🚀 go-pugleaf

In Sacramento we have a local middle school/high school district who is
very interested in using distance learning and technology to limit bussing
as a solution to integrate and provide various educational opportunities.
The section below is an quick overview of their state funded project....I'm
interested in any distance learning/technology projects out there that are
trying similar types of things.  I hate reinventing the wheel so anything
you know would be greatly appreciated by me and the Grant Union School
District.

Thanks!


"  The program has three goals:
    1)  to motivate voluntary movement of students from their home
schools to "thematic/magnet" schools.
    2)  to build cultural awareness and appreciation, and
    3)  to mitigate the negative effects of racial isolation and
socio-economic deprivation through improved use of facilities,
curriculum, technology/equipment and other programmatic intervention to
achieve high levels of student achievement.

Number 1) is the one were are having problems with and would rather
address the concept by "bussing the minds, not the kids."

What we would hope for as an outcome of whatever we do is:

A)  Expose students to careers that are obtainable and the benefits
associated with the career.  This, of course, leads to educational
preparation.  I think, for example, that too much emphasis is place on
athletics as a profession.  We know only a handful will reach that
level.  Also, few will become astronauts.

B)  Provide students with the experience of success, both individually
and collaboratively.  This should be accomplished, whenever possible,
incorporating cultural awareness and appreciation.  Though we want to
target racial isolation, we also want students from both ends of the
spectrum to appreciate each other.

C)  Continue with A) and B) for as many students as possible throughout
their public schooling so we can perhaps measure success.  In other
words, don't let the ball drop.  A one-time experience will do little
for these kids.

How to accomplish:

Again, just some ideas:

A)  Teleconferencing within and outside the district with email or other
forms of correspondence follow-up.  Pairing students, teachers (and
maybe parents at some point).
B)  Teleconferencing, as above, with joint project based field trips.
C)  Internet based projects with joint field trips.
D)  Special satellite downlinks to via SECC with two-way communications.

E)  Field trips or visitations from outside sources.
F)  Nothing can be accomplished without total teacher participation.
Summer and on-going training and/or planning is critical.  Incentives to
take on the extra mile is important."
Elizabeth Rhodes
Executive Director
Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium
3780 Rosin Court Suite 150
Sacramento, CA   95834
916/920-1006
FAX:  (916) 922-2637