Anti-Luddites

The district needs to address the technological inequity that exists among our schools. Some schools are equipped with fully functional modern technological resources that accommodate an entire classroom, both upper and primary grades. Other schools, however, are equipped with limited outdated computers that do not meet the needs of either teaching staff or students. Additionally, there is an issue of qualified staff to get the most out of our tech investment. Although teaching staff have a basic knowledge of computer operations, they are not expected to be technology experts
 * Budget**

California Content Standards set the expectation that upper grade students are able to compose documents with appropriate formatting using principles of design as well as use organizational features of electronic text to locate information (e 1.4 and 1.5). Unfortunately, the standards established by the California Department of Education are ten years old and do not address the current technological advances. Ideally, students will be proficient users of technology with ample opportunities to integrate technology within their prescribed curriculum.
 * Ideal Role of Technology**

Staff training should be comprehensive enough to allow all teachers to operate on a basic level including use of e-mail with attachments, word processing and formatting, file management, network access, and Internet resource management. All teaching staff should be required to demonstrate basic technological skills and be provided with ongoing training and support opportunities.
 * Professional Development & Teacher Training**

Although we support adoption of rigorous technology standards for all California students, we recognize the budgetary constraints this implies. However, we support the use of ISTE's national technology standards as a guiding resource for teachers who seek to integrate technology across the curriculum.
 * Technology Standards**