Green Columbus Innovative Learning Race to the Top New schools to be Earth-friendly Conference from ESC, Hilliard, ODE ESC aids Ohio implementation

Fall 2011 • Vol. 1 Issue 1

AptitudeA showcase for Central Ohio education iAdapt Technology constantly reshaping education

A publication of the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio AptitudeA showcase for Central Ohio education Contents Fall 2011 • Vol. 1 Issue 1 Publication Center Editor in Chief Aaron Reincheld Commercial-quality printing and Editor graphic design at nonprofi t prices Jacob Lammers ESC of Central Ohio Contributors Samantha Donegan Chris Downey The ESC Publication Center can help from initial Matt Goodwin design to fi nal printing. Plus as part of a nonprofi t Dee McGlothlin Thomas Reed agency, the Publication Center keeps its prices low. Joseph Weitz The ESC Publication Center can assist with projects District Contributors such as: Doug Baker, Dublin City Schools 10 Cover Story Gary Barber, Big Walnut Local Schools 8 16 Chris Bowser, Groveport Madison Local Schools Forms Dan Donovan, Upper Arlington City Schools • Marsha Link, Delaware Area Career Center • Newsletters Chad Myers, Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools • Spiral-bound books Sandra Nekoloff, South-Western City Schools • Annual reports Vince Payne, Hamilton Local Schools Letterhead Ed Rebmann, Fairbanks Local Schools • Michael Straughter, Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools • Envelopes Amy Thompson, Bexley City Schools • Brochures Karen Truett, Olentangy Local Schools • Business cards Greg Viebranz, Westerville City Schools • Student/Employee handbooks Jeff Warner, Columbus City Schools • Carbonless Forms

Questions, Comments, Ideas Experience, quality and value all combine to make 12 25 26 the ESC Publication Center a tool that enables area Please contact: schools and nonprofi ts to deliver messages clearly, ESC of Central Ohio whether they are print-ready or starting with only an Office of Communications 2080 Citygate Drive Aptitude Features Cover Story idea. Columbus, OH 43219 Technology benefits Bexley students with special needs 7 Teaching the Touchscreen Generation 16 [email protected] For more information or quotes contact 614.753.4709 Innovative Learning Environments 2011 8 www.escofcentralohio.org Olentangy online academy 10 Opinion Printing/Copying: Cliff Smith or Dwayne Stout Big Walnut 5th grader’s blog getting attention 11 Superintendent’s Note: Our aim with Aptitude 4 614.542.4133 Submissions South-Western upgrades radio system 12 ESC Op-Ed: Bring your own technology 31 Next Issue Deadline: Nov. 18 Columbus City Schools going green 14 Graphic Design/Writing: Publishing Date: Early December SMARTBoards, iPods give fairy tales new twist in Groveport 19 Briefs Aaron Reincheld Theme: Evolution of Assessment 614.542.4116 Students, alumni lend helping hands 20 Central Ohio education briefs 5 New Gahanna school a unique partnership 22 Policy Brief: Technology in education 6 ESC grad attends state Leadership Forum 24 Upper Arlington adopts 21st century learning logo 27 Westerville’s new Early Learning Center 25 Dublin remembers student with reading nook 28 Delaware Career Center student wins national competition 26 OCALI raises autism awareness at White House 30 ESC of Central Ohio aiding Race to the Top work 28 ESC directors published in national newsletter 30 www.escofcentralohio.org The ESC of Central Ohio accelerates the missions of its member school districts and helps students achieve more through career and college-ready research-based programs and services. APTITUDE Superintendent’s Note About the Our aim for Aptitude ESC of Central Ohio Central Ohio Briefs The Educational Service Center of Welcome to the first issue of Aptitude, a magazine that celebrates Central Ohio works to help Central education in Central Ohio. to fill one of the 34 spots open Ohio school districts and their Aptitude will be a publication that serves as a nerve center, Hamilton high school selected as School of the Year to all Central Ohio students. students achieve more. featuring news from public school districts in Franklin, Delaware The program was established and Union counties. Hamilton Township outside of the classroom,” the classroom, on the playing to provide a comprehensive The ESC of Central Ohio serves The ESC of Central Ohio developed this issue with the significant High School was selected Hamilton Township High fields, and in life. Receiving 25 school districts in Delaware, experience to help young help of our member school districts, and future issues will follow as “School of the Year” after School Principal James this acknowledgement Franklin and Union counties with people with developing the same format. a total enrollment of more than making improvements on 12 Miller said. “Our teachers reinforces why we do what leadership qualities realize 200,000 students. The provided However, this magazine isn’t only about the ESC because the state indicators. work before, during and after we do at Hamilton Township their potential. Student services vary with the needs and ESC is all about you. Executive Director of the school hours to make certain High School.” learning was guided by an goals of each partner district or We are excited about what Aptitude can become and believe Ohio Lottery Dennis Berg our students are successful in -Vince Payne instructional collaborative that agency. The agency totals more this issue you now hold is a firm foundation to build upon. recently presented Hamilton included educators from the than 1,200 full-time employees. In this inaugural issue, you will find information on not just Township High School with the Fisher College of Business at school districts, but the latest news in statewide education policy. designation of “School of the The Ohio State University and The Center for Student Services We will also share grant opportunities when they are available. Year” during a school-wide the New Albany-Plain Local is the central pillar of the agency’s This issue focuses on technology in schools and how some assembly. David McCreary School District. Students work, partnering with districts school districts are going beyond pen and paper. hosted the ceremony and throughout Central Ohio to educate earned college credit Some stories you will find include: provided comedy and magic students with special needs, such from OSU for successfully At Groveport Madison Local Schools, a literacy consultant has as developmental disabilities, for those in attendance. completing the program. For Autism or hearing impairments. been using a variety of electronic devices to teach middle school Also paying a visit were more information, go to www. students the structure of a story. the mascots of the Columbus coleadershipacademy.org. The Center for Achievement and Using a screen and projector, Hilliard City Schools incorporated Crew and Cincinnati Cyclones -Karen Truett Leadership Services also houses interactive videoconferencing at all three of its high schools. Although to keep the crowd’s energy up many tools for district, principal and miles away, a Mandarin Chinese teacher uses the technology to during the event. A $500 gift Delaware Career Center teacher development. The center instruct Hilliard students on correct pronunciation and grammar. certificate to Staples was also The Association for Career also offers myriad professional Olentangy Local Schools created the Olentangy Online Academy awarded to the school for use and Technical Education development options along with (O2A) that introduces online technology courses for students. in buying office supplies. honored Delaware Area curriculum development and gifted Aptitude also draws from experts on the changing tides in “We are very proud of our Hamilton Township High School was selected as the Ohio Lottery’s Part- and talented consultation. Career Center Intervention education and new innovations in aiding teachers and helping students and all they have ners in Education School of the Year. The high school earned an Excellent designation from the state and improved in all 12 state indicators. Instructor Tina Francis students learn. accomplished inside and The State Support Team for and Superintendent Mary Aside from the general education population, educators are Region 11 is an Ohio Department Beth Freeman. In Francis’s finding that technology is helping students with special needs close of Education grant-funded project Bexley Schools Fairbanks Schools state Geography Bee in classroom, housed within the gap with their peers. that provides school improvement Mansfield. Michael earned a the Buckeye Valley Middle The crucial step is providing access to technology as well as The Bexley High School Fairbanks Elementary technical assistance and special trip to the state competition School, she encourages education compliance for the seven training to teachers and students. And the ESC is proud to assist student newspaper, The School started a new after winning his school’s students to participate in the county Central Ohio region. districts in every step in this process. Torch, received awards for its mentoring program for geography bee and took a likes of Make-A-Difference As we continue to compete in a global economy, we must find work in 2010-2011 from the students who need a little written exam to become one Day, annual food drives and The statewide mission of OCALI new, inventive ways to educate our youth. Technology can certainly National Scholastic Press and extra help in reading. Project of the top 100 scorers in the various fundraisers. Last year is to build state- and system-wide be one of the tools to open that door. Columbus Scholastic Press MORE is a one-on-one state. At the state competition, alone, Francis’s classroom capacity to improve outcomes Associations. Three Bexley program where the mentor for individuals with autism and Michael correctly answered collected $1,700 for the In Service to Children, High School seniors (the class works with the student for low-incidence disabilities through seven of eight, tying for first Leukemia and Lymphoma of 2012 numbers 169) have 30 minutes a day. Teachers, leadership, training and professional place in the preliminary round. Society. Freeman was chosen earned semifinalist status in principals, high school development, technical assistance, -Ed Rebmann to receive the Ohio ACTE the National Merit Scholarship students and community collaboration and technology. Distinguished Service Award Program: Thomas Gundy, volunteers serve as mentors. in the Administrative category. Additional ESC offices fill the Aaron Pelz and Emily Rapport. If you are interested in being Olentangy Schools Freeman was recognized as roles of fiscal agent, professional Bart Anderson They are among 16,000 a mentor, please contact Amy Six Olentangy students having made the highest employment organization and Superintendent, ESC of Central Ohio semifinalists nationwide who Sines at asine@fairbanks. took part in the Central contributions to improvement, printer, in addition to assisting with will compete for recognition k12.oh.us or 937.349.9000. Ohio Leadership Academy’s promotion, development, and school attendance and substitute and scholarships. For more In other Fairbanks Schools inaugural class this summer. progress of career, technical staff areas. info, visit bexleyschools.org. news, Fairbanks Middle The students went through a and adult education. -Amy Thompson School eighth grader Michael 614.445.3750 | www.escco.org competitive screening process -Marsha Link Fornadel competed in the

