Paterson+Talent+21

__**Background**__
 * [|Paterson Public Schools] || __**How to Use This Site**__ || **Easiteach Lessons ﻿ ** || **[[file:t21 guidelines and policy.pdf]] ﻿ ** ||

In February 2010 Paterson School district was awarded a $2.3 million dollar grant to establish a model 21st learning environments that transform the teaching and learning process for all middle grade students in the District to a more student-centered experiences which will lead to higher levels of engagement and academic achievement. This was accomplished by providing technology-rich 21st Century classroom environments, school administration, and teachers who are able to lead and teach in the environment, and most importantly, students who became highly engaged in their learning using 21st Century skills to excel in their academic and persona lives.

As part of the Talent 21 grant, 9 schools were selected to participate, schools 2, 3, 18, 21, 25, 27, MLK, Blessed Sacrament, and Saint Gerard. The students in grade 6 would each receive a student laptop to assist them in taking control of their learning. In September 2010 these schools were outfitted with a total of 55 21st Century classrooms.

__**Project Goals and Objectives**__

**GOAL 1:** Content area teachers and school administrators will demonstrate evidence of acquiring and implementing teaching, learning and leadership practices needed in 21st century learning environments by: **Objective 1.1:** Engaging in sustained and intensive professional development facilitated by a full time educational technology integration specialist to assist with the implementation of 21st century instructional/ assessment practices that meet diverse student needs. **Objective 1.2:** Using technology as a tool to promote a student-centered school culture and to improve and enhance professional development and leadership skills. **Objective 1.3:** Collaborating in the development and implementation of Project-Based Learning (PBL) that includes the integration of technology, 21st century themes and skills and cross content connections in selected sixth- and seventh-grade units in various content areas aligned to the 2009 Core Curriculum Content Standards. **Objective 1.4:** Using student data to modify instructional strategies and personalize learning experiences. **Objective 1.5:** Using data to evaluate how successfully grant program goals 1 and 2 and related objectives were met. **Objective 1.6:** Developing a sustainability plan to ensure the goals of the grant program continue to be achieved and expanded upon for at least two years beyond the grant period to include sixth-, seventh-, and eighth- grade teachers and students. **GOAL 2:** Students will demonstrate increased engagement in learning and in using 21st century skills to assist in meeting the 2009 New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards by: **Objective 2.1:** Applying information-literacy skills to access, manage, and communicate information using a range of emerging technological tools. **Objective 2.2:** Thinking critically and creatively to solve problems, synthesize and create new knowledge, and make informed decisions that affect individuals, the broader community, and the environment. **Objective 2.3:** Gaining enhanced understanding of global interdependencies as well as multiple cultural perspectives, differing points of view, and diverse values. **GOAL 3:** The School Planning Team will facilitate the creation of 21st century learning environments by: **Objective 3.1:** Establishing a technology infrastructure to support 21st century learning that includes the implementation of a high speed wireless mobile computing systems for all sixth and seventh grade teachers, administrators and students

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