March+2011

No activity / TAKS testing
 * Week 1: 3/1/2011 - 3/5/2011**

As we get ready to take a much needed week off for Spring Break, I decided to train two ESL reading teachers on how to manage and administer Rosetta Stone in their classroom. Before the training I had to install the Rosetta Stone software on approximately 30 computers between two classrooms including the teacher stations. The Rosetta Stone installation is a lengthy one since the content is rich in video content and must be downloaded from one of our local servers. Once the software was installed, I had to also add the language packs needed for the training. I was paid for both the installation and the training using ACE funds. I am really happy to have a great ACE director who is fixed on increasing the use of technology in the classroom. Since the program was purchased for our campus with ACE funds and the teachers are employed after school specifically for our ESL population, the training took place after school. The target students are the recent immigrants with little to no English speaking skills. During the span of two days I trained Olga Torres and Irene Cadena on how to add users, remove users, change passwords, add languages and other administrative tasks. Next, I took them on a tour of Rosetta Stone so they see exactly how the student will interact with the software. Both teachers were extremely impressed (as was I) with the Rosetta Stone software. The program is a very pricey program but well worth the amount if you ask me. Teachers found it fairly easy to administer the accounts however we did run into the issue of licensing. Since the program is so expensive, they only purchased a limited amount of licenses. Therefore, not all students can be logged in at the same time to use the program. As a remedy, they carefully chose only those students who they thought would greatly benefit from using Rosetta Stone. I believe that this program can really help our recent immigrants with the language acquisition. I hope that our school considers purchasing more licenses so more students can reap the benefits of this great software. I believe that his activity was related to and helped me master the following standards/indicators: TF-VI.C.1. / TF-I.A.1. / TF-IV.B.1. Although the buying decision was from the district level, I assisted these teachers in applying the appropriate technology resources to affirm the diversity and address cultural and language differences of our ESL/LEP population. The program is so sophisticated that teachers can use the reports to collect and analyze data and interpret their results to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning.
 * Week 2: 3/6/2011 - 3/12/2011: ESL/LEP Rosetta Stone Technology Training**

Sources: Williamson, J., & Redish, T. (2009). //ISTE's technology facilitation and leadership standards: what every K-12 leader should know and be able to do//. Eugene,OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

No school / Spring Break
 * Week 3: 3/13/2011 - 3/19/2011**

No activity
 * Week 4: 3/20/2011 - 3/26/2011**

No activity
 * Week 5: 3/27/2011 - 3/31/2011**