2007 Texas Capitol Schoolhouse

Overview, Goals, & Schedule

Congratulations, and thank you, for being a part of the 2007 Texas Capitol Schoolhouse! This year will be the sixth 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: Will be announced.

Schedule of Events:

** 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.

: Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel 303 W. 15th Street Austin, Texas 78701 512-478-7000

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:

• The district should identify one school and technology program to highlight at the Schoolhouse
• The Schoolhouse will supply one 30" x 6 ' table, chairs, electricity, and network connectivity
• The school is expected to send 1 to 4 students and at least 1 teacher (other adults are welcome)
• The school is expected to bring their own computers, software, and peripherals needed
• Participants are responsible for all costs for travel, lodging, and meals (thank you)
• Note: Capitol rules do not allow posting or hanging materials on walls, so banners, posters or other promotional materials are not needed (except what you want to display on the table)

 Instructions for Schoolhouse Participants - please:

• Fill out and return Registration Form attached and fax back by December 20, 2006
• Secure hotel reservations (if needed) prior to January 10, 2006 (block of rooms held until then)
• Make travel arrangements for people and equipment
• Communicate plans with district administrators, superintendent, and board as appropriate
• Prepare instructional activities using technology for students to work on during their visit to the Texas Capitol (Schoolhouse activities and visitations account for about 1/2 of the time)
• Plan to arrive in Austin and set up equipment Jan.30.

 Suggestions for Schoolhouse Participants

- schools are encouraged to:

• Participate in conference call: to be announced
• Prepare students to be ready to visit with Schoolhouse visitors about technology
• Contact the media in your community (there will be some statewide coverage)
• Have students visit the Texas Legislature Online at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/
• Have students identify their local Legislators at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/fyi/fyi.htm
• Contact all Legislators serving your school district (all Senators and all Representatives) to invite them to visit the Schoolhouse or to schedule a time to meet with the students