CURRICULUM AND TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Assembly Bill 1609 was signed by the Governor on October 10, 2001. This bill removes the option for ninth graders to take the exam. Therefore, only tenth graders who did not take the exam on a voluntary basis as ninth graders or who did not pass both portions will be required to take the exam in Spring of 2002. All of the CAHSEE resource materials posted on the Internet will be updated to reflect this change in the regulations. For additional changes resulting from this legislation, read the October update from the CDE Standards & Assessment Division.

• Digital Mentors will serve as a peer facilitators and trainers for their campuses.
• Demonstration lessons that require students to use technology will be presented by Digital Mentors and videotaped for later viewing by Rancho del Mar and PVPHS Language Arts teachers during technology proficiency workshops
• Digital Mentors, as facilitators, and library media center personnel will assist Language Arts teachers and Rancho del Mar teachers to focus on technology-based activities. Teachers will collaborate and plan student projects correlated to the standards for Language Arts and geared to teachers, ranging from beginners to the most proficient technology users.
• Since the language arts content standards provide the framework for research skills and information literacy skills each language arts teacher will participate in workshops which review the information literacy aspects of the content standards and how to use electronic resources to enhance these skills.
• Additional workshops based on the Eisenberg Big 6 model for student research will be provided to all language arts teachers.
• Each Language Arts teacher at PVPHS and RdM will review potential online and software/courseware resources to determine efficacy improving students' in oral and written communication skills through technology.
• A "help-desk" support system, provided by the Project Coordinator, the Digital Mentor facilitators or the Tech Buddies, will be established.
• In conjunction with the "help-desk," a "Just-in-Time" mechanism for Digital Mentors and Tech Buddies will be implemented so that a teacher who needs assistance will get help in a timely manner.
• Digital Mentors will meet regularly to monitor project activities and timeline
  

Math Exams will be held in various Classrooms. Students need to find out classroom assignments before February 11th from any math teacher. Faculty Meeting will be held in the PAC.

The U.S. Office of Education has developed a website to assist parents, students and educators with information designed to help students explore educational opportunities beyond high school. The material is designed for learners of all ages. While "Think College Early" focuses on students in the middle school years, it is also helpful for high school age students.
http://www.ed.gov/thinkcollege/early/tce_home.htm College Board Website Provides Student Support

The College Board, the organization that administers the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and Advanced Placement Exams provides a website that assists students with college planning. Topics include: Planning for College; Taking the Tests; Finding the Right College; Getting into College and Paying for College. Students can also practice with released SAT questions.
http://www.collegeboard.com/

Please view the College Career Website for more information on College Planning.