6-8 Technology Education Program Evaluation. Board of Education Program Report December 10, 2013

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1 6-8 Technology Education Program Evaluation Board of Education Program Report December 10, 2013

2 2 Grades 5-8 Part 100 Requirements Technology education means a program of instruction designed to assist all students in meeting State intermediate standards for technology. Technology education uses concepts of science, mathematics, social science and language arts in a hands-on, systems-based approach to problem solving that guides students in the understanding, design and development of systems, devices and products to serve human needs and wants. One unit of study must be completed by the end of eighth grade.

3 3 High School Part 100 Requirements Students first entering grade nine in the school year and thereafter shall have earned at least 22 units of credit. Such units of credit shall incorporate the commencement level of the State learning standards in: English language arts; social studies; mathematics, science, technology; the arts (including visual arts, music, dance and theatre); languages other than English; health, physical education, family and consumer sciences; and career development and occupational studies. The State learning standards in technology may be met either through a course in technology education or through an integrated course combining technology with mathematics and/or science. A commencement-level course in technology education may be used as the third unit of credit in science or mathematics but not both.

4 Introduction and Overview of Process The goal of the Guilderland Central School District Technology program is to strengthen students abilities to apply math and science concepts to engineering applications and to encourage students to pursue STEM careers. The programs are aligned to the Common Core standards, the Next Generation Science Standards, the NYS MST Standards, and the NETS standards. Through the completion of the middle school courses and the optional high school course work, students will develop an understanding of engineering design practices through hands-on, project work. In the middle school program, students will have to the ability to choose projects that will expose them to a variety of technology applications. Students are encouraged to pursue high school courses where advanced engineering design concepts will be taught. Participation in these courses will open children s eyes to potential careers in engineering, architecture, construction, and engineering technology. Regardless of career goals, the course work will help students develop 21 st Century learning skills including problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

5 5 FMS Technology Education The Technology Education program at Farnsworth Middle School begins in 6 th grade as a twenty-week or semester-long course The program continues into the 7 th and 8 th grade years for all students This program meets and exceeds the New York State Education Department s Part 100 requirements for middle level programs Students are exposed to a variety of instructional methodologies, hands-on activities and learning opportunities that are meant to expose them to a wide variety of technologies The curriculum is planned to develop students skills by spiraling their work with computers and applications such as Microsoft Office and CAD Students leave the 8 th grade having had multiple opportunities to apply and create technology-based solutions to real world problems

6 6 Paxton Patterson Computer Modules Each of the Paxton Patterson Action Labs includes ten days of instruction during a variety of Integrated Instructional Units (IIUs). The modules are based on a rich curriculum which incorporates multimedia, video and hands-on activities. Students, under the guidance of their teachers, are able to choose and participate in two of the following programs: Alternative Energy Audio Communications Computer Graphics and Animation CNC Computer Numeric Control Digital Music Electricity Energy and Power Environment and Ecology Flight Lasers Materials Processing Machines (Mechanisms) Robotics Structural Engineering Video Production

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8 Utilizes the Paxton Patterson multimedia learning system

9 Computer based instruction including audio, video, and graphics

10 Students follow written directions as well as read & understand technical writing

11 Uses integrated hands-on activities Students can apply the concepts learned in the module.

12 12 Engineering and Design All students participate in a design project. Each year students are presented with first developing a design specific to a long-range project and then realizing this project through its production. Time and attention is given in the production labs to introduce them to machine operation and safety. Students first introduction to a design project begins in 6 th grade. student are introduced to the development of a design of an ergonomic handle to their buck saw which they later translate into a finished product in the Production Lab.

13 13 7 th Grade Design Project In 7 th Grade their project culminates in the design, testing and production of a catapult. Through this design project they are exposed to machine and tool safely in a production lab. Computer Aided Design (CAD) software is used by students to create precise and accurate plans. Through the CAD software they are introduced to the components of both two dimensional and three dimensional drawing and design. Students also utilize the design software Inventor which is also used as part of the high school program, Project Lead the Way.

