I would love for my students to feel less defeated and to enter the workplace with the knowledge that they have the tools to fulfill their dreams.
My classroom is composed at-risk, low income students who have little to no access to technology in their daily lives.
The population is mostly minority students, with 80% identifying as belonging to a non-white ethnic group.
Because we are an alternative school, most students have already failed in a traditional school environment and enter our doors angry and frustrated at their lack of success. The barriers they face include learning disabilities, behavioral problems, mental and emotional disabilities, and poverty. Our school is considered to be their "last chance."
Despite this, after exposure to success, many students rebound in an amazing fashion, earn their high school diplomas and find jobs or enter college. They are an inspiration to me on a daily basis.
My Project
My students need 11 refurbished computers with dual core processors to allow us to offer options for academic recovery and technology classes. The towers would enable the students to better their education in many ways.
The school could offer technology classes to develop students 21st Century Skills in order to better prepare them for college and the workforce. We have the teacher, the server and the curriculum. Now we just need the computers.
The computers I am requesting would provide reliable access to Academic Recovery and Support such as Math 180, Read 180, Khan Academy, IXL and SAS Curriculum Pathways. The school could enrich existing classes by integrating technology more regularly and integrating STEM projects.
These computers would provide reliable access to credit recovery programs such as APEX, so students could make up credits after school and during the holidays. They would also allow for student collaboration employing Google Drive, Google Sites, and Google Apps.
Students entering the workforce or college without technology skills are at a distinct disadvantage.
Not only do they have to master course content or job skills, but they also have to try to master basic technology that most other students take for granted. This limits their options and increases the likelihood that they will quit because the learning curve is just too steep.
Our students already have multiple disadvantages I can do nothing about. This is one that I can try to eliminate for them.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Carlyle and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.