Springfield Public Schools is committed to the academic success of all students and clearly recognizes the importance of technology as an integral part of teaching and learning to meet this goal. Back in 2004, the Springfield School Board adopted the Springfield Quality Education Model (SQEM) which clearly identified District values in the area of instructional technology which are still relevant today. The SQEM made the following recommendations:
- Discover new ways to use technology as a learning tool;
- Use technology to provide individualized instruction;
- Place more emphasis on instructional technology as part of the educational program; and
- Provide ongoing training for teachers and staff to support these goals.
These recommendations laid the ground work for a renewed focus on instructional technology, precipitating the following series of events:
- In 2004, the Board authorized funds for the first one-to-one laptop initiative in an Oregon public school. This program was implemented at Springfield Middle School.
- In 2006, working with local legislators, the Board helped sponsor a bill that would support research on how additional funding could be made available to support technology integration in K-12 schools across the state.
- In 2007, the Board authorized funding for a full-time instructional technologist to guide staff in the further integration of technology. As a direct result of the leadership of the Springfield School Board, we now have an expanding instructional technology program that can serve as a model for other districts.
- In 2011, the Board continues to recognize the importance of technology integration by formulating a Board goal that identifies the importance of “technology rich classrooms.