4 APTITUDE APTITUDE 5 ESC Expertise: Education Policy State policymakers stress Technology in Bexley Schools online, STEM learning Serving Special Education Students Joseph Weitz Proposed legislation ESC of Central Ohio regarding technology Technology in schools and education has grown in importance over the pending in the Ohio past several years as policymakers continue to stress the need for online General Assembly Amy Thompson e-mailed to a staff person who runs it through the converter, Bexley City Schools and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning. This turning a text file into a text file with audio embedded. push is a reaction to address the United States’ economic and workforce House Bill 205: The bill would The text-to-speech tools might be used by students who issues as the world continues to operate more globally and becomes more permit the establishment of hybrid Some Bexley special education students will soon benefit require education materials to be read aloud to them during competitive. Ohio is no exception to this trend and recent policy is evidence community schools to provide from new technology tools that their school district is purchasing tests or in class. It would also be applicable for students who to this reality. students with a combination of with federal stimulus funds. In conjunction with that, Bexley require recorded versions of texts. The recently passed state budget includes provisions that address how technology-based instruction, City Schools is exploring various means to achieve universal Using technology to fill this need versus having staff do technology may be used in schools going forward. The budget bill (HB153) including internet- or computer- design in learning and make instructional opportunities more the oral reading would make the accommodation less time- based instruction, and classroom- will repeal the moratorium on new e-schools beginning January 2013 while accessible. consuming for staff and give students greater flexibility and also mandating standards be created for these schools by July 2012. HB153 based instruction. “This affects not just how instruction is presented but how more accessibility, Bauer-Morrow said. also includes many provisions related to the ranking of schools and school it is received by the students,” Special Education Director House Bill 227: The bill would grant Students with this oral presentation accommodation buildings according to expenditures per pupil and percentage of expenditures a tax credit to an individual who Frances Bauer-Morrow said as she showed some of the tools simulates the current CD-based version of the Ohio Achievement for classroom instruction. graduates from an Ohio institution at a recent board of education meeting. Assessments and Ohio Graduation Tests, making this Governor John Kasich’s Director of 21st Century Education, Dr. Bob of higher education (or a non-Ohio She reported that her department has started to put accommodation on state testing a more familiar experience Sommers, has said these rankings are intended to urge districts and schools institution approved by the Board of together a toolkit that can be used by students depending on for them. to look for new ways of doing business using technology, in order to achieve Regents) with a degree in science, their needs. She estimated that about 15 percent of the school Bauer-Morrow said that she anticipates school district greater savings and better efficiencies, while also improving quality. technology, engineering or math- district’s special education students would benefit from the staff will determine who needs the tools by using a particular Sommers would like to create a “digital-friendly state” and accomplish based field of study. technology. About 10–11 percent of Bexley’s students are in assessment protocol suggested by her colleague Deb Dargham this through better integration of technology in schools. Three ways he the special education program. from New Albany-Plain Local Schools. The assessment wants to do this are giving students the right to choose online coursework, Bauer-Morrow demonstrated a word prediction software compares student-writing samples produced under uniform simplifying and focusing the state’s educational-technology leadership, and program with a voice-activated feature. She highlighted a conditions using various production methods. “Atthis stage, making available Ohio’s best teachers to more students across the state text-to-speech option that provides e-books and works with we’re still helping staff become acquainted with the tools,” through the use of technology. Word products. Programs convert text through a daisy file, a Bauer-Morrow said. In a paper released by Sommers this past March, he wrote, “students certain way of organizing materials so that the student has the “We want to make sure they are used in a way that is most only truly benefit when technology and technology-based instruction are text by chapters. A document produced by a teacher can be effective for the students.” A integrated into every aspect of the school experience.” The schools that are able to do this will “capitalize on the capacity of today’s students, who are digital natives, to learn in a technology-rich environment.” For more information about Bexley’s The budget bill also establishes the Digital Learning Task Force, which new technology for special education, includes the chancellor, state superintendent, policymakers, appointed contact Bexley Schools’ Public Information individuals from local communities and more. The Task Force intends to Coordinator Amy Thompson at 614.238.6663 develop a strategy to expand digital learning, enabling students to customize or [email protected]. their education, while also producing cost savings and meeting the needs of Ohio’s economy. The task force will examine areas such as the use of digital textbooks, the integration of formative and online assessments, the ability to individualize content to specific student-learning styles, digital content pilot programs currently operating, high quality professional development for educators providing online or blended instruction, and funding strategies that create incentives for high performance, innovation, and options in course providers and delivery. The importance of technology in schools and education is growing rapidly and these policy provisions are evidence of Ohio’s efforts to keep pace nationally and globally. A

Joe Weitz is the senior policy consultant for the ESC of Central Ohio.

6 APTITUDE APTITUDE 7 ILE Conference integrates technology, teaching

Samantha Donegan reflecting upon the learnings that are being ESC of Central Ohio derived from those systems,” Hannon said. This was the second year the Attendees jotted notes on everything ESC has worked with Hilliard on the from simple notepads to handheld tablets conference. Ohio Department of Education as they filled auditoriums and classrooms representative Constance Barsky was so and listened to education experts from the impressed with the 2010 conference that U.S. and across the globe. she reached out to the ESC to collaborate In early August, the ESC of Central on this year’s event with a Race to the Ohio, the Ohio Department of Education, Top grant she had received to do a similar the Organization of Economic Cooperation conference. and Development (OECD) and Hilliard City “It is critical for ODE to expose teachers Schools presented the Ohio Innovative to innovative learning environments to Learning Environments 2011 Conference trigger more ideas for those teachers at Hilliard’s Bradley High School. who are already skilled and prepared to The five-day conference gave 750 innovate,” said Barsky, who also serves but to learn from Ohio educators Schools, was attending the Environments Conference helps us educators from all over Ohio the chance as an ODE science initiatives administrator. during the break-out sessions,” conference for classes through work toward one of our primary goals, to learn how to integrate new technologies, “For those not ready, it provides incentives Clockwise from top left: ODE’s Leslie Yenkin said Teresa Dempsey, ESC director the Miami Cohort in Educational which is to ensure that students are teaching methods and innovations into for them to get the training that will allow shows breakout session attendees online tools of professional development. “It Leadership. She found things to take prepared for college and careers,” their school districts and classrooms. them to provide a better educational that create innovative learning environments for was really a win-win experience for back to the classroom after only one Heffner said. “Our students will be students; International presenter Valerie Hannon In addition, attendees were able to experience for their students.” everyone that attended.” day of presentations. entering a new world of work and speaks to educators about what other countries learn how other countries are integrating With ODE’s collaboration, its are doing to become leaders in innovative Expanding individual networks “That was probably one of the learning – and this new world calls teaching and learning innovations from partnership with OECD and its funding, education; OECD’s David Instance speaks to into a community of learners was most important things,” Keir said. for new ways of teaching. keynote speakers and breakout session the conference was able to provide a attendees; State Superintendent Stan Heffner one of the main hopes for Tom Reed, “Being here I actually feel like I had “I enjoyed participating in this presenters who came from Finland, greater international presence and teacher speaks to an auditorium full of educators. executive director for the Center something to apply back in my event and I am pleased that ODE was Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, stipends for conference attendees. of Achievement and Leadership classroom, back in a meeting, back a sponsor of this important initiative,” Hong Kong and New Zealand. Barsky hopes teachers gained an Services. with colleagues; especially with Ian Heffner added. Valarie Hannon, keynote speaker appreciation for other countries that “Teaching can sometimes be a Jukes’ presentation.” Reed’s hopes for next year from the United Kingdom, said she have many of the same problems as lonely experience,” Reed said. “If On the second day of the include greater team representation hopes her presentation gave educators Ohio school districts, and learned from we’ve served in any way to connect conference, newly appointed State from districts. He noted that the the opportunity to discuss important the countries that have found ways to teachers in like grade levels, or Superintendent of Public Instruction ESC would begin much earlier in challenges schools and children are facing. overcome those problems. in similar situations, or perhaps Stan Heffner gave a presentation on promoting that this is not just a “If I was still teaching or working in a “Our international guests expressed totally different situations that the state of the Ohio Department of conference for individuals, but a school district, I’d find it really helpful to much gratitude and appreciation for this would enhance that collaborative Education and its future initiatives. conference for building teams and be hearing about what was going on in opportunity to come to the U.S. to not experience, that’s a good thing.” “Professional development collaboration at the local level. A Finland or Australia or New Zealand and only share their educational perspectives, Krista Keir, from Dublin City such as the Innovative Learning

