Windows to the Future which begin in the fall of 1991 with the integration of computers, video, print and audio technologies with language arts has expanded in the 1992-93 academic year, with the integration of world history, language arts, and the technologies of computers, video and audio. This integration and specialization improves skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, problem-solving,critical thinking leadership, and critical thinking as well as providing immediate and log range employment skills. The goal of Windows to the Future is to provide students with the skills to make successful transitions into post-secondary life, whether to a four year college, community college, technical school, or full time employment.

This specialized, integrated academic/vocational program is taught by teams of language arts, social science, audio, video, and computer teachers. The technology staff is part of the Mendocino Regional Occupational Program [ROP] housed in the two year old Tech Center on the Mendocino High School campus. As a collaborative designed program which involves educators, students, parents, colleges and businesses this program draws upon a broad base of school and community resources.

The 1991-92 planning year saw the development of the curriculum and the field testing of the pilot Windows I courses. Windows I is an introductory course which fully integrates language arts skills with audio, video and computer/multimedia skills in a two period, team-taught class. The project and portfolio based curriculum requires students to reflect on their own learning and the learning of their peers. Projects extend student learning beyond the classrooms and labs while reinforcing curriculum goals and technical skills.

The 1992-93 implementation year has seen the development of the Windows II and advanced integrated technology courses. Windows II is an elective 10th grade class that integrates world history, language arts and the technologies of computers, audio, and video. This project-based, problem-solving research class is centered around four world history concepts. The first three quarters students learn new technical skills in each of the three technology fields. They produce projects which teachers have defined with teacher set goals. The fourth quarter students select one of the three technologies for advanced concentration. They design their own project and collaboration teams. While teachers have selected the thematic focus and have established project goals, the possibilities for projects are more opened. Unique to this Windows II integration model is that English is back by World History so that time is flexible allowing two period blocks for the tech labs two days per week and allowing academic teachers to use more that a traditional class period when needed for greater concentrations of time.

The thrust of this final phase will be to develop and implement the advanced language arts, social science, science, audio, video, computer and other tech/prep courses. In addition to these Windows III, IV and advanced specialized courses, our program will offer apprenticeship and internship possibilities both on campus, in the community and beyond our local community. While student interests, talents, and specializations will be vitally important, teachers will guide students through specialized courses to build on their academic progress and vocational readiness.

Windows to the Future has had and will continue to have a positive impact on the teaching and learning of languages arts, social science and technology. This grant will provide the critical components necessary to link the existing exemplary programs and to fully implement Windows to the Future at Mendocino High School. This program prepares students to access and manage information and technology. It prepares them for technical careers using audio, video and computers and provides the skills of adaptability, teamwork, goal setting, problem-solving, and decision making which are applicable to all future vocational or academic pursuits.