CONTACT: Lynda Quick PHONE: 716-376-8237 September 30, 2002
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		NEW EDUCATIONAL WEBSITE REVOLUTIONIZES CLASSROOM LEARNING
		Olean, New York - School will never be the same for New York's students with the September 30th launch of SchoolTools.us, a revolutionary new website created by Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES, which will provide educators, administrators, students and parents with one unified source for improving academic achievement for our children and those across the state. The site's development was made possible in part by the $500,000 New York State Virtual Learning Space grant recently awarded to Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES from the New York State Education Department.
		SchoolTools.us has something for everyone involved in education. Teachers will find standards-based Learning Experiences through the use of a Learning Standards Wizard, to create new learning experiences that are aligned with state standards. District templates are available for mapping curriculums, finding and closing gaps across a K-12 plan, and designing a curriculum that best suits a specific group of students. All of the New York State learning standards will also be available for handheld computers such as Pocket PC or Palm OS.
		Virtual learning books for multiple reading levels can be created using convenient drag and drop tools. Educators will also be able to tap into the assessment item bank for analysis of student's aptitudes. Both parents and teachers will benefit from an on-line library of more than 300 articles on topics ranging from child development and special education needs to teaching strategies and new assessments.
		Communication between parents, teachers and students will be improved by the use of E-Cards created by teachers to send notices of upcoming meetings or events. Discussion boards, chats, calendars and polls are additional tools that facilitate communication and help the entire community stay connected. Additional features such as journals and needs assessments help educators monitor and improve professional growth.
		The web site and all user accounts will be managed on the local level by someone the school or district designates, allowing for flexibility and local control. Site managers will have full technical support and be given priority service to resolve problems with the site's operation. For more details, or a site map on SchoolTools.us, contact Lynda Quick at (716) 376-8237.