Haines school board members requested a more comprehensive technology plan at its Jan. 24 workshop, saying they had no clear idea of how to assess the effectiveness of technology in the classroom.
Superintendent Tony Habra presented an “Abridged Technology Plan” to the board, prepared by Teacher and Technology Coordinator Sam McPhetres.
The plan listed the technology available in the classroom by grade and subject, displayed a budget and purchasing plan for new equipment through 2020, and a chart detailing expectations for student proficiency with electronic devices. But the school board was looking for more.
“I don’t want to be pouring money into devices and assume that it’s helping,” said board member Sara Chapell. The board wanted the plan to address how the technology is engaging students and helping them learn, as noted in the school board’s goals. “I don’t feel like we’re there yet,” Chapell said.
“This is a status quo plan,” said board president Anne Marie Palmieri. “Just because there’s a Smartboard in the high school science classroom doesn’t mean it’s being used.”
Although there is no national or regional standard for how to judge the effectiveness of technology in schools, Habra said he would take another look at the plan, consult with McPhetres and come back to the board to address its concerns.