Net Schools Impact of Technology

NetSchools Educator Series Number 3
The Impact of NetSchools Technology Solutions in Eight Different Learning Environments
A research study by CRF and Associates, Inc.
Carmen Arace Middle School, Bloomfield, Connecticut
Ysleta Elementary School, El Paso, Texas
The Impact of NetSchools Technology Solutions in Eight Different Learning Environments
CONTENTS Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 About NetSchools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 About NetSchools Orion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 About This Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Brunton School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Carmen Arace Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Felton Laboratory School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Greater Latrobe Junior High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Hundred High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Rio Bravo Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Towns County Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Ysleta Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
By CRF and Associates, Inc. 34 Williams Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401 Sponsored by NetSchools Corporation. NetSchools laptop solutions are powered by Hewlett-Packard and other leading hardware platforms, and connected by Enterasys Networks, the wireless solution for schools.
Executive Summary
This report outlines the experiences of eight schools that, faced with concerns about student performance and the need to prepare students for a rapidly changing world, adopted a technology-based approach to teaching, learning and accountability. The schools represent different geographic areas and most serve predominantly minority populations. In selecting NetSchools Corporation, the schools provided students, teachers, administrators and parents with regular access to computers and the Internet. As the individual school reports indicate, use of the NetSchools solutions: Substantially increased student performance, as illustrated by state and standardized test results. Increased student motivation, based on teacher and parent reports. Changed the way teachers taught. Improved home/school communication, with 24/7 access. Transformed the learning environment. Fostered parent and community education and school involvement.
The results are based on surveys of the instructional leaders at each school, i.e., the principals, who used modified versions of instruments developed by the SouthEast and Islands Regional Technology in Education Consortium (SEIRTEC) for teachers to assess student and teacher use of technology. CRF and Associates also examined a wide variety of other data provided by the schools, including scores from various standardized and state assessments, to illustrate progress. The surveys showed growth on 171 of 176 measures over the eight schools for both students and teachers, based on the administrators perceptions. This encompassed not only actual use of technology applications but also attitudinal shifts. While further study is necessary to assess the long-term impact of the NetSchools solutions, these findings suggest that NetSchools provides a usable framework for integrating technology into K12 schools that has a positive impact both on student performance and school/community involvement.
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Introduction
Today, elementary and secondary school systems as well as colleges and universities are spending increasingly more money on instructional technology. In the year 2000, educators spent nearly six billion dollars in support of technology initiatives. These initiatives have increased access to technology. Today, there is slightly more than one computer for every five students. The ratio of students to an Internetconnected computer is almost as good less than 8 to 1. Nonetheless, parents, teachers, administrators, school boards and legislators across the country are concerned about the effectiveness of technology use in schools and homes. They are interested in how best to integrate technology into instructional strategies. If federal, state and local resources for technology are to continue to increase, the effectiveness and impact of technology and its various uses must be prominently demonstrated. Educators must think broadly about fully integrating technology into the school community, and by extension, the community at large. Linking technology with instructional objectives to increase student performance on state assessments and other standardized tests is an important beginning. However, used creatively and strategically, technology also contributes to other goals and positive educational outcomes such as developing critical thinking skills, facilitating research abilities, learning special applications and using e-mail to communicate with experts and other students around the world. Schools have a tremendous opportunity to teach community members to use technology as a tool to enhance learning in and beyond the classroom walls. In order to measure more comprehensive uses of technology, traditional practices for measuring the impact of technology in education need to be broadened. Information is needed not only on the skills and knowledge that students gain from using technology but also its impact on teacher methodology, organizational change and outcomes at different stages of implementation. Input from teachers, students, parents and administrators is crucial as we evaluate the impact of technology. NetSchools Corporation asked CRF and Associates to examine the impact of NetSchools technology solutions in eight different learning environments in the United States. This report represents a summary of our findings.
About NetSchools
NetSchools Corporation was founded in April, 1996 by veteran IBM executives, Thomas W. Greaves and the late James E. Dezell, Jr., with the vision of engaging every mind and improving student achievement, by providing every student and teacher with his or her own laptop to use at school and at home. NetSchools is founded on the principle that all children deserve an education that meets their individual learning needs and fulfills the age-old dream of giving them the one-to-one support they need to achieve their greatest potential. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with a Silicon Valley office in Mountain View, California, NetSchools was the pioneer in one-to-one e-learning and accountability solutions for both transforming and reforming the nations schools. The company offers three wireless laptop solutions for schools. NetSchools Constellation includes a wireless laptop computer for every student and teacher for home and school use, and a local wireless network that allows high-speed connectivity. NetSchools StarClassroomSM provides wireless student laptops on a mobile cart, and NetSchools StarTeacherSM provides every teacher with a printer and wireless laptop. At the heart of every NetSchools laptop solutionand also available as a standalone productNetSchools OrionSM is the integrated curriculum management and assessment system that provides teachers, administrators, students and parents with curriculum correlation tools; correlated lesson planning, assessment and reporting; correlations to over 47,000 pre-screened and aligned web sites; as well as an integrated calendaring and e-mail system, learning resources and other teaching tools, classroom organizer (including gradebook) etc. The NetSchools Orion online accountability system has approximately 75,000 users nationwide. The NetSchools solutions are web-based and leverage wireless technologies to create a mobile and collaborative learning environment in schools and classrooms. In addition, all NetSchools products are supported by onsite and online professional development and curriculum correlation services from NetSchools Education Services. Current partners include Hewlett-Packard Company, Classroom Connect, class.com, INET Library, Learning Tools International, AP Photo Archive, Teacher Created Materials, DiscoverWare, Homeworkhelp.com, and Tutor.com. NetSchools products used as a school-wide solution may meet all the requirements of the Comprehensive School Reform Program once it is submitted for inclusion in the Catalog of Comprehensive School Reform Models.
About NetSchools Orion

