Eighth graders Jenna Lutz and Maura Galanti, work on a Broadcasting "mentor" project with Junior, Matt Reinhart. Students are employing both Macs and iPads.

MONTGOMERY – In the 2013-14 school year, Montgomery Area School District will be launching the Middle School T.E.E. (technology enhancing education) Initiative. The initiative began during the 2012-13 school year in the high school. According to Superintendent, Mrs. Daphne Ross, the goals and expectations of this technology transition have been established.

“We had a need, our attendance rates were dropping and kids just didn’t want to be here. This is a generation of technology and this powerful tool encourages students to want to learn. Our expectations for the middle school are the same as the high school’s; the same level of responsibility, the same digital-citizenship. This will prepare the younger generations to use technology appropriately and with respect-it is a privilege to have these iPads as a learning tool. “

The TEE Initiative Goals:

Increased opportunities for the development of critical skills needed for success in a global economy: critical thinking, problem solving, effective oral and written communication, collaboration, creativity, curiosity, and adaptability.

Increased opportunities to support our Learning Focused Initiative through individualized “Anytime/Anywhere” learning that extends beyond the school walls and school day.

Increased opportunities for student engagement in a dynamic learning environment, leading to increased attendance rates, higher student achievement, lower discipline infractions, and reductions in dropout rates.

Increased opportunities for extending thinking activities.

Increased opportunities to reach all learners through mass customized learning.

Increased opportunities for communication modes common in the 21st century.

Mrs. Carpenter, the 8th grade Language Arts teacher, has already received her iPad and has incorporated its usage in her classes.

“I think it’s a great teaching and learning tool. Kids are participating and interacting, and that’s the main goal of this initiative. I’m so thankful that the teacher communication is still key in the classroom along with the newfound technology–we offer experience, knowledge, guidance, and the preparation necessary for the real world. Overall, it’s a great tool for students and teachers–you have all of your resources at your fingertips!”

Mrs. Carina McNear is a high school elective teacher and she is also an eighth grade specials teacher. She’s had her iPad since the beginning of the 2012 school year and has had the chance to preview the iPads to the middle school.

“These kids do not flinch. We are giving them these iPads and expecting a lot from them but they can handle it. There is a technology gap between the teachers and the students, and the teachers have kept up. This initiative has challenged everyone and pushed our capabilities and we’ve been given more opportunities as teachers to get our students involved. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”