Independent Evaluation Study
These documents are available for download:
Evaluation of the Project was performed by the Woodside Research Consortium (WRC) under the direction of Dr. Steven A. Schneider as the external evaluator for the project.
Background
Funded by Verizon, the California Technology Literacy Project is the largest middle school technology literacy initiative ever implemented. The non-profit Kijana Voices Corporation was designated to deliver the Project to 10,000 7th grade students in 45 underserved schools in California's Central Valley starting in January of 2006.
TechYES Model
The Project employed the TechYES model of Student Technology Literacy Certification. The TechYES model assumes that students can take on major responsibility in mastering technology to accomplish meaningful projects. In each participating school, Peer Mentors were prepared to act as tutors and evaluators who help each student complete two projects to demonstrate their technology proficiency. Technology literacy is achieved without the use of standardized tests or skill checklists.
Evaluation Highlights
- Advisors agreed (97%) that TechYES helped bridge the digital divide in their primarily Hispanic and Southeast Asian schools.
- 100% of advisors agreed that TechYES is a good way to ensure middle school technology literacy.
- TechYES advisors, peer mentors and students felt that there was significant positive change in the knowledge and skills of all those involved in TechYES.
- Advisors saw growth in their students' technology skills, in peer mentors' skills as effective leaders and tutors, and in their own abilities to teach technology.
- Advisors reported a significant change in their own abilities to teach technology and use project-based, collaborative methods.
Evaluation Study Method
- Advisors agreed (97%) that TechYES helped bridge the digital divide in their primarily Hispanic and Southeast Asian schools.
- 100% of advisors agreed that TechYES is a good way to ensure middle school technology literacy.
- TechYES advisors, peer mentors and students felt that there was significant positive change in the knowledge and skills of all those involved in TechYES.
- Advisors saw growth in their students' technology skills, in peer mentors' skills as effective leaders and tutors, and in their own abilities to teach technology.
- Advisors reported a significant change in their own abilities to teach technology and use project-based, collaborative methods.
Evaluation Study Method
WRC Surveyed and tested all three major groups involved in the Project throughout the 45 participating schools:
- TechYES Adult Advisors - Usually a teacher at each school who coordinates the program, oversees the Peer Mentors and makes the final judgment on student projects.
- TechYES Peer Mentors - These are specially trained students at each school (usually 8th graders) who assist the 7th graders complete their projects and provide preliminary assessment.
- TechYES Students- 7th grade students (mostly Hispanic and Southeast Asian) who completed two projects by showing they are technology proficient
Current Status
The study is complete for this current school year. As of June 2006, 1,498 students have completed the TechYES certification process and have received certificates. There were 301 peer mentors registered at the 45 middle schools. The project will continue in the 2006/2007 school year.