Introduction

AT&T's proposal to bring together the third largest public school system and the largest Catholic school system in the country to work together with the Illinois State Board of Education on innovative new curriculum might not have been possible in any other city in the United States. However, working in an enlightened environment created by Mayor Richard M. Daley and leadership at Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools (Dr. Elaine Schuster, Superintendent of Schools, and Janet Sisler, Associate Superintendent of Schools), Chicago Public Schools (Paul Vallas, Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Cozette Buckney, Chief Education Officer), and the Illinois State Board of Education (Dr. Joseph Spagnolo, State Superintendent of Education, and Cheryl Lemke, Associate Superintendent Learning Technologies), all three institutions recognized the benefits of learning from one another.

The underlying support for AT&T ENRICH was provided through an AT&T Learning Network grant of $1.5 million beginning in the spring of 1997. Since that time 79 teachers and 50 schools have participated in the program. While these 84 science lessons are a tangible product of the effects of this program, one cannot ignore the impact this program continues to have on the teachers; the way they teach and interact with students, and the way they view technology as they develop curriculum. Students in these teachers' classrooms are the real benefactors as they participate in classrooms where technology and engaged learning principles are employed.

A note of sincere appreciation from the Program Manager

The success of a program of this magnitude is dependent on many people. A special note of thanks goes to:

• The teachers, for their commitment of time, energy, and creativity.
• Shirley Berry, for her guidance, support, encouragement, and "opening of doors".
• Dennis Fulton, for his enthusiastic support, encouragement, and suggestions.
• Merrill Harmin, for giving the project its "heart". His classroom management system (DESCA), while very "low tech", had a significant impact on teachers' willingness to try new approaches and work at changing their classroom environment. His ability to model what he taught us was extraordinary.
• Melvin Soto, for his excellence in instructing teachers in the use of technology, software, and the Internet; for his suggestions and encouragement; for modeling engaged learning principles; for creating an exciting website; and for being a significant contributor during the four years of the program.
• Edward Lewis, for his excellence in instructing teachers in the creation of curriculum using technology and the Judi Harris activity structures; for his suggestions and encouragement; for modeling engaged learning principles; and for being a significant contributor during the four years of the program.
• William Schmeelk, for his biology expertise, his organizational skills, and for being my trusted assistance for two years of the program.
• Joan Mundell, for her incredible editing skills, persistence, encouragement, and suggestions.
• Tom Schrey, for his wonderful graphic design and layout of the lessons.
• Karen Snyder and Ken O'Hare for their quarterly evaluative comments and yearly evaluation reports that helped us work toward our goals.
• All persons involved in the program who shared their skills and humanity; and those who trusted me and grew with me and became my friend.

Angelo Militello
Program Manager
August 2001

 

Thank you to these institutions for the generous use of their facilities for teacher training, meetings, and other work associated with the program.

AT&T
Chicago, IL

Apple Computer
Chicago, IL

Bogan High School
Chicago, IL

Brother Rice High School
Chicago, IL

Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, IL

DePaul University
Chicago, IL

Jones Academic Magnet High School
Chicago, IL

Kellman Corporate Community School
Chicago, IL

Kelly High School
Chicago, IL

Marian Catholic High School
Chicago Heights, IL

Medill Technology and Professional Development Center
Chicago, IL

Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
Chicago, IL

Ridgewood High School
Norridge, IL

Wright College, Chicago City Colleges
Chicago, IL

Thank you to others at AT&T, the Chicago Public Schools, Office of Catholic Schools, and the Illinois State Board of Education.
Kathrine Backe, Rosario Burger, Yvette Chisom, Phala Daniel, Esther Herrera-Larsen, Redonia Lawson, Ernest Miller, Latasha Miller-Ingram, Rita Nelson, John Pantle, Colleen Porter, Sandra Rhodes, Elizabeth Scanlon, Peter Silva, Rae Smith, Chantel Turner, Timothy Yancy

Thanks also to Andrea Herrera and all her helpers at Amazing Edibles, Chicago, IL. for all the wonderful food!

And for his Truth Signs that helped us all learn and grow, we express our deepest gratitude to Merrill Harmin.

• We can do more and learn more when we are willing to risk.
• It's okay to make mistakes. That's the way we learn.
• We learn in our own ways, by our own time clock.
• It's intelligent to ask for help. No one need do it all alone.
• Everyone needs time to think and learn.