EAST PRAIRIE SCHOOL RECEIVES APPROVAL FOR TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. -- Being approved for eMINTS means being part of a project designed to show how cutting-edge technology, combined with first-class teaching, can take Missouri's classrooms into the 21st century.

Those districts selected for the program receive instructional technology, typically for second-, third- or fourth-grade classrooms.

The prospect of this happening at A.D. Martin Elementary definitely caught Cindy Griffin's attention. As the school's principal, she is determined to make certain her students receive the best education possible. The program will help.

Griffin applied for the program and recently learned hers was one of 40 Missouri public schools tentatively approved to participate in the eMINTS program.

Final approval is subject to successful negotiations between school districts, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Missouri Research and Education Network.

"I'm excited," said Griffin. "It's going to be such a wonderful thing for our district. I think part of the reason we were selected is because of our commitment to technology."

The district had 40 computers five years ago and today has more than 300.

"The whole district is dedicated to bringing advanced technology into the schools, and we've made a lot of progress," she said. Last year, 88 classrooms in 44 school districts throughout Missouri participated in the program, which is in its second year.

Participating districts must make a two-year commitment to the project.

For Griffin and other participants, having an eMINTS classroom will mean high-speed Internet connections, a multi-media teacher work station, software, SmartBoards, high-powered projector, a computer for every two students, digital camera, printer and related items such as videoconferencing equipment.

"We will use either a third- and fourth-grade classroom or two third-grade classrooms, we haven't decided yet," Griffin said. "According to the paperwork the equipment will be delivered this summer and once it arrives our teachers will have several hours of training in and out of the classroom."

Participating teachers receive four release days and 100 hours of professional development.

Also provided will be technical support and an aggressive professional development program for participating teachers, which will ensure the efficient operation of the classroom technologies and appropriate integration of the technologies into the curriculum.

Griffin thinks the project will also improve students' academic achievements and increase their motivation to learn.

"The possibilities and exposure the children are going to have are endless," she said.