Computer Literacy Plan to Be Discussed

Students from kindergarten on up will be expected to demonstrate basic computer skills under a technology standards plan proposed by the Conejo Valley Unified School District.

For more than a year, the district’s technology committee has been developing standards for the K-12 program, in which students in each grade will be expected to perform certain computer skills.

The school board will discuss the standards at its meeting tonight. The program is expected to begin this fall. Under the plan, kindergarten students, for example, would be expected to know how to use a keyboard and a mouse. They would also be expected to know how to care for computers and create pictures using computer drawing and painting tools. Eighth-graders would have to know how to use the Internet, spreadsheets, scanners, digital cameras and other computer tools to gather information and create multimedia reports and presentations.

Richard Simpson, assistant superintendent of instructional services, said some of the new requirements may sound sophisticated to adults, but computer skills are becoming increasingly important for children. For many, it’s already almost second nature, he said.

The proposed standards will be incorporated into the regular curriculum as the district works to incorporate computers in all its classrooms. With the help of Measure R, the district’s $88-million school construction bond, the district is completing technology improvements at its school sites.

The district hopes to have electrical wiring upgrades finished by 2000.