In addition to providing a laptop for every student and teacher for school and home use, NetSchools believes that a second essential component must be addressed in order to improve student achievement, namely, accountability to standards. NetSchools Orion is NetSchools integrated curriculum management and assessment system for schools. It provides schools with instructional management tools to facilitate achievement, alignment, assessment and accountability for students, teachers, parents and administrators. NetSchools Orion is a web-based application that allows teachers to match a specific objective within their state standards to over 47,000 pre-screened, correlated educational web pages, as well as to a schools existing software programs and textbooks. In addition, these searches can be immediately applied to a lesson plan template, with assignments delivered directly to students and their parents via an integrated calendar tool. With the NetSchools Orion assessment tool, teachers can test their students online and, based on the results, the students will receive immediate individual academic assistance plans, including remedial activities drawn from a database of correlated resources. In addition, the company provides extensive professional development services to ensure that teachers understand and are comfortable with the capabilities of the technology. 2
About This Study

This study presents a summary of the impact and benefits of NetSchools technology in eight different learning environments. The schools vary in demographic composition, grade level, geographic situation, and socioeconomic level. Each of these schools has special challenges that administrators hoped NetSchools would address. They also have strengths such as leadership, access to resources, and district and state-level support that contributed to the implementation and impacted the schools experiences with NetSchools. In our discussion of each of the schools that are using NetSchools products, the following questions were addressed: What are the characteristics of the school? How has technology impacted student activities? Does the technology seem to work for all students, including special populations? How do the teachers use technology? How do school administrators evaluate the effectiveness of instructional technology at their school? How has technology been integrated into instruction, curriculum management, and indeed, the culture of the school? What changes occur at different stages of implementation?
Each school report is organized into five sections: Section A presents the demographic and background information gathered by CRF and Associates from each school. Section B illustrates student use of technology to enhance learning. Section C focuses on the integration of technology by teachers and administrators in instruction, curriculum, administrative tasks, and to enhance school-wide teaching and learning. Section D demonstrates the impact of NetSchools technology on the culture of the school and community. Section E contains anecdotal and qualitative data reported by each school.
Research Tools School data was acquired through school reports, surveys completed by school administrators and staff, media documents, school web sites, and other public information. A modified version of the Teacher Technology Survey, developed by the SouthEast and Islands Regional Technology in Education Consortium (SEIRTEC), was the primary instrument used in gathering data for the Administrator Technology Survey. The instrument, which retained its validity and reliability, was completed by an administrator at each school site. The data gathered using this survey is displayed in the graphs in Sections B and C. CRF and Associates used a slightly adapted Technology and Integration Progress Gauge, developed by SEIRTEC, to collect information from an administrator at each of the eight schools. This data is presented in Section D. SEIRTEC is one of six regional technology in education consortia (RTEC) funded by the U.S. Department of Educations Office of Educational Research and Improvement. SEIRTEC is composed of educational organizations committed to providing information, professional development, and technical assistance for educators in the southeastern states, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, in order to support and promote improvement in teaching.
Brunton School
1801 PARKER STREET SPRINGFIELD, MA 01128 NetSchools contact: Nancy Fiddler nfiddler@netschools.net
Section A: Demographic and Background Information

