Superintendent Michael Roth and Assistant Superintendent Randy Ziegenfuss tied a Teaching and Learning 2014 update to a strategic plan update at the April 14 curriculum and technology committee meeting.

Thoughts about the next phase of teaching and learning were combined with the district's vision for 2020.

Roth noted the many awards and achievements both the district and staff have earned supporting the belief the systems put in place are helping the students and staff excel.

Strengths describing the district noted by the strategic planning committee members include a supportive school board and community, focus on student learning experiences, visionary leadership at all levels within the district, a strong technology infrastructure, quality staff and students and the fact teachers, students, administrators, parents and the school board care.

Roth and Ziegenfuss proposed the idea of "Moonshot Thinking," showing a video describing the idea.

"Moonshots live in the gray area between audacious technology and pure science fiction," according to the YouTube video. "A moonshot aims for a 10x improvement over what currently exists. The combination of a huge problem, a radical solution to that problem and the breakthrough technology that just might make that solution possible, is the essence of a moonshot."

Roth is asking the board members, administrators, teachers, students and stragetic planning committee members, "What's our moonshot? What does 2020 look like for the Salisbury Township School District."

Goals suggested include preparing students for skilled careers that may not exist yet, self-directed study via technology in areas of interest, making Salisbury a first choice, world language opportunities available to students earlier and offering diverse opportunities for students.

"We want to provide as many opportunities as possible with the mindsets to succeed and lead the way to have public education survive," Roth said. "We are a learning organization. Technology helps us define who we are."

Supervisor of Instructional Practice Lynn Fuini-Hetten presented the proposal to offer iPad minis to students in kindergarten and first grades for in-school use only. The proposal also includes 1:1 Mac computers for students in grades second through fifth.

Currently, the district is piloting the iPad minis at the elementary level.

Western Salisbury Elementary School Principal Grace Hartman said the younger students need the touch pad on the iPad minis and the pilot is successful as the students are increasing their skills in the language of directionality and number and language recognition.

On an intermediate level at the elementary schools, Harry S Truman Elementary School Principal Barbara Samide said a 1:1 laptop ratio will allow more access to challenge-based learning.

Hartman said the additional computer equipment would provide more opportunities for growing and learning.

Coordinator of Technology Chris Smith also attended the meeting saying there is one year left on the existing laptop equipment lease. There is equity in the computers and the district could buy out the lease.

Board member George Gatanis asked if any other elementary schools are using 1:1 technology.

Fuini-Hetten said she only knows of one district using iPads, not 1:1 Mac computers.

Board member Audrey Frick, who is also a teacher in another district, said when she uses iPads with first grade students, "it's wonderful. They are careful with them and they get immediate feedback. Technology aspects bring reading to life."

Frick also said she would never abandon reading with books.

Board member Bob Fischer said he believes the district is "too caught up in a tool rather than content.

"There is no hard data of increases in testing achievement," Fischer said. "Other neighboring districts are passing us in scores. After three years, there is no data showing improvement."

He said he read a study where employers were surveyed as to what they were looking for from graduates. Computer skills came in eighth.

"I don't want our students to become users - users are not leaders," Fischer said.

"Step back and let this evolve. Teachers are so busy learning technology instead of student achievement."

Roth said the technology gives Salisbury students an opportunity other students don't have.

"It opens up all opportunities around them with the use of a tool," Roth said. "They learn how to work with others, how to collaborate, how to be creative. Students have told visitors to the district they own their learning and they are responsible."

Roth said the number one job in 2010 was a genetic couselor which wasn't even a job in 2004.

"If we just stick to content, we'll put them at a huge disadvantage," Roth said.

"The new jobs I see are a result of advancement in technology based on math and science," Fischer said. "I want our students to be developers. It is dangerous at our level to predict in this wildly changing world what those jobs will be and what skills will be needed.

"I want our students to be those creative designers," Roth said. Regarding test scores, "we've never been number one," Roth said. "We've always said it's not about the scores, it's about creativity and entrepreneurship, problem solving and getting the skills required."

Roth said it was never said the 1:1 ratio of computers to students would increase test scores. He said it is important but not the most important piece of education.

"Teaching with technology allows the ability to seek knowledge, research knowledge, find, analyze and critically access knowlege."

Roth said he will propose a change to the district mission statement of "learn, lead, care."

He said the goal is to help Salisbury students be successful for the 21st century.

Funding will be discussed at the May operations meeting and additional conversation will be on the agenda of the May curriculum and technology meeting.