Make A Difference School Challenge 2006

"Make a Difference" Scholarship Awarded
To East Carter R-2 of Ellsinor School District

(Columbia, MO) East Carter R-2 was selected as the recipient of the 2006 Make A Difference Scholarship which will cover the complete cost of a Master's Degree from the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies. Located within the Mark Twain National Forest in the southern Ozarks, East Carter R-2 is a K-12 district with approximately 800 students.

The district uses technology education as a stepping stone for students to escape the cycle illiteracy and poverty. All communities encompassed by the school district have a population of less than 400 and are largely composed of timber related industries, small retail establishments and retired persons. One in five families with children under the age of 18 live below the poverty line, and one out of three district residents over the age of 25 have no high school diploma.

Through the use of a variety of grants and professional development resources including Reading First, eMINTS and the A+ School Grant Program; East Carter R-2 has made a concerted effort to fully utilize technology in the classroom. Nearly every classroom in the district has a SMART Board and at least one computer. The exposure to this type of technology has allowed previously reluctant learners to get excited about creating PowerPoint presentations and multimedia projects.

Technology at East Carter R-2 reaches beyond the classroom. The district opens computer labs to the public on weeknights. This has proven to be an invaluable resource for parents and community members who may not have access to computers, high speed internet connections or technical assistance. They have also combined technology with other programs to prepare students for opportunities after leaving the local educational system including vocational programs that stress technology skills.

The Make A Difference scholarship will allow East Carter R-2 to continue utilizing technology as a valuable means to enhance teaching and learning.