Technology Programs and Resources

New 2014-15 Technology Programs and Resources!

New for 2014-15:

Washington Middle School is proud to feature several new or expanded technology-based programs and classes for the 2014-15 school year.  These programs include:

  • Expansion of Project Lead the Way (PLTW) classes in the areas of Flight/Aerodynamics and Coding.
  • Expansion of 1:1 iPads in both the 6th and 7th grades. 
  • Expansion of TSMA throughout Science and other subject areas.  
  • New Adobe design programs in Advanced Computers.  
  • Expansion of 6th grade Exploratory elective classes for use with iPads, including Pre-TSMA, Pre-AVID, Road Trip Nation, Spanish, and Math Intervention using St-Math. 
  • Creation of an integrated Math Intervention/PLTW class allowing students to receive additional support in math while also participating in PLTW.  
  • New integration of Haiku learning management software within all content areas to prepare students for 21st century learning environments.  
  • New availability of Google Apps for Education (GAFE) accounts for all staff and students to encourage digital collaboration.  
  • New computer-based MAP assessments to prepare students for 21st century computer-based Common Core assessments.  

Technology Resources:

At Washington Middle School, both teachers and students are supported by an strong variety of technology resources; below is an overview of the resources that are available on-campus:

  • Over 600 student iPads (1:1 program in 6th and 7th grade for 2014-15).  
  • Four computer labs, including to brand new, state of the art labs in rooms 7 and 9.  
  • Seven mobile laptop carts for use with programs such as Read 180, System 44, Expert 21, Road Trip Nation, after-school robotics, and ST Mah (JiJi), as well as for use in all content areas.  
  • A Kindle Fire cart, mainly used for English Language Arts, but also available for all content areas.  
  • Numerous classrooms equipped with resources such as projectors, interactive white boards, and document cameras.  

Technology-based Programs:

Washington Middle School also offers a number of programs that are technology-based or utilize technology daily during classroom instruction.  Below is an overview of the the programs that are currently available (some of the programs have links which you can click on to access additional information on the program):

Learning Management programs:

Haiku Learning is 

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs: 

  • Project Lead the Way (PLTW)- PLTW is a rigorous and innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education curricular program used in middle and high schools across the U.S. PLTW engages students in activities, projects, and problem-based (APPB) learning, which provides hands-on classroom experiences. Students create, design, build, discover, collaborate and solve problems while applying what they learn in math and science. They're also exposed to STEM fields through professionals from local industries who supplement the real-world aspect of the curriculum through mentorships and workplace experiences.
  • Technology, Science, and Math Academy (TSMA)- TSMA is a supplement to a student's science course.  In TSMA, students utilize technology to expand on the topics that are covered in core science classes.  

Math Programs:

  • Flipped Classroom- Some math teachers use resources such as Khan Academy and various iPad apps to create a flipped classroom concept.  In a flipped classroom, students primarily use videos/presentations to learn math concepts, rather than direct instruction lectures. Classroom time that is traditionally spent for lecture and guided practice is utilized instead for independent practice, during which the teacher is able to carefully monitor student progress and provide feedback and support as needed.  The flipped classroom approach has several benefits, including more individualization for each student, closer progress monitoring, and more opportunity for small group and 1:1 support from the teacher.  
  • ST Math- ST Math, developed by the Mind Research Institute in Irvine, CA, is a unique visual, non-language-based approach to teaching math — delivered through our ST Math instructional software.

Reading/Language Arts Programs:

  •  Read 180/System 44- Read 180/System 44 is an intensive core replacement reading intervention programs which is designed to support students to accelerate student progress in the area of reading.  During a Read 180/System 44 block, students spend about 20 minutes working on adaptive and individualized reading software.  
  • Expert 21- Expert 21 is a supplemental English Language Arts program that prepares students for the literacy demands of the 21st Century through a powerful combination of explicit instruction, inquiry-based learning, contemporary and relevant literature and informational texts, real-world writing and projects, and supportive technology.
  • Accelerated Reader (AR)- AR serves as the practice component of a comprehensive reading program by promoting personalized practice combined with data to monitor and manage that practice. With nearly 70,000 nonfiction titles, it's easy to integrate content-area reading practice as well.

Computer Skills Programs-

Computer publishing- In Computer Publishing, students use programs to create media such as digital news papers, websites, and videos.  

Advanced Computers- In Advanced Computers, students learn to use the Microsoft Suite of programs, as well as Adobe design programs while completing real-world and hands-on assignments.  

Physical Education Programs:

  • Advanced PE- In advanced PE, students use technology to further investigate the skills and concepts taught in PE through activities related to sciences such as physics and kinesiology.