Case Study: Thomaston Upson Schools

Results

The excitement created by this new technology has changed the climate of the schools – district-wide.

“It has ignited our imaginations, said Hendley. “ When we walk the halls, we see a noticeable difference in the activity level and energy in classrooms. Teachers are standing up, facilitating information. Students are moving back and forth from the interactive whiteboard to their desks, or interacting from their desks using the wireless peripherals. We hear more of a dialog between students and teachers, and see that students are more involved and motivated to learn.”

What about test scores and other scorecards such as NCLB and SAT?

Dr. Henley explains, “ I do believe that our test scores are being raised but we don’t have longitudinal data yet.  Our test scores ARE soaring however. Why? We have made many positive changes in our instruction including this new technology that have contributed to this achievement.  We have a quiet revolution in Upson County Schools.

Dr. Jones added, “Students love the multimedia features and interactivity, which make learning more fun and exciting. Teachers report that students pay closer attention and have become more involved in class. Even parents are talking about the system because their children come home from school raving about it.”

Recent test results show that the high school completion rate within the Thomaston-Upson School System has increased for the second year in a row while the dropout rate within the T-U System has decreased for the second year in a row.