Analysis of Student Learning Needs continued

· The Computer Utilization Survey (CUS) conducted by the Carteret County Central Office, in conjunction with East Carolina University twice per school year, indicates that staff and students are frequently utilizing computers during the school day for educational purposes. The data revealed that computer replacement is irregular and insufficient to meet the needs of our students and staff. New software and hardware are often incompatible and frustration is experienced with computers freezing and frequently displaying error messages. Resources are insufficient to correct these issues with technology.

· The NC Department of Public Instruction annually ranks each of the 117 public school systems based on per-pupil expenditures. For fiscal year 2003-2004, the Carteret County Public School System was ranked 34^th total with $7,729 per pupil (9^th County, 67^th State, 85^th Federal).

· Structured interviews with teachers on availability of curriculum resources yielded a substantial number of comments and concerns with lack of instructional materials needed to enhance student performance. Teachers were often using outdated technology, had old textbooks, or an insufficient number to provide a copy to each student, and required students to purchase items needed for instruction such as graphing calculators.

Supporting the professional growth of teachers, staff, and administrators

· The Staff Development funds provided for the 2004-2005 school year totaled $3,951.00. This was the total amount provided to accommodate the staff development expenses for a professional staff of 60 teachers.

· The SEA System (a customized computer software program for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction) is used by Carteret County Schools to track the professional development expenditures in each school. According to the SEA System, fifteen faculty proposals were submitted at CHS that were partially funded. (Allocations listed below:)

o $1553-Registration Fee

o $1024-Personnel (Substitute Teachers)

o $458-Mileage

o $916-Meals

Only twenty-three staff members were provided the opportunity to participate in staff development activities with these funds and many were told there were insufficient funds to cover their requests. These funds did not cover any lodging expenses. $836 of the $916 spent on meals was used to pay for food for the entire staff at an all-day technology workshop conducted at Croatan High School .

· Structured interviews with teachers and employees indicate that there is a need for opportunities to meet with staff from other schools across Carteret County to articulate programs, share information, and discuss curriculum. There are limited opportunities for these county-wide articulation meetings.

Index