The Community Brunton School is a K5 elementary school with 600 students and a total staff of 70 people. The student population is 40% Hispanic, 40% Caucasian, and 20% African-American. Special Challenges and Assets Brunton School has a two-way bilingual program that introduces Spanish to native-English speakers and ESL students together and creates a unique opportunity for community building. The school leadership is committed to using technology as a teaching tool to advance student achievement and to enhance the schools commitment to equal opportunity despite the challenges of its diversity. Implementation of NetSchools Technology The NetSchools one-to-one implementation has been in place for one year at Brunton School. It has been integrated into all major courses as well as art, music, and health. The focus of these efforts has been on grades three, four and five, including special education, gifted and talented, and at-risk student populations. A total of 320 laptop computers are in use by the students both at home and at school. All students and teachers participate in their curriculum accountability system. The school has reported an increase in student achievement, engagement, and motivation. The teachers value the accuracy of the information accessible through the web sites. Students are excited about the coolness of working on a computer at school and at home.
Section B: Impact of Technology on Student Learning

The data gathered and displayed in the following graphs reflect the findings from the administrator survey, adapted from the SouthEast and Islands Regional Technology in Education Consortium (SEIRTEC) Teacher Technology Survey. The survey, which retained its validity and reliability, assessed impact on the student (Section B), teacher and administrator (Section C) use and activities.
Administrator Technology Survey: Impact of Technology on Student Activities
Before NetSchools and After NetSchools are the prime factors within the parameters of the scales measured. SCALE FEW less than 25% of the group SOME 25% to 75% of the group MANY more than 75% to 90% of the group MOST more than 90% to 100% of the group
Section C: Impact of Teachers Use of Technology Administrator Technology Survey: Impact of Teachers Use of Technology
Section D: Impact on School and Community Culture Technology Integration Progress Gauge
These graphs display the impact NetSchools has had on teaching and learning in all segments of the school. Administrators identified the level of progress in the five domains and indicators on the Integrative Gauge of Progress. The findings are presented in table format illustrating the four levels of effectiveness from use Before NetSchools and After NetSchools. LEVEL OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT ENVIRONMENT FOR TEACHER ENGAGEMENT
AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
ORGANIZATION SUPPORT FOR TECHNOLOGY
Section E: Supplementary Impact Data
For 2001, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) Math and Total test scores in grade equivalents (GEs) increased above the 2.0 GE expected gains. Specifically:
YEAR 1999 2001
GRADE 3 5 Actual gains:
ITBS: READING 4.7 GE 6.7 GE ______ 2.0 GE 2.0 GE
MATH 4.0 GE 6.4 GE ______ 2.4 GE 2.0 GE 0.4 GE
TOTAL 4.5 GE 6.8 GE ______ 2.3 GE 2.0 GE 0.3 GE
For the 2 years, expected gains are: Increased achievement is:
After one year of using the NetSchools system, the principal notes: Accessibility by students to technology has certainly increased. More flexible use of technology by all students this year. Students are able to get up-to-date info to help with research. More in-depth writing assignments are being accomplished.
Carmen Arace Middle School

