Boeing Grant to Fund Tech Training for Math, Science Teachers THE LOS ANGELES EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP will use a $250,000 grant from The Boeing Company to prepare Los Angeles teachers to use technology effectively to support instruction in mathematics and science. The grant funds a new initiative that will provide advanced technology training and communications for teachers, also known as T3. Teachers will receive instruction in use of the Internet, software, and other computer technologies to conduct research, enrich instructional material and collaborate with colleagues worldwide. The format for the training will be based on the successful "LA Access" Internet research and curriculum development training piloted by LAEP in 1998. Through LA Access, teachers in Los Angeles were given the opportunity to develop curricula using state-of-the-art technology to strengthen both teaching and student research. "The goal of the T3 initiative is to encourage and support better and immediate use of the Internet in K-12 public education," said LAEP President Peggy Funkhouser. "With assistance from Boeing and others, the outlook is promising for expanding the number of well-prepared teachers with the ability to integrate technology into classrooms to help low-achieving students acquire language skills and content area knowledge." Teachers will be recruited from throughout the Los Angeles Unified School District to participate in the training that will support math and science instruction. Teachers will use existing online curriculum and will develop technology-rich Web-based classroom activities that are aligned with state content standards. Space will also be provided on the T3 Web site for teachers to post student work. In addition, teachers will use the Internet to facilitate discussion and exchange ideas with other teachers, specialists and experts in their disciplines on how to implement lessons in the classroom and how to adapt lessons found online. Since the mid-1990s, LAEP has engaged teachers in professional leadership as teacher practitioners who serve as mentors and coaches for other teachers. T3 training provides technology training for 50 teacher leaders in the form of "Technology Academies" over two years. These teachers in turn will train more than 500 practitioners at their own schools. LAEP has pioneered the effort to bring technology into the classrooms, schools and communities of Los Angeles. Beginning in 1994, LAEP's initiatives have provided affordable access to the Internet for educators, placed curriculum materials online, and taught educators how to plan and use technology in the classroom.