The overarching theme of the toolkit to be launched during SETDA’s meetings at NECC
in June 2008 will be“The Gateway to Graduation” with a very strong emphasis on
technology’s role in developing a productive and creative workforce-ready group of
graduates now and into the future.

Fun Fact: The children entering 1st grade this year are this nation’s graduates of 2020.
This toolkit strives to use foresight to address the following critical areas so in the year
2020 we will feel rewarded by our hindsight.

SETDA’s Gateway to Graduation Toolkit 2008 will include the following Tools:

1. Technology & Teacher’s Role in Increased Student Engagement
2. Crossing the Critical Chasms: Algebra I & 3rd Grade Reading
3. Individualized Instruction: Student centered approach to learning including formative assessment and personalized curriculum

Each tool development group will  provide overarching materials that will set the stage and support all aspects of the three tools. This group of SETDA leaders will hone and refine:

• A National perspective on technology’s role in Dropout Prevention and Workforce Readiness: Using the Gates Foundation’s work as the basis.
• Sample Letters with Research: Making the case for addressing drop out prevention and workforce readiness using ed-tech programs that work:
• A Comprehensive list of supporting resources

POSSIBLE TOOL COMPONENTS
Each of the three tools mentioned above will be a robust set of resources housed on a
website within SETDA’s Gateway to Graduation Toolkit 2008. Each tool will be supported with
some of all of the following components:

1. State case studies to support the specific component
2. Scenarios and strategies that are working within states or districts
3. Challenges & pitfalls to consider
4. Leadership & Communications Documents

• Policy recommendations for District, State and Congressional Leaders
• Sample language for State legislation to implement ed-tech projects to support each component
• Testimony, introduction letters, and sound bites for SETDA members to use that makes the case with research and solid examples of what has worked.
• Sample documents such as:

1. Press releases about the project

2. Introduction letters to colleagues, state legislators, and community leaders

3. Project planning ideas

• Compendium of research that supports each of the four components