COM 0768.000 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Applicant Organization: Ka' u Learning Center for Hawaii County P&R RPP Number: Date Prepared: December 30, 1997 IV. PROJECT DESIGN/SERVICE DELIVERY (continued) Student's progress will be determined using the built-in tests on the educational software, as well as unproved scores on standardized tests. The optimum success would be to see a reversal of the decline in Stanines. However, if the decline in Stanines is arrested, even that in itself will be a small success. Na' alehu School was chosen to initiate the project for several reasons: 1) The school's administration was extremely cooperative; 2) The dramatic decline in basic skills demanded our imme- diate attention: and 3) Na'alehu School is more computer-savvy than any other Big Island school, except for Hookena and possibly Honaunau. The project takes a different spin in Phase II at Ka'u High School. It will locate in a student-built building in the Vocational Education Department. The school is waiting for final inspection by County officials. There are no computer classes at Ka'u High School. There are two computer labs with mismatched older computers and obsolete software that are used to teach an obsolete word processing program. Voctech students do not access these iabs, as they uv uuL unudtiy This is unfortunate because in the modern work-world, even.parts countermen need to be familiar with computers. The teacher has a half dozen throwaway computers in his homeroom that are set up at counters. Students are able to stand there and use them, although they receive no formal training on them. This will be a real boon to these ag and vocational youngsters. Again, the project differs in Ocean grew to meet the special needs of that community. Space was offered at the community center, but security concerns dictate that we locate Phase III at Palmtree Com- puter Solutions next to the Police Substation. The business is open 6 days a week, and the owner is willing to house the project there. Too many of the Ocean View youth do not attend school. Theft is not an unusual occupation for them. Unlike Pahala and Na' alehu, there is no library in this community. The Bookmobile visits once a week from Kona. Many of these residents live off-power, so home computers are almost an impossibility. Many don't have phone service, so even with a computer, one couldn't hook up to the internet to access information. This project is sorely needed in Ocean View. Initially, the project will not link to the internet. Until the project is well on its way, it was thought that dealing with accessing issues would be an extra burden, and possibly counterproductive to learn- ing basic skills. Another bonus of the project is that the basic software to be installed includes word processing and desktop publishing software, thus enabling those students who improve their basic skills and have the desire, to upgrade their computer skills. As students become proficient on the PCs, they will "tutor" their own parents on these computers. Hilo Community School for Adults will offer " tamily literacy" training in evening sessions. Thus, the name for this project... "reverse mentoring." 11