Technology CommitteeProfessional DevelopmentStudent Programs

ADTECH MISSION STATEMENT

In order to improve student learning through education-based, Internet, and distance learning technologies, ADTECH will provide collaborative opportunities for the education community, parents and business community in our region.

We will maintain the commitment of our members through shared decision making, and we will pursue funding to achieve our mutually-defined goals; with ongoing fiscal responsibility for the application of those funds.

By demonstrating technological leadership, being responsive and providing valuable support, we will be considered the cornerstone of the education community which we serve.

INTRODUCTION
Established in 1995, the South Bay Advanced Educational Technology Consortium (ADTECH) is a non-profit organization composed of representatives from fourteen school districts, business members, higher education, other education groups and government entities dedicated to improving student learning and achievement through the integration of technology in the schools. Serving predominantly the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, ADTECH provides collaborative opportunities for the education community, parents and businesses to participate in education-based, Internet, and distance learning technology initiatives.

ADTECH provides a forum for members to discuss and share ideas related to education, educational technology, telecommunications and school-to-career transitions. The organization is committed to shared decision-making and to pursuing resources and funds to achieve mutually-defined goals. We are also committed to ongoing fiscal responsibility for the use of these resources and the application of funds.

Since ADTECH focuses on learning technologies, we consider opportunities to address a full spectrum of technology issues. These will include processes to continually improve pedagogy, learning modalities and the procurement and maintenance of technologies. In particular, the consortium sponsors continuing professional development for teachers and school administrators that includes resources, peer modeling and coaching on best practices and student programs which give students enhanced technology skills and opportunities.

ADTECH also helps to form partnerships with businesses, industries, community and governmental agencies and other appropriate groups through cooperative activities, the sharing of information and models, and the presentation of jointly-sponsored events, educational programs, in-services and other training.

THE BENEFITS OF COLLABORATION...
There are several reasons why our districts, colleges and businesses choose to participate in ADTECH, least of which is that it is difficult to "go it alone" in planning for technologies in today's environment. These businesses and organizations derive direct benefit from their ADTECH memberships in the following ways:

  1. Function as one district. This combined ADTECH district has 131 schools, 105,000 students and 5,000 teachers. This equips each district with a larger, united voice when it comes to planning and purchasing.
  2. Sharing information and expertise. Each district has its discrete approach to implementing and planning for technologies. All of the ADTECH districts are at varying levels of expertise and savvy. Monthly meetings of the Technology Committee (which consists of technology and curriculum experts) allows a forum which has not existed prior to ADTECH nor outside ADTECH today. These districts compare notes, share information, conduct threaded online discussions and send out requests for data when they are planning a unique project.
  3. Business and vendor expertise. In many ways, our business members impart knowledge regarding the future of technologies and certain approaches which might not otherwise have been considered.
  4. Flexibility and expeditious implementation of programs. ADTECH is a separate entity which plans its programs through the Technology Committee and seeks program and fiscal approvals at regular Board meetings. Upon Board approval, programs can be immediately implemented and funds allocated.
  5. Expanded opportunities for peer coaching. All ADTECH professional development programs are open to constituents from any of our member organizations. This has afforded many teachers and staff access to a larger array of experts from other districts, colleges and businesses.
  6. Access to critical and current resources. ADTECH's new website is providing a "Resources Portal" for teachers, administrators and parents. It is our goal to establish a site where our constituents can directly access information regarding learning technologies; e.g., training, state requirements, grants, online programs, vendors and emerging technologies.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY...
ADTECH manages all resources through monthly Board meetings. The ADTECH Board consists of business executives, superintendents and college executives who review our budget on a regular basis. A superintendent functions as the ADTECH Treasurer and reviews all financial activities on a monthly basis, as well. All of our programs have been scrutinized, approved and funded through Board approval. An annual report is also distributed at the conclusion of each program year; reviewing program results and financial status.

ADTECH subsists solely on grants (corporate, state or federal) and a small amount of administrative resources provided by each of our member districts.

OUR TRACK RECORD...
ADTECH has placed an emphasis on accelerating professional development for teachers and administrators. The introduction of technology into the learning environment provides greater, more up-to-date resources for instruction as it offers students more modalities for learning and expressing their comprehension of subject matter. Teachers will have a continued need to update their skills for instruction and student coaching, and schools will have a continued need to support the applications and technologies in which they have invested.

Our teachers and administrators have had programs to improve their curricular and instruction skills and increased access to technology support solutions. ADTECH has directly affected students through programs that teach students technology skills as well as affording them expanded course and technology experience.

THE CONSORTIUM
The Consortium members of ADTECH meet quarterly and convene for one annual meeting. Each quarterly meeting provides a forum for a timely, relevant topic which is of interest to our constituents and which involves our constituents' expertise. The annual meeting takes place just before the summer term and is our opportunity to recognize exemplary contributions and recognize the support of our many partners.

The Consortium is governed by a Board which consists of one representative from each of our participating members. The Board meets monthly and approves all programs and fiscal allocations.

The heart and soul of our Consortium is our Technology Committee which also meets monthly, just before the Board convenes. This committee has representation from each of our members, including all of our districts. Their focus is on the effective integration of technologies for learning.

The Technology Committee discusses opportunities for collaboration and then make recommendations to the Board for the allocation of resources to support our programs.

Member Organizations

Member Information

    Superintendents

    • Bruce Auld, El Segundo
    • Don Brann, Wiseburn
    • Don Carrington, Hawthorne
    • Dr. Joe Condon, Lawndale
    • Gwen Gross, Manhattan Beach
    • Christine Hoffman, SCROC
    • Dr. Steven Keller, Redondo Beach
    • George Mannon, Torrance
    • Dr. Sharon McClain, Hermosa Beach
    • Dr. Bruce McDaniel, Lennox
    • Dr. Myrna Rivera Coté, Culver City
    • Dr. Pamela Short-Powell, Inglewood
    • Walker Williams, Palos Verdes
    • Cheryl White, Centinela Valley

    Other Education Members

    • Warren Ashley, Cal State Dominguez Hills
    • Ray Chavez, LACOE
    • Don Treat, El Camino College

    Business/Government Members

    • Patti Fair, Apple Computer
    • Dan Roach, Apple Computer
    • Jack Mele, Data Impressions
    • Kirk Fabrizio, HP
    • Christine Streifel, HP
    • Bill Fisher, Fisher Engineering
    • Sylvia Martinez, Generation YES
    • Carleen Beste, Northrop Grumman
    • Mike Murray, Verizon

Please browse through our site and take a look at our exciting programs, and be sure to let us know if you want more information or would like to join our efforts.

For more information, email John Umekubo, Executive Director