Lockport technology long term plan meeting

Agenda

Attendees: Dawn Wylke, Marianne Currie-Hall, Mike Lieber, Jeff Rogowski, Heather Bitka, Anthony Molinaro, Chris Proctor

Purpose/Goals:

  • Define the sequences required by the state in Technology
  • Identify the Tech based programs offered by BOCES
  • What career academies do we offer and want to offer to our students
  • Use the above analysis to identify missing courses/programs

Resources:

Agenda:

  • Review the goals and resources.
  • Identify our focus moving forward.
  • Identify gaps in our programming based on the above review of the resources and identified focus.
  • Create a timeline and list of tasks to accomplish. (Mini strategic plan to be included in the 2022-23 LHS plan).

CP Comments

Goals I’d advocate for

  • Computing (a somewhat wider lens than Computer Science) is a core skillset going forward, both for higher education and for the trades. I would propose that LHS commit deeply to interdisciplinary computing.
  • Integrates with other curricular foci (e.g. digital arts and humanities; science and social science; engineering)
  • NYSED Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards
  • Pedagogy organized around: powerful ideas, objects-to-think-with, second self, computer cultures.

How to make it happen

  • Community involvement is essential in designing the program’s identity
    • The program needs to recognizably reflect Lockport’s unique history and strengths, not feel like an import.
    • Need to have an answer to: What’s in it for my child?
    • Need to make sure the program doesn’t start off with or develop a reputation for being just for certain kinds of kids.
  • Depth and breadth:
    • In middle school, every student should have an inviting computing experience
      • Interactive storytelling
      • Scratch
    • Early high school electives with no prerequisites (e.g. Exploring Computer Science; Beauty and Joy of Computing; Making with Code)
    • Pathways to specialization.
      • CTE pathway
      • STEM pathway
      • Culminating in AP CS Principles and/or AP CS A
    • Build relationships with postsecondary employment opportunities
      • 43 North tech accelerator (HS startup incubator?)
  • Informal learning opportunities are essential complements
    • Student government: should have a role in the school’s technology policy
    • Student journalism: should have a role in the school’s media ecosystem
    • Lockport Lions: should have opportunities to contribute to designing for the school; website maintenance; physical plant; educational technology; analyzing and solving problems at school
    • Internships with arts, trades
  • How to increase staff capacity and expertise?
    • Partner with UB to have teachers enroll in advanced certificate in CS.
    • Become a core school for UB CS teacher preparation, bringing
    • Develop and make use of student expertise; peer-learning and tutoring
    • Make use of online resources