390 PARK AVENUE BLOOMFIELD, CT 06002 NetSchools contact: Nancy Fiddler nfiddler@netschools.net

The Community Carmen Arace Middle School focuses on grades 5-8. It is home to 860 students and their 70 teachers. Bloomfield, Connecticut is adjacent to Hartford, the state capital. 90% of the school age population are students of color. The community is both rural and suburban; most families earn their livings supporting the vegetable, tobacco, and dairy farms in the area or through their affiliation with the major national insurance company headquartered in town. Special Challenges and Assets In 1996, an Education Task force was formed, committed to confronting the challenges of severe academic deficits, a fleeing population, and old, sparse technology. The task force was willing to take bold steps to reverse this negative tide. They believed that increased parental involvement was crucial to their success. Implementation of NetSchools Technology The district sought a solution that took full advantage of a worldwide network, provided daily access to technology for every student, and offered a comprehensive solution. Consequently, they decided on whole school implementation of the NetSchools Constellation system to begin in September of 1998. This included laptops for every student and staff member, onsite training and technical assistance to support students, staff, and parents in maximizing their new tools. After one year of NetSchools, school officials reported that student suspensions dropped from 432 to 85 and tardiness and absenteeism declined significantly. Additionally, Carmen Arace Middle School saw a 35% increase in the number of sixth and eighth graders who met the state goals in reading. The district met its enrollment goals as the population increased from 725 in 1996 to 892 students in 2000. Principal Delores Bolton reported, Students feel more empowered and responsible for their learning. Our culture has been redefined. Eighth grader Katherine Hypolite concurs, I taught my mom to use e-mail, and now shes taking computer classes. Im so proud of her.

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After one year, student suspensions dropped from 432 to 85 and tardiness levels dropped to almost zero. In 1999, 50% of 6th graders and 58% of 8th graders met State goals in reading, a 35% increase over the previous year. In 1999, writing and math scores increased approximately 25%. In January 2000, Carmen Arace Middle School was selected for the Technology Education Excellence Award for the Northeast Region of the USA (Region 1). In 2001, the Connecticut Association of Schools selected Carmen Arace Middle School as the Connecticut Middle School of the year. With dramatically improving test scores, bright flight to private schools was stopped. The enrollment of 725 in 1996 increased to 892 in 2000. Communication between school and home increased due to the e-mail capability for parents, students and teachers. The results of the comprehensive Carnegie Effective Schools Survey sponsored by the Middle Grade State Policy Initiative showed school effectiveness improved in all areas and students and teachers were more engaged. Time Magazines May 1, 2000 issue featured the turn-around at Carmen Arace Middle School. Beginning July 2001, the NetSchools technology resource person at Carmen Arace Middle School becomes the Director of Technology for Bloomfield Public School District. 11
Felton Laboratory School

P. O. BOX 2037 ORANGEBURG, SC 29117 NetSchools contact: Louise Burke lburke@netschools.net

The Community The Felton School is a laboratory school on the campus of South Carolina State University. Its K8 program serves 287 students, 97% of whom are African-American, 2% are Caucasian, and 1% are Asian. Forty percent of the student population is eligible for free or reduced lunch. The 17 teachers at the Felton School do not label students as special education, Title I, or gifted. A high achieving school, the Felton School treats all students as gifted. Special Challenges and Assets The Felton Schools mission is to remain on the cutting edge of educational pedagogies. In 1997, it was the initial pilot for NetSchools technology. Implementation of NetSchools Technology Implementation began in March of 1997. Felton students and staff worked closely with NetSchools in a test lab, making sure the system ran properly, productively, and seamlessly. Given Feltons special pilot status, the NetSchools Operations Team remained throughout the year and trained all teachers and students on NetSchools Constellation and NetSchools Orion, the web-based curriculum correlation system. The initial pilot was successful by all accounts. The Felton School decided to fully implement the system in their middle grades. By the end of 1998 all 285 students in grades 68 each had his or her own computer. They continue to work closely with NetSchools in the development and piloting of new products and services. School officials report an unprecedented increase in student motivation and parental involvement. Additionally, 100% of students and teachers demonstrated improvement on pre- and post-assessments of technology skills.

