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The SWATTEC (Student Writing Achievement Through Technology Enhanced Collaboration) initiative at the Saugus Union School District is an exciting program targeting fourth grade writing, information literacy, and Internet skills in a technology-rich environment. Through funding from an EETT (Enhancing Education Through Technology) grant, every fourth grade student throughout the district receives an ultra-mobile device, more commonly referred to as a "netbook", and engages in collaborative learning through the use of online evaluation, assessment, and social media tools.

Students received their individual mini-laptops in January '09 after careful planning and tremendous preparation on the part of teachers and staff. The excitement and passion in the classrooms was electrifying as students and teachers discovered together what it means to be literate in the 21st century through a variety of projects and technology-rich activities. Students have been empowered to take responsibility for their own learning and teachers have been enabled through a variety of technologies to transform their classrooms into participatory learning environments that drive student achievement while giving them a passion for learning.

From the beginning, the district set ambitious goals for the project, and we are pleased to report that the program has been a huge success! Student proficiency in English Language Arts on the state test jumped an incredible twenty-four percent (24%) - a greater gain than Saugus has seen in any year since state-wide testing was instituted. Student writing tests showed an average thirty-seven percent (37%) gain from the beginning of the year, with several students achieving fifty percent (50%) or more individually!  Both student and teacher technology literacy also showed impressive gains, and students are more actively engaged and participating in their own learning.

The success of the initiative has led the district to consider expanding the program beyond the fourth grade, although funding continues to be a challenge. We are exploring every avenue, and look forward to working with our parents and the community to bring more technology-rich educational opportunities to the students of the Saugus Union School District.

 



jklein, 10/08/09 02:38 (GMT)

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