Technology Literacy Assessment Project (TLAP)

Proposal to Colorado Department of Education
Power Results Grant Program

Executive Summary

Project Context and Goals. This proposal addresses the initial year of a multi-year technology literacy (TL) assessment project that moves the state toward transformative support for 21st century learning. Collaboratively conducted by a consortium of school districts and BOCES, the project builds on the experience obtained by consortium districts in developing and implementing a TL assessment instrument during 2007-08.

 

Project work will initially determine a common definition, standards, and proficiency criteria for TL, based on the CDE-endorsed standards, then develop or adapt an assessment instrument. The assessment will be available free to all Colorado school districts; variations in the mode of delivery will accommodate districts' divergent technology capacities. Districts may use this instrument, adapt it based on local needs, or create their own assessment. The project will devise common procedures for implementation, reporting, and data collection that apply to all districts which use the assessment instrument, and facilitate development of assessment analysis practices that improve both TL and content curricular and instructional design. The project will incorporate assessment and acquisition of TL into content standards and instructional practice. Dissemination efforts will seek opportunities to tie TL into content-area teaching and learning. These efforts will focus in particular on initiatives to revise the state’s content standards, improve students’ preparedness for postsecondary options, and adopt 21st century learning.

 

Project Implementation and Activities. This proposal seeks funding for one year in order to develop, deliver, and analyze a pilot TL assessment. However, fully achieving the project’s (and CDE’s) goals — in particular, incorporation of TL into content learning, development and implementation of effective TL teaching and learning, and refinement (and updating) of the assessment instruments — will require at least two years of intensive work. Accordingly, the project consortium plans to submit a Year Two proposal to CDE in spring 2009.

 

Project Participation and Leadership. Initial consortium participants include urban, suburban, and rural districts. Centennial BOCES will serve as fiscal agent. An Executive Board, will make policy related to development and implementation of the assessments, and maintain oversight of all project activities. A Project Director will provide daily policy direction, supervise project operations, and liaison the project with other organizations and initiatives.

 

Budget. Total estimated cost for the proposed year of this project is $599,165.

Pilot assessment design and development                                                                             $  104,000

Pilot assessment delivery and reporting of results                                                                  $    66,000

Professional development                                                                                                     $  152,250

Project Evaluation                                                                                                                $    60,000

Project administration                                                                                                          $  153,000

Equipment and supplies (other than for Professional Development)                                        $    30,000

Indirect costs (fiscal agent)                                                                                                   $    33,915