Frequently Asked Questions

What will Scales Technology Academy have that will make it different from nearly every elementary school in the United States?

• 100% access to technology, including SmartBoards, laptops, iPods, and audio/video recording equipment
• Laptop for every child K-5
• A staff dedicated to the philosophy that technology is a key factor in the enhancement of educational growth
• Every teacher will maintain a teacher webpage
• Technology-integrated ELL (English Language Learner) program
• Multiple partnerships with university and major corporations
  

How will Scales Technology Academy be different from a regular elementary school?

• Technology integrated across the curriculum
• A highly trained staff well-versed in the integration of technology
• Technology provided to all students at no cost to parents

What skills/attitudes/knowledge/values will a child who attends Scales Technology Academy acquire?

• Advanced technology skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Risk-taking skills
• Improved communication skills
• Collaborative learning
• Confidence
• Responsibility

AcademicsTop

Will the students experience music, art and/or physical education?

Students will have music class twice a week, as well as physical education classes twice a week. Each class lasts for a half-hour. Art will continue to be taught through classroom teacher instruction to reinforce a variety of lessons and for student enjoyment of the expressive process.

What special or gifted education services do you offer?

Scales Technology Academy will have Resource classes for students requiring this service. The Tempe Elementary School District offers a district-wide PACE program for our gifted students. We also have full time special staff including: a Title I Teacher, Language Arts Coach, Counselor, and Librarian.

How much homework will my child receive each night?

Our teachers will assign homework each night, but this varies according to grade level. Children in higher grades are generally assigned more homework. In addition, students may have to complete the work they didn’t finish during the class day. Students may also receive special assignments that the teacher deems necessary for competency in any academic area.

Will students have to take standardized tests? If so, which ones?

Yes, students in third- through fifth-grade will take the AIMS Dual Purpose Assessment test, as well as Map tests. Students in second-grade will take the TERRANOVA and Map tests. Students in kindergarten through first-grade will take a math assessment and a writing assessment. Kindergarten through third-grade Students take DIBELS tests several times during the year to check reading proficiency. Gifted students are tested to determine if they qualify for PACE. ELL students take the AZELLA test to help us best serve their needs.

Can you share some examples of how different grade-levels will use technology in the classroom?

Kindergarten: Kindergarteners will use the SmartBoard and computers to help support instruction in the alphabet, words lists and vocabulary, sentence structure and beginning reading. The computer will also add enrichment to other subject areas, including math.

Second-grade: Second-graders will be able to expand each lesson via the Internet. The students will be able to read about authors and gather other relevant information. Technology will enhance reading, writing, and math lessons in a way that will become memorable to the students.

Fifth-grade: Fifth-graders will be able to explore more of the world through the internet. This will enrich each of their academic subject areas as they acquire additional, current, often unique information that supports the academic lessons and make them “living experiences” for the students.

FacultyTop

How will the faculty members of Scales Technology Academy be different or similar to teachers at other elementary schools?

Teaching method: Technology will be infused into everyday lessons. The faculty is willing to take risks, be collaborative, work toward goals, and seek help when needed.

Student interaction: Through the use of technology (SMART Boards, iPods, laptops, LCD projectors, audio enhancement, etc.) on a regular basis, the teacher will be more of a facilitator of learning. Our students will often be engaged to a higher degree than in the traditional classroom. Student interaction will be about student engagement.

Training: Teachers enjoy professional growth as the result of continued staff development. The teaching and support staff have a commitment to continue their profession development in the highest and best use of technology. There have been several trainings for teachers and staff to help them meet the expectations on the rubric of assessed required skills necessary for being a part of Scales Technology Academy.

Employment qualifications: Our teachers and staff must be "highly qualified" in their subject area, meet the technology competence criteria, and have a positive attitude about implementing technology into the curriculum. They are also dedicated, determined, and have the ability to grow and change.

School StructureTop

Will students wear uniforms?

Yes, Scales Technology Academy has established a mandatory uniform policy for all students. For more information, please visit our Student Uniforms webpage.

What will a typical daily schedule look like?

The typical daily schedule varies according to grade. Students should arrive at school before the morning bell. Some will go to the cafeteria for breakfast. Most students will play outside for before-school/morning recess. The bell will ring for the students to go to class. They willline up in assigned areas. Teachers will meet and greet them as they enter the classroom ready for learning. The teacher takes attendance. We have morning announcements, the website for the day is given, and students stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Teachers in kindergarten and first-grade complete morning board and calendar activities with the class. Teachers in second- and third-grade carry out daily oral language activities on the SMART Board or whiteboard. Both cases may be supported with an extension activity on the student laptops.

We then have a block of time for reading instruction and then another for writing and math. The upper grades also have social studies and history. All grades have special classes that they attend as well. (i.e., music, physical education, and library). In every case, the class activities will be enriched with computer extensions and lessons. Students also have lunch in the cafeteria and have a short recess on the playground.

At the close of the day, the students organize their notebooks and backpacks, and teachers review student assignments and directions for homework. When the bell rings, the teacher dismisses the students for home or after-school activities.

What will the average and/or maximum class size be?

Class sizes will most likely range from 20-32. The average class size will be 25 students and the maximum will be 32. We will follow the Tempe Elementary School District's class size policy.

What after-school activities/sports will be provided?

Extracurricular activities will include music, drama, technology, tutoring and other various academic clubs.

Does the school provide before- or after-school child care?

For more information, please visit the Child Care webpage.

Are there any companies or organizations that have partnered with Scales Technology Academy?

Apple, Intel, Xerox, Sprint, and Troxell Communications have all partnered with Scales Technology Academy to provide services and products such as staff development, software, hardware, and other technology equipment and services.

TechnologyTop

What kind of technology will students be using?

Students will be using Apple MacBooks, Mac OS X operating systems, the Internet (approved websites), digital cameras, SMART Boards, Apple iPods, Proxima projection displays, Hitachi LCD projection devices, audio enhancement, and various printers.

Will parents have to pay for the use of this technology?

No. There is no charge to parents for the use of technology at Scales Technology Academy.

Will all students have their own laptops?

Yes, every student in every grade, kindergarten through fifth-grade.

How does a laptop help a kindergartner learn the basics of reading, writing, and math?

Students need to be exposed to technology literacy at a young age. The students get hooked on learning through technology. Technology increases hand-eye coordination and encourages interactive activities and peer collaboration. Technology integration taps into other intelligences and ways of learning. Technology is the world these students will grow up in; it is their world; it’s the world they know.

How often will students be using their laptops during class? Will the older students use them more than the younger students?

Students will use their laptops daily, as often as possible, depending on their grade level, as appropriate. Laptops will be opened and closed as simply as students today open and close textbooks. There will be independent time for students to complete assignments and conduct research for discussion.

Will students be connected to the Internet at all times?

Yes, students will always have Internet access, however they may not always use it. Not every class assignment will necessarily involve using the Internet, but it will certainly be available for student use.

How will teachers prevent students from using their laptops and other technologies in an inappropriate way or at an inappropriate time?

Teachers and staff at Scales Technology Academy, like all Tempe Elementary schools, use safety precautions such as a firewall and content filters. All teachers, students and staff sign an acceptable use policy. Teacher/staff observation and parent support are also neccessary to keep students safe and on-task while using the Internet and technology equipment.