Technology modules in the West Allis School District meeting Wisconsin state standards for technology education

Abstract

Over the years there has been a transition from vocational shop classes to what is now called technology education. Many schools are changing their classroom structure from a traditional style of teaching to modular instruction. With this evolution, various questions can be raised. There are many companies that manufacture technology modules, which modules will be chosen? Which modules best fit the curriculum? The biggest concern is whether the modules meet the current state standards. The Wisconsin State Standards have only been implemented since 1998. Technology modules are also a newer concept for technology education classrooms. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how well technology education modules meet the current Wisconsin Model Academic Standards for Technology Education, published by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (1998). There are a variety of reasons this research was done. Technology modules have not been around long in classroom settings. Another reason would be the advent of new technology education standards brought forth by the state of Wisconsin. There has been an increase of school districts implementing modular classrooms. This study would be an asset to any district thinking about technology modules for their classes, and if they do meet state standards. This study may also help determine if technology modules purchased prior to 1998 meet current state standards. There are four main content standards within the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards for Technology Education: Human Ingenuity, Systems, The Nature of Technology, and The Impact of Technology. Each category contains specific performance standards that students will need to pass by the end of fourth, eighth, and twelfth grades. Scantech technology modules were used for this study because those are the modules used in the West Allis school district. The technology modules used are for the eighth grade “tech mods” class at the two middle schools. The module’s competencies were evaluated to see whether they met the Wisconsin standards for technology education