14 14 8 th Grade Design Project In 8 th grade this process is further developed through the Marble Mania project. Their skills in three dimensional drawing and collaboration are further extended.

15 Marble Mania Computer Aided Design work

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17 17 Students are introduced to: Grade 6 Technology keyboarding; digital citizenship and cyber-safety; library and media literacy; basic computer skills; Microsoft Office applications; introduction to technology and engineering principles; history and impacts of technologies on society and culture; manufacturing technologies; flight technology unit through the Paxton Patterson lab program; an introduction to the production lab through the buck saw design project

18 18 Grade 7 and 8 Technology Along with the Design project, students participate in two different Paxton Patterson Computer lab modules over both their 7 th grade and 8 th grade years of their choice. These include: Alternative Energy Audio Communications Computer Graphics and Animation CNC Computer Numeric Control Digital Music Electricity Energy and Power Environment and Ecology Lasers Materials Processing Machines (Mechanisms) Robotics Structural Engineering Video Production

19 19 Middle School Program Costs The introduction of the Paxton Patterson Computer Action Labs to the Technology program at Farnsworth Middle school occurred in 2003 for the 2003/2004 school year at an initial cost of $183, This included the Paxton Action Lab Modules, the Active data management and information network, the module identification signs, the PAL installation, the PAL Teacher training and the expendables. The computers were purchased and the redesign of the labs was included as part of the FMS construction project completed in The computers are now due to be phased out and replaced through coordination with the Director of Technology School Year Equipment $5, Supplies 8, Total $12, School Year Equipment 0 Supplies 8, Total $8, School Year Equipment $2, Supplies $8, Total $10, School Year Equipment $1, Supplies $7, Total $8,975.00

20 20 Recommendations for the Middle School Update the Paxton Patterson learning modules to stay current with trends in technology. Continue to revise and improve project based lessons that align with the NYS Math, Science and Technology Standards as well as Next Generation Science Standards for design and engineering. Embed instruction and awareness of internet safety and cyber-bullying in all grade levels. Continue to introduce and expose students to software such as Inventor to better transition students into High School Technology Courses (PLTW)

21 21 Program consists of: Guilderland High School Project Lead the Way courses full year courses in pre-engineering Design &Drawing for Production Civil Engineering & Architecture Principles of Engineering Digital Electronics

22 22 Guilderland High School Program consists of: Specialty Half Year Electives Manufacturing Technical Drawing Digital Photography 1 & 2 Introduction to Electricity

23 Enrollment Trends DDP (PLTW introduced in DDP Enrollment as a % of Total School Enrollment

24 24 Enrollment Trends CEA CEA Enrollment as a % of Total School Enrollment

25 25 Enrollment Trends - POE POE Enrollment as a % of Total School Enrollment

26 Enrollment Trends - DE DE Enrollment as a Percentage of Total School Enrollment

27 Percentage of Students Taking 2 or More PLTW Courses Percentage Student Cohort 41 43

28 28 Student Success College Credit 80 % of Students Earning RIT College Credit DDP CEA POE DE School Year

29 29 Survey Results Students: Most students are very positive about their experiences 71% indicated the program has sparked an interest in a career in engineering

30 30 Survey Results Teachers and Guidance Counselors: Believe that PLTW has improved our Technology program Believe that the program is meeting the PLTW Goal Statement Believe we can expand the program impact by involving a larger student population

31 31 Conclusions and Recommendations The 6-12 Technology Education program complies with all Part 100 requirements for middle and high school programs. Recommendations for continuous improvement include: 1. Establish K-12 continuum whereby introduction of fundamental skills such as keyboarding and cyber safety begin at the elementary level. 2. Collaborate with Middle School Counselors to increase student enrollment in High School Technology program offerings. 3. Remain current with trends in technology industries and adjust program to those trends so that students achieve a diversified exposure to the field at all levels.