Elmbrook Education Foundation Engages Middle School Students with SMART Response

The Elmbrook Education Foundation has recently announced a commitment to provide a SMART Response system to every math classroom in both Middle Schools in support of the implementation of the District’s new Middle School math curriculum.  The new math curriculum provides additional opportunities for students to develop higher abstract thinking skills. 

SMART Response systems provide real time assessments of student learning.  This assists the teacher in efficiently and effectively differentiating instruction so that every student both understands the material and has a chance to learn something new every day.    


SMART Boards & SMART Response Units

The District's Technology Plan includes the use of SMART Boards and complimentary technologies to more actively engage students in their daily lessons.  Students can interact with the information displayed on the SMART Board in a variety of ways.  SMART Response systems are uniquely designed to engage students in the assessment of their knowledge on a particular subject in a fraction of the time it would take using more conventional methods. 

The teacher develops online assessments for pre/post testing of unit material and/or understanding of a specific daily lesson.  The students each receive a remote control that allows them to interact with the online assessment and track their progress.  Teachers can instantaneously evaluate their class as a whole and can quickly assess which students need more help or a greater challenge. 

SMART Response systems have been leveraged successfully in other buildings.  Earlier this year, a Foundation Innovation Grant was awarded to be shared by the 3^rd grade team at Dixon Elementary to support math instruction with great success! 

"It is exciting to see how the use of SMART Response in the classroom can provide so much information I need to effectively differentiate for students. It's a wonderful way to keep students engaged in the activities as you monitor their learning and growth.  It has brought a whole new of level of engagement to our math lessons.  Students now look forward to answering questions, and there are more student discussions and reflections, on what they are learning."  Sandy Traylor, 3^rd grade math teacher.

Unfortunately, the purchase of additional SMART Response systems can not currently be supported by the District’s operating budget.  Those that are using them have purchased them independently as PTO or Foundation grant money is made available.  Unfortunately, this approach does not ensure the best price, needed technical support/training, or compatibility with the building’s technology plans.  Certainly, it lacks the District wide focus that the Foundation is committed to support.

Consequently, the Foundation has partnered with the District to provide a more cohesive plan for procurement, training, and implementation that is specifically focused on supporting the new Middle School math curriculum.  The Foundation has advanced the funds needed to cover the cost of the first stage of this project with plans to raise the remaining funds to complete the project by June of 2011. Over the summer, math leads were trained on the SMART Response systems and attended workshops on how to effectively develop online assessments. Feedback on the use of the use of SMART Response to enhance math instruction at both Middle Schools has been very positive.

“I see the use of SMART Response as a great way to ‘spot check’ and assess student learning. Since the responses are instant, a teacher can receive detailed feedback immediately and make instructional adjustments. We will be able to focus on the learning needs of an entire group or use the results to differentiate on an individual basis.  In addition, the use of technology is a proven way to engage and motivate students”. Sue Hartmann, 8^th grade math teacher.

The math team leads for each grade level will receive their SMART Response systems in November and will develop online assessments to support the new curriculum.  These new online assessments will then be shared with all math teachers in both Middle Schools.  Additional SMART Response units will be purchased and delivered to the remaining math classrooms as funds allow. 

Sponsors and Donations Needed

How can you help?  The Foundation is looking for businesses and residents interested in becoming a charter sponsor of this campaign.  Charter sponsors will receive District wide recognition throughout the life of the campaign.  However, all donations at any level are appreciated.  Please contact the Foundation for more information.

About the Elmbrook Education Foundation

The Foundation has awarded continuing education scholarships for over 50 years.  

In 2001, the Foundation expanded its to include Innovation Grants to support students and staff who submit creative ideas for improving education in our Elmbrook schools.  Innovation Grants provide up to $1,500 in funding for these projects with the hope that these project experiences are shared within teams, buildings and across the District to encourage others to keep trying new things. 

In 2008, the Foundation introduced Super Grants to directly support projects tied to the District’s strategic plan that can not be funded out of the current operating budget.  The first Super Grant was awarded in 2008 - a Technology Grant of $15,000 to each High School.  The SMART Response Middle School Math Technology Super Grant is planned to be complete by June 2011.  The Foundation will then partner with the Elementary Schools to develop a focus for the Foundation’s third Super Grant cycle. 

Through the Scholarship, Innovation Grant and Super Grant Programs, the Elmbrook Education Foundation continues its long history of supporting the students within the Elmbrook School District.    

For More Information

• Website: www.elmbrookeducationfoundation.com 
• Email: elmbrookeducationfoundation@gmail.com 
• Executive Director:  Laura Schmidt, 262.785.6659
• SMART Response:  http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/SMART+Response/