8 APTITUDE APTITUDE 9 Taking the Olentangy Local Schools embraces online learning Fifth grader’s blog attracts attention classroom home by creating an online academy for its students.

Karen Truett schedules,” said Tom McDonnell, Olentangy Local Schools principal of Olentangy High School. © “They’re trying to fit in AP classes, band, Educators across Central Ohio are choir, art – sometimes they just can’t get looking for ways to better integrate all of the classes in during the regular technology into their classrooms, but school day. These online courses will teachers in Olentangy Local Schools give them a lot more options.” are also using technology to bring their Olentangy Orange Middle School classrooms right into students’ living helped pilot the program last year by rooms. introducing two online technology It’s a new twist to the growing trend of courses. Chris Deis taught both classes, online learning. Instead of just purchasing Web Design and Productivity Skills, in a seats from an outside e-learning company, traditional classroom setting for years. Olentangy is also asking its own teachers A screenshot of an online assignment through He found that students had no problems the Olentangy Online Academy (O2A). to put their expertise and curriculum into adjusting to the online format. an online environment. “My students really seemed to Currently, 45 Olentangy teachers enjoy the environment,” Deis said. “It’s are taking part in the Olentangy Online something natural to them.” They start by stressing the differences Academy, or O2A. Each of these teachers Deis said it also allowed him to reach between a successful classroom course will be working throughout the year to students in the district’s other middle and a successful online course. develop an online version of at least one schools. “This isn’t as easy as taking existing of his or her courses. “It was great to see students who lesson plans and posting them online,” “We feel that our teachers are our had never met develop these positive Pomeroy said. “Teachers are used to all best resource,” said Keith Pomeroy, relationships,” he said. “Someone would of their students being in the same place Gary Barber Olentangy’s director of technology. “The post a question and before I could at the same time. When you go online, Big Walnut Local Schools goal of this project is to make sure as respond, four or five students had jumped you’re going asynchronous and doing RJ does 95 percent of the writing, posting and responding many of our students as possible have in and really helped explain the topic. It that well takes some major adjustments. Do you have a blog? Are you a fifth grader? Have you ever herself with help from her dad. She has received responses access to those resources.” was a great learning environment.” “There are also adjustments once the interviewed U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan? Have from many places, including Arizona, Texas, Michigan, By making existing classes available Olentangy Orange Middle School class is launched,” Deis added. “Teachers you been contacted by the Ohio Department of Education California, Canada and China. To protect RJ’s safety, her online, students will have more flexibility Principal Brian Lidle was excited to have are still offering full support for their online after blogging the question “How’s your school year going dad holds the password for her blog and is always there as when scheduling classes. the pilot project at his school. students – but that support happens at so far?” she reads the daily comments. “A lot of our kids really pack their “It provides the opportunity for different times and in different ways.” To all these questions, one Big Walnut Local Schools RJ uses an Apple computer attached to a TV screen learning to take place at the Online class options do more than fifth grader can answer, “Yes.” and feels that she’s “on her way” in the technological world. time that we want to make offer additional flexibility for students. On kidsnewsohio.blogspot.com, RJ writes about issues When asked if her dad or mother are computer geeks, she learning convenient,” Lidle Superintendent Wade Lucas said they happening in the state, completes interviews and explains said, “No, but my uncle, for his job, creates websites.” said. “We aren’t here to will also allow the district to operate even why the issues are imporant to her readers. The blog has Using her blog, RJ has launched such topics as “make protect the traditional way more efficiently by letting teachers work received more than 1,200 hits and dozens of responses. a difference, make a friend” and “healthy school lunches.” of doing things. We’re here to with students from multiple buildings. “We can listen to each other and share,” RJ said. “It Most recently, her “9/11 project” asks fifth graders what they facilitate maximum learning “Olentangy is focused on providing an makes it easier to get through sad and hard things when know about 9/11 and how old they were when they first heard for every student, and that excellent education at the most efficient we work through it together and not by ourselves.” about 9/11. She also asks readers to talk with someone 20 is to prepare them for what cost possible,” he said. “Not only does One recent responder to the blog was U.S. Secretary years old or older and to let her know how living after 9/11 the future holds.” this initiative help further that goal, it also of Education Arne Duncan, who invited RJ to send in some has been different than life before the event. Pomeroy and Deis, who takes education into the environment interview questions. Secretary Duncan responded to her RJ’s wish right now is that “anyone reading this has now moved into the role where our students are living their lives. questions (the interview is available on her blog), using article go to my blog and participate in the 9/11 project.” of the district’s instructional They are online all the time. We don’t want some vocabulary words that her parents and teachers had Readers can do that and join this 21st Century thinker at: The group of teachers who developed the technology coordinator, lead to send the message that you always to define for her including “discrimination,” “diversity” and http://kidsnewsohio.blogspot.com/2011/08/911-project.html. have to power down to learn.” A O2A program meeting in June. the O2A courses. “unprecedented.” You can also follow the blog on Twitter: @KidsNewsOhio. A

10 APTITUDE APTITUDE 11 “The change to narrow-banding With the new system, the 600 radios City and the Grove City Police Department frees up airways cutting down on usage in both buses and buildings will operate assisted the school district in creating the similar to folding a sheet of paper in half on the same frequency utilizing separate functionality of the new system. in 2013 and again in 2020,” said Gary L. channels – a blended system of both A radio installed at the Grove City Sigrist, Jr., South-Western’s Readiness analog and digital technology. In the Police Department Dispatch Center will and Emergency Management for Schools event of an emergency, both could switch be tied into the South-Western system (REMS) grant coordinator. to the same channel for communication for use during an emergency or special South-Western determined that it needs. event. should re-engineer its entire radio system The radio upgrade required the During such an event, the Grove after a review of its current system, construction of a new tower. The new City Dispatch Center will link the two keeping in mind both the 2013 narrow- tower is installed at South-Western City systems so law enforcement officers and banding requirements and expected Schools’ Transportation Center and is 130 fire officials will be able to communicate requirements for 2020, along with the feet high compared to the 60-foot tower with the radios they currently use in their inter-operability requirements of the now in use. The tower is needed because vehicles or carry with them. National Response Framework. of the difference in power between a In the event of a disaster, all radios hand-held radio (building, property services and buses) (4 watts) and a could be utilized by law enforcement to In the event of a disaster, all radios bus radio (25 provide emergency instructions. watts). In the event of a major emergency, (building, property services and buses) In addition the school district’s incident commander could be utilized by law enforcement to to the added could then communicate via any and all provide emergency instructions. safety measures radios with a single push. the new system “An unprecedented partnership provides, it also between the schools and city safety boosts efficiency forces will connect dispatchers with Under the old system, school buses while saving the district money through school personnel in the event of an operated on one frequency and buildings the blended system. emergency,” Sigrist said, “which greatly operated on another frequency. Because An important component of the new enhances our ability to protect our of that inconsistency, communication system is its inter-operability with local law children.” A between the school buildings and the enforcement and fire agencies, especially school buses was difficult. the Grove City Police Department. Grove

Opposite Page: Under South-Western City Schools’ new radio system, Sandra Nekoloff and in preparation for future Federal South-Western City Schools Communications Commission guidelines, school buses and school buildings must operate on the same radio frequency. South-Western is South-Western City Schools has found a cutting edge way to communicate quickly and efficiently: on the cutting radios. South-Western incorporated the Federal Communications Commission’s banding width changes edge of radio to its radio fleet, which is required by 2013. The change to narrow-banding will require school districts to update many of their radios, as the hand-held technology radios currently in school buildings will no longer meet the requirements.

12 APTITUDE APTITUDE 13 Roof Drains

At Clinton Elementary School, rainwater from the roof is being captured and reused in the building’s sanitation system. By using these systems, the building reduces its use of city water.

The north and south elevations of the Olde Orchard Elementary School illustrate how daylight is brought into the classrooms with long horizontal bands of windows placed high in each room.

An illustration of an Olde Orchard Elementary School classroom, which will use a combination of artificial light and Columbus City natural light. south facing roof monitors and tubular the municipal storm water system. In approach where the building orientation skylights, all classroom spaces will addition, the insulating factor assists as well as the selections for windows, receive high quality, consistent daylight. in maintaining temperature control of walls, and roofs are all taken into account The building will use sundials and the building and can reduce energy in determining the heating and air- a sun tracking oculus, or window, to consumption. conditioning systems. Most segment Schools going provide learning opportunities for three projects include geothermal students to study the sun from inside Cedarwood Elementary School energy source wells that help increase green and outside the building. Use of roof (Planned completion, Winter 2012) building energy efficiency by more than monitors and tubular skylights in addition The Cedarwood gymnasium includes 30 percent over a standard building. to windows allows for classrooms to have a climbing wall and other apparatus that Appliances and equipment are Jeff Warner the arrangement of the classrooms; the Georgian Heights Elementary School even lighting throughout the teaching supports the school’s unique adventure specified with Energy Star ratings to Columbus City Schools appropriateness (ergonomics) of the space. On an average day, classrooms program. ensure efficiency in operations. Lighting (Planned completion, Fall 2012) furniture; the amount and quality of the With the availability of tutor rooms, will be able to operate without the use systems include occupancy sensors and, Columbus City Schools is building natural as well as artificial light; the quality extended learning areas and an outdoor of artificial lighting. Clinton Elementary School (Planned in large spaces, light-harvesting systems a system of 21st-century learning and temperature of the air; the scale of learning environment, students at that automatically reduce artificial light environments, supported by a Facilities completion, Fall 2012) the space; the materials used; the safety Georgian Heights Elementary School can as natural light becomes available. Master Plan that has resulted in 34 Linden-McKinley STEM Academy At Clinton Elementary School, features; and even the specifics of the work on small group projects, individually, While the goal is for each child to new and renovated buildings serving (Planned completion, Dec. 2011) rainwater (gray water) from the equipment used in physical activities as it or be part of a larger learning community. succeed academically, children do learn Columbus students. Featuring a demonstration green roof is being captured and reused enhances the development of both large in different ways and there is no single In the first segments, the community roof, Linden-McKinley STEM Academy in the building’s sanitation system. teaching model that works for all. With and district—with state support—has and small motor skills. Olde Orchard Elementary School will provide a safe and convenient area Implementing these systems reduces the these new facilities, Columbus City invested more than $521 million in new All of these projects include (Planned completion, Fall 2012) for students to study how this type of amount of city water used by the school. Schools will provide opportunities for facilities, with the work completed on design features that are sustainable or Computer stations and project system is changing the thinking about Within the school, selected plumbing small group learning, team building and time and within budget. With the passage “green.” Hallmarks of a “green” building stations will provide alternatives to the function of a roof. Situated in an fixtures will use 20 to 30 percent less individual development. of the 2008 bond and levy, an additional include increased energy efficiency, the student desks in a typical classroom at internal elevated courtyard, the green water than standard plumbing fixtures. This equates to anytime, any place investment of $164 million is being made expanded use of natural light, locally Olde Orchard Elementary School. The roof is easily accessed from adjacent Not only is it important to conserve water learning spaces that meet the needs of to build new or renovate nine additional produced and/or recycled materials, north and south elevations of the building science classrooms providing space for as it becomes an increasingly scarce students and the increased educational projects as part of segment three of the increased air quality standards, improved illustrate how daylight is brought into related studies. natural element, conservation also saves requirements associated with the Ohio Facilities Master Plan. storm water management systems and classrooms with long horizontal bands Green roofs help to reduce the operating costs for the school district. Core and the Columbus City Schools The quality of a teaching and learning opportunities for innovative interior and of windows placed high in each room amount of heat emitted by a building The district’s segment three schools Operational Plan. A environment is a function of many things: exterior teaching and learning spaces. above the view windows. Combined with and slow the discharge of rainwater into are designed using an integrated

14 APTITUDE APTITUDE 15 ESC Schools adjusting to technology In Grandview Heights City Schools, cell phones and laptops could soon become as common as calculators Teaching the Touchscreen Generation and pencils. This year, the Grandview Heights Board of Education The changing role of technology in the classroom changed its policy on the use of personal electronic devices and allowed them to be more accessible in school. “Outside of school, children have technology at their fingertips. It’s part of their life, part of how they think,” Alter said. “Not allowing them to make use of personal technologies can be a missed opportunity.” Students can use anything from a mobile device to an iPad or laptop – anything that has Internet capabilities. Although Grandview Heights encourages the use of these devices, Alter said they build in safety features to protect the students. Although there is lag time in terms of the delay of audio “We’re going to have filters when they log onto the and visual, Pohlman said it is a miniscule amount and it school network,” he said. “It’s definitely not a free-for-all, typically goes unnoticed by students, who are, overall, very but there will definitely be some growing pains for teachers pleased with the delivery. and students as they use this technology.” “I don’t think it’s difficult,” said Aaron, a Hilliard Darby Grandview Heights teachers have sole discretion as to student. “I think it’s the same thing – it’s really no different whether an electronic device would be helpful in class or for than any other language class except she’s not physically an assignment. Of course, staff must follow the acceptable here.” use policy guidelines outlined in the district’s handbook. Aside from Hilliard Darby, the Mandarin Chinese lessons “We wouldn’t necessarily build that into every lesson. are simultaneously transmitted to students at Hilliard’s other It’s something else in the utility belt so to speak,” Alter two high schools: Hilliard Davidson High School and Hilliard said. “It’s an exciting learning experience as we discover Bradley High School. Currently, each high school offers both and invent the best ways to integrate these technologies Mandarin Chinese I & II and students are already showing into teaching and learning.” an interest in a third year of Mandarin for next school year, Hilliard City Schools also allows electronic devices in Pohlman said. its schools. Prior to the introduction of Mandarin Chinese, Hilliard “Kids are accustomed to having access to technology had used interactive videoconferencing for the delivery 24/7. I think they expect that,” said Mark Pohlman, Hilliard’s of a German language class utilizing one teacher in one coordinator of instructional technology. “Hilliard is looking high school to teach students in classrooms located in all The days of teachers relying soley on chalk and a blackboard are long gone. at that and seeing how we can use technology such as three high schools. While the German language classes Now teachers demonstrate a lesson using a SMARTBoard, where they can cell phones in the classroom. A lot of it comes down to were taught by a Hilliard teacher, the Mandarin Chinese manipulate images and text from an overhead projector. providing adequate and appropriate Internet-safety training classes are being taught by a teacher located outside of to our teachers and students.” Instead of pen and paper, students gravitate toward mobile devices and the district. “This is another way we can bring in experts and computers, where they can access unlimited information and complete Emerging technology teachers from outside the school,” Pohlman said. “I think homework within minutes. At the front of the classroom, Huisi Zhao, a Mandarin in time more and more districts are going to realize that Students are so immersed in technology that schools have had to adjust to Chinese teacher, directed her students how to pronounce videoconferencing will become a great asset to them and keep pace, Grandview Heights City Schools Instructional Technology Specialist a verb in their workbook. their student body.” Zhao’s voice carried over the speakers and her two Aside from just the visual and audio of the teacher, the Marc Alter said. dimensional image projected onto the screen in a classroom videoconferencing equipment can also be used to share “They’re going to use technology; we can’t uninvent it,” Alter said. “It’s part at Hilliard Darby High School – several miles away from Powerpoints, video clips, web resources and other lessons. of their life so the best thing we can do is make effective use of it.” where she was physically present. The technology also has a side benefit of saving money for Thanks to interactive videoconferencing, 24 students the school district, Pohlman said. can see and hear everything Zhao says and does in their “Although there’s an initial outlet to buy the equipment, Mandarin Chinese classes. Through eTech Ohio and its we’re saving money because we’re not paying any insurance partners, students can connect to Zhao’s classroom at benefits for the staff person. We’re just paying for the service by Jacob Lammers the Metro High School in Columbus in real time. of the teacher,” Pohlman said.

