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525 East Illinois Spearfish, SD  57783 Phone: 605-717-1215  EXT 491

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Everyone can learn to improve their editing, performance, and technology skills. Technology brings out the problem-solving abilities in all of us. Students are given assignment criteria and requirements. In many of our projects, how each student comes up with their final results emphasizes their own individuality and creativity. Spearfish School District adheres to the South Dakota Technology Standards for student technology education and the ISTE standards in technology proficiency for teachers.

© 2011 Last update: Friday, January 13, 2012

ARCS strategy model for Computer Science/Technology Literacy:

Projects are built around the scenario of

1. gaining attention,
2. demonstrating relevance,
3. building confidence,
4. thorough instructions and requirements and
5. generating satisfaction in a job well done = ownership

Spearfish District Mission Statement:

"Empowering All Students To Succeed In A Changing World"

SMS Technology Department Mission Statement:

"Empowering All Technology Students To Be

Adaptable and Successful Life-long Learners

In A Changing World"

SMS Computer Science Curriculum:

South Dakota Approved Technology Education Programs

Technology Education is a National and State Standards-based program that allows students to investigate and experience the means by which they meet their needs and wants, solve problems and extend their capabilities. It is concerned with the knowledge and skills needed to develop, produce and use products and services, and how to assess the impacts these activities have on humans and the world.

In Technology Education (also called Computer Science), students gain knowledge and skills in the application, design, production and assessment of products, services and systems. The study of technology allows students to reinforce, apply and transfer their academic knowledge and skills to a variety of interesting and relevant activities, and problems and settings. In addition to their general academic and technical knowledge and skills, students gain an understanding of the career opportunities available and what employers require gaining and maintaining employment in the 21st century.

In 1999, the National Standards for Technology Education were released for use by the International Technology Education Association (the standards have been under development for the past six years). The Office of Career and Technical Education adopted the National Technology Education Standards for State standards. The standards present a vision of what students should know and be able to do in order to be technologically literate. The standards do not attempt to define a curriculum for the study of technology education; that is best left to states, school districts and teachers. Instead, as the name implies, the standards describe what the content of technology education should be in grades K-12. Setting forth a consistent content for technology education in schools around the country will help ensure that all students receive effective instruction about technology.

6th Grade at SMS: Alphabetic keyboarding is introduced with the goal of practicing correct technique at the workstation, memorization of alphabetic and punctuation keys, and formatting skills. Technical skills such as spacing, proofreading and spell checking are also incorporated. Assignments include formatting letters, composing letters, introduction to spreadsheets and tables, and general word processing for error-free products. Other lessons are included based on available time such as PowerPoint.

7th Grade at SMS: Alphabetic keyboarding memorization is reviewed briefly as well as practicing correct technique at the workstation, and technical skills such as spacing, proofreading and spell checking. Spreadsheets are introduced/reviewed. Autobiography PowerPoints incorporating the scanner, digital camera and editing skills are introduced. Animated graphics are created from scratch using the digital camera and drawings in Paint. Web site creation and design is introduced. MLA format in citing all Internet sources is used for assignments. File management and file identification is included in the grade curriculum. The History of Computers is covered in the 5 generations of computers. Other lessons are included based on available time.

8th Grade at SMS: Alphabetic keyboarding memorization is reviewed briefly as well as practicing correct technique at the workstation, and technical skills such as spacing, proofreading and spell checking. Spreadsheets are reviewed using NYSE (tracking stocks) as the source for data. Reading and following directions, independent thinking, manipulation of files, and creative energies are all included in a unit focusing on students working in Macromedia Flash. File management skills and citing sources in MLA format is reviewed. A review of PowerPoint is included as well as units on Cyber Security and Cyber Safety. Ethical use of others' information is stressed throughout the trimester. Other lessons are included based on available time.

South Dakota Technology Standards for Students in Word

Mrs. Claggett's Grade Scale in Word

Handouts for Mrs. Claggett's Classes

5 Generations of Computers

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