21st Century Learning in Action

As we move toward the end of the three year 21st Century Schools Initiative program, we are in the process of finalizing evaluations by Education Development Center (http://edc.org). In addition we are evaluating test scores, rates of attendance, discipline, promotion, and graduation. There are many anecdotal stories that illustrate the impact that this program is having on teachers and students. Several stories that I have written can be found on the www.21cschools.org website:

• Museums and Technology: Partnerships for 21st Century Learning
• Art and Technology: Transforming Learning for the 21st Century
• Jefferson Parish School Board Discovers the Impact of Technology in the Classroom
• Students Use Technology to Document Hurricane Recovery
• Math + Technology = Improved Skills + Positive Motivation
• Students Decide Fate of Lazy Donkey
• Matas Fifth Grade Teacher Wows Students With Interactive Whiteboard
• Terrytown Elementary ESL Teacher Engages Students and Their Families Using Podcasts

Many of the projects described in these stories can be found on the "21S In Action" wiki: http://jppss-21s-in-action.wetpaint.com/. These projects are designed to use technology integrated with curriculum to create innovative, engaging, and authentic learning opportunities.