Running head: Signature assignment 1

Signature Assignment: Grant Proposal Technology Toward a Better Future

Jayme E Fites

Arizona State University

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Abstract

Melvin E Sine School, located within the Glendale Elementary Unified School District is one

which has a large number of teachers and staff who are dedicated to the success and academic

achievement of their students. Melvin E Sine School unfortunately, like that of many other

schools, has been impacted by the lack of educational funding within the state. This grant

proposal would fund Ms. Fites English Language Arts classroom with 35 laptop carts. They will

be utilized throughout the school year to enhance the in-class learning environment, add to the

students academic success by preparing them for college, and be a crucial tool in a trial-based

project that will influence their transition into high school, college, and their future careers. With

the success of this year-long based project, the school would like to continue the implementation

of this project for future school years to come.

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Signature Assignment: Grant Proposal Technology Toward a Better Future

School Narrative

Melvin E Sine School (MSS) is a 7th and 8th grade middle school that is in the Glendale

Elementary Unified School District (GEUSD). GEUSD is currently ranked a 7 out of 10 among

Arizona schools, while MSS ranks only a 3 out of 10. MSS currently has approximately 720

students enrolled with a teacher/student ratio at 18:1. Unfortunately, MSS currently has a

shortage of teachers, and therefore if a teacher is absent from instruction, classes often are cut,

shortened or made longer, which impedes teachers prep time for lesson planning.

Demographically, MSS currently has a student population of mostly Hispanic Decent. 67.% of

the population are Hispanic, 17.5% White, 8.8% African American, 3.3% American Indian, and

the remaining percentages range from Asian, Pacific Islander, or two or more races. The gender

distribution is relatively equal with male students at 51%. Socioeconomically, there are

approximately 82.9% of students that qualify for free lunch with the National School Lunch

Program, 8.2% eligible for reduced lunch and the remainder are ineligible.

Unfortunately, MSS is currently ranked with lower test scores than most other elementary

schools in Arizona, and only about 3% of the students are enrolled in The Gifted and Talented

(G&T) program. There are approximately 15% of students at MSS that are not proficient in

English, and 15% of students that have a learning disability. I feel that this is one of the biggest

reasons why proper funding and the use of technological infusion in the classroom would be
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beneficial, not only to enhance student learning, but also to better prepare students for

assessments like AZ Merit. Additionally, the use of technology in and outside of the home help

can help alleviate potential learning gaps that students may have when transitioning from

Elementary to Middle School, to High School.

The surrounding community demographics of GEUSD that fall within the surrounding

zip code of MSS are as follows: 48% of families make less than $30,000 a year, while 39% make

between $30-75,000 a year. The majority household size at 40% is 2-3 persons. There are 53%

in the workforce, while 35% are not in the labor force, and 11% unemployed. There are 26% of

the population that lie between the age range of 10-24 and may be considered an adolescent. The

populations education levels are as follows: 3% with graduate degrees, 33% containing a

bachelors or associates, 30% with high school diplomas, and 30% that have less than a high

school diploma. AreaVibes reports that Glendales crime rate is 102% higher than the national

average and on any given day, there is a 1:18 chance of being the victim to a crime.

Additionally, Glendales crime rate is increasing over time.

GEUSD currently has a wide range of technology tools available for both students and

teachers. Various schools have Windows desktop computers, SMART Boards, document

cameras (Aver Media and HoverCam), Windows Laptops, Microsoft Multipoint Service devices,

and Chromebooks. However, MSS is currently limited to these technologies. There are many

SMART Boards at MSS as well as approximately 4 to 5 desktop computers in every classroom, a

set of computers in the library, and has two computer labs for rotating classes. Select teachers

have laptop carts in their classrooms, but every class does not have this benefit. Additionally,

from my observations, the teachers are more comfortable using dated technology such as white

boards and overhead projectors for their lessons. The students are very engaged when working
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with the SMART Boards; however, they are currently being used as inclusive teaching aids,

rather than infusing them into the lessons themselves.

I feel that MSS would see a great improvement in both student behavior, retention,

participation and assessments with the use of more advanced technology within the school and

the classroom. The use of technology would help the students travel through the virtual web and

explore diverse interests, while preparing them for higher education in later years. MSS

currently has a no electronics policy that is directly stated in the Parent Handbook. Students are

greatly discouraged from bringing laptops, tablets, or cell phones to campus, due to the concern

for protecting their personal property. Cell phones are confiscated if they are seen, as they pose a

great distraction and become a teaching barrier. However, having the tools on campus for the

students to use, such as laptops, SMART Boards, and the use of various software and web

accesses that promote student engagement and learning, would allow for the students to be

submersed in technology in a controlled, safe, and educational environment.

