Following a year-long application process, nine local schools are being recognized for exceptional efforts aimed at promoting effective technology use among teachers and students.  Receiving the 2010 Achievement Through Technology and Innovation Award (ATTAIN) are Apollo Elementary, Cocoa High, Hoover Middle, Manatee Elementary, Meadowlane Intermediate, South Lake Elementary, Stone Middle, Suntree Elementary and West Shore Jr./Sr. High.

To be considered, schools must build a portfolio of evidence that illustrates a systemic commitment to successful technology integration.  Submitted portfolios are then evaluated by technology leaders from Florida’s K-20 community.  Twenty five reviewers representing 19 different districts, a university and the Department of Education were all involved in the scoring process.

The latest ATTAIN honorees join six elementary schools that earned the distinction in 2009:  Croton, Harbor City, Ocean Breeze, Quest, Sunrise and Surfside.

The purpose of this award is to identify and promote outstanding technology practices in Brevard Public Schools. Consistent with the national standards put forth by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), the award endorses efforts aimed at ensuring the necessary conditions to effectively leverage technology for teaching and learning.

More specifically, the award seeks to recognize and uphold the following attributes associated with ISTE’s Essential Conditions:

• Shared Vision—Proactive leadership in developing a shared vision for educational technology among school personnel, students, parents, and the community
• Implementation Planning—A systemic plan aligned with a shared vision for school effectiveness and student learning through the infusion of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and digital learning resources
• Skilled Personnel—Educators and support staff skilled in the use of ICT appropriate for their job responsibilities
• Ongoing Professional Learning—Technology-related professional learning plans and opportunities with dedicated time to practice and share ideas
• Student-Centered Learning—Use of ICT to facilitate engaging approaches to learning
• Engaged Communities—Partnerships and collaboration within the community to support the use of ICT and digital resources.