 1 (very slow) to 5 (very fast).
For more information and to read the complete release, visit NSBA's Web site here.
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