A thorough system of public schools has been defined by the Idaho Legislature as one in which students are introduced to current technology through technology education. As used herein, “technology education” is a curriculum for elementary, middle, and senior high schools that integrates learning about technology (e.g., transportation, materials, communication, manufacturing, power and energy, and biotechnology) with problem-solving projects that require students to work in teams.
Throughout this school district’s educational system, technology will be integral to curriculum, instruction, and assessment. To the greatest extent possible, the district’s education classrooms and laboratories will be well-equipped with computers, basic hand tools, simple robots, electronic devices and other technological resources found in most communities today. Technology moves communication to a new dimension. This district’s educational system must lay the foundation for students to be able to participate comfortably in an increasingly technological society. Classroom activities will include instruction using multimedia, distance learning, and other technologies.
DISTANCE LEARNING SETTINGS
During a period of state or local emergency, if the district has to change from in-person instruction at a school facility to distance learning/virtual instruction or blended or hybrid instruction, the district will, to the greatest extent possible and where safety requirements can be developed, offer an in-person instruction option to students. In distance learning settings, this district will provide for:
1. Adequate student contact with a teacher or paraprofessional during the instructional process.
2. Ready access for answering student questions.
3. Adequate teacher time to provide students with feedback on assignments and questions.
As used herein, distance learning is synonymous with virtual instruction, which means synchronous or asynchronous instruction primarily through the use of technology. Blended or hybrid instruction means instruction through both in-person and virtual instruction.
COOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONAL INITIATIVES
It is the policy of this district to utilize current technology available for instruction and student use, as appropriate to the student population and subject matter. To ensure that the students and personnel are utilizing current technology to enhance the educational process, this district will evaluate the use of technology in the schools on an annual basis. Based on such evaluation and the district’s budgetary constraints, the board of trustees will prioritize the needs of the various schools and allocate funds to purchase new and replacement equipment and provide training, as necessary, to meet the intent of this policy.
This district may enter into cooperative instruction with postsecondary institutions, other districts, and other sources, at its discretion. This district will be responsible for the quality of the programs offered and will assure that all state standards are met.
The technology department will work with teachers and administrators to evaluate the use of technology in each classroom, and will assess the following issues:
1. The quantity and quality of the available equipment;
2. The application of technology for instructional purposes;
3. Staff training needs;
4. The methods by which the students receive instruction and opportunity for application of technological advances; and
5. The utilization of technology to aid in record keeping and communication.
The technology department will issue an annual report to the board of trustees setting forth its assessment, and it will provide the board with information regarding the availability and use of technology in every school in the district. The annual report will include recommendations regarding training for personnel and acquisition of new and replacement equipment. The board of trustees will take the technology department recommendations into consideration to provide the schools with adequate equipment and training as needed to provide the students with an introduction to current technology.
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LEGAL REFERENCE:
Idaho Code Sections
33-506 – Organization and Government of Board of Trustees
33-512 – Governance of Schools
33-1612 – Thorough System of Public Schools
IDAPA Sections:
08.02.03.007.22 – Definitions (Technology Education)
08.02.03.102 – Instructional Requirements
ADOPTED: December 15, 2022
AMENDED: