District 15 provides a 21st century learning environment with technology resources to enhance student learning. All classroom teachers use ceiling-mounted LCD projectors, document cameras, and laptop computers to access interactive instructional materials. Students have access to computers and/or laptops. Elementary classrooms also have a set of desktop computers. All classrooms have access to mobile devices with a wide range of applications for learning and assessment. Since we are a Google Apps for Education district, all students in District 15 have a Google account, where they can utilize cloud-based storage to create and save their work. A 1:1 Chromebook program for students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 has been implemented.

TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS for K-8

21st century students are:

• Capable information technology users
• Information seekers, analyzers, and evaluators
• Problem solvers and decision makers
• Creative and effective users of productivity tools
• Communicators, collaborators, publishers, and producers
• Informed, responsible, and contributing citizens

From National Educational Technology Standards for Students—Connecting Curriculum and Technology published by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) NETS project.

The mission of School District 15 is to produce world-class learners by building a connected learning community.

World-class learners in the 21st century must be technology literate. Setting technology standards for our students is one of the ways we can fulfill our mission.

In District 15, technology skills are developed through coordinated activities that support learning and the curriculum. While some skills such as keyboarding must be taught as a standalone subject, it is not our intent to create a separate technology curriculum.

Technology skills must be incorporated into existing curriculum so that students have a clear understanding of not only the skill but its application as well.

A committee of District 15 teachers developed the technology standards for Grades K through 8. Multiple groups within the District 15 community then reviewed the standards. Input from those groups was reviewed and the standards were revised to reflect that input. These standards were also shared with High School Districts 211 and 214 as part of a technology curriculum articulation effort among all of the school districts in northwest Cook County.

Work is being done to align these with the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS) from ISTE.

Media and technology are at the center of children’s lives every day and District 15 is committed to supporting positive student digital experiences. District 15’s Digital Citizenship curriculum empowers students to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly in their digital world. These future ready skills are essential for students to harness their full learning potential. Each monthly lesson provides student-centered, media-rich materials that emphasize skill building, critical thinking, ethical discussion, media creation, and decision making to students in all grade levels. Students are also taught what to do when they see something or interact with something online, or in a text message that makes them feel uncomfortable.

What curriculum/teaching do we have here in CCSD 15 for students?

More information

• Common Sense Media—If you would like to learn more about keeping your child safe online, visit commonsensemedia.org. Common Sense Media is the leading source for advice on helping parents navigate the digital world with their kids.
  
  
• Department of Education—The Office of Educational Technology provides a thorough Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide for families, with great tips, actionable plans, and conversation resources. 
  
  
• Healthy Kids.Org—Healthy Children, part of the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides a template for parents for an at home Family Media Plan that you can customize to your needs. Click here for your family plan.

Preparing students to be successful in a digital age and global economy is a responsibility that Community Consolidated School District 15 takes very seriously.

District 15 provides each student in Grades 3-8, and younger students in multi-grade classrooms with 3rd graders, a Chromebook, a protective case, charger, and licensing at no cost. Students in Grades K-2 will be assigned a device which will be sent home on days when inclement weather is forecast for use during an e-Learning day.

These items will remain the property of District 15 while going home with students over the summer.  Students continue to be held accountable to the Responsible Use Contract (see below) over the summer months. The next school year, students will continue using the same Chromebook.  

Students will be able to use their individual, district-issued Chromebooks to access G Suite for Education which are free learning tools that foster collaboration, exploration, and content creation.

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) has been developed to answer many questions that parents and students may have about this exciting new initiative. The FAQ and other information about the Chromebook initiative can be found on the District’s website.

Electronic networks, including the Internet, are a part of the District’s instructional program to help promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. Students and parents must read and sign the Network Use Agreement and Network Use Guidelines Letter of Agreement before students are granted use of the Internet. A copy of the agreement is available in all school offices and below.

Students who have a signed Network Use Guidelines Letter of Agreement form on file will, under the supervision of a staff member, be allowed to use the Internet to access appropriate learning resources. District 15 provides supervision and uses a commercial Internet filtering program to prevent access to materials that may be defamatory, inaccurate, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate in the school setting. It is impossible, however, to control all material, and a user may inadvertently discover inappropriate material. Ultimately, parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for setting and conveying standards for their children. Student use of inappropriate material or language or violation of copyright laws may result in a student’s loss of Internet privileges. Parents are legally responsible for their child’s actions.