Project+Summary

= Form 2: Project Summary = The Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD) will employ the EETT-C grant as a catalyst to support its ongoing mission to improve the quality of education for its students and mold 21st century learners. TVUSD has partnered with California Technology Assistance Project, Region 10 (CTAP 10) and West Ed’s K-12 Alliance to create a comprehensive EETT-C Program based on relevant research and student needs. We intend to improve achievement in mathematics, science, and technology literacy using a vertical team model at six schools. Our program goals will be met by __V__ertically __I__ntegrating __T__echnology to __A__dvance __L__iteracy (VITAL). 4th through 7th grade classrooms will be transformed into VITAL digital learning environments where research-based instructional methods are implemented and grade appropriate technology tools are embedded into a vertically-aligned curriculum. The design of the VITAL program was established through discussions among TVUSD administrators and teachers, as well as personnel from CTAP 10 and K-12 Alliance. Mark Gura (Gates et al., 2006) summarizes the heart of the VITAL program in his statement, “ubiquitous technology accessed and used in our schools will lead to greater depth of learning in core subjects areas, and will require the adoption of not only 21st century tools, content and context, but the learning and teaching of such 21st century learning skills as: information and media literacy, communications skills, critical and systems thinking and problem-solving skills, and a wide variety of interpersonal and self-directional skills.” · The VITAL program includes an effective **technology-integrated and vertically-aligned** program that uses grade appropriate technology tools and resources to help students meet the California mathematics and science content standards and the National Education Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S). We anticipate that 1,776 students will be impacted each year. · The VITAL program also establishes a **high-quality professional development** program for 32 math, science, special education, and art teachers. Our CTAP 10 and K-12 Alliance partners will provide instruction in math, science, and STEM teaching strategies; teach how to effectively use technology to enhance teaching and promote learning; and train coaches to support teachers. · ** Expanded access ** to technology tools, resources, and technical support is a priority within the VITAL program. VITAL digital learning environments will provide teachers and students with access to electronic teaching and learning resources and modern technology equipment. Technical support will be provided at the district and site levels. A partnership with Temecula Library will provide after school access to computers, technology resources, and project support. · ** Communication and collaboration ** between home, school, and the community will be expanded and improved through the strategies of the VITAL program. Teacher websites, student technology events, participation in the ePals™ program, and interaction with experts through videoconferencing will support student achievement in math, science, and technology. · ** Ongoing evaluations ** to monitor grant activities and measure the impact the program is having on student success are of paramount importance in the VITAL program. Multiple evaluation measures will be weaved throughout program to ensure program success. · Finally, TVUSD has an outstanding relationship with its **private schools**. Representatives were included in the Round 8 VITAL program discussions and design, and three schools intend to participate in the VITAL program. Collaboration in this grant will benefit our private schools by allowing their teachers to attend professional development sessions, participate in PLCs, acquire technology tools, and access all disseminated grant information.
 * As detailed in the following narrative, we firmly believe that the components of the VITAL program are aligned to the goals of NCLB, EETT-C, and TVUSD, and will assist us in our move from what Jim Collins labels, //Good to Great// (2001). **