First Things First

ing, the choice should be based upon careful testing and evaluation in the field.

Given the cost (a site license will run several thousand dollars per school), the wise school tests these products in a lab with 30 students pushing them to their limits on actual research questions to see how well they serve the learning goals set.

Most people think of hardware when they hear the word "equipped," but a network can only support the curriculum if it is loaded with information that is well organized and useful to those exploring curriculum problems and making decisions.

In addition to rich information, the planning committee should identify the most useful problem-solving applications to support student thinking - tools such as spreadsheets, databases, word processors, charting programs, outlining programs and multimedia presentation software that will support analysis and synthesis.

Instead of spending a fortune on instructional software, the committee's emphasis upon curriculum standards inspires them to focus on tools likely to support the following activities:

• Questioning
• Planning
• Prospecting
• Collecting
• Interpreting
• Reporting
• Communicating

4. Emphasize robust professional development, adult learning and the creation of a supportive culture

Once the program content and strategies are evident, attention should turn to mapping out the adult journey that will be required for all teachers in the district to develop the competency, the comfort and the inclination to work effectively with the new tools.

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