I propose that MSS should receive laptop carts for the students and the teachers both to

utilize in every classroom. Other teachers as well as myself have specifically stressed the need

for more technology in our lessons and proper training for the tools that we do already have on

campus to use. The main concern of not having access to laptops for each student, is that

students are behind on the knowledge and skills needed in todays technology world. The

AzMERIT assessment, given by the Arizona Department of Education, is my biggest concern.

The students have been studying throughout the school year for these assessments, but are not

receiving the tools they need in order to successfully pass this test. AzMERIT is currently tested

on a computer. The students are expected to pass the standardized tests, which include having
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the ability to type and use proper grammar and punctuation when writing essays, but the students

experience is close to none.

I feel that implementing laptop carts in every classroom will greatly enrich lesson

planning, and keep students engaged while preparing them for higher education. Students will

be able to discover diverse web applications, learning tools, and be able to work and collaborate

on assignments with the wide range of virtual classroom websites. The students will become

proficient in typing and can also take advantage of the many other teaching tools that will

literally be at their fingertips and can be confident in their ability to pass AzMerit. Additionally,

I feel that providing us with this technological resource will allow us to move forward on career

building projects that will help students become engaged in their future. We will help the

students pave pathways in which they can explore various high schools, colleges, careers and

assist them in getting a head start on building personal portfolios. The use of this technology

would assist our MSS students in starting a foundation for their future learning and careers.

Project Based Learning

My goal this school year is to inspire my students to begin to take interest in their future,

whether it is graduating high school, applying and attending colleges, or beginning a new career.

Below I have outlined a project that my students will participate in that will aim to spark their

interests in higher education as well as prepare them for the career world. The activities leading

up to the final project will consist of workshops that help enhance my students professional

writing, critical thinking, internet researching, typing skills, and resume and portfolio building.

The students will research ways on how to reach out to their community and learn how to

network with staff, students, and various community agencies within their school district. The

completion of this project will consist of a community-based event fair, similar to a career day,
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where students can showcase their best work, their strengths and talents, and their hobbies and

interests. The students will get the chance to speak with members of the community that work

and teach in diverse career fields, as well as college advisors and high school academic

counselors. I feel that this project will greatly influence their goals and aspirations and will

inspire them continue to grow and develop. The requested technology would be a great benefit

in helping to ensure that this project is successful and will act as a trial run for future school

years to participate in similar projects.

Goals and Objectives

Below I have provided an outline for the expected goals and objectives for my students. I

have broken down each activity and have listed the goals for each one in bullet point format for

visual clarity. Each student will input their best work from each activity into their showcase

portfolio. Some of these objectives and goals can be expressed in diverse learning formats that

encompass the diverse learning styles of students such as visual, auditory, reading/writing, and

kinesthetic. The purpose of using multiple learning styles is to ensure that students have equal

participation and understanding of the activities for which we are completing. For the purposes

of this section, I have given the general activity, and have further developed the other learning

styles within my lesson plan that can be found on page [ ]. (Later portion of Sig. Assign.)

Basics of Typing

Students will utilize a free, online web resource such as www.typingclub.com at home

and during set aside class time to complete activities that will enhance and improve their

typing speed and correctness. Students will spend at least 15-30 minutes a day on typing

activities to prepare them for other components of future activities.

Research and Internet Tools, Resources and Etiquette

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Students will analyze and interpret the selected lesson plan hand out that provides a clear

explanation of proper use of internet resources and etiquette as well as credible research

tools available to them.

Students will gain access and utilize the given Symbaloo resource tool that is a

compilation of school approved resources that I have put together that contain various

databases and technology tools that students can use to enhance their research,

knowledge and assignments.

Students will complete a brief assessment to test their knowledge and understanding of

research and internet etiquette.

Research Day Who am I and what do I want to accomplish in life?

Students will be given a prompt that asks the above question, and will write a brief

paragraph in answer. Students will compile a list of 5 personality traits that they posses

and a list of 5 goals that they wish to accomplish in the next 10 years.
Students will then research the How to? of accomplishing main goals and research

which jobs that fit their personality traits

Students will take an online personality characteristic assessment that results in various

career options that would be best suited for them.

Students will either pick a career that has been generated or choose one of their own

liking and collect the following information:

-What are the duties and responsibilities of this career?

-What are the recommended skills and knowledge required for this position?

-What is the required educational background for this position?

-Would you make enough money in this position to support yourself?

-What type of benefits does this position offer for you?

Resume and Cover Letter - High School / College Research / Workshop
Students will use their research that they have obtained from a future career, high school,

or college to create a cover letter and resume that is aimed toward showcasing their
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various talents, accomplishments, interests and awards. This resume and cover letter will

be an application for admission to either the high school, college, or job position that they

chose in the previous activity.

Students will work with their peers to create mock interview sessions in which they will

they will present their resume and cover letter, and answer pre-created questions as if

they were being interviewed. Following the mock-interview, students will be provided

with detailed and constructive feedback from their peers.

Students will participate in a final mock-interview with myself once their edits have been

made via their peers feedback. Students will receive detailed feedback from myself as

well.
Business Letter to a state senator
Students will implement their keyboarding skills and previous research to write a formal

business letter to their state senator to request funding for technological advancements

(lab top carts) in their classroom. Students will express how they feel the technology will

enhance their learning experience in the classroom and how it will benefit the school as a

whole. Students will participate in peer review and editing and keep a copy of their letter

as part of their portfolio.

Create a Portfolio
Students will collect their best scored work from the school year in addition to the most

recent activities and create a portfolio style of their choice (either digital or visual hard

copy) to submit and be assessment for completion and to showcase at our final event.

Fundraise and Networking

The next portion of this activity will consist of students actively engaging with their peers

in order to brainstorm fundraising ideas as well as logistics for our final event. The purpose

of hosting a fundraiser is so students may be able to showcase their portfolios in a higher

education / future career day. I feel that it is important that I allow my students to have minor
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supervised control over this section of the activity. This will allow them the independence to

make decisions and prepare them for these types of projects they will see in the future. The

students will learn the importance of collaboration in order to come up with a decision that

best represents and supports this event.

Students will work in teams that are each assigned different tasks in relation to the final

event. The teams will consist of a fundraising team that will oversee putting on the

fundraisers and / or finding sponsors and donations, an outer networking team that will work

with the community to find spokespersons and volunteers in various career fields that are

willing attend the event, an inner networking team that will work with our school and other

schools within the district to invite advisors, counselors, teachers, students, and

administrative staff to attend, our final team will be in charge of the venue, putting together

the materials of the event, the dcor, the food and drinks, table set ups, etc. Each team will

have an open source of communication and will post updates as needed onto our virtual

Edmodo classroom.

Essential Questions

Throughout this project, students will be asked many questions that will spark their

creative interests and inspire them to look forward into the future towards their higher education

and careers goals. Some of these initial questions have been stated above, but there are many

more than should be addressed:

1. What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses and how will you utilize them or

improve on them to ensure you are well prepared for what comes after middle school?
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2. You have written a business letter to your state senator requesting more funding for your

school; how do you feel that this technological advancement would benefit not only your

school, but other schools in lower-income areas across the United States?
3. Why do you feel it is important to designate rolls to various group members and break

big projects into small team based assignments, rather than having everyone work

individually, or all together as one large group?

4. Why do you feel that professional workshops, such as the ones we have been working on

during this past unit, are needed on a more consistent basis in schools? What do you feel

has changed over the last few decades that contributes to this type of necessary

preparation?
5. During our showcase event, you will have a chance to speak with diverse people who all

come from different walks of life, work in diverse fields, and have diverse educational

backgrounds. What do you want to learn from your local community? What do you

hope to gain from this experience?

6. How will you use these activities, and these experiences in the future? How will they

help you become closer to your goals?

The Need for Technological Infusion

There are too many schools within the United States that are technologically limited due

to a lack of funding and resources. Many schools, like MSS, have a negative outlook on the use

of technology in schools, and would rather prohibit the use of it altogether, rather than learn how

to infuse it into the classroom efficiently. Less than 10 years ago, as a high school student, I

remember how frowned upon having a cell phone at school was; it was only considered an

unnecessary distraction. Computer labs were only utilized for teaching students how to type, but

it was not required. I did not write my first resume and cover letter until I was applying for my

first job, with little to no preparation of how a resume should be formatted or how to use
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professional language. I was not well prepared for the real world upon graduating from high

school, nor when I entered college. Finally, I was absolutely terrified of social interactions and

professional communication that I nearly failed my first job interview.

As a teacher in a low-income area such as MSS, I sense the same feelings of doubt and

discouragement among my students when it comes to their future. I feel that many students are

less concerned with their future and cant find a starting point, or are too afraid to seek out

guidance. I feel that it is absolutely necessary to prepare students for the world in which they are

about to step into. We now live in a world that continues to progress through the use of

technology, and it is important that we are able to move and adapt with it, rather than fall behind

it. If students dont have the very basic forms of technology and the knowledge required to use

them, they are going to have a very difficult time progressing through high school, higher

education, and into a successful life-long career.

This project would give my students the basic tools that they need to be successful. It

will teach those basic technological functions, professional etiquette, high school and college

preparation, interview and job preparation, in addition to an improvement of their team building

and social skills. It will allow them the freedom to make their own choices, and give them a

better idea of how to brainstorm critical thinking in everyday-type scenarios. It will implement

various uses of technology that they will more than likely be using in their everyday in the

future. Most importantly, I hope that it will inspire them to take control of their future; I hope it

will engage them and motivate them to branch out and try new experiences, and teach them new

skills and traits that they never knew they could accomplish. I want the success for all of my

students, and I would hope to see the successful completion of this project to be used as a base

for future projects to come for upcoming students.

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Not only will this project be beneficial to my students, but it will also play an important

role for myself, our school and our community. A project as big as ours allows myself to obtain

a more personal relationship with each of my students and allows me to share it with their

parents. It helps me learn their characteristics, their strengths, and areas for opportunity and will

allow me to teach them one-on-one and help them move forward in areas that they may be

struggling with. It will create transparent communication between my students, their peers, their

parents and the school staff as well as the community. When my students showcase their best

work, they will be able to show diverse members of our school and volunteers in diverse career

fields what they have been working on and what goals after middle school that they will be

working towards. This project will ensure that the community continues to get involved, as we

will seek out agency members, career spokespersons, and other schools in the area to play a part

in future projects like ours to come.

Please see the appendix for the ISTE standards that will be used for this project.

Formative and Summative Assessment

Basics of Typing

Formative: Students progress on www.typingclub.com will be checked based on accuracy, speed

and time and recorded in a teacher journal to ensure they are progressing over time. Students

who are falling behind the class average will be able to have additional time to work on their

keyboarding after daily assignments have been completed.

Summative: A final typing test will be provided at a free website similar to typingtest.com where

students will be able to be assessed on their final accuracy and WPM.

Research and Internet Tools, Resources and Etiquette

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Formative: Students will be checked regularly to ensure they are following the standards of

internet research etiquette and use of provided resources.

Research Day Who am I and what do I want to accomplish in life?

Formative: Students will be checked for basic understanding, research etiquette, and will be

expected to present a rough outline / draft that answers the three main questions of their research

paper, which is addressed within the lesson plan. The outline will be graded on the completion

of three topic ideas that they will be researching, and will have to provide at least one source

where they will obtain their information.

Summative: Each students will turn in a three-page report that addresses their school of career

or choice, the requirements needed, and their plan of action. The three-page report, including

their initial journal entre and research progress will be evaluated based on the quality of the

work. The work will be checked for page number completion and will additionally thoroughly

analyze the research that was done for the specific topic at hand. The paper itself will be

checked for various spelling and grammatical errors, MLA format, and for a correct reference

page. Thorough and constructive feedback will be given for each individual piece of the

assignment that will aim to help students increase their knowledge and professional skills as it

relates to applying and interviewing for a placement in a school or job position.

Resume and Cover Letter - High School / College Research / Workshop

Formative: Students will be checked for understanding as they create their resumes and cover

letters as they pertain to their research. Students will utilize their research to create a rough draft

resume and cover letter to which they will present to their peers, and myself for editing and

feedback.
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Summative: Students will turn in a final resume and cover letter that presents themselves as a

candidate for the potential position as a student or as an employee. The outline with constructive

feedback with be juxtaposed with the final draft for correction of errors and for implementation

of recommendations from both their peers and myself.

Business Letter to a state senator

Formative: Students will progress through our business letter unit and provide multiple drafts of

business letters written to local companies to persuade them to enhance their product in some

way, or to donate specific items to help improve their school. Students will be graded on the

correctness of their business letters regarding grammar, spelling, and business letter-format, and

relevancy.

Summative: Students will turn in a final business letter, addressed to their state senator,

requesting more funding for their schools to help implement technological advances that would

enhance their academic success. The final letters will be graded for completeness, grammar and

spelling, format, references, and relevancy, before being sent out in the mail.

Create a Portfolio

Formative: Students will be given select resources to create a digital or hard-copy portfolio.

Students will be given specific tasks to add various projects that they have worked on throughout

the year into their portfolio. Each week students portfolios will be turned in and graded for

completeness to ensure the correct assignments have been uploaded for showcasing for their

peers and myself.

Summative: Students will turn in a final portfolio that they will be ready to prepare at our final

event. The final portfolio will be graded on professional appearance, submission of the required
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assignments that have been peer and teacher edited and improved, grammar, spelling, relevancy,

and references.

Fundraise and Networking

Formative: Students will be monitored as they are working with their groups to check for

relevant time spend researching and creating their ideas. Students will each have to turn in

weekly updates via their Edmodo page to share with the rest of the class and myself. Students

will have to weekly provide me a list of their resources, budgets, and community agencies that

will be volunteering at our final fundraiser.

Summative: Students will be allowed time to collaborate with the other groups to plan and

present a group presentation that goes over the logistics of the event, the time and place, the

people that will be attending, the costs, the donations, and any fundraisers necessary to ensure

the event can be funded. Each group will have 5 minutes to discuss their role in within the event

fair. Each group will be given a grade based off of their presentation time, professionalism, use

of resources, and completion of needed tasks in order to successfully put on the event fair.

Assessment Tools

Students will be able to use a wide variety of tools for assessment. Their main tool for

assessment will be their personal laptops and portfolios which they will utilize for their research,

typing accumulation of assignments. They will also be using hard materials such as pencils,

paper, pens, the SMART board, the white board, construction paper, dictionaries, encyclopedias

and other common items found in the classroom for daily activity use.

Technology Support
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MSS currently has one laptop cart with thirty-six laptops which are utilized by one

teacher at a time, normally only for testing purposes. These laptop carts are maintained through

the IT department. However, without the use of further technological advancement that includes

the laptops, the students would have a very difficult time researching for assignments, enhancing

their typing skills, and generating written reports and assignments that they will need to know

how to do later in life in higher education. The laptops would remove the boundary of having to

reserve the computer lounge for specific times, that are often limited to a couple times a year due

to the lack of space within the school and the amount of use that the computer lounge receives.

Laptops would be ultimate resource in ensuring that their career fair project is successful and

will greatly benefit their professional and academic skills as well.

Project Sustainment and Innovation

The successful completion of this project, would allow implementation for future school

years to come. The project itself mainly utilizes the laptop carts for much of the work regarding

the project. The volunteers, fundraising, and career-fair event itself is organized by each 8 th

grade class for each school year, with the help and supervision from teachers and staff. MSS can

have a name for itself in the community and within the district, as a school that motivates their

students to academically succeed in high school, college, and in their professional lives. Their

students will be well prepared for the academic challenges that high school and college pose,

while inspiring them to dream big and create goals for themselves that they wish to accomplish

not only in middle school, but throughout their entire lives.

Budget Table and Narrative

The following budget table represents the funding needed in order to obtain the laptops

within my class; they are required for the implementation of this project. I am requesting enough
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laptops that will provide each student the capability to be working on project assignments and

typing assignments individually to allow for more efficient practices. I have also noted the

laptop cart which will be required for charging the laptops on a nightly basis, to ensure students

can come into class ready to work. There is also the funding needed for computer mice, as this

allows students to work and navigate much more quickly and efficiently. The G Suite for

education has been added at no cost, and gives students access to Googles Classroom, Mail,

Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and much more.

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References

A. (n.d.). Glendale, AZ Crime. Retrieved March 08, 2017, from

http://www.areavibes.com/glendale-az/crime/

Glendale AZ 85301 Demographics - Movoto. (n.d.). Retrieved March 08, 2017, from

http://www.movoto.com/glendale-az/85301/demographics/
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Appendix

ISTE Standards for teachers

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity

a. Promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness

b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems

using digital tools and resources

c. Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students

conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes

d. Model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students,

colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments

2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments

a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and

resources to promote student learning and creativity

b. Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to

pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own

educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress

c. Customize and personalize learning activities to address students diverse learning

styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources

d. Provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments

aligned with content and technology standards, and use resulting data to inform

learning and teaching

3. Model digital age work and learning

a. Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge

to new technologies and situations

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b. Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital

tools and resources to support student success and innovation

c. Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and

peers using a variety of digital age media and formats

d. Model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate,

analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning
4. Promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility

a. Advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and

technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate

documentation of sources

b. Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies

providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources

c. Promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to

the use of technology and information

ISTE Standards for teachers

1. Creativity and innovation

b. Create original works as a means of personal or group expression

2. Communication and collaboration

b. Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety

of media and formats

c. Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of

other cultures

d. Contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems

3. Research and information fluency

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a. Plan strategies to guide inquiry

b. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a

variety of sources and media

c. Evaluate and select information sources and digital tools bas

4. Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making

a. Identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation

b. Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project

c. Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions

d. Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions

5. Digital citizenship

a. Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology

b. Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration,

learning, and productivity

c. Demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning

d. Exhibit leadership for digital citizenship

6. Technology operations and concepts

a. Understand and use technology systems

b. Select and use applications effectively and productively