Dr. Annette Griffin Superintendent of Schools April 2007 en Español

C-FB ISD Has Been Named a National Tech Savvy District

The December Superintendent's Report highlighted how Carrollton-Farmers Branch uses technology in our classrooms and in district operations. Since that time, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District has been recognized nationally once again for being a leader in educational technology.

We received this national recognition from the editors of eSchool News because our community has believed in our technology plans along with our capital improvement programs. Thanks to the more than $80 million for technology included in our two major bond programs, we have a state-of-the-art infrastructure including district-owned fiber optic cable connections to all facilities. This infrastructure allows us to provide a wide range of technology programming.

One program that piqued the interest of the eSchool News editors was our Universal Technology Access Program that minimizes the digital divide among our students. When the district replaces teacher workstations after three years, we recondition the computers and then give the equipment to families who otherwise would not have access to technology in their homes.

Since the Universal Technology Access Program began, we have distributed more than 1,000 computers and reached more than 2,000 C-FB ISD students. What's even more wonderful is that while we have helped students with their learning, some parents have reported that their newfound computer knowledge enabled them to secure better jobs.

We know that technology can play a valuable role in customizing instruction. The eSchool News editors also were impressed with the iPod language acquisition program that C-FB ISD initiated for students who are new to the country and speak no English. Students in these "newcomer" classrooms must transition out after one year so it is imperative they gain sufficient English language skills so that they have continued academic success.

All district "Newcomers" were issued iPods during the 2005-06 school year. Teachers recorded vocabulary, stories, poems, songs and videos so students could hear and practice English wherever and whenever. Veteran teachers who traditionally saw 40 percent vocabulary retention rates began seeing 90 percent retention rates. The language acquisition program was expanded this year to include the ESL (English as a Second Language) classrooms to which the "Newcomers" transition. That way these students do not have to give up their mobile communication devices and can continue to accelerate their language acquisition progress.

We are always seeking flexible learning opportunities for students. The district opened its virtual campus to provide online courses to students who either wanted to experience learning in this way or to take courses when there is insufficient enrollment for the district to provide the class. Right now, we have students who are taking such classes as Advanced Placement French, Advanced Placement Psychology, Economics and Algebra I.

In C-FB ISD, we use technology in every aspect of our district when we believe that it will help us meet the district's mission:

"All students will meet the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) at the proficient or commended level and graduate college-ready without remediation."

I am proud of the national recognition that C-FB ISD has received from eSchool News. And, I am equally proud of all the technology that this district uses in its instructional programming and district operations. The Universal Technology Access Program, iPod language acquisition program, and the virtual campus are three of the outstanding instructional projects available to our students.

The community's continued support of public education allows C-FB ISD to provide these programs and more to the students. Thank you for your continued commitment to our children and public schools.

Report Archive