Computer Updates

Coburg Elementary

Over the past seven years, the funding that is allocated to Coburg Elementary School has slowly diminished. Our staffing allocation for teachers has been so reduced, we are now only able to offer blended grade classes for grades 1-5. Our allocation of instructional assistants has been reduced to 8 hours. Our administrative staffing was previously cut to .2 FTE, which meant having a principal for a total of 1 day a week. In order to run our school, we have had to turn to the local business community to pay for a sizable portion of our operating expenses. We have used the community funding to support staff and instruction. Unfortunately, in a time when we must turn to others to pay for teachers and administrators, we have not had funds to maintain adequate technology for students. Our technology is now so outdated, most of our computers do not have the ability to access the Internet.

We are in desperate need of updated technology. We would like to convert one of our empty classrooms into a computer lab that students can use to take the Oregon State Assessment Test, as well as access the Internet and receive valuable instruction on computer use.

There are currently two ways in which students can take the state assessment test. Students who take the written version are given one chance to pass the test during the annual testing window. At the end of every year, schools receive score reports with information regarding individual student's strengths and weaknesses. However, it arrives after the testing cycle is completed, and thus offers very little useful information for teachers and schools. On the other hand, students who take the test on-line receive three chances to pass the test. The testing window for on-line assessment is from September through May, and each time a student completes the test we are given immediate scores and important information that can be used to guide instruction. If we are to close the achievement gap and get all students to meet benchmarks, then we need to be able to assess our students throughout the year and use the information to guide our instruction. This grant would allow Coburg to wire a computer lab and purchase additional computers to give each student in grades 3 - 5 the best opportunity to pass the state benchmarks.

Why is this project important?

Each student in grades 3, 4, and 5 will need to take the Oregon State Assessment. Teachers are given valuable information about what students know and what they need to teach to prepare students to meet grade level expectations when students have access to the computerized version of the test. In order to effectively prepare students for the future, we need to use data to inform and guide classroom instruction.

Who, and how many, will be served?

All of our students in grades 3, 4, and 5 would be able to take their assessments through the Technology Enhanced State Assessment (TESA). Additionally, the entire school and community will be able to use the computers on a daily basis.

How will you evaluate the success of this project?

The evaluation of this project will come from formal assessment by the staff and site council. We will look at two factors in the evaluation. How has the use of TESA changed our instruction and affected student achievement?

Does this proposal build upon existing programs at your school?

This proposal requests 6 computers to be used in conjunction with the 9 computers Coburg currently uses which meet the minimum system requirements of TESA. With this grant we would be able to wire a room to give all 15 computers internet access and the capability to administer TESA.

How will the funds be spent?

Supplies consisting of switches and cords and G3 iMAC.