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The Rural
Technology and Information Project is a collaboration between Latino
Issues Forum, the City of Watsonville, Pájaro Valley Unified School
District, and the Association of Mexican-American Educators.
It is a
groundbreaking model designed to enhance the educational outcomes
for low-income students in a rural school setting by using
technology to link students, teachers, parents and the community and
create a total learning environment.
The overall
goal of R-TIP is to help multi-ethnic and low-income children, the
schools, and the local community gain skill working with different
information technologies.
R-TIP Objectives
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Train teachers to
use technology in order to meet Alianza
Charter
School’s learning goals in language arts, math, science, and
social studies
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Increase parent
understanding of the use of technology Improve the quality and
quantity of communication among Alianza parents, teachers, and the
community
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Enhance the
ability of community learning centers to support the continued
training of Alianza families and others Document and evaluate the
success of the project
How
Does R-TIP Impact Alianza Student Performance?
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Teachers work
together to develop innovative curriculum tied into grade level
standards
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Parents
correspond regularly with teachers and are better prepared to help
with schoolwork
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Children have an
up-to-date computer right at home to do homework, contact teachers
and peers, and explore their world
Teacher Component
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For participating R-TIP teachers:
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Invite parents of their students to participate
o
Hold regular teacher meetings with a contracted
consultant to:
§
Review grade-level standards in literacy, math, and
other subjects and collaboratively develop technology-rich
curriculum which supports these standards
§
Recommend technology-rich classroom activities, homework projects,
software, internet sites, etc.
§
Train teachers in any technology necessary to
implement the new curriculum
o
Make technology an integral part of instruction and
communication with students and families
Parent
Component
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Invite parents from R-TIP
classrooms to attend a introductory training which includes:
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Introduction to Computers and
the Windows Operating System
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Microsoft Word and Word
Processing
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Introduction to the Internet
and Email
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The R-TIP Community Website
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Loan participating families a
computer to take home for the school year
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Support families in actively
communicating with school and community via the website
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Provide additional workshops &
ongoing tech support
Community
Component
- Install
up-to-date computer labs at Alianza Charter School and Watsonville
Community Center
- Hold R-TIP
parent classes at both these labs
- Support the
City of Watsonville Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services
in developing computer education and open lab programs for
children and adults in the community
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