Photos This Page and Opposite: Grandview Heights High School students use a variety of new technology during research in the library.

16 APTITUDE APTITUDE 17 SMARTBoards, iPods give Groveport 6th graders a Aside from the general education population, educators Learningally.org is a free website that provides education director. “Lexia creates games that reinforce different look at fairy tales are finding that some technology will allow special education audiobooks for students who are visually impaired, though reading skills. The kids are getting immediate reward students to close the gap with their peers. it is also beneficial for students diagnosed with dyslexia. for working on Lexia, but at the same time they’re Chris Bowser Learning that technology does require more time in Students must qualify for the free software. playing and learning.” Groveport Madison Local Schools the classroom, but because of state law, special education “The key is access to technology and training kids how Aside from students, teachers can track which students have until age 21, said Tom Diebold, a consultant to use it, although people should not forget that technology skills are improving and which ones require further Instead of students reading a book of fairy tales, a working with State Support Team Region 11 and the ESC cannot help with basic skills,” Diebold sad. “Once a student intervention. Groveport Madison Local Schools literacy consultant of Central Ohio. has mastered learning to read then they can progress to “The teachers have seen benefits from it. Students wanted them to use technology to learn. “Before if you didn’t have technology, they couldn’t reading to learn, which is where technology can help a have improved. We’ve got the program where parents Kim Shiplett, of Groveport Madison Middle get or give information as efficiently,” Diebold said. student improve.” can access it from home,” said Passwaters, adding School South, worked with sixth grade students to Several software programs can be downloaded for The ESC of Central Ohio provides professional that about 30 students used the program over the summarize the plot of a story – in this case a fairy free. One such program from www.readplease.com is a development training for educators looking to use summer. tale. screen reader, which will verbally pronounce anything a technology or software within their school. Although it’s available in grades 7-12, Passwaters Shiplett used notebook software on the student types. With some programs, textbooks can even said it’s more popular among grades kindergarten SMARTBoard, navigating students through the who, be scanned and downloaded onto the screen reader and Impact of technology through sixth grade, where children typically learn what, when, where and why. Students then had to it will achieve the same effect. Three years ago, Madison Plains Local Schools found consonants and vowel sounds. apply that to the plot, character, setting, etc. Diebold said this software is ideal for students who a way to reach students with learning disabilities. In Grandview Heights, teachers and students are As a class, students watched an interactive are unable to communicate verbally or physically. Using Lexia, a reading education software program, using Google Apps for Education applications and cartoon Cinderella on the SMARTBoard to review Diebold also recommended www.donjohnston.com, educators test students and discover areas where they documents to learn. the parts of the plot. Using iPod Touches, students a site that has such programs as Co-Writer, Draft Builder, may need intervention. The program then creates games Teachers and students throughout the district use listened to a digital version of Three Little Pigs. They Read Out Loud, Write Out Loud. Co-Writer predicts the or puzzles that aide in reading. Google Docs, spreadsheets, email and other tools to went back and scrolled through the pages finding word that a student wants, which is ideal for students “Many students play video games or use electronic collaboratively work and learn, in and out of school. evidence from the story to answer the questions. diagnosed with cerebral palsy and even attention deficit devices,” said Trish Passwaters, Madison’s special Just because a teacher has the technology doesn’t Shiplett continued through the parts of the plot disorder. necessarily mean it’s going to be the best tool for with students showing an understanding of the learning, Alter said. elements by showing her the appropriate screen on “We’ll talk to teachers about their goals and their iPod Touch. learning targets and how technology might become On the final day of using instructional technology, a tool for achieving them,” Alter said. students put together all of the steps from their “We focus on desired learning outcomes and ways previous learning and applied them to figuring out to use technology to support them, as opposed to the plot of a new book. Their final assignment was to focusing on technology itself.” then explain the sequence of events in writing. In Madison Plains, about 1,000 students use the “By the end, the students were able to summarize Lexia software program, and that number includes the plot of each book they read,” Shiplett said. several students on Individual Education Plans. Aside The combination of fairy tales and instructional from an increased reading ability, Passwaters said technology met sixth grade language arts benchmarks she’s seen an attitude change. in reading applications. “The kids really enjoy it and they see success. Ultimately students were able to identify the And when they see success they want to continue on,” main and minor events of the plot and explain how Passwaters said. “They’re feeling more comfortable each incident gives rise to the next. A with their abilities. I do see an improvement, in not just their reading, but their attitude.” Technology is changing constantly and students will be able to use that to become more effective learners, Alter said. “Our students are constantly raising the bar for us. They have increasingly sophisticated technologies at their fingertips in almost every aspect of their lives. This impacts how they think, problem solve and experience the world,” Alter said. “Our challenge as educators is to provide learning experiences that make authentic and meaningful use of A Hilliard Darby High School student participates technology; the type of use that expands our students’ in a Mandarin Chinese I class via interactive avenues for thinking, knowing and understanding.” A Groveport Madison Middle School South students use iPod Touches videoconferencing technology. to learn the main parts of a story. The school’s literacy consultant began using technology as another way to engage students.

18 APTITUDE APTITUDE 19 Students, Graduates Lend Help ing Hands

Fairfield Career Center Alumni volunteer Students Waste No Time for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Affecting Their Community

Chad Myers Eastland-Fairfield Career & Vince Payne Technical Schools Hamilton Local Schools

Fairfield Career & Technical Schools graduates volunteered The spirit of volunteering and community involvement is alive their time and helped build a house for a Columbus family who and well in Hamilton Local Schools. will be featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The school district is preparing for its annual Volley for the Cure Combined, 31 Fairfield Career Center graduates and one event, which will raise funds for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure current student spent more than 200 man hours on the project. and Komen Columbus. Spirited group of Hamilton Local Schools students participate With help from P&D Builders and other volunteers, the house was Hamilton Intermediate School students, faculty and staff also in a local event for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. completed in seven days. The episode will air for a Christmas launched the annual supply drive for another nonprofit organization special edition. Hannah’s Socks. than $30,000 for various non-profit organizations in the “This is a great opportunity for Eastland-Fairfield carpentry “Our students, district employees, and community members take process. Each school throughout the district coordinates students and graduates to put their skills to work and give back,” great pride in working together to combine their resources in order to efforts to positively impact thousands of individuals, said David Barnett, who graduated from Fairfield Career Center have a larger community service impact,” Superintendent Christopher families, and groups which include, but are not limited to: in 2011. “It was the experience of a lifetime.” T. Lester said. “Needs are greater during these tough economic times, Above: Fairfield Career and all of our stakeholders continue to do what they can to support Fairfield Career Center’s carpentry program prepares Center graduate Adam • The Community Partners of Southern Franklin County students for work in the construction industry. Students can Miller works on a roof for each other and the communities in which they work and live. It is a • Komen Columbus and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure enter into an apprenticeship at an advanced level with registered the lucky family selected wonderful display • Autism Speaks apprenticeship programs. Paid school-to-apprenticeship for ABC’s Extreme of teamwork.” • The Autism Society of Ohio Makeover: Home Edition. placement is available after the junior year for students who During the • Hannah’s Socks qualify. By graduation, qualified students can complete the first 2010-11 academic • Local food pantries and animal shelters and second years of a four-year apprenticeship. College credits Left: Graduates Adam year, students are also available through Columbus State Community College Miller (on ground), from Hamilton Students also earn community service hours for their Dan Leland and Local Schools and Hocking College. Walt Williams (on lift) efforts in their neighborhoods by shoveling snow, mowing The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition show is about giving install windows at the accumulated lawns and doing physical jobs for the elderly or those who back and bringing neighbors together – one environmentally Extreme Makeover: more than 50,000 need assistance. They also offer civic assistance by working friendly brick at a time. It’s a race against time on a project Home Edition site in community for the Youth in the Booth campaign during each election day. that would normally span several months, involving a team of Central Ohio this past service hours “The community that makes up Hamilton Local Schools summer. designers, contractors and hundreds of workers who have seven and raised more is one that takes great pride in helping others and utilizing days to totally rebuild a house. A teamwork to meet or, in a lot of cases, exceed their goals,” A Hamilton Local Schools pep rally shows the district’s Lester said. A support for charity Autism Speaks

Robert Jones ,1980 Brian Courtright, 1994 Kyle Chatterton, 2007 Joseph Meeker, 2010 Fairfield Andy Hosfelt, 1991 Jonathan Walden, 1994 Sean Hilton, 2007 Devon Young, 2010 Dan Leland, 1991 Chad Rupert, 2002 Adam Miller, 2007 David Barnett, 2011 Adam Roby, 1991 Brandon Hoffman, 2004 Alex Presler, 2007 Brady Kennedy, 2011 Need Volunteers? Kathy Wagner, 1991 Patrick Theisen, 2004 Ryan Barber, 2009 Leonides Maldonado, 2011 If you are in Central Ohio and are in need of volunteers to help with Alumni Robert Gill, 1992 Walt Williams, 2005 Zach Carr, 2009 Alycia McClelland, 2011 Rick Tiedtke, 1992 Jason Gaskill, 2006 Travis Burgess, 2010 Jordan Michael, 2011 an event, please contact community service program coordinator Volunteers Chad West, 1992 Jeremy Langley, 2006 Antionio Jenkins, 2010 David Barnett, 2012 Mike Morbitzer at 614.491.8044 x1860 with questions.