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As a K8 laboratory school on the campus of South Carolina State University, the mission of the Felton School is to remain on the cutting edge of educational pedagogies. It is also the test lab for NetSchools. It receives any new products first and assists NetSchools in evaluating their functionality and usefulness to assure an effective, seamless system for students, parents and teachers. In 2000, the first two South Carolina State content standards tests, known as Palmetto Achievement Challenge Tests (PACT), were given. They were in English/Language Arts and Math. Felton uses NetSchools programs in English/Language Arts, Science and Foreign Language. The percentages of students at or above State standards on the PACT are: GRADE 4 5 6 7 8 MATH 59% 43% 30% 50% 43% ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS 82% 77% 53% 71% 80%
Next year, Felton will begin to use NetSchools program in Math. And next year, a third PACT test, Science, will be used to assess student proficiencies. Pre- and post-assessments show 100% of both students and teachers improved their research skills and technology skills. The principal reports that 100% parental participation in NetSchools training indicates parents are supportive of the NetSchools system.
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Greater Latrobe Junior High School

131 ARNOLD PALMER ROAD LATROBE, PA 15650 NetSchools contact: Edward Markiewicz emarkiewicz@netschools.net

The Community Greater Latrobe Junior High School and its teaching staff of 70 serve 1050 students in grades 79. This urban, middle class community is also home to many farms and open spaces and wide socioeconomic diversity. Twenty-eight percent of the students are eligible for free and reduced lunch. Special Challenges and Assets During the 1997-98 academic year the district appointed a Secondary Technology Committee to identify and explore 5 key technology issues. As a result of their work and extensive research, the district chose to implement the NetSchools system. Implementation of NetSchools Technology Greater Latrobe Junior High School began implementing NetSchools in December of 1998. The main areas of focus were teacher, parent and student training, curriculum integration through technology, and technical support. NetSchools is integrated into all of the major subject areas, as well as art, music, health, and vocational education. The program was phased in over two years while the school facility underwent renovations. Teachers received training by department and content area during the first year. The second years instruction focused on NetSchools Constellation. School officials reported increased access to technology for all students as well as improved performance on writing and math assessments. Additionally, teachers noticed that students consistently showed deeper and more flexible uses of technology than non-laptop control groups within the district. Teachers have also varied their styles and believe that students are learning skills that will make them more employable. As a result of improved teaching and learning at the classroom level, Greater Latrobe Junior High School received the state PSSA award for improved scores, which led to a $24,000 performance bonus.
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Students performed better on local writing assessments: 7th grade scores increased to 64% in 1999 as compared with 55% in 1997 8th grade scores increased to 70% in 1999 as compared with 67% in 1997 9th grade scores increased to 81% in 1999 as compared with 70% in 1997 Students performed better on local math assessments: 7th grade scores increased to 70% in 2000 as compared with 52% in 1997 Disciplinary referrals decreased to 578 in 2000 from 904 in 1997 The state of Pennsylvania awarded Greater Latrobe Junior High School a $25,959 Academic Performance Award for its 50-point jump in scores on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) test.
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Hundred High School

