This three-year initiative accelerated the use of technology at the Ottoson Middle School and Arlington High School, supporting the Ottoson Technology & Engineering (Tech) and Digital Media & Literacy (DML) programs and the AHS Computer Science, Digital Art and Science programs.
“Arlington Public Schools’ computer science program would not be where it is today without AEF’s support. They provided the initial funding for the program and have been there along the way to support the shifting courses and projects.”
The Challenge: A Changing Landscape
More than anything else this century, technology has changed the landscape of our daily lives. Its effect has quickly rippled into schools and in 2013, the Arlington Public School district was struggling to keep pace with trends and find the budget to quickly bring 21st century technology into classrooms.
How AEF Helped: Accelerating the Vision
The Arlington Education Foundation and the Arlington Public Schools embarked on a multi-year partnership to accelerate the implementation of technology in order to prepare students for careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The AEF Technology Initiative helped the district realize one of its strategic goals and created significant new capacities, from state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to teacher training and curriculum development.
The Impact: Implementing Technology Curriculum and Tools
From 2013-2015, the targeted, three-year fundraising effort raised $190,000 in addition to AEF’s annual grant awards and funded:
Computer Science
- High School Computer Science classes – after being cut due to budget constraints.
- A re-designed 6th grade Computer Science curriculum (Digital Media Literacy or DML) that gives every student a full year of Computer Science.
Technology & Engineering
- Technology tools, including 3D printers, iPads and simulation software, that are an integral component of the Ottoson Middle School Technology & Engineering Program. Students research, design, simulate, and manufacture; enabling them to perform actual testing and gain real-world experience.
Digital Arts
- High-end digital imaging workstations and printers, dedicated to creative digital imaging, expanding the visual art curriculum and visual art courses at the High School.
Mobile Science Workstations
- A mobile workstation cart for the high school Science Department that gives students experience using scientific tools for modeling and simulations.
