Brief description:  

A series of new high-school level technology courses, including new curricula and a “Technology Thursdays” program where students teach community members how to use technology. 

Subject the program is most concerned with:

Technology Education.

Which part of the school system (e.g. elementary school, middle school, high school, all levels, special math/science school, etc.) the program focuses on:

High school. 

Primary focus of the program (e.g. new curriculum, attracting or retaining teachers, classroom technology, community outreach, etc.):

The primary focus of the program is teaching technology to all students.  They are currently using curricula from Project Lead the Way and Center to Advance the Teaching of Technology and Science (CATTS), both of which have a wide appeal to a large group of students.  The goal is to make students technologically literate: able to use, manage, understand, and assess technology. 

Role of the school board in implementing or supporting the program:

The State of Maryland along with the local school systems played a large part in implementing both programs.  Because technology is a required class for high school graduation, the school board is supportive in making sure that teachers have the tools and resources that are needed to offer a high quality education to all of the students.

Higher education partners:

Through the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the Technology Education Association of Maryland, a program called – “Technology Education Leadership Project” was formed.  This was a multi-year project that worked with at least two technology education teachers from each county in the state, including Howard County, to create understanding and consistency in this area of study. 

Obstacles faced by the program:

At first, many were unsure what a technology education program entailed, and viewed it primarily as “shop class.”  Through PTA news letters, talking to the community and after school groups, teachers were able to explain the nature of technology education and its benefits to the community.  By clarifying the nature of technology as being neither “shop” nor just computers, teachers were able to increase support for the program.

 Duration of the program:

The current program is 3 years old. 

Advice for similar programs:

Send teachers to school systems that have programs like the ones in Howard County so they can see the program in action and ask questions of teachers, students, and the administration about the program.  Bring in “experts” from programs like those they would like to implement.  Provide training and up-front resources for implementing the program.  Finally, if the decision is to move forward – then back up the teachers in the classroom.