P. O. BOX 830 HUNDRED, WV 26581 NetSchools contact: Darby Shafer dshafer@netschools.net

The Community Hundred High School is located in a small rural community in Wetzel County in the West Virginia Appalachian Mountains. The school serves approximately 150 students in grades 912 with a staff of 13.5 full-time teachers. The student population is 99% white, and 50% of the students are eligible for free and reduced lunch. Most members of the community do not own computers at home. Special Challenges and Assets Hundred High Schools location presents a particular challenge, since the area is so remote that it does not have Internet Service Provider service. Consequently, it was lacking in technology-trained staff. Governor Cecil Underwood introduced an initiative in 1998 to use technology to better prepare students. Dr. Martha Dean, the superintendent, moved forward to find and allocate resources to support the technology initiative. Implementation of NetSchools Technology In 1998 Hundred High School was wired, and teachers received their laptops and the necessary technical and instructional support. Parents and students also went through orientation before receiving their laptops in the fall. The school also implemented the web-based NetSchools Orion integration service. School officials report that after one semester daily Internet access by students tripled, as did computer use. After one year 144 students at Hundred High School scored higher and ranked above the mean in every subject, as well as total basic skills, on the Stanford Achievement Test. Hundred High School has received national recognition as one of the case studies highlighted by the WebBased Education Commission in its report The Power of the Internet for Learning. It was also profiled by the U.S. Department of Education in its five year technology plan, E-Learning: Putting a World Class Education at the Fingertips of All Children. Finally, former Governor Underwood has dedicated state dollars to expand the program to four other counties throughout the state. Governor Underwood said, Students have embraced the electronic technology with enthusiasm and have explored exciting, new educational environments that they otherwise would not have.
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After one semester, 87% of students used a computer daily as compared with 24% before. 80% of students accessed the Internet daily as compared with 26% before. 78% of students used computers at home as compared with 48% before. 70% of students accessed the Internet from home as compared with 37% before. 89% of students used e-mail daily as compared with 19% before. 76% of students used spreadsheets frequently as compared with 53% before. After one year, 144 of the 170 9th12th graders scored higher and ranked above the national mean in every subject as well as Total Basic Skills on the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT 9). The Web-Based Education Commission, created by the 106th US Congress, highlighted Hundred High School as one of three case studies in The Power of the Internet for Learning. Hundred High School was profiled by the U.S. Department of Education in its five-year technology plan, E-learning: Putting a World Class Education at the Fingertips of All Children. Hundred High Schools success resulted in the state funding the NetSchools system in four schools in four other counties.
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Rio Bravo Middle School

YSLETA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 525 GREGGERSON ROAD EL PASO, TX 79907 NetSchools contact: Maxine Stires mstires@netschools.net

The Community Rio Bravos 430 students and 27 teachers live and work in El Paso, the third poorest city in the United States. Rio Bravos student population is 97% Hispanic, 2% White, and 1% other races/ethnicities. Ninety-two percent of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch. Located along the Mexican border, 56 of its 430 students are Limited English Proficient. Special Challenges and Assets Rio Bravo Middle School opened in 1997 as part of the Ysleta Independent School District. Although all students have wireless Internet access while at school, the Ysleta District has not expanded the capabilities for schoolwide dial-in access outside of school. Only teachers and administrators have such access. Implementation of NetSchools Technology Implementation in Rio Bravo began in the 1997-98 academic year with a pilot of NetSchools Constellation with 60 students. The program was expanded in 1998 to include all of the students and teachers at Rio Bravo. NetSchools has permeated the curriculum. It is used in all major classes, art, foreign languages, health, band, and English for Speakers of Other Languages. School administrators report that they had 98% participation at the computer workshops for parents and students. Student achievement is also soaring. The 1999 TAAS scores revealed improvement from 80 to 95% in math and from 86 to 91% in writing. The Ysleta Independent School District was so encouraged by the success of this initiative at Rio Bravo that, in November of 2000, it voted unanimously to install the system in every middle and high school in the district over the next five years.
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The Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) shows the percent of students at or above Texas minimum proficiency standards: Reading increased to 94% in 2000 compared with 91% in 1997 Writing increased to 93% in 2000 compared with 83% in 1997 Math increased to 94% in 2000 compared with 87% in 1997 Algebra increased to 84% in 2000 compared with 47% in 1997 In 1998, the Ysleta Independent School District was the first urban school district in Texas to be named a Recognized District for student performance on the TAAS test. In 1999, the districts TAAS scores led all other Texas urban districts. In 1999, the Board of the Ysleta Independent School District unanimously approved the installation of the NetSchools system in every middle school and every high school in the district over the next 5 years.
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Towns County Middle School

