Policy
MOUSE Provides Input to National Education Technology Plan
December 2009
The U.S. Department of Education is developing a new National Educational Technology Plan to provide a vision for how information and communication technologies can help transform American education. The plan will provide a set of concrete goals that can inform state and local educational technology plans as well as inspire research, development, and innovation. A draft plan is expected in early 2010.
MOUSE was one of several organization to provide input about improving education through the innovative use of technology.
View the MOUSE Exemplary Case for Development of 21st Century Expertise.
MOUSE Supports Mayoral Control
November 2008
MOUSE joined a coalition of education organizations in support of keeping mayoral control intact. MOUSE chose to join the coalition for the following reasons:
1. MOUSE is committed to accountability and we believe our schools and leaders should be held accountable. MOUSE has always been committed to results, which are demonstrated through our formative and independent evaluations. MOUSE partnered with The National Center for Schools and Communities at Fordham University to conduct a third-party multi-year evaluation of MOUSE Squad. Fordham University’s evaluation shows positive results in academics, attendance, desire to stay in school, 21st century schools and career opportunities. The Mayor has put systems in place to ensure that his Administration is held accountable (i.e. ARIS, school report cards) that help to support accountability and we want to ensure that these major steps forward continue to have the impact that was intended—better results for our students.
2. Mayor Bloomberg has provided tremendous leadership and is demonstrating results. Under the Mayor’s leadership, we have already begun to see positive results over the past 6 years—and, we have just begun to scratch the surface on turning around the largest school district in NYC:
- Graduation rates are up.
- 8th grade math scores are up.
- Failing schools have been closed.
- Teacher salaries are up.
- School-based crime is down.
3. Comprehensive planning. It is imperative to have a Department of Education that provides a comprehensive approach to education--leadership, empowerment, and accountability. As Mayor Bloomberg has said, schools need strong leaders who are empowered to make decisions and who are accountable for results. It is exactly this type of approach that has led NYC to be recognized (i.e. Broad Foundation) for the new leadership.
4. Funding is going to the schools, not to supporting an ineffective bureaucracy. The Mayor has made a serious commitment to eradicating the unnecessary layers of bureaucracy. This system has also empowered schools to be accountable and ensure that the specific needs of their students are being met. NYC is not a homogeneous District; therefore, it’s important to ensure that Principals has sufficient latitude to ensure they are meeting the needs of their students—and, they are also being held accountable.
5. The State Legislature has recognized the importance of accountability and voted in favor of this system. The State Legislature believed that accountability was important to turnaround a failing system when you voted in favor of Mayoral Control for New York City. It is important to build upon the success that has taken place to date and ensure that the students of NYC remain our top priority.
Information and communication technology literacy is an essential element of preparing the city’s youth to achieve at the highest levels in their present and future academic and ultimately professional lives. MOUSE has partnered with the NYCDOE since 1997 and we look forward to continuing a partnership with the Mayor that embodies the principles leadership, empowerment and accountability. We need to be sure that our education system continues to represent the needs of our student, not the special interests.
Learn NY
Learn NY is a non-profit advocating for the renewal of the Mayoral Control law. MOUSE has joined their grassroots coalition of 69 school-based education programs, community-based organizations, and faith-based group to ensure that the progress in NYC's schools continues. Visit the Learn NY Website.
The list of what I have learned from the MOUSE Squad program can go on forever. The training has helped me to be confident about what I do and has taught me... read more ›
– Jessica Alberto, MOUSE Squad Member, Thomas A. Edison Career & Technology High School
MOUSE Squad has provided invaluable assistance to our school and made technology easy for our entire staff. Those on MOUSE Squad are surrounded by students who are successful inside and outside the classroom. read more ›
– Anthony Barbetta, Principal, Thomas A. Edison Career & Technology High School
I recognize MOUSE for its dedication to providing our city’s schools with the technological tools and support to keep our children competitive in the information age. read more ›
– Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, New York City
The experiences that MOUSE provides its participants help ensure that high school graduates are prepared for good jobs during the summer and in their future careers. MOUSE’s unique emphasis on technology training... read more ›
– Gale Brewer, New York City Council Member, Technology Committee Chair
I love finishing school and coming to MOUSE. I love the teamwork and the time to learn new things about computers. read more ›
– Aram Buenaventura, MOUSE Squad Member, High School for Arts & Technology
When I started the internship, my manager brought me to the trading floor. It was the best thing in the world to see all the traders and to know they were my clients,... read more ›
– Duckens Durosier, MOUSE Squad Alumni, Junior Analyst, Citi
To me, programs like this don't exactly go to every school around. I enjoy the program and what they teach. My interest in technology has enhanced greatly because of MOUSE Squad. read more ›
– Ally Garcia, MOUSE Squad Member, High School for Arts & Technology
Participating in the MOUSE Squad gave me a true sense of purpose. I never could have imagined in just 8 years, I would be CEO of my own technology consulting firm and... read more ›
– Juan Garzon, MOUSE Squad Alumni; Field Support Representative, MOUSE
Our MOUSE Squad students are demonstrating leadership skills, learning about responsibilities and how to communicate with adults. This program is inspiring our students and giving them a glimpse of future career opportunities. read more ›
– Carla Haakma, Principal, Los Arboles Elementary School, California
MOUSE Squad students learn many skills frequently citied by employers as keys to success in the workplace, including leadership, communication, teamwork problem solving and time management. read more ›
– Jan Half, Executive Director, MOUSE Squad of California
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 the TechCrew program have a positive impact in... read more ›
– Victor Herrera, Student Tech Services, Chicago Public Schools
For our school, MOUSE Squad plays an integral role in supporting our technology, saving us both time and money. But more importantly, students participate in positive experiences that give them a strong... read more ›
– Seth Hubbert, Faculty Coordinator, High School for Arts & Technology
What excites me most about MOUSE Squad is going to fix computers and hanging out with friends. I really think MOUSE Squad pushes you to try and learn new things. read more ›
– Danielle Jacobs, MOUSE Squad Member, Cooper High School, Abilene Texas
MOUSE is a valued NYC Department of Education partner--their programs are well aligned with NYC and national education priorities. MOUSE programs build important 21st century skills and prepare students to be successful... read more ›
– Joel Klein, Chancellor, New York City Department of Education
MOUSE has been able to light my path of maturity. Being shown everything I can do, and looking back at everything I’ve been a part of, I now realize what I want... read more ›
– Ryan Mason, MOUSE Squad Alumni, School of the Future
MOUSE Squad has taught me the skills I need for the future. read more ›
– Ismelda Monegro, Bea Fuller Rodgers School, New York
Leadership, pride, self confidence and a sense of responsibility -- this is the impact of the MOUSE Squad program on our students. read more ›
– Norma Perez, Principal, Bea Fuller Rodgers School, New York
MOUSE Squad has proven time and again that students who graduate after participating are more equipped for the next stage in their lives, especially in today’s vast information technology word. This program... read more ›
– Christine C. Quinn, Speaker, New York City Council
Through the CPS TechCrew program, I have learned how to explore computers, how to fix problems that are usually deferred to someone else, and what it's like to work on a team that... read more ›
– Simon Vecchioni, CPS TechCrew Member, Northside College Prep High School, Chicago
What excites me most about being part of this program is that I get to interact with other students who share the same goals and who hope to learn more on how to... read more ›
– Monique Williams, Chicago TechCrew Member, Tarkington School of Excellence
