Posted by:
Kathy Peloquin
Research/tech assistance org
Worcester, MA

Topic:
Links to Standards-Alignment Examples & a Question

Message:
I believe that technology's place within a standards-based curriculum (within is the key word) is two-fold. It should first be transparent within the various curricula areas. Secondly, specific standards within the domain of educational technology should also be identified. The International Society for Technology Education (ISTE), has developed standards for students, teachers and administrators. http://www.doe.mass.edu/edtech/01docs/itstand_dft.PDF

In this fast paced technological world, access to information and how to analyze, evaluate, interpret, and present that information is paramount. Technology has placed the information at our fingertips and allowed us to create ongoing learning environments where collaboration and sharing of knowledge can take place. Obviously, The Knowledge Loom, where we are right now, is one prime example of an ongoing learning community.

Rather than having a teacher read through each of the print resources for MA State Frameworks, a statewide initiative called Curriculum Library Aligning and Sharing Project (CLASP) has placed all the curriculum standards in a searchable database online at: http://www.massnetworks.org/clasp/index.html. In addition, this project has helped many districts align their curriculum to the frameworks with a focus on having teachers create lessons aligned to the standards. I am currently working with the curriculum liaisons in our district as the point person to post this work online as it is refined and approved. Eventually, the many districts involved with this project will be sharing their exemplar lessons online via the Virtual Education Space, VES, http://ves.mass.edu.

Horace Mann stated: "One of the greatest equalizers of men is education." A century later we are still addressing many equity issues in education. The implementation of standards is one major move towards that end. However, how the standards are used and the high-stakes testing they have spawned will have a major impact on this generation of students. I believe great care in how they are used should be made. This has me asking the next question: "How can technology help our students with the high-stakes tests?"

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