The following is a basic summary of the TOP 10! Best Practices for middle and high school MOUSE Squads that resulted from the very productive breakout groups at the end of the day at Wednesday’s conference. It is interesting that each grade level ended up with exactly 10! Also note that there are 3 best practices that middle and high school have in common. These are listed at the end as “top overall” best practices.
Thanks to everyone who participated in sharing these great tips, and others, for successful MOUSE Squads!
TOP 10 MIDDLE SCHOOL MOUSE Squad BEST PRACTICES
1. Be flexible with scheduling when possible, but “Make it work for you!” –do whatever it takes for the FA to be able to make the program successful.
2. Provide incentives like pizza parties, space, t-shirts etc.
3. Raise money is necessary to provide special opportunities such as an expo trip, a show, etc.(hold bake sales, for example)
4. Keep a file on each student.
5. Provide shared responsibility among squad members and the FA…and give kids REAL responsibilities and projects!
6. Have an organized, functional ticket tracking system.
7. Hold meetings before and after school.
8. Do MOUSE Squad as a club.
9. Collaborate using video conferencing (iSquad) if possible.
10. Tap into parent association funds!
Top 10 HIGH SCHOOL MOUSE Squad BEST PRACTICES
1. Administrative support, sufficient time and dedicated faculty advisor.
2. Make sure FA has dedicated time to devote to MOUSE Squad.
3. Provide PD for the school’s teachers about how to utilize MOUSE Squad.
4. Ask students to have a hand in choosing fellow squad members, and give the new members a probationary period.
5. Provide student incentives (esp. pay).
6. Hold weekly meetings! this improves communication among squad members a nd allows them to discuss what needs to be done in the future.
7. Use a buddy system for kids answering calls and for training one another. Senior members pair up with new members, for example.
8. Provide a professional atmosphere,…such things as a dedicated meeting area.
9. Communicate and demonstrate! (which involves “proving” the worth of the squad)
10. Set up clear expectations and goals!
Top OVERALL MOUSE Squad Best Practices
1. Provide incentives.
2. Hold weekly meetings.
3. Give students real responsibilites.
CPS TechCrew
What is it?
TechCrew is designed to enrich students’ educational experience and job readiness skills. This is accomplished by providing students with a TechCrew coordinator and the training and framework necessary to carry out basic computer problem resolution within the confines of their school.
What is the turnaround time? Are there any other parameters?
TechCrew requires principals or technology coordinators to participate in an information session. If the school decides to participate, the designated TechCrew coordinator(s) must also participate in a training session. Upon completion of the training session and recruitment of student participants, TechCrew will be operational.
How do I request service?
To request information about TechCrew or to register for an information session, contact Victor Herrera at TechCrew@cps.k12.il.us.
What is the cost?
No, there is no cost for this service. However, the school is responsible for the TechCrew coordinator stipend.
What curriculum do the students use ? How do I recruit students?
TechCrew is designed to enrich students’ educational experience and job readiness skills. This is accomplished by providing students with a TechCrew coordinator and the training and framework necessary to carry out basic computer problem resolution within the confines of their school.
What is the turnaround time? Are there any other parameters?
TechCrew requires principals or technology coordinators to participate in an information session. If the school decides to participate, the designated TechCrew coordinator(s) must also participate in a training session. Upon completion of the training session and recruitment of student participants, TechCrew will be operational.
How do I request service?
To request information about TechCrew or to register for an information session, contact Victor Herrera at TechCrew@cps.k12.il.us.
What is the cost?
No, there is no cost for this service. However, the school is responsible for the TechCrew coordinator stipend.
What curriculum do the students use ? How do I recruit students?
TechCrew Impact
TechCrew Inspires: “The experience you gain from being part of TechCrew is immeasurable. TechCrew helped me to find my passion for technology.”
-Gabino Noriega, Former TechCrew Participant
TechCrew Helps Educators: “TechCrew helps out students academically and has allowed students to assume leadership roles and to gain confidence through their experience.”
-Brian Surina, TechCrew Coordinator, Phoenix Military Academy
TechCrew Saves Money: “TechCrew is a positive experience for the school and the students because the students achieve the skills necessary to perform in this field while the school is able to allocate funding to other educational programs.”
-Joellen-Zielazinski, Budget Manager, Kelly High School
TechCrew Increases Attendance: “We recognize that student attendance and graduation are increasingly important issues facing public schools. We are looking to target specific schools as we have seen TechCrew have a positive impact in these areas.”
-Victor Herrera, Student Technology Services Manger
TechCrew Improves Performance: “Twenty-first century technology is a shopisticted, cutting edge, and ever changing industry. We want our students to be at the forefront of that industry, and TechCrew is a good place for them to start.”
-Arshele C. Stevens, Chief Information Officer
-Gabino Noriega, Former TechCrew Participant
TechCrew Helps Educators: “TechCrew helps out students academically and has allowed students to assume leadership roles and to gain confidence through their experience.”
-Brian Surina, TechCrew Coordinator, Phoenix Military Academy
TechCrew Saves Money: “TechCrew is a positive experience for the school and the students because the students achieve the skills necessary to perform in this field while the school is able to allocate funding to other educational programs.”
-Joellen-Zielazinski, Budget Manager, Kelly High School
TechCrew Increases Attendance: “We recognize that student attendance and graduation are increasingly important issues facing public schools. We are looking to target specific schools as we have seen TechCrew have a positive impact in these areas.”
-Victor Herrera, Student Technology Services Manger
TechCrew Improves Performance: “Twenty-first century technology is a shopisticted, cutting edge, and ever changing industry. We want our students to be at the forefront of that industry, and TechCrew is a good place for them to start.”
-Arshele C. Stevens, Chief Information Officer
TechCrew Spotlight
Geek Squad Summer Academy
"Geek Squad"
Paula Gómez, Univision Television Group
CHICAGO, Hay un curso en las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago que convierte a los estudiantes en expertos en tecnología. Los agentes del Geek Squad se auto describen como “un escuadrón de gente medio excéntrica”. Ellos se dedican a arreglar computadoras y cualquier aparato electrónico. ¿Qué tienen que ver estos expertos con la educación? Ellos son los maestros que se dedican a impartir un curso especial de verano sobre tecnología en las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago (CPS) llamado Geek Squad Summer Academy. El enfoque del programa es despertar entre los jóvenes la pasión por la tecnología con la esperanza de que muchos escojan incursionar en una carrera en este campo. El curso dura tan sólo una semana pero eso es tiempo suficiente, según los organizadores, para enseñarle a los jóvenes cómo armar y desarmar una computadora. Los estudiantes también aprenden cómo crear sus propias páginas en la Internet y aprenden entre otras lecciones a proteger sus datos personales al usar la tecnología. El cupo para participar en el programa actualmente es limitado pero representantes de CPS esperan expandirlo con el tiempo. Si deseas más información sobre Geek Squad Summer Academy puedes visitar la página de Internet www.gssummeracademy.com
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