1400 HIGHWAY 76 EAST HIAWASSEE, GA 30546 NetSchools contact: Louise Burke lburke@netschools.net

The Community Towns County Middle School is located in the mountains of North Georgia. The middle school serves 260 students in grades 68 and is supported by 13 full-time teachers and 10 part-time specialists. The rural community is 98% Caucasian with an even mix of Hispanic and Asian students. The average family income for the county seat, Hiawassee, is $26,000; consequently 38% of the students qualify for free and reduced lunches. Special Challenges and Assets In 1997, the school principal, Stephen Smith, strongly believed that access to technology would ease some of the geographic and economic challenges that his community faced. Dissatisfied with the 6:1 student-tocomputer ratio, he made a decision to provide a computer to every teacher and student. Smith received funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission. Implementation of NetSchools Technology In September of 1998, NetSchools Constellation implementation began with training sessions for parents and teachers. NetSchools technology is used in all major courses plus vocational education, band and career education. School officials have reported a significant increase in access to computer technology with 100% of students having access to a computer at home, compared to 25% when the initiative began. Student use of technology has increased significantly as demonstrated by their use of e-mail to communicate with teachers and their peers after school and during breaks, often in regard to homework. Parents are more involved in their childrens education, enrollment in adult education classes has increased by 24%, and GED completions have risen by 71%. Principal Stephen Smith reports, With NetSchools, our school day has effectively been extended into evenings, weekends and holidays. School System Administrator Julie Lamb adds, [NetSchools] has created true equity for our student body. Before the laptops, only the kids who had computers at home had a lot of [computer] knowledge, now they all have the same amount of knowledge available to them.
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On the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) student core total scores in percentile increased as follows: ITBS Class of 2004 Class of 2005 Class of 2006 1999 51 48 59 2000 60 58 61
In 2001, the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT 9) replaced the ITBS. Test results are not yet available. In-school suspensions were reduced from 143 in 1998 to 108 in 2000. Out-of-school suspensions were reduced from 23 in 1998 to 3 in 2000. Only 25% of the students had access to a computer at home. Now every student has a laptop computer for school and home use. There was an unanticipated impact of the NetSchools system on this small rural community: Adult education class enrollment increased by 24%. G.E.D. completions rose by 71%.
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Ysleta Elementary School

8624 DORBANDT DRIVE EL PASO, TX 79907 NetSchools contact: Roxanne Ramos rramos@netschools.net

The Community Ysleta Elementary School is a feeder school to Rio Bravo Middle School and Ysleta Middle School; all are located in El Paso, Texas. It is home to 600 students, 99% of whom are Hispanic, and 1% are of other racial/ethnic backgrounds. Ysleta serves students in grades Kindergarten through six with a staff of 42 teachers. Approximately half of the students are bilingual, and 93% of the student body are eligible for free and reduced lunches. Special Challenges and Assets Ysleta has large numbers of recently immigrated families who have crossed the Mexican border. Nonetheless, it is a part of a district that is familiar with and very supportive of NetSchools technology. Implementation of NetSchools Technology Implementation began in 1998 after the initial success at Rio Bravo. Ysleta distributed 350 laptops to the students during the initial year, 1998. In 2000 210 additional computers were distributed. Ten laptops per classroom are available for students in grades K1; each student in grade 26 has access to a laptop. NetSchools technology is integrated into the curriculum of the four major subjects. It is also used during the summer and in extended learning programs. School staff and administrators also use the NetSchools Orion site, which integrates all components of the NetSchools solution. Parent involvement has also increased significantly as parent classes have been expanded to twice a week. Consequently, parents are more prepared to help students at home.

