Viking 2.0 - A Program Proposal for Providing a 1:1 Learning Initiative

[S. Randall Spain, Jr.]

I would sincerely appreciate your feedback on the Viking 2.0 Program Proposal. This is a program proposal to provide a 1:1 Learning Initiative through integrated Web 2.0 instructional technology and resources to a 9th grade Freshman Transition Program. I am hopeful that we will be implementing this program as a component of our Freshman Academy at Northern Vance High School in Fall 2010.

Northern Vance High School
Program: Viking 2.0

Purpose:
The Viking 2.0 program at Northern Vance High School is designed to increase student achievement, to increase graduation rates, and to make our students globally competative in our 21st Century global economy. Additionally, the Viking 2.0 program is designed to provide a smooth transition from middle school to high school and then from high school to college. Our Viking 2.0 program is a 1:1 learning initiative designed and implementated to provide our students with the skills, knowledge, and expertise to be successful in school as well as to be globally competative.

Program Goals:
The Viking 2.0 program at Northern Vance High School is designed to meet the following goals:
 Increase student achievement on End-of-Course Assessments and the SAT/ACT
 Reduce the dropout rate
 Increase the graduation rate
 Reduce the retention rate in the 9th grade
 Decrease the number of students enrolled in remediation courses
 Support the NC Graduation Project
 Develop school-community partnerships to enhance the overall effectiveness of our program for our students
 Support the Framework for 21st Century Learning and provide our students the skills, knowledge, and expertise to make them globally competative and successful in the new global economy

Details:
Beginning during the 2009-2010 school year, ninth grade students will receive a laptop they will use to access academic resources provided in each class. Additionally, they will be provided wireless network access so they can access: 1.) tutoring/remediation services at home, 2.) course information, 3.) Learn & Earn Online, 4.) North Carolina Virtual Public School, and 5.) the Northern Vance High School website.

Also, 100 students who have enrolled in two courses in either the Learn & Earn Online or the North Carolina Virtual Public School program will also receive a laptop. Students involved in this portion of the Viking 2.0 program may be sophomores, juniors, or seniors.

Funds from the Vance County Schools funding source will be used to purchase or provide the following:
Option “A” Option “B”
Dell Mini Notebook (400 students, 20 faculty)
Microsoft Office
Internet Filter Software
A+ Subscription
ALEKS Subscription
Wireless Network Cards
School Wide Wireless Infrastructure
Parent Laptop Training
Laptop Insurance
Academic Resource Subscription (e.g. ProQuest)
Dell Notebook Dell Mini Notebook (400 students, 20 faculty)
Microsoft Office
Internet Filter Software
A+ Subscription
ALEKS Subscription
Wireless Network Cards
School Wide Wireless Infrastructure
Parent Laptop Training
Laptop Insurance
Academic Resource Subscription (e.g. ProQuest)

Professional Development:
Northern Vance High School has been awarded a grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation, the Friday Institute at North Carolina State University, and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to provide staff development on how to implement a 1:1 Learning Initiative effectively at Northern Vance High School. The professional development will begin during the summer of 2009. The professional development offered will be individualized for Northern Vance High School.

Evaluation:
The Viking 2.0 program will be evaluated through the use of the following instruments:
 Student Surveys
 Parent Surveys
 Faculty/Staff Surveys
 End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment Results
 Annual Yearly Progress (AYP)
 Graduation Cohort Rates
 College Acceptance Rates

[Scott Habeeb]

Did you all look at your student population to see what percentage already had internet/computers at home?