Information Item
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Curriculum and Instruction
Information Item |
| DATE: | Tuesday, March 15, 2011 |
| TO: | School Board Members |
| FROM: | MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent |
| TEACHING AND LEARNING PRESENTATION | |
| Gizmos (Explore Learning), Technology-Based Instruction In Secondary Science Classrooms (Secondary Education - Curriculum and Instruction Division) | |
| EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | |
| Initiative: In 2010/2011, Hillsborough County Public Schools launched a powerful and dynamic approach to integrate technology-based instruction into secondary science classrooms using Gizmos, award-winning online simulations that drive student inquiry and exploration. While the program can be found in all 27 high schools, the primary focus of this year's implementation was at Title I school sites, specifically targeting the achievement of underrepresented groups in science. Explore Learning's Gizmos are a powerful addition to our curriculum helping teachers to engage their students more effectively and more deeply in science and providing teachers with a ready-made path for harnessing the power of visual imagery in instruction.
While no formal standardized test data comparing student achievement in Title I versus non-Title I schools exists, student comprehension and understanding in science at Title I schools has increased since August 2010. The greatest increase in the district (over 13%) was evident at Leto High School, one of the strongest users of the Gizmos instructional tool. Middleton High School had the fourth highest average in the district on the Formative II Science assessment and is also a top district site for usage of Gizmos. As of February 10, 2011, secondary science teachers have accessed Gizmos over 5,000 times to utilize the program in their classrooms and students have accessed Gizmos over 50,000 times to learn science content. This represents a 400% increase over the usage of the entire 2009/2010 school year. Continued on attachment. |
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| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES | |
| • Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates • Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods • Motivate students to become responsible learners | |
| SUBMITTED BY: Larry R. Plank, Ed.S., Supervisor, Secondary Science | |
| Denny B. Oest | Wynne A. Tye | |
| General Director, Secondary Education (813) 272-4451 |
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction (813) 272-4221 |
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| B 01 | ||
| Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20110315_456 (Board Meeting) * Section B Item# 01 | ||