Daniel T. Connor
Superintendent

227 Main Street
Goshen, NY 10924
(845) 615-6720

District news

Goshen Schools awarded Verizon Foundation grant

December 20, 2011 – The Goshen Central School District was recently awarded a $7,500 grant from the Verizon Foundation.

The grant money will help fund staff development for a newly emerging technology initiative. “Bring Your Own Technology,” a pilot program for students and teachers, will allow students to use their personal technology devices, such as tablets, laptops and smart phones, at school. Teachers will integrate the use of these devices into their lesson plans in order to enhance learning, allowing students to master the multi-dimensional skills required of them in the 21st century.

“Research has shown that integrating technology into the classroom increases student motivation and self-esteem, produces better technical skills and collaborative learning, and raises student achievement,” said Jane Unhjem, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. “However, recent years of declining state aid and an uncertain economy have made it difficult for the district to finance new technology. Allowing students to use their personal devices would alleviate the financial burden of purchasing new equipment and would also lessen distractions caused by devices already being brought to school by students for personal use.”

Funding from the Verizon Foundation grant will be used for curriculum development and teacher training, allowing teachers to fully integrate the use of these devices in the classroom in order to enhance their lesson plans.

“By using more technology as a tool in the classroom, we can improve both teaching and learning through innovative curriculum that advocates 21st century readiness for every student,” said Unhjem.