[Editor's note: The following is a press release issued by T.H.E. Journal and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).]
WASHINGTON, D.C.--T.H.E. Journal and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE(r)) have named Calcasieu Parish School System (CPSS) in Lake Charles, La., the recipient of the fourth annual Sylvia Charp District Award in honor of the late Dr. Sylvia Charp. Dr. Charp was the founding editor-in-chief of T.H.E. Journal and was an ardent, lifelong supporter of ISTE and its mission.
The Charp Award recognizes school districts that exhibit effectiveness and innovation in applying technology district-wide. Criteria for the award include:
- Consistent district effectiveness
- Use of ISTE's National Educational Technology Standards and Essential Conditions (NETS) or a local or statewide derivative of those standards
- Effective and innovative implementation of technology
- A commitment to share technology information with other districts.
CPSS, the fifth largest in Louisiana with more than 32,000 students, has been recognized for developing the most innovative and all-encompassing technology program in the K-12 education community.
The school system's project included a technology planning process that involved multiple partners beyond the school system, including the community and the business world. That process resulted in a plan that continues to foster leadership and cutting-edge ideas for training and implementation of new technology programs to meet essential NETS conditions, as well as community outreach and assistance. The plan focused on four objectives for the district: strengthen leadership, improve teacher training, support e-learning and virtual schools, and provide improved access and technology usage. Particularly impressive to the Sylvia Charp Award judges was the enormous effort made to provide a multitude of professional development opportunities for both teachers and administrators.
Teacher professional development opportunities included workshops, mentoring, online courses, summer camps and graduate credit programs.
Administrator professional development opportunities included the following initiatives:
- Laptops for Leaders - a technology proficiency and online collaboration, effective technology integration, and site-based technology development and training
- LeadTECH - prepares school principals, assistant principals, curriculum coordinators, and district superintendents with an in-depth understanding of the role of instructional technology as it relates to total school improvement and increased student learning
- Additional opportunities through partners across the state.
"The Calcasieu Parish School System has been a leader in pioneering instructional technology in the state, nation and international communities for a number of years," says CPSS Superintendent Wayne Savoy. "In the complex educational systems that exist today, a major consideration for implementing excellent technology programs and pursuing new initiatives lies with the system's ability to generate, allocate, and restructure funds. The Calcasieu Parish School System maintains a significant commitment to technology leadership and envisions continued growth in emerging technologies." Representatives of Calcasieu Parish School System -- including Savoy and Administrative Technology Coordinator, Sheryl Abshire -- will be honored and presented with the award at the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), to be held in Atlanta June 24 through June 27. The district will receive $2,000 toward NECC registration, travel and housing for two representatives.
About T.H.E. Journal
T.H.E. Journal informs and educates K-12 administrators, technologists, and educators to improve and advance teaching and administration through the use of technology. Each issue contains news, trends and features with topics covering networking, security, policy and advocacy, telecom, hardware/software, the smart classroom, mobile computing and wireless, technology funding, professional development and more. In addition, T.H.E. Journal contains product reviews and "best practices" articles each month. Look for additional articles and up-to-date news and events on T.H.E. Journal's Web site and its various eNewsletters.
For more information, visit www.thejournal.com.
About ISTE
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the trusted source for professional development, knowledge generation, advocacy, and leadership for innovation. A nonprofit membership association, ISTE provides leadership and service to improve teaching, learning, and school leadership by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. Home of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET), and the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), ISTE represents more than 85,000 professionals worldwide. We support our members with information, networking opportunities, and guidance as they face the challenge of transforming education.
Visit www.iste.org or call (800) 336-5191 to learn more about ISTE and its new initiatives -- including the next generation of NETS for Students, Teachers, and Administrators. ISTE is the registered trademark of International Society for Technology in Education.