K12Nects and K12Nects II
A major initiative of the Foundation's K12Nects was pioneered in the Woodson Pyramid of Schools from 2001-2004. Its goal was to effectively address the question, "How does technology affect learning?" As a result of this nearly 10 million dollars investment on the part of private industry and Fairfax county Public Schools the following goals were achieved through this project:
- SOL Scores increased
- Student use of their Blackboard accounts soared
- Principals conducted technology audits of their schools
- Technology 10-year plans were written and established
- Teachers were trained in the use of technology
- New customized curriculum was developed a faster rate
- More parents became involved in student's school life
- Students began to use technology more to achieve analytical learning and research.
- Millions of dollars of laptops, printers, wireless hand held computers, servers and smart books were added to the schools.
- System-wide advances were achieved in technology due to using Woodson Schools as a seed bed case.
- A 24/7 portal called PAL was pioneered as a gathering place.
K12Nects II started in the fall of 2004 in the Stuart Pyramid of Schools. Building on the lessons and achievements of K12Nects, this bold venture has similar goals in a demographically different environment with a higher level of economically disadvantaged students and an ethnic plurality. Already AOL has committed to providing every household with complimentary AOL accounts. Low-cost computers will be offered to families. Microsoft and other companies are joining to advance even further the achievements of K12Nects.
PAL
Partners to Advance learning is a remarkable system-wide portal being developed for use by parents, teachers, students, and administrators. It is the one virtual location where a student's education will be managed and communications by all parties advanced. The development of PAL is being underwritten by a grant arranged by Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA), through the US Department of Education.
