Basic+Literacy

The [|enGauge 21st Century Skills] from the [|NCREL/Metri Group] define basic literacy as “Language proficiency (in English) and numeracy at levels necessary to function on the job and in society to achieve one’s goals, and develop one’s knowledge and potential in this Digital Age.” This definition needs to be expanded, however, to include technological literacy and mastery of the core subject areas as outlined by the [|Partnership for 21st Century Skills].

Our work with basic literacy will be restricted to articulating //technological// literacy, specifically technology operations and concepts. As a starting point for our thinking, consider this excerpt from the National Educational Technology Standards for Students 2007 (NETS):


 * Technology Operations and Concepts:** Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:
 * understand and use technology systems
 * select and use applications effectively and productively
 * troubleshoot systems and applications
 * transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies

In order to articulate technology literacy for our students, we will follow a four step approach:
 * 1) Identify the knowledge/skills that are **currently** part of our 7th and 8th grade program (i.e. what we are doing)
 * 2) Identify the knowledge/skills that **should be** part of our 7th and 8th grade program (i.e. what we want an ideal program to be)
 * 3) Determine where (grade level and discipline) these knowledge and skills should be introduced/reinforced
 * 4) Present our recommendations to the 7th and 8th grade teams

To facilitate this process, I have created a Google Doc where we can collaboratively and asynchronously add our input to steps one and two. To edit the document, [|click this link], sign in to Google, and begin working. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one using a link at the top of the shared document (please see me if you need assistance).