The CSD Learning Initiative: Empower 1:1

The Cedarburg School District Learning Initiative began in the 2014-2015 school year. The initiative focused on the digital learning transition that was presenting itself as the access to technology resources increased exponentially during the past decade due to cost decreases and electronic learning resource proliferation.

Currently students in grades 4 through12 each have a Chromebook to support their learning. Students in grades 5K through 3 have access to electronic devices with a ratio of two students to one device. This reduced ratio is intentional as we believe in less access and collaborative use of the device for our younger learners.

Educators in Cedarburg believe that technology can "maximize critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, innovation, and real-world problem-solving. Integrating the use of technology in a strategic and purposeful manner enables students to take an active role in their learning and prepares them for success in a global society."

The purpose of the Cedarburg Learning Initiative is to significantly change the learning process for both students and staff with the ultimate goal being optimized student achievement that results from students taking ownership for their learning. The Learning Initiative will go beyond providing computer devices for students. The initiative will:

• empower CSD teachers to create highly effective, engaging digital-age teaching and learning experiences that can be tailored to the needs and interests of each student; and
• empower CSD students to become drivers of their own learning and connect them with resources, people, ideas, and opportunities far beyond the four walls of the classroom.

The Learning Initiative at Grades 5-8 

Beginning in Grade 5, students are issued a Chromebook for their use at home and school.  Students, with guidance from their parents and teachers, work to become responsible users of their devices,learning to care for and properly use their Chromebooks to support their learning in and outside of the classroom. In 6th thru 8th grade students are more independent with their Chromebook use traveling between classes and working with multiple teachers daily. Students will use the same Chromebook each year through 8th grade; their Chromebook is collected before summer and reissued in the fall.

Grades 5-8 Chromebook Handbook for Parents and Students

Goals:

Problem Solvers

• Students are resilient and determined, driven, problem solvers who can tie many skills together to solve a problem;

•  Students are analytical thinkers who can think critically about the information they gather; and

•  Students identify questions that will help them solve the problem and have the skills and strategies needed to seek answers to these questions.

Knowledge Creators

• Students are able to effectively collaborate to research, create new products, and publish to real world audiences.; and

• Students demonstrate creativity and innovation in their work.

Lifelong Learners

• Students are aware of their learning and are able to discuss their strengths and weaknesses;

• Students have knowledge making skills such as note taking, and how to sift and sort information electronically;and 

• Students are able to prioritize their time and use tools such as a calendar to manage deadlines on projects.

Authentic Learning Environments

• Students are able to apply learning to real world applications; and 

• Students routinely work solve problems and provide information of value in and to the greater community.

The Learning Initiative at CHS Grades 9-12 

As students enter 9th grade, they will be issued a new Chromebook to support their learning activities at CHS. Students will use the same Chromebook each year through 12th grade; their Chromebook is collected before summer and reissued in the fall.

Grades 9-12 Chromebook Handbook for Parents and Students

The Goal of the Cedarburg Learning Initiative at Cedarburg High School is to prepare students to achieve at high levels incorporating the six essential competencies of deeper learning in all classrooms: apply content knowledge, work collaboratively, communicate clearly,  think critically, develop academic mindsets and solve complex problems,  work collaboratively, communicate effectively, learn how to learn and develop academic mindsets.

Deeper Learning is defined by the following six competencies and goal areas: 

• Apply Content Knowledge - Students build a strong foundation in academic content areas and draw on their knowledge to complete new tasks.
• Work Collaboratively - Students learn to work in teams to achieve shared goals.
• Coommunicate Clearly - Students clearly organize their data, findings, and thoughts in written and verbal communication.
• Think Critically - Students think analytically and creatively to evaluate information and design solutions to complex problems.
• Develop and Academic Mindset - Students develop positive attitudes and beliefs about their identities as learners and their academic abilities.
• Learn Independently - Students monitor and direct their own learning.