Learning through Books, Media and Technology

ARTICLES THIS ISSUE:

1993 Administrative Leadership Awards

Accentuating the positive

1993 President's Award Winner

The energy of synergy

This is my country --- an my school

We are the world: our success is yours

Social sciences and technology --- a natural combination

No question of relevance

Inspiring students to speak out

Big ideas prepare students for the future

Open doors, open minds

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Social sciences and technology --- a natural combination

Polytechnic High School

Lonny Miller and Robert Duncan receive encouragement from Kay Tortorice. (Note student mural in the background.)

When a school is as large as Long Beach's Polytechnic High School, it is impossible to describe the scope of its student body and the many programs involved. To describe it as "ethnically balanced" is probably accurate, but few other generalizations will do. The two elements described briefly here, however; may indicate the degree of energy and commitment of the total school.

First of all, an application for an A.B. 1470 Technology Grant, endorsed by the Site Council, was written collaboratively by Kay Tortorice (library media teacher), Jackie Dreamer (computer programming teacher), and LeAnna Fox (algebra teacher). The grant was targeted for five areas: U.S. history, economics, mathematics, science, and English. Here is where the history/social science curriculum enters center stage, for while basic word processing is stressed for ninth grade students in the English Department, and computer simulations and specialized equipment are part of the mathematics curriculum, advanced technology was designated as the special province of the Social Sciences Department. U.S. history students learn to use CD-ROM stations, laser disks, and scanners. Economics students use computer simulations and telecommunications research to probe their subject matter.

Targeting the social sciences was a natural at Poly. Long ago, the decision was made to teach students research skills through the social sciences curriculum. As a result, the library collection is rich in history, government, and social issues resources. Now students have the additional technology resources that allow them to scan news as it happens, to use convenient electronic indexes, and to present information in a highly professional manner, using the many tools available to them.

Technology at Poly is not limited to the library tech center, however. "Supercarts" have been placed in each of the major departments to bring technology into the classroom. The library tech center is open to all students before and after school and during lunch. During class time, it is fully scheduled with classes learning to use technology.

• Polytechnic High School (Grades 9-12, enrollment 4,000)
  1600 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach 90013; (310) 591-0581
  H.J. Green, Principal
  Kay Tortorice, Library Media Teacher
  Long Beach Unified School District