| State: Missouri | Number of Students: 4,607 |
| School Type: Public School District | Free and Reduced Lunch: 17.3% |
| Grade Level: PK-12 | English Language Learners: N/A |
School Context
Funding: Webster Groves School District received $67,459 from the Webster Groves School District Foundation during the 2013-2014 school year for a variety of individual instructional projects across the district. Teachers and administrators can apply for three types of grants: Alumnae Grant ($15,000), Major Grants (from $500 to $5,000) and Mini-grants (up to $1,000). Mini-grants are awarded monthly; the other two grants are awarded annually. A total of 25 grants are awarded throughout the year. Another $50,000 was raised from private donors in August 2014 to support Webster Groves High School’s Chelsea Detrick Experiential Learning Center and their industrial technology program.
Student Achievement: Specifically, the district is focused on improving the achievement scores of sub-groups and providing targeted intervention in reading and math (RTI). In addition, it’s focusing on differentiating instruction and creating positive environments where students are highly engaged.
Curriculum & Instruction: The district’s goal is for all teachers to deliver curriculum and instruction that is interactive, vertically aligned and technology rich. Specifically, it’s focused on integrating technology standards (Technology Information Literacy, or TIL) and curriculum mapping in collaborative groups regularly.
Professional Learning: The district’s goal is to provide high-quality professional development so that teachers become more confident differentiating instruction and integrating technology.
Outreach: The district is interested in developing strong relationships with the community and families it serves. It will be investing in parent surveys and community partnerships, and recruiting committee members with diverse backgrounds.
State of Technology
G-Money: The Webster Groves School District Foundation has funded quite a few projects that incorporate technology. Some examples include: musical software for the band ($12,000), iPad Minis for composing music ($4,527), multimedia equipment for newscasts and production (+$8,000), LabQuest mobile science monitors ($4,000), 3D printers (+$9,000), robotics equipment ($14,500) and an online teacher evaluation tool ($5,000).Computer School: Integrating technology has been a long-time priority for this district. In 1983, the district established Webster Groves Elementary Computer School as a magnet school focused on integrating technology in all disciplines. The Computer School’s admissions is lottery-based. In the past the school has been used to pilot software programs for the district. Currently, the school boasts a 1:1 Chromebook initiative and has become the instructional model on which the other schools in the district are now based.
Devices: The district’s goal is to maintain a 2:1 ratio of students to computers. They do this with computer labs and mobile laptop carts, mostly made up of Chromebooks. In addition, most teachers have a laptop, a projector and an interactive whiteboard in their classrooms. Altogether, the district has about 3,300 computers. The tech team’s goal is to replace them every four years.
eMints: Webster Groves teachers participated in the eMINTS program (“enhancing Missouri’s Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies”). The teachers received professional development on how to use technology to differentiate for student needs, as well as how to facilitate inquiry-based learning using tools such as SMARTBoards and digital cameras.
Student Courses: In 2006, the district began providing a course of study called Industrial Technology for students in seventh through 12th grade. The curriculum includes a variety of courses such as Introduction to Electronic Technology, Automotive Technology, Computer Aided Mechanical Drafting, Home Maintenance and Advanced Architectural Drafting.
Experience Learning: The district’s Chelsea Center for Experiential Learning has become a hub where students can go to get connected with learning opportunities outside the classroom. For instance, staff at the center will connect students with businesses in the community for internship opportunities or projects that get them learning outside of the classroom. Eventually, the district hopes to expand this program into more of its mainstream classrooms.
Tech Needs & Requirements
Cloud-based products are preferred. The district needs report card software and mobile device management software.