20 APTITUDE APTITUDE 21 Gahanna-Jefferson forges unique community partnership for high school addition

Michael Straughter clogging stairwells and key intersections, There was no adequate space for the addition of a second high school would have disrupted Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools all struggling to get to their next class. It expansion on the existing lot. The that. was not uncommon for lines of students estimated cost to build a new high school In August, the community joined Gahanna-Jefferson school Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools “Both components of the Clark Hall/ to come to a halt waiting their turn to use was approximately $80 million – a step officials for a ribbon cutting and dedication of Lincoln High had a conundrum. Lincoln High School project are an the stairwell. A study by the Ohio School the district was not financially prepared to School’s newest addition, Clark Hall. Clark Hall is a newly Lincoln High School was serving Facilities Commission stated that Lincoln take. Additionally, students, staff, parents constructed, $21 million, three-story building on the only empty intelligent approach to finance and more students than it was designed High School needed an additional 80,000 and the community were (and remain) site adjacent to the current campus at the corner of Granville to accommodate—considerably more. educational programming.” square feet of space. committed to Gahanna remaining a one- Street and Hamilton Road. Each time the bell rang, more than Officials had been examining for high-school town. Every school in the Lincoln High School students (primarily juniors and seniors) -Superintendent Mark White 2,400 students poured into the hallways, years how to best solve the problem. district is a blue-and-gold school, and attend classes on the second and third floors of Clark Hall. The first floor is leased to Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools’ newest addition - Clark Hall - was bulit with support from Eastland-Fairfield Career & Schools, Columbus State Community College, and Education Technical Schools, Columbus State Community College and Education First Credit Union. First Credit Union. These unique partnerships not only allow Gahanna-Jefferson to provide a seamless transition from high school into college but also finance the cost of construction. Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools has introduced two new programs into Clark Hall, bioscience and teacher preparation. Similarly, Columbus State will have daytime classes with new core courses in the building. In addition, the Gahanna-Jefferson Board of Education recently approved a resolution for a ground lease to Wagenbrenner Development, Inc., for design and construction of 24,000 square feet of new commercial space on the remaining undeveloped land adjacent to Clark Hall. Titled The Commons at Clark Hall, Wagenbrenner is investing $5.9 million to create two, one-story retail buildings. This ground lease will provide Gahanna-Jefferson with an additional annual revenue stream of $132,000 to begin as early as February 2012. “Both components of the Clark Hall/Lincoln High School project are an intelligent approach to finance and educational programming,” Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools Superintendent Mark White said. “Students are participating in a 21st century curriculum, instruction and assessment that is primarily Internet-based and available for students 24/7, 365 days a year.” The impact of Clark Hall goes beyond the high school. A strategic partnership with Cisco Systems, Dell and Intel has provided opportunities to upgrade the network infrastructure that has improved connectivity in all district buildings (as well as kindergarten through eighth grade levels), and most importantly, supports a philosophy of broad-scale, K-12 technology usage for students. All three firms have voiced a desire to partner in the future to transform district education at the K-14 level and showcase Clark Hall nationally for its financial model and broad-scale use of technology. “Clark Hall is more than a building,” White said. “It is a Students and faculty attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new philosophy of teaching and learning that stresses creativity, Clark Hall. The Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools building will serve collaboration, relevance, rigor and technology, all within a juniors and seniors transitioning from high school to college. non-traditional setting.” A

22 APTITUDE APTITUDE 23 ESC grad attends state Leadership Forum

By Jacob Lammers ESC of Central Ohio

ESC student Bianca’s leadership skills blossomed thanks to an invitation to an annual forum for students with disabilities. Bianca recently graduated from the ESC’s Campus Based Transition program Project PLUS, and over the summer she attended the 13th Annual Youth Leadership Forum, sponsored by the Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities. “I like to help other people that have my disability – that’s the reason why I was really excited to join,” said Bianca, who is diagnosed with a cognitive disability. The Annual Youth Forum included about 60 students an ESC transition specialist who has worked with Bianca from across Ohio. The four-day training program in July over the years. featured a trip to the Governor’s Office, tour of the State “I saw a lot of potential in her when I first met her. Capitol and programs with community leaders and local To have this under her belt, speaks highly of her,” Kuhns celebrities. said. “I’m just really proud of her.” Westerville preschoolers enjoy new Bianca met many peers who also had her disability. Bianca is one of at least three ESC students in the last “Just because you have this disability doesn’t mean 10 years to be selected for the Annual Youth Forum. The that you can’t accomplish anything,” Bianca said. Forum consists of high school seniors and juniors who Greg Viebranz Westerville City Schools Early Learning Center Bianca and other students were chosen because they display leadership skills and are afflicted with physical, showed leadership in their school, said Donna Foster, an mental or emotional disabilities. ability advocate for the Governor’s Council on People “We thought she would be a good participant,” Kuhns Westerville City Schools opened its The second floor of the Early Learning activity during the day, while permitting with Disabilities. said. “She’s very well spoken and self aware enough to doors this school year to enthusiastic Center serves as the district’s central an alternative use of the space during “I think one of the most important things students know and communicate what she needs. She’s aware of preschool students. They filled the halls office, which means special education non-school hours. The interactive get out of it – they gain a sense of belonging,” Foster how her disability affects her.” of their new “home away from home” with professionals are located in the same “Westervillage” creates a welcoming said. “There’s this community out there – they might Through Project PLUS, Bianca worked at The Ohio laughter and excitement as they marked facility as the students they serve. This environment for students and families as have different disabilities – but we’re all going through State University’s Recreation & Physical Activity Center the beginning of their educational journey arrangement creates numerous operational they enter the facility. the same thing. They find a place to belong.” and Ohio Union. at the district’s new Early Learning Center. efficiencies and academic benefits. “The Westervillage design The Youth Forum is a great experience for Bianca and Recently, Bianca was accepted into Goodwill Renovations to the first floor of the “This learning environment is unique incorporates different types of surfaces, could spur her own personal growth, said Kathy Kuhns, Columbus, where she will learn job development and center were completed over the summer in to preschool facilities,” Preschool Teacher such as stone, brick, paint and siding, other skills. order to consolidate Westerville’s federally Jessica Marlatt said. “It allows us an to offer students sensory experiences,” “The Youth Forum helped me to become a better mandated special needs preschool opportunity to flexibly group students, Westerville’s Preschool Director Ann leader,” Bianca said. “It’s about showing them the right program into a single location. offer differentiated instruction, provide Lockett said. “We also have an outdoor steps in life and showing yourself as a person that’s willing As a result, classroom space once therapy and create meaningful student learning environment that is an extension to step up and do what it takes to be a leader to help used to house this program in elementary and staff interactions.” of the classroom, incorporating traditional others.” schools is now available to help manage Program consolidation also playground equipment with a community Bianca’s acceptance into the Annual Youth Forum enrollment growth. creates greater operational efficiencies garden, various pathways, sand pits, rock has built her confidence, mother Teri Allen said. The district was able to consolidate and enhances parental engagement climbing structures, and unique musical “I think she’s come so far,” Teri said. “With a little the program and gain elementary space opportunities compared to having the instrument stations, to name a few.” tutelage and job coaches, she can really do whatever she as part of a no-new-millage capital program housed in several locations. The facility’s features work in concert wants to do. She wants to be a role model. Her passion improvements levy approved by voters District officials researched children’s to help meet early learning standards is to help kids in her situation.” A in May 2009. museums while planning the design of the and expand opportunities for meaningful Purchasing and renovating an existing Early Learning Center and found the most community and family engagement, facility was more cost-effective than successful facilities provided environments Lockett said. traditional approaches of building new where the physical space becomes part “The design team even worked facilities or expanding existing schools of the learning experience, and where with the Westerville Parks & Recreation Top Right: Group shot at 13th Annual Youth Leadership Forum, to gain space. The initial consolidation developmentally-appropriate spaces Department,” Lockett said, “to find out sponsored by the Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities. involved eight classes previously housed foster the development of the whole child. how to attract a variety of birds to the site Bottom Left: Bianca at the CBT graduation in May 2011 in six elementary buildings. Additional A large community room provides to stimulate the interest and observation future consolidation is planned. an excellent space for such physical of students.” A

24 APTITUDE APTITUDE 25 A Delaware Area Career Upper Arlington adopts Center (DACC) student enjoyed her day in the sun 21st Century visual and terms after winning first place in a Dan Donovan communicator, collaborator, creative and national competition for her Upper Arlington City Schools innovative thinker, global citizen and self- work on solar energy. directed individual. The Upper Arlington Board of Two years ago, a group of faculty, Education has officially adopted a graphic administrators, board members, and representation of the district’s work and community members worked with Ken DACC student Tara shows off her commitment to providing 21st century first place medal from the National Kay, past president of the Partnership Leadership and Skills Conference. learning opportunities for all students. for 21st Century Skills (www.p21.org), The visual is intentionally a play on UA’s to set a direction for providing a quality official logo. education for Upper Arlington students. The 21st century learner, at the heart The goal is to better prepare students of the graphic, is surrounded by core for the rapid pace of change in an ever- Delaware Area Career Center student content – “the basics” – and the digital increasing global economy. literacies concerning technology, media, This past summer, Upper Arlington and information. The outer ring contains members worked on developing rubrics wins first place in national competition the descriptors, which identify a 21st that delineate descriptors for each of century learner as a complex thinker, these six terms. A

Marsha Link After the state competition, Tara being No. 1 in Principles of Technology, Delaware Area Career Center updated her presentation and materials and I definitely want to do it again next based on judges comments. Because year.” Tara Holeman won first place in the of that preparation, Tara said she felt a The Chapter Display Competition that Principles of Technology category during little more comfortable at the national Ali, Dave and Kari competed in requires 2011 OCALI the 47th National Leadership and Skills competition. that students come together from three Conference sponsored by SkillsUSA. The “It was a little easier at nationals, different classes to create a structure that CONFERENCE competition took place in June in Kansas but I was still very nervous,” she said. “I represents the true meaning of SkillsUSA. NOvEmbER 16-18 City. managed to make the judges laugh a little With a gold medal hanging around though, and I did feel more comfortable.” • Ali is a senior in welding at DACC her neck, Tara said she is still in shock Tara, whose home school is and her home school is Big Walnut that she won. Olentangy Liberty High School, is enrolled High School. “I cannot believe I’m No. 1 in the in the DACC’s Electronics program. • Dave is a senior in welding at DACC nation, but it feels good,” she said. “I was Students enrolled in the two-year and his home school is Westerville so shocked to hear my name announced, program learn about all the basics in the South High School. it took me a minute for the news to sink electronics field and then can choose to • Kari attended DACC’s career THE NATION’S in. Luckily, my friends wasted no time study in a specialized area. graphics program as a sophomore screaming, jumping up and down and “Two of the major goals of SkillsUSA and will enroll in environmental PREMIER EVENT IN encouraging me up to the stage.” is to encourage improved skills in the technology this year as a junior. AUTISM Tara was joined at the competition student’s program as well as developing Her home school is Delaware Hayes by teammates Ali Kelly, Dave Berry and leadership skills,” said Jim Poole, DACC’s High School. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Kari Hysell, who took 10th place out of electronics instructor. LOW-INCIDENCE DISABILITIES 32 teams in the Chapter Display category. Tara’s victory was all the more SkillsUSA is a career technical To qualify for this national event, the impressive, considering she competed student organization that helps students DACC students competed at the local, against students from 12 other states. prepare to be skilled and effective in their regional and state levels. All four students She’s only the second student from industry. took first place at the state level in May. DACC’s electronics program to place Members of SkillsUSA compete To secure her first place win, Tara at nationals and the 13th to place at the against each other at the local, state, wrote a technical paper and presented a state level. and national level. GREATER COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER demonstration about solar energy. For Tara, the best part of the More than 5,000 students competed CONFERENCE.OCALI.ORG For her presentation, Tara built solar competition was “going to Kansas – it’s at this year’s SkillsUSA competition in 614.410.0321 panels mounted on a tri-fold board to indescribable. I had so much fun meeting over 94 occupational and leadership skills power light-emitting diodes that spelled other people from other states. I like areas. A A division of the ESC of Central Ohio. USA.

26 APTITUDE APTITUDE 27 Dublin classroom remembers ESC, ODE partnering student through reading nook Race to the Top implementation Doug Baker Dublin City Schools Tom Reed The Center for Achievement will also be providing ESC of Central Ohio ongoing technical assistance to teachers and principals Last March, Dublin City Schools lost a young member of The Educational Service Center of Central Ohio was in the review of the structure and content of Ohio’s model its family when Bailey Elementary School kindergarten student recently named as one of 10 regional agencies to take the curriculum. Technical assistance will also be available for the Noah Maloney died in a tragic accident. lead in the Race to the Top initiative. effective implementation of the revised standards, including Students and staff have been working to keep Noah’s On behalf of the Ohio Department of Education, the course content, essential questions, learning targets, and memory alive this year and created “Noah’s Nook” in Early ESC of Central Ohio will support the deployment of Ohio’s recommended resources to support classroom instruction. Child Intervention Specialist Lisa Gates’ classroom. “Race To The Top” initiative. The ESC will be partnering The Maloney family donated money to Lisa’s classroom for with Mid-Ohio ESC to employ Race to the Top specialists Data Tools for Teachers the purchase of books in honor of Noah because of Noah’s love and coordinate RttT activities in Ohio’s central region which The Center for Achievement and Leadership Services for learning and reading. A group organized by teacher Carol includes all or part of Crawford, Richland, Morrow, Wayne, also currently offers training to teachers and principals on Gasper collected the funds. Once she collected the funds, the Holmes, Knox, Licking, Pickaway, Franklin, Delaware, the effective use of a variety of readily available data tools family asked the money be donated to Lisa’s classroom. Marion, Union, Madison, Champaign, Clark and Fairfield for improving student achievement. Cathy Heidelberg, “I decided that I didn’t want to have items randomly in my counties. director of data, assessment and accountability, will lead cupboards, I wanted to create an area in my room that would Students gather in Noah’s Nook in Lisa Gates’ Bailey Elementary Accordingly, the ESC will be developing and deploying these workshops, which include basic data collection and always be his,” Gates said. “The ‘nook’ area has bins with all classroom. Noah Maloney passed away last year and the nook was services to help school districts achieve their respective analysis techniques that enable teachers to disaggregate of the books purchased with his family’s donated funds.” constructed in Noah’s honor.

