Technology Program

Tassajara Hills Elementary School provides an enriched learning environment that promotes the use of technology and supplies the resources to integrate technology into the daily educational curriculum of our students, thereby achieving or exceeding the SRVUSD and National Educational Technology Standards.

Our teachers are independent users of technology, utilizing computers and presentation equipment in the teaching process to engage and motivate students to become active participants in their education.

Project-based computer lessons are developed and delivered collaboratively by classroom teachers and technology instructional specialists, focusing on the use of technology as a transparent tool to enhance understanding of core curriculum subject matter for math, science, social studies and language arts.

We have a 32 PC, computer center completely equipped with multimedia projection and sound system (Measure A funded). Classrooms also have fully networked computers for daily student use with a 1:5 computer to student ratio in most classrooms and a 20 computer mobile lab available to achieve a 1:1 ratio when needed. Over 200 computers on our campus are continuously being replaced on a five year (at best) recycle period.

Five classroom sets of AlphaSmart word processors are used in grades 1 – 5 throughout the year to teach keyboarding and for word processing, originating stories, reports, newsletter, brochures, etc. Ninety percent of published work begins with these AlphaSmart word processors.

In the classroom, teachers engage students using presentation projectors to deliver lectures enhanced with images, videos and instant assessment quizzes/remote answering devices.

Students learn to use electronic research tools such as the internet, online library catalog, and subscription based multimedia sites to gather and analyze information. Internet safety and ethical issues are addressed beginning in 1st grade. All students use Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) as well as other educational software like Easybook, Kid Pix, and Harcourt Math.

In addition to curriculum support, our school technology specialists initiate all technology related purchases, install, maintain, and support all technology hardware and software including computers, printers, multimedia equipment, cameras, email, etc. They develop and present after school enrichment programs to students and professional development to teachers and staff as well as supporting staff with day to day problems. The technology specialists administer and support the school instruction network, the parent-school email communication system and our wonderful Tassajara Hills website, www.tassajarahills.com.

An active parent and staff technology committee meets regularly to continually assess our ever changing technology needs. Tassajara Hills Foundation and PTA provide sole funding for our technology specialists’ salaries and for all our technology needs (hardware, software, supplies, maintenance costs, subscriptions, replacement of old and failing equipment, etc.). Generous parent and corporate donations are the only financial support for our program. Together, we provide an environment where students, teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, and our local community work together to ensure a quality academic program supported by the wise and meaningful use of instructional technology.

SRVUSD Technology Standards