IDE Corp. - Innovative Designs for Education

Taken from the Project Abstract

A joint project will be developed whereby fifth grade students in a Sparta Public School and a Haledon Public School will use teleconferencing and district learning activities to work together on a science lesson called "The Final Frontier". The project, which would involve sharing each other's World Language Programs and incorporating aspects of their science programs, will provide a unique learning experience while enhancing the acquisition of the essential skills required to assure the implementation of the NJCCCS for World Language. The technology that would be incorporated into the project would include long-distance learning, teleconferencing, virtual classroom, Web page design and email. Students will also have opportunities to meet each other face to face.

Both districts offer innovative programs in World Language. The newly created American Sign Language (ASL) Program in Sparta began with the 1999-2000 school year. The ASL Program offers fourth and fifth grade students an interactive and highly motivating introduction to a World Language and culture. Originally offered in Grades 6-8, the Elementary Spanish Program at Haledon was recently introduced at the second grade level. A variety of creative instructional modalities are utilized which provide for varying ability levels.

The two districts represent vastly different socioeconomic, racial and ethnic communities. The Sparta School District is located in the rural northwest corner of Sussex County. Sparta is a residential community covering an area of about 38 square miles. Haledon Public School is located in the east central section of Passaic County and is primarily a suburban residential community comprised of one and two family dwellings and small businesses. It is 1.3 square miles in size and located immediately west of the city of Paterson. The districts represent vastly different student populations. While Haledon is comprised of a culturally and ethnically diverse population, the Sparta student body is quite homogeneous.

Sparta and Haledon have identified several needs. Both districts believe this grant will allow them to address the needs to: 1) live and work cooperatively in a global community, 2) assure the implementation of the NJCCCS for World Language, 3) infuse technology into the curriculum as per the Districts' Technology Plans and the Statewide Strategic Plan and 4) provide teachers with sufficient and timely professional development in available technology as well as the implementation of the NJCCCS.

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