The faculty reviewed the current NETS standards and how the school was addressing each of these goals. The following is a summary of the conversations held with the faculty regarding each of the six areas of the current NETS Standards:
1. Creativity and Innovation
a. Apply existing knowledge – Students build on what they learn each year starting in kindergarten and continuing through eighth grade. For example, kindergarteners learn to use Kidspiration software while learning and drawing the alphabet. First through fourth grades start illustrating and composing reports. Fifth through eighth grades put together maps, brochures, book covers, and design their own invitations from scratch. Other skills that are developed throughout the student’s experience at St. Raymond include Word, presentation software such PowerPoint and Keynote, iMovie, internet search skills, etc. Kindergarten through fifth grade utilize Reading Counts to take reading comprehension tests.
b. Create original work – Students use presentation software to create slide shows for Notable African American Biographies (Gr. 3), natural disasters (Gr. 4), Catholic/christian symbols (Gr. 7), careers (Gr. 8) and word processing applications for paragraph writing (Gr. 1-8).
c. Use Model and Simulations – Students use a variety of curriculum based videos throughout the year as well as make use of CTN Streaming Videos (Gr. 2-4). In the middle school, for example, webquests are used along with interactive websites.
d. Identify trends and forecast possibilities – Students input survey information and explore ways of displaying their data such as pumpkin seed count graphing (Gr. 3). Fifth Grade students design surveys, collect, analyze and illustrate their data. Students in middle school math learn how to use spreadsheet software.
2. Communication and Collaboration
a. Interact, Collaborate, and Publish – Students (Gr. 6-8) use rubrics to assess group projects, country brochures, and St. Raymond School brochures. In third, fourth and fifth grade students work in groups to create projects using presentation software on units related to classroom curriculum, such as natural disasters, Native American habitats, state reports, and California missions. Students take digital images used to produce the yearbook, use word processing and publishing skills to produce the school newspaper.
b. Communicate ideas and information effectively – In grades kindergarten through eight, students learn how to communicate effectively through the use of presentation and word processing software. These applications enable them to produce work of various formats and differing media. This, combined with research and collaboration enables them to produce greeting cards, brochures, posters, flyers, lesson plans, multimedia presentations, etc.
c. Develop cultural understanding and global awareness – Students explore websites to help them learn about the world through webquests and other resources. Some examples of this work include Earth Day pictures (Gr. 1), Native American tribes (Gr. 3), natural disasters, California Ranchos (Gr. 4), and going to the United Nations World Food Program website (Gr. 5-8). Teachers use CTN’s Streaming Videos and other multimedia in all grades as a tool to provide students with a better understanding of the world around them.
d. Contribute to project teams – Students in various subject areas collaborate using web based research to explore and develop presentations relevant to course content. Examples of this include, pumpkin seed project (Gr. 3), American Revolution project (Gr. 5), and the St. Raymond School Brochure (Gr. 8). A notable example is the comprehensive middle school science fair project.
3. Research and Information Fluency
a. Plan strategies to guide inquiry – The sixth through eighth grades utilize the internet to access supplemental text resources. Fourth through eighth grade students are guided through web quests to create final products on a number of topics including: Native American reports (Gr. 4), state reports (Gr. 5), Ancient Egypt presentations (Gr. 6) foreign country newsletters (Gr. 7), and the American Revolution Newsletters (Gr. 8).
b. Locate, organize, analyze, synthesize and ethically use information - In third through eighth grade, students are taught to discern fact from opinion and to cite sources when researching topics related to curriculum such as creating science fair outlines about scientists.
c. Evaluate and select information sources and tools- Students are taught to understand the differences between the various domain names (i.e. .edu, .gov, .com, etc.) and to evaluate the reliability or credibility of the source. Through this process the students have learned how to select appropriate and credible websites that will best serve their needs.
d. Process data and report results - Students are taught how to gather and compile data in a variety of subjects. In physical education the students complete research on sport skills and design a drill to present to the class. Our third grade class created graphs recording the number of seeds found in a number of pumpkins.
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
a. Identify and define authentic problems and questions - Using webquests students broaden their critical thinking skills and learn the scientific method through the use of scientific websites and class projects. This requires students to research and present information utilizing various reporting formats and media.
b. Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project- Students at the middle school level learn to develop their time management skills through the various projects they complete. At the beginning of a project students are given a rubric with the basic information that will need to be in the final product. The students then develop their own timeline to insure that the project is done accurately and on time.
c. Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions - Middle school students use various applications and methods to analyze collected data in completing their science fair experiments. They are required to produce an Excel spreadsheet or chart to illustrate their findings. This process enables them to identify solutions and learn relevant applications of the scientific method.
d. Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions - Among other possible applications, middle school students use multiple techniques and diverse perspectives to complete their science fair projects. All facets of the scientific method require them to select the appropriate process and consider multiple perspectives in the context of their unique project.
5. Digital Citizenship
a. Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use - In grades kindergarten through eighth, the computer teacher meets with the students to discuss how to be a responsible computer user. Students and teachers must sign an acceptable use agreement prior to using the computers. We continue to help students take personal responsibility for their choices when using technology, especially when using the internet for research or communication. The middle school attended an internet safety workshop. An evening presentation of this same workshop was also offered to our parent community. Our parents and staff complete an online Safe Environment Training periodically according to diocesan guidelines.
b. Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology - In kindergarten through eighth grade, students enjoy interactive exercises whether it is online or with classroom applications. Their continuing interest is often apparent in their final product. The students are enthusiastic learners of computer games, applications, processes and alternative learning technologies.
