Broward County Public Schools in Florida
Learn How to Meet the Technology Literacy Requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act • February 25-27, 2004
Broward County Public Schools, located in South Florida, is one of the fastest growing districts in the nation with a unique urban/suburban mix of students. During the 2002-2003 school year, BCPS served the educational needs of more than 270,000 students. The district serves students from 156 countries, speaking more than 57 languages and dialects, making the school system a microcosm of multicultural diversity and truly representative of a global community.
The philosophy of Broward County is to place technology at the core of the student's educational experience. The district is committed to ensuring that all students will benefit from the learning opportunities provided by current and future technologies. Web-based literacy, digital content, and wireless networking transform teaching and learning by enabling the school district to better meet individual student needs, increase parental involvement, and improve the accountability and efficiency of school administration.
To demonstrate the Web-based literacy vision, BCPS will showcase students and staff engaged in instructional scenarios using technology, will present project overviews, and will allow time for the audience to participate in discussion and feedback forums. Tours will be given at elementary, middle and high schools that have effectively integrated technology into the instructional program. Opportunities will be given to speak to students, teachers, and administrators who participate in online learning.
At the Broward site visit, attendees will have the opportunity to observe:
- Broward Virtual Education. Students have the opportunity to take courses for high school credit taught via the Internet by Broward County teachers.
- Broward Virtual University. Teachers and administrators participate in professional development using "Blackboard" online course delivery system.
- Digital Education Teacher Academy. Through a partnership with Florida Atlantic University, teachers earn graduate credit by attending an intensive course focused on integrating technology into the curriculum.
- Internet-based curriculum. Students learn reading, math, science, and social studies using a curriculum available via the Internet. Home and community access to this resource extends learning beyond the traditional school day.
- Wireless technologies to enhance instruction. Students and teachers use wireless technology as part of the learning process, enabling a mobile computing environment that can be moved according to instructional needs.
- Curriculum Mapping/Lesson Plans. Teachers have access to curriculum planning resources that can be used to plan and deliver instruction.