maryhheuer

Mary Heuer Organization: Alloway Creek Intermediate School Alloway Creek (AC) is an intermediate school housing grades four and five in the Littlestown Area School District (LASD). The principal is Dr. Timothy Mitzel. Misson A vision statement and “Our Beliefs” for AC was developed as a joint effort between administration and faculty. Vision Statement Through the use of a challenging curricular program that implements diverse instructional practices, the educational community of Alloway Creek Intermediate School is committed to the total education of each student. Various, ongoing assessments will be implemented to evaluate student achievement. Research-based interventions, including remediation, differentiated instruction, and enrichment, will be utilized to ensure optimal success. Our Beliefs: We believe. . . . . . all students can learn. . . . all students are unique and learn differently. . . . all students have a desire to feel safe. . . . children are our first priority. . . . all children should be challenged to reach their highest potential. . . . effective teaching is a key element, essential in developing skills for lifelong learning. . . . education is a partnership that involves family, school and community. The vision statement and “Our Beliefs” can be found on AC’s website. []

Statement of Need The Littlestown Area School District newsletter sent to district residents in the Spring of 2009 contained a page titled “Technology Department”. All programs mentioned were at the LASD high school and middle school. My perception is that although technology is present at Alloway Creek Intermediate School, it is less advanced and more underused than at the high school and middle school. Concerning usage of available technology, it appears that although training in some areas of technology has been provided, teachers often do not use available technology or learn to use it by trial and error. A technology notebook is available on line to teachers and teachers may contact the help desk for assistance but often teachers are reluctant to use these resources. Technology is a priority at Alloway Creek, but higher priorities, such as the intense focus needed to meet PSSA goals often leave little or no time or motivation for learning and implementing new technologies. The two computer labs at AC were updated over the summer with new computers but remain unused for most or all of the day. Teachers have been trained in some aspects of technology, such as Performance Tracker and Moodle, and usage in these areas is increasing. Time and training seem to be the major obstacles to technological advancement and implementation for staff and students at Alloway Creek.