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Technology plans, virtual school discussions advance in Conroe ISD CONROE ISD Technology use in Conroe ISD schools has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to play a vital role as the district examines costs that could be incurred as a result of online testing and virtual schooling, CISD school o cials said. school year. The transition will require the spring 2023 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness to be administered through an online platform. The district is phasing out older Chromebook computers our equipment is up to date and what’s needed in our building,” Upshaw said. Virtual school plans Discussions regarding a virtual school in Conroe ISD will return in early 2022. “If we do move forward with BY ALLY BOLENDER CONROE ISD IMPROVES TECHNOLOGY IN 2022 Conroe ISD is increasing student access to technology in the classroom and preparing students for online state assessments. New computer purchases
and purchasing new Chromebook computers because online testing platforms and learning management systems require newer operating systems. The district is using federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds for these purchases. CISD has set aside roughly $3 mil- lion of ESSER III funding, the third phase of funds released in 2021, for technology support. The district will also continue providing hot spots to students who need internet access at home. “The majority of the money is really going to … making sure that
[virtual school], it’s going to look very similar to the option that we had rolling out last year ... which was grades three through nine, if we do move forward,” Upshaw said. In the 2020-21 school year, CISD initially had plans to create a virtual school but put the project on hold after virtual schooling measures were not approved in the state legislative session. The virtual school remains on the 2022-23 school year budget. “Parents were pleased with the option to be able to have their kids connected,” Upshaw said.
Hedith Upshaw, CISD assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, said technology is used to connect virtual students to the class- room, facilitate the learning process and administer assessments. “We really use technology more as a tool or as a vehicle to show [the students’] product of learning,” Upshaw said. STAAR goes online House Bill 3261, enacted in June, requires state assessments to be administered online by the 2022–23
At-home hot spots
Online assessments
Secure systems for online testing
Program subscriptions to facilitate learning
SOURCE: CONROE ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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