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SaTL
FAQ Sheet |
What is a SaTL program?
A SaTL program is a K-16 class in which students learn in-demand
technical skills in the context of a strong academic program. These
programs are owned and operated by their school districts, and usually
have unique names. Very rarely is the term "SaTL" ever
used in these names. SaTL programs can be part of the school day,
or may be after-school activities. SaTL programs also tend to teach
technical skills that are needed in districts, providing services
to address these needs. Common SaTL program topics include (but
are not limited to) computer repair, networking, web design, help
desk, graphic arts, and programming.
Is a SaTL Program Expensive?
Yes and no. It does cost money to start a SaTL program, but it
will save much more money after it begins. SaTL students are industry-trained
technicians that will provide valuable technical assistance for
fractions of the cost. In fact, most SaTL programs were started
as a solution to keep technical investments operational, and to
provide support to students and staff.
What is the SaTL Organization?
The SaTL organization is comprised of students, educators, administrators,
businesspeople, and other concerned individuals. The purpose of
the SaTL organization is to encourage schools to develop new SaTL
programs and to support existing programs. By acting as a central
source of information and communication, the SaTL organization is
able to facilitate the sharing of resources between SaTL programs.
Through publications, email mailings, events, and a strong web presence,
the SaTL organization finds underutilized sources in one school
district (such as open seats during training sessions and other
valuable opportunities) and connects them to districts where those
resources are needed.
In addition, the organization is able to use the strength of its
membership size to coordinate statewide deals and opportunities.
Some of these include lower testing fees for industry certifications,
free training sessions for teachers, and the production of relevant
curricula and course materials.
How Many School Districts Participate in the SaTL Organization?
There are currently over 50 Massachusetts school districts actively
participating in the SaTL organization. These districts include
some of the largest student populations in the state, including
Boston, Springfield, Lowell, and Lawrence. In addition, over 25
schools from across the country participate in online SaTL-related
discussions and events.
Does it Cost Money to Join the SaTL Organization?
Normally, yes. Due to legislative money provided by the Massachusetts
Department of Education, however, SaTL organizational membership
is free to Massachusetts schools for the remainder of the 2000-2001
school year. There are still individual, school, and business membership
fees for persons and organizations that are not covered by this
funding.
What Events Has the SaTL Organization Coordinated?
The "meat and potatoes" of SaTL events are bi-monthly
roundtables. These meetings are half-day sessions across the state
to update participants and initiate work on projects. They are also
great times for members to meet other members, and to coordinate
group efforts. A good deal of information sharing is always guaranteed
at SaTL roundtables. In addition to these, two state conferences
have been held, and in October of 2000, a SaTL National Conference
was organized. This event featured 30 SaTL programs from across
the United States; some from as far away as Texas and Hawaii! The
three-day conference was held to share best practices and to create
a network from which to build a national movement.
How Does a School Start a SaTL Program?
Although it seems hard to start a program, it's actually very easy
- it just takes proper planning, and an investment of time and resources.
The best way to get started is to contact schools with SaTL programs,
and to contact the SaTL organization office at Mass Networks.
How Does One Contact the SaTL Office?
Contact:
Kevin Glennon, SaTL Project Manager kglennon@massnetworks.org
ext.119
Marissa Orsillo, SaTL Events Coordinator morsillo@massnetworks.org
ext.100
Sam Rodger, SaTL Project Assistant srodger@massnetworks.org
ext.127
Marisa Hedlund, SaTL Project Assistant mhedlund@massnetworks.org
ext.126
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