Race to the Top goals. data for focusing instruction and measuring academic Gates added that there is a photo album with pictures of “This project is an excellent example of the types of caring Performance measures, including training and support and behavioral student growth over time. Additionally, Noah playing in the classroom so that the children can see teachers and parents we have in Dublin City Schools,” said for district level RttT “Transformation Teams,” will also be Achievement and Leadership staff will be trained to provide how he engaged in the environment and with his peers. Superintendent David Axner. “I look forward to visiting Noah’s required to effectively implement and monitor RttT plans. technical assistance to district- and building-level educators Kris Truckly, a Bailey parent, made pillows for the space Nook.” The ESC will launch wide-scale professional development in reviewing, interpreting and using value-added data and where students are able to read the books in the classroom. A activities to build capacity of educators to implement the reports along with other student progress measures to Common Core Standards in English Language Arts and inform planning, instruction and intervention. math as well as new state standards in science and social studies. Race to the Top plans also include, utilizing a Evaluation Systems new data-based instructional improvement system and In addition to being named a regional partner for transitioning to new principal and teacher evaluation Central Ohio, the ESC has also been awarded one of four systems. $45,000 statewide grants to introduce, build capacity for, Directed out of the ESC’s Center for Achievement and and implement the Ohio Principal Evaluation System (OPES) Leadership Services, this designation by ODE compliments in Race to the Top school districts and community schools. ESC Professional Development a full range of services currently available to member Ted Knapke and Mindy Farry in the Center for districts that align to Ohio’s Race to the Top initiative. Achievement and Leadership Services will lead OPES Project-Based Learning 201 training and providing ongoing support to a maximum Standards and Assessment of three cohorts of superintendents, district leaders and PBL Advanced Practices Beginning in May, the Center for Achievement building principals in the essential components of the and Leadership Services launched regional training to evaluation system. Additionally, the Center for Achievement • Designed for educators who have taken PBL 101 teachers, principals and district leaders to raise levels of will assist in the roll out and district self-assessment of the • BIE-certifi ed workshop facilitator will work with participants’ classroom-related issues awareness of what the revised standards are and are not. newly-released Ohio Teacher Evaluation System. • Learn how to incorporate 21st century skills into the problem-solving process Teresa Dempsey, director of professional development, The ESC of Central Ohio is committed to supporting will lead training on what implications there may be for both Race-to-the-Top and non-Race-to-the-Top districts in Contact: Teresa Dempsey, ESC director of professional development at Teresa.Dempsey@ leadership and accountability and how the new standards effectively planning, monitoring and implementing statewide escco.org or 614.445.3750 for more information. may impact classroom activities, statewide assessments, education reform. To that end, it will continue to pursue content sequencing, pacing guides and materials, and Race to the Top grants and other opportunities that help the job-embedded professional development. Dates Offered Location Time Cost Register agency leverage resources on behalf of member districts. A Nov. 22, 2011 ESC of Central Ohio 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Member Districts: $79 Register online through the Dec. 15, 2011 2080 Citygate Drive Non-Member Districts: $99 MyLearningPlan link on Jan. 25, 2012 Columbus, OH 43219 www.escofcentralohio.org.

28 APTITUDE APTITUDE 29 OCALI raises autism ESC directors ESC Expert Op-Ed: Technology awareness at White published in national Bring Your Own House summit curriculum newsletter Technology brings power Jacob Lammers Jacob Lammers ESC of Central Ohio ESC of Central Ohio Dee McGlothlin ESC of Central Ohio A representative from the Ohio Center for Autism and Two ESC directors were recently published in a nationally Low Incidence participated in a recent national summit recognized web-based journal by the Association for One of the hot topics around the technology on autism spectrum disorders at the White House. Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). water cooler is Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT). Jill Hudson, OCALI’s coordinator of national, state Tom Reed, executive director of the Center for The incongruency of school districts ever-shrinking and community partnerships, said it was an honor to Achievement & Leadership Services, and Teresa Dempsey, budgets and the expansion and growth of new represent the agency, which is part of the ESC of Central director of professional development, co-authored an article on technology has led to this phenomenon. It has Ohio. professional learning communities in the June edition of ASCD become evident for many district technology “It was really humbling, overwhelming and exciting Express. Published every two weeks, the journal provides leaders that the technologies that students carry to be part of that group of people,” Hudson said. “To quick-reads of topics essential for successful educational in their pockets are more powerful and up to date provide that information to the Obama administration, it practice. than anything they can provide. will make a difference – a difference in the lives of people The article “Curriculum Leaders Need a Professional While much of this technology can be viewed with autism.” Learning Network of Their Own” can be found on the as the latest gadget or toy, the power behind Hudson was one of 70 people who attended the organization’s website www.ascd.org or by clicking on the these devices is astounding. Within the pockets of summit, which was in recognition of National Autism article directly at ASCD Express. students are some of the most powerful learning Awareness Month. Attendees included self-advocates, “It was quite gratifying to reach that wide of an audience. tools that currently exist. Unfortunately, most parents, researchers, educators and practitioners. It gives our agency pretty wide exposure. Anytime you can teachers and students have not realized this power. “Each of us contributed to the conversation,” Hudson show our agency as relevant and adaptive, it is a good thing.” In many districts, students are asked to power said. “The ideas from our discussions will impact Reed said. down. and influence the revision and reauthorization of the ESC Superintendent Bart Anderson said it’s always There is much debate about eRate Combating Autism Act.” important to have ESC employees demonstrate their requirements for filtering Internet access for students and the potential for lost OCALI will present a National Autism Leadership knowledge and our agency expertise. funding. When they bring their own technology, it becomes more difficult to put Summit in conjunction with its own conference in “This exposure also provides a means to validate our the filtering in place and to manage it. I think the question becomes, should we be November. The summit will bring together national professional development work,” Anderson said. “We like to filtering? It is something that I struggled with everyday as a director of technology. partners and focus on the alignment and integration of think of ourselves as a leading educational service agency We are told that we have to protect children from getting to inappropriate materials systems, paralleling the conversation at the White House in the country; therefore, it’s necessary for us to maintain on the Internet and of course we have to keep in mind the stranger danger concept. event. national exposure. More importantly, it’s a credibility defining My intent here is not to down play these risks; they are real. However, there are “Our presence at the White House event underscores opportunity.” dangers in the world no matter how our children access it. We don’t hide them in a the work we’re doing at OCALI and across the field of Reed and Dempsey showcased two ESC-based PLCs closet away from danger, we teach them to be safe. We teach them about the Golden autism. It confirmed that we’re going in the right direction,” in their article – Learning Leaders Network and Educational Rule. We teach them how to cross the street safely. We teach them how to be aware Hudson said. “It makes me proud to be part of OCALI. Leadership Brown Bag. of their surroundings. We should be doing the same with technology. If we are not, We’re not just doing good work in Ohio, but across the Educational Leadership Brown Bag has grown to be quite I believe we are putting them at risk. Technology does not change how we behave country.” popular. While PLCs are common for teachers and other as a community. In December 2009, the Centers for Disease Control education professionals, Brown Bag’s focus on curriculum As a technologist, I know that when I go to sleep – somewhere in the world and Prevention issued a report concluding that the directors makes it unique, Reed said. someone has created something new and innovative – I wake up obsolete. This is a prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 110 births For Deputy Superintendent Tom Goodney, the ASCD good thing because I get to run the race all over again. I learn the newest technology in the United States and almost 1 in 70 boys. Currently, publication reinforces the point that employees should be and figure out how it fits into my life and so it should be with all educators. In the there are 1.5 million Americans living with the effects of active in their respective professional associations and make Information Age, we are not the knowers-of-all; we have an opportunity to learn from autism spectrum disorder. contributions through research, advocacy or commentary. and with our students to become their partners in the endeavor we call education. To help people affected by autism, Hudson said it’s “It shows our emphasis on professional development and While they may know the technology, we understand teaching and learning. Instead important to stress interagency collaboration. the partnerships we’ve been able to build with highly regarded of spending our time every year updating acceptable use policies, I think it would “The work we do is because of the individuals and organizations who are pursuing aligned work that improves be more educationally appropriate to create units of learning around embedded families,” Hudson said. “We want individuals with autism public education,” Goodney said. technology use as learning tools for our students. to be active, productive and contributing members of The ESC of Central Ohio’s innovation is what will keep it The concept of BYOT is powerful and takes the burden of cost from the schools their community. Ultimately, it’s about trying to promote on the forefront, Reed said. and from the community, while at the same time opening up learning opportunities a better quality of life for the individuals and the families, “It helps us make our case that ESCs are relevant,” Reed that never existed before for all students. It is time to have our students power up supporting good work in Ohio and influencing the national said. “We can add value to the work of the profession.” A for learning. A dialogue.” A Dee McGlothlin is coordinator of instructional technology for the ESC of Central Ohio.

30 APTITUDE APTITUDE 31 Unpacking the Common Core

Social Studies/Science/Technical Location Oct. 27, 2011 ESC of Central Ohio Dec. 14, 2011 2080 Citygate Drive Columbus, OH 43219 English Language Arts Nov. 1, 2011 Time 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Mathematics Cost Nov. 4, 2011 Member Districts: $99 Dec. 2, 2011 Non-Member Rate: $149 Register Register online through the MyLearningPlan link on Educators will develop an understanding of www.escofcentralohio.org how to integrate best practice research for ELA, Mathematics and Social Studies/Science/ Questions Technical subjects. Please contact Sandy Denney at Participants will be eligible for one-hour Ashland [email protected] University graduate credit available for an or 614.542.4111 additional $249 if attending two content areas.