Margate Middle Building Bridges in Tech Gap
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Margate Middle School students and their parents pick-up computers at the conclusion of the Digital Divide program at the school. |
Margate Middle School recently took the initiative to bridge the technology gap. Twenty-five families took advantage of computer training that allowed them to take home a Dell computer system at the end of the evening. The training is part of the Educational Technology Services (ETS) department’s “Digital Divide” program, which is designed to help bridge the gap between families who have technology and those who don’t.
One objective of the program is to increase the number of first-time home computer families by supplying them with surplus computers refurbished by ETS. Research shows that students who have home computers perform better academically and take higher-level courses. The “Digital Divide” program is an important aspect of the District because Broward County Public Schools recognizes the importance of digital media and instructional resources. In fact, a core element of the Instructional Technology Plan focuses on Web-based instructional resources for students and their families that will be available on a 24-hour basis.
In order to participate in “Digital Divide,” parents must take part in a three-hour technology training class. Following that program, parents take home desktop computers and related equipment free of charge. By participating in the instruction – which includes set-up and operation of the computer – they are ideally positioned to begin helping their children use a computer to assist with their educational needs. Software vendors such as Microsoft, Apple and Riverdeep authorized the District to install a variety of their software products on the computers for home use by the families.
ETS Project Manager Mary Baker coordinated the effort at Margate Middle with the help of Principal Hudson B. Thomas. Assistant Principal Cara Coletti and Technical Specialist Dee Klockziem served as liaisons and technology trainers. Both the parents and students who benefited were truly impressed and appreciative of all of their efforts.
DID YOU KNOW?
School Social Work began in the early 1900’s when social workers made home visits and were known as advocates for equity and fairness. Compulsory school attendance laws, child labor legislation and classroom testing all contributed to the spearheading of school social work. Between 1940 and 1960, casework in schools became an established specialty with school social workers assisting teachers and other personnel on psychosocial issues.
School Social Work Week is March 4 - 10, 2007 |
Broward Leads Nation in New Board Certified Teachers
Last year, Broward County Public Schools produced the largest number of newly certified teachers in the nation. Two hundred-forty Broward County teachers achieved certification in 2006, 54 more than the second-place district, Wake County (NC). Broward’s 2006 total marks the second straight year the District led the nation in newly certified teachers. In 2005, Broward County Public Schools produced more than 180 new certified teachers.
“It is indicative of the District’s strong commitment to teaching and learning that we have seen this record increase in National Board Certified Teachers,” said Board Chair Beverly Gallagher. “This achievement directly translates to the increased student learning advances the District has experienced in recent years, highlighted by our students’ increasingly escalating scores on state tests.”
The total number of National Board Certified Teachers in Broward County currently stands at 1,036 – the second-highest mark in the nation. Last year, Broward County had 796 National Board Certified Teachers, ranking second in the state of Florida and fourth in the nation.
“The academic achievements of the students in our District can be directly attributed to our talented and dedicated teachers,” said Board member Dr. Robert D. Parks. “Our teachers have worked hard both in and out of the classroom to build Broward County Public Schools into a premier school district,” he said.
The District’s Human Resource Development department provides an ongoing commitment to the National Board candidates by providing quality staff development opportunities and effective mentoring experiences. For information about National Board Certification, contact Instructional Staffing or visit (www.nbpts.org).
District Offers Services for
Pregnant Teens
Did you know there are approximately 1,000 pregnant or parenting students enrolled in Broward schools each year? Dedicated Teen Parent Social Workers meet with and assess the educational and psychosocial needs of these students to determine which academic placement would be most appropriate.
Sometimes, it’s in the student’s best interest to attend one of the county’s three Teen Parent Centers, which provide a variety of support services in addition to all the academic requirements for graduation. Some of these services include free day-care, door-to-door transportation, parenting and child development classes and full-time guidance and social work services.
For more information or to refer a student in your area, please contact:
North Area: Betty Wershoven,
MSW
754-321-3470
North Central Area: Barbara Mills, MSW
754-321-3040
South Central Area: Andie Segal, LCSW
754-321-3871
South Area: Rachel Maxie, MSW
754-321-3614
You can also learn more about the county’s Teen Parent Centers by calling:
Drew Resource Center Mary Hamilton, LCSW
754-321-6730
Seagull School Elaine Wallen, MSW
or Noemi Ramirez, LCSW
754-321-7300
Hallandale Adult Center Deborah Buck, LCSW
754-321-7056 |
