Reporter-News Archives Monday, April 21, 1997 Trustees to get vision of the future tonight By BRIAN BETHEL Staff Writer Abilene school trustees will receive a vision of the future Monday night from teachers who are already leading the way there. To get a better handle on how to integrate high technology into the lives of its students, the district will hear from teachers who have already embraced the latest innovations, said superintendent Charles Hundley. "We're looking forward to getting input direct from the classroom teachers," he said. "I predict what we'll see will be lively and informative." Board president Betty Davis said members hoped the meeting would give them a clear vision for the use of technology in all classrooms, especially in the next few years. "We're going to see individuals who are already using technology to the benefit of their students in a variety of ways," she said. "We want to know their opinions on what to do, how to do it and what our overall vision should be given what we can provide." After the discussion on cybernetic classrooms, board members will hear updates on the activities of the Texas legislature before heading off to Franklin Middle School for a "parent fair" Part of the district's Innovative Teaching Awards Program, students in all grade levels will present a variety of special projects, ranging from "Lessons from the Diary of Anne Frank" to a "Bronco Branding Brigade." Funded by the school board, money from the grant program was used to purchase computers, other technology, models, books and similar teaching tools at Franklin, said Cathy Ashby, assistant principal. Students were then given charge over the special projects to be presented tonight, which will be shown in a manner that should be be informative for parents as well as students in each grade level's peer group. The projects provide a fun way to learn using methods that are memorable, Ashby said. After all, it's not every classroom experience that lets you build a full-sized railroad car, as the Anne Frank project did. Or learn about the mathematics of a hug. Or take part in "Operation Frog." "It's a way for students to improve their own learning while giving them a chance to stand up and speak in front of adults," she said. "It's a great opportunity for families to learn together, and we really hope it will do a lot to increase parental involvement in their children's school work." The public is invited to see all of the hard work the students have put into their projects, Ashby said. The festivities begin at 7 p.m. in the boys gymnasium. Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below: texnews.com Reporter OnLine Local Sports Texas Sports Copyright ©1997, Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications