Goals 2000: Initial Evaluation. Research Paper: Moving Beyond the Crossroads: Teachers as Agents for Change.

This paper presents an evaluation of a Goals 2000 project being carried out in a rural western school district. The participants have embarked on a series of training modules designed to develop their skills with a variety of software applications and the integration of technology within the curriculum. Participants--administrators and classroom teachers--receive training and a new laptop computer with Windows(R)95 for use in their respective jobs. An initial study was conducted to frame a benchmark for evaluating the success of the project in providing the teachers with the technical skills, knowledge, and motivation necessary to integrate technology within the curriculum effectively and efficiently. A follow-up evaluation was also conducted. Results are discussed in terms of the following questions that formed the focus of the evaluation: (1) What technology related skills do participants in the project already possess? (2) What concerns do participants currently have regarding the integration of technology within the curriculum? (3) How are teachers currently using technology within the classroom? (4) At what Level of Use are participants in their current use of technology and its integration within the curriculum? (5) What technology related skills are students currently acquiring through their teachers' use of technology within the curriculum? and (6) What is the perceived impact of current technology use by teachers on students? Recommendations based on conversations with project participants are also given. (AEF)