The Tri-School technology program is guided by the tech standards set forth by the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) and the Piedmont Unified School District Technology Standards (PUSD Tech Standards). The Tech Scope and Sequence is a living document that directs and influences the development of our curriculum and provides a guideline as to where we would like our students to be when they graduate from PUSD.
The elementary Tri-School Technology program is held weekly as a "prep" class for all students in 4th and 5th grades and as a collaborative class for students in 2nd and 3rd grades. At the primary level, grades 2 and 3, students receive 40 minutes of instruction per week; grades 4 and 5 receive 50 minutes of instruction per week.
Technology class is a time when students are challenged through activities and projects that enhance their understanding of our digital environment. The two main components consist of the ethics of digital citizenship and fundamental technology skills. Students learn fundamental skills in computer science and digital literacy such as computational thinking skills, responsible use of technology, and creative "making" using digital tools. Tech projects and activities incorporate Piedmont's "5 C's" for the 21st century: communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and computational thinking.
Much of the content in Technology class is integrated with the classroom curriculum. Teachers are encouraged to have students apply their tech-based learning in their classroom content. This carry-over takes place through the 1:1 set of chromebooks available in 4th and 5th grade classrooms as well as class sets available to 3rd grade classes. 2nd grade classes currently share and use some touch screen chromebooks during small group instruction.
Along with teaching, Site Technology Coordinators (STC) provide critical leadership and support to the school and staff. This includes addressing technology issues with the increasing number of mission critical technology systems in the school and classroom, supporting the teaching of content standards with technology integration, and providing professional development for certificated and classified staffs. STC's provide training to teachers in ways to innovate with technology in their classrooms and also help increase efficiencies. As teacher leaders in technology, STC's stay current with the best research and trends in the world of education in order to provide the best possible learning environment for our students. Some school districts rely upon classified staff solely as the support and driver of educational technology. The use of credentialed teachers as a major component of technology support, professional learning, management and vision insures that technology is understood as an accelerator for learning, and that student learning is the ultimate goal here in PUSD. Credentialed Site Technology Coordinators understand child development, state standards, and instructional practices and guide the site's resources, budget and strengths to serve children.
Beach and Havens: Sun Lee, slee@piedmont.k12.ca.us
Wildwood: Lyra Harris, lharris@piedmont.k12.ca.us