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Student achievement on the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) shows that the percentage of students at or above Texas minimum proficiency standards for: Reading increased to 85% in 2001 compared with 79% in 1999 Writing increased to 94% in 2001 compared with 87% in 1999 Math increased to 93% in 2001 compared with 88% in 1999 Ysleta Elementary received the Recognized award, the second highest award at the state level. To achieve this award each student grouping by LEP, by race and by economics must achieve above the 80% proficiency level on the TAAS rather than the minimum 70% proficiency level on the TAAS. Parent involvement increased: Technology classes for parents offered once a week were expanded to twice a week.
Conclusion
NetSchools Corporation technology products are being used as powerful learner-appropriate tools to improve educational opportunities for all students. Since NetSchools has been implemented, the eight schools have experienced many improvements in student performance, including increased student achievement on state assessments, enhanced higher order thinking, better basic technology skills and more efficient ways of locating and communicating information. Teachers are adapting to the use of technology as they change methodologies to a more student-centered approach, incorporating a variety of new teaching strategies. Teachers are using the NetSchools approach to increase classroom management, their own efficiency and communication with students, families and colleagues. NetSchools has enhanced the administrative effectiveness and efficiency in many segments of all schools participating in the study. The NetSchools system has facilitated accountability, informed decision making and improved organization. Community support for technology has increased. Needless to say, the process for comprehensive reform and transformation is well on its way. NetSchools technology has enabled educators to integrate curriculum and instruction, student assessments, appropriate professional development, parent involvement and school management. All are aligned to provide quality education, meet state standards, and most importantly help students to take responsibility for and achieve success. NetSchools sites have also demonstrated an increase in basic skills, as evidenced in improved letter grades, student examinations, grades on assignments, and quality of homework completed. As the graphs illustrate, with NetSchools, all of the schools that participated in our study, despite their diverse sets of challenges, produced enhanced educational outcomes in 171 of the 176 areas reviewed. Without a doubt NetSchools has changed the culture of each school by providing tools for all members to be actively invested and personally involved in establishing teaching and learning as the schools number one priority.
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NetSchools Corporation 100 Galleria Partway, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30339 1-877-638-7247 www.netschools.com
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Net Schools Impact of Technology

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NetSchools Educator Series Number 3

The Impact of NetSchools Technology Solutions in Eight Different Learning Environments

A research study by CRF and Associates, Inc.

Carmen Arace Middle School, Bloomfield, Connecticut

Ysleta Elementary School, El Paso, Texas

The Impact of NetSchools Technology Solutions in Eight Different Learning Environments

About NetSchools Orion

About This Study

Section A: Demographic and Background Information

Section B: Impact of Technology on Student Learning

Administrator Technology Survey: Impact of Technology on Student Activities

AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

ORGANIZATION SUPPORT FOR TECHNOLOGY

Section E: Supplementary Impact Data

YEAR 1999 2001

GRADE 3 5 Actual gains:

ITBS: READING 4.7 GE 6.7 GE ______ 2.0 GE 2.0 GE

MATH 4.0 GE 6.4 GE ______ 2.4 GE 2.0 GE 0.4 GE

TOTAL 4.5 GE 6.8 GE ______ 2.3 GE 2.0 GE 0.3 GE

For the 2 years, expected gains are: Increased achievement is:

Carmen Arace Middle School

Section A: Demographic and Background Information

Section B: Impact of Technology on Student Learning

Administrator Technology Survey: Impact of Technology on Student Activities

AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

ORGANIZATION SUPPORT FOR TECHNOLOGY

Section E: Supplementary Impact Data

Felton Laboratory School

Section A: Demographic and Background Information

Section B: Impact of Technology on Student Learning

Administrator Technology Survey: Impact of Technology on Student Activities

AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

ORGANIZATION SUPPORT FOR TECHNOLOGY

Section E: Supplementary Impact Data

Greater Latrobe Junior High School

Section A: Demographic and Background Information

Section B: Impact of Technology on Student Learning

Administrator Technology Survey: Impact of Technology on Student Activities

AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

ORGANIZATION SUPPORT FOR TECHNOLOGY

Section E: Supplementary Impact Data

Hundred High School

Section A: Demographic and Background Information

Section B: Impact of Technology on Student Learning

Administrator Technology Survey: Impact of Technology on Student Activities

AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

ORGANIZATION SUPPORT FOR TECHNOLOGY

Section E: Supplementary Impact Data

Rio Bravo Middle School

Section A: Demographic and Background Information

Section B: Impact of Technology on Student Learning

Administrator Technology Survey: Impact of Technology on Student Activities

AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

ORGANIZATION SUPPORT FOR TECHNOLOGY

Section E: Supplementary Impact Data

Towns County Middle School

Section A: Demographic and Background Information

Section B: Impact of Technology on Student Learning

Administrator Technology Survey: Impact of Technology on Student Activities

AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

ORGANIZATION SUPPORT FOR TECHNOLOGY

Section E: Supplementary Impact Data

Ysleta Elementary School