IMSA/IVHS CHOSEN FOR LEAD ROLE IN STATE’S TECHNOLOGY PILOT
For Immediate Release, Press Release
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AURORA-- The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) has been chosen to play a key role in the Illinois Technology Immersion Pilot Project (TIPP), aimed at helping to bridge the digital divide in Illinois middle schools by providing individual students access to on-demand digital learning resources through personal laptops.
Unveiled by Governor Rod Blagojevich, Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois State Board of Education in the fall of 2006, the Technology Immersion Pilot Project, a three-year pilot, will bring a one-to-one wireless computing environment to more than 1700 sixth grade students and their teachers in 18 schools throughout the state. The goal of the program is to bring laptop computers into the classrooms to help improve student achievement and “anytime, anywhere” access to learning.
“We live in a technology-driven age where computers are essential tools in most industries and workplaces,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “But computers can also be valuable tools as part of the learning process. With this pilot program, we’ll give students another resource for learning, and, at the same time, help them develop technology skills that will help them compete when they’re finished with school and ready to enter the workforce,” he added.
The professional development component of TIPP will be provided by the Illinois Virtual High School (administered by IMSA), through online courses and on site sessions with teachers, administrators and technology support staff in the seven districts chosen to receive grants for the project.
These districts include: City of Chicago School District 299, Community Consolidated School District 59 (Arlington Heights), Woodstock Community Unit School District 200, Joliet Public School District 86, Springfield School District 186, Southeastern Community Unit School District 337 (Bowen) and Calhoun Community Unit District 40.
The primary goal of the professional development is to help educators integrate laptop computers into teaching and learning in order to achieve the academic improvement plans created by each school’s technology immersion committee.
IMSA was a founding partner of the Illinois Virtual High School and today fully manages and administers the program on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education. Since the 2000-01 year, the IVHS has provided “anytime, anyplace” online offerings to thousands of students in high school and some middle school classroom throughout Illinois. Today, one of out every three high schools in Illinois uses IVHS services.
The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10-12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program, and it serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry. IMSA also advances education through research, groundbreaking ventures and strategic partnerships. (www.imsa.edu)