Ed 306.42 Information and Communication Technologies Program.

(a) The local school board shall require an integrated approach to the use of 21^st century tools, including, but not limited to digital technology and communication tools, within all curriculum areas through the adoption of an information and communication technologies literacy (ICT) program in grades K - 12 that provides opportunities at developmentally appropriate levels for students to:

(1) Develop knowledge of ethical, responsible use of technology tools in a society that relies heavily on knowledge of information in its decision-making;

(2) Become proficient in the use of 21^st century tools to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information within the context of the core subjects of:

a. Reading ;
b. Mathematics;
c. English and language arts;
d. Science;
e. Social studies, including civics, government, economics, history, and geography;
f. Arts; and
g. World languages;

(3) Use 21^st century tools to develop cognitive proficiency in:

a. Literacy;
b. Numeracy;
c. Problem solving;
d. Decision making; and
e. Spatial / visual literacy;

(4) Use 21^st century tools to develop technical proficiency at a foundational knowledge level in:

a. Hardware;
b. Software applications;
c. Networks; and
d. Elements of digital technology; and

(5) Create digital portfolios which:

a. Address the following components:
(**see note)

1.  Basic operations and concepts;
2.  Social, ethical, and human issues;
3.  Technology productivity tools;
4.  Technology communications tools;
5.  Technology research tools; and
6.  Technology problem solving and decision-making tools;

b. Represent proficient, ethical, responsible use of 21^st century tools within the context of the core subjects; and

c. Include, at a minimum, such digital artifacts as:

1. Standardized tests;
2. Observation;
3. Student work; and
4. Comments describing a student’s reflection on his/her work.

(b) The local school board shall provide opportunities for students to demonstrate ICT competency by the end of 8th grade using assessment rubrics applied to the contents of digital portfolios as required in (a)(5) above. Students who successfully demonstrate knowledge, skill, and understanding of these competencies shall have the opportunity, as high school students, to take a higher level computer course to meet the ½ credit requirement.

(c) The local school board shall provide opportunities for students to complete a ½ credit ICT course prior to high school graduation, including, but not limited to:

(1) Use of common productivity and web based software;
(2) Use of a variety of multimedia software and equipment;
(3) Configuring computers and basic network configurations; and
(4) Applying programming concepts used in software development.