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Missouri
As part of the Enhancing Missouri's Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies (Emints) initiative, teachers are transforming their teaching to be more constructivist and relying on inquiry-based and project-based learning instead of traditional teaching and learning practices, and where students are excited about learning and improving their attendance, behavior, and academic performance. Additional information about this project is available online at http://emints.more.net. An interactive map of the participants at can be found at: http://emints.more.net/participants/imagemap2.html.
The project is a statewide expansion of the Multimedia Interactive Networked Technologies (MINTs) pilot project that began in 1997 through a cooperative effort of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet), Southwestern Bell, and 12 elementary classrooms in six St. Louis County school districts. The purpose of the pilot was to determine whether effective training for school personnel in combination with sophisticated technology would change teaching styles and enhance student achievement.
The evaluation of the MINTs project suggests that the computer equipment and teacher training sponsored by the project creates a new classroom environment focused explicitly on improving student achievement. Teacher training in the inquiry-based teaching styles works well with the technology to foster an environment where all students can achieve. Teachers report that students are highly motivated to complete assignments. Analysis of student test data shows MINTs students scoring higher than non-MINTs students on the MAP and Terranova tests.
eMINTS technology tools include a multimedia workstation on the teacher's desktop, a laptop computer for the teacher's use, an interactive whiteboard and high-lumen projector, peripherals such as videoconferencing equipment, digital camera, scanner, and printer, and enough student workstations to reach a ratio of two students per computer. Training (100 hours and four release days the first year and 75 hours and 2 release days the second year) addresses how to use the technology tools and integrate them into curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Because of the promising results of the MINTs program and the state's desire to build momentum for integrating technology into overall school improvement efforts, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education decided to rapidly expand the project into a statewide project in the fall of 1999. To expedite the eMINTS expansion for 1999-2000, the Department selected the first set of districts to participate. The intent was to identify 50 districts that represent a cross section of Missouri's schools. In turn, each district would identify two teachers, grades 3 to 4, to expand the project into100 classrooms statewide.
In 1997-1998, 6 districts and 12 classrooms participated in MINTs. Since then, however, additional classrooms have been added in the districts. In 1999-2000, 44 districts and 90+ classrooms joined the eMINTS program. In 2000-2001, another 38 districts and 80+ classrooms were added.
Contact
Deborah S. Sutton
Director, Instructional Technology
Dept. of Elementary & Secondary Education
PO Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480
573-751-8247 (p) 573-522-1134 (f)
E-mail: dsutton@mail.dese.state.mo.us
Web: http://www.dese.state.mo.us.divinstr/instrtech