Phase I of P.I.L.O.T.S. (Peers Implementing Learning Opportunities with Technology Standards) took off in the summer of 2003. To meet the importance of meaningful technology integration into the curriculum, sixth grade teachers from all eleven middle schools were nominated to participate in a three day summer workshop where they collaborated with teachers in the same disciplines. The "cadets", armed with their TEKS and adopted scope and sequences, created or modified TEK based lessons that included technology integration according to their assigned technology application standards. It was three days of fun, learning, and sharing. Many of the lessons that were created that summer were entered into a lesson plan database available to all teachers in the district.

The mission of P.I.L.O.T.S. is to provide middle school teachers with lessons that seamlessly integrate technology and a better understanding of the state mandated technology application standards. This district is fortunate to have access to a wealth and variety of resources.

Over the last five years, we have successfully completed four phases of P.I.L.O.T.S. Last year we had a great group of 6th grade teachers. Now in 2007-2008  we begin Phase V, where we will be welcoming our thirteen 7th grade teachers. These cadets will now board the cabin and begin the accumulation of technology based lessons. To support them in their mission, the cadets were issued a new wireless laptop loaded with the adopted district software, a digital video camera, and a flash drive. Upon completion of the required lessons, the cadets are allowed to keep their laptop for the remainder of their time with the district.

The long term goal is that our cadets will share the lessons with other middle school teachers and serve as the documentation resource on their campus. Most importantly, they will serve as role models of good technology use in the classroom and encourage their campus teachers to reach for the skies with technology integration. We look forward to an exciting journey with our enthusiastic cadets and can't wait for an exciting new year with our 7th grade teachers.