2001 Texas Capitol Schoolhouse
Overview, Goals, & Schedule
Congratulations, and thank you, for being a part of the 2001 Texas Capitol Schoolhouse! This year will be the fourth Capitol Schoolhouse, and we look forward to another successful event where school students from across the state can come together to highlight the many ways that schools are using technology to improve teaching and learning.
Texas is one of the leading states in the nation in terms of financial support for educational technology, due to a large degree by the continuing efforts of the Texas Legislature and other state agencies. The students who participate in the Schoolhouse provide a very powerful message on the educational benefits of past and future technology expenditures.
The Schoolhouse is a very dynamic environment and provides participants a variety of activities ranging from independent and group school work, to presentations and discussions with state leaders, or other experiences around the Texas Capitol. Because of the importance of the work being done by Legislators and the uncertainty of schedules for Capitol events, it is essential that Schoolhouse participants be flexible and able to work responsibly under the supervision of their school sponsor.
Goals
The goals for the Capitol Schoolhouse are to:
(1) expose state leaders to the best practices and potential of educational technologies,
(2) reinforce the ongoing funding commitment for educational technologies, and
(3) provide a rich educational experience for Schoolhouse participants.
There will be about a dozen school districts participating in the 2001 Schoolhouse. Students will be involved in a variety of activities during the day and half event including: demonstration of technology programs being highlighted, attending capitol and legislative events, and working on research, student projects, or other assignments for their regular classes.
Conference Call
Suggestions for Schoolhouse participants - schools are encouraged to: - Participate in conference call: Wed. 1/24/01, 4:00-5:00 (1-800-249-5618, meeting ID # 345678)
Tentative Schedule of Events:
Wednesday , February 14, 2001
Thursday, February 15, 2001
Line -up at 7:45 am
Friday, February 16, 2001
** Schoolhouse in session - students: share projects with Schoolhouse visitors; work on research, technology projects, or other assignments; participate in meetings with Legislators; and/or attend a Capitol tour or other events with school sponsors
Hotel Reservation Information
Austin is a very busy city during the Legislative Session and hotel rooms and parking can be difficult to find. The Texas Capitol Schoolhouse has reserved a block of rooms at the LaQuinta Capitol Inn to provide a lodging option which is within walking distance of the Capitol. LaQuinta Capitol Inn 300 E. 11th Street Austin, Texas 78701 512-476-1166 room rate for two double beds is $89 per night identify your group as Texas Capitol Schoolhouse block of rooms held until Thursday, February 1, 2001 another nearby Hotel which provides a suite environment (living area and separate bedroom) is: Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel 303 W. 15th Street Austin, Texas 78701 512-478-7000 we do not have a block of rooms reserved, but a sample rate is $189.00 per night for a one bedroom suite (2 queen beds, 1 sofa sleeper) you will be responsible for all travel and hotel arrangements and cost - thank you and know that we will have corporate sponsorships that will provide some reimbursements after the event.
Schoolhouse Parameters for Schoolhouse Participants:
Suggestions for Schoolhouse Participants
- schools are encouraged to:
2001 Texas Capitol Schoolhouse Registration Form:
Fax to Dan McCormack @ 512-919-6055 by Friday, January 31,2001
(attach an additional sheet if needed)
Texas Capitol Schoolhouse Home Page