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Learning Technology Grant Program Overview: TST BOCES Consortium

Award Years: 2018-2021

Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga (TST) BOCES, along with its nine component districts (Ithaca CSD, Groton CSD, South Seneca CSD, Trumansburg CSD, Lansing CSD, Candor CSD, Dryden CSD, Newfield CSD and George Junior UFSD) proposes the Teknologia Project to enable P-12 teachers to participate in professional development in order to improve the regional capacity to teach computer science to all P-12 students, especially those who are underrepresented in technology-related higher education programs and careers.

The Teknologia Project has four major goals:

  1. to develop Computer Science Anchor Projects;
  2. to grow the Teknologia Project throughout the region;
  3. to implement and evaluate CS project across grade bands and districts; and
  4. to disseminate CS Projects and other instructional technology resources throughout the region and across NYS

The consortium has a culturally and linguistically diverse student demographic. In seven of the nine districts, more than 15% of students have disabilities. Four districts have a student population that is more than 50% economically disadvantaged. Additionally, two districts are designated Focus districts. In one district, 5% of students are English Language Learners (ELL), and one district is classified as Rural. The region’s largest district, Ithaca CSD, has an exceptionally culturally diverse population, with over 66 different languages spoken, especially by new refugees. The diversity of needs in each district highlights the importance of implementing technology-enhanced learning environments that are tailored to the needs of each individual district.

One common link among the consortium members are the shared regional priorities agreed upon by all TST BOCES component districts, which include student-driven learning and engaging students in learning. To address these regional priorities, the proposed Teknologia Program will emphasize student-driven pedagogical practices such as Project-Based Learning, and educators will be encouraged to create highly engaging student learning opportunities that are collaborative, hands-on, relevant and creative.

In order to increase equitable access to digital resources, TST BOCES will create a regional repository of instructional technology resources to be used by the consortium members and to be shared publicly across New York State.

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