Minnetonka Public Schools in Minnesota
Vision and Leadership in Technology • May 6-8, 2007
Minnetonka Public Schools is a high performing suburban school district, 15 miles west of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The District serves 7,650 students in grades K-12 in six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. The District's relatively small size and commitment to excellence allows Minnetonka to focus on personalizing education to meet each child's unique needs, and technology is key to that personalization. In 2002, District voters approved a 2002 referendum for technology and instructional equipment providing $45 million over ten years.
The funding accelerated Minnetonka's vision for technology integration from 11 classrooms in 2002 to over 300 classrooms in the 2006-07 school year. An extensive technology staff development plan supports teachers in their progression from technology adopters through integration and innovation. Awarded AASA's 2005 President's Award for Vision and Leadership in Technology and recognized by e-School News in 2006, Minnetonka's leadership believes in technology is an accelerator of learning that changes the way people think and learn. Come see a variety of innovative endeavors, reinvigorated collaboration, and wide-ranging stages of innovation all focused on child-centered excellence.
Minnetonka's Strategic Plan incorporates numerous technology tools to monitor and assess student achievement and growth. Over the past three years the District has expanded their use of the Student Information System; including online attendance and lunch count (K-12), online registration, and student self-scheduling. Online guidance tools allow high school students to plan and prepare for post high school endeavors.
Minnetonka's staff development, classroom technology and administrative tools are all focused around meeting the three goals of the District's Technology Plan; Information Literacy, Community Connections, and Systems Integrity. The District has also worked to streamline administrative tasks through the use of technology. Facility management, online payments, web-based ticketing systems and digital content restrictions are just some of the District's web based tools.
This is a great professional development opportunity, and Technology Leadership Network members receive a discount on registration. To receive complete information as it becomes available, simply submit the Information Request Form and select "Site Visits Information."