What came first . . . the chicken or the (Promethean) egg?

For those of you who are still curious about those wonderful tech-savvy white boards populating classrooms throughout Montgomery County Public Schools, and how, in these dire economic times, did our school system come up with the money, consider this.

Back in February 2008, when the Promethean Boards were a mere dream to many classrooms, Dr. Weast received a Tech Savvy Superintendent Award.

Note that at the time of the award, MCPS efforts included the installation of 18 Active Classrooms in 14 schools, with 22 more to be installed over the next two years.

So how did MCPS manage to install 2600+ of these boards in classrooms across the county by September 2008?

Could it be that the Tech Savvy Sup Award was sponsored by Promethean? Or is that just another amazing coincidence from Montgomery County, Maryland. Where is the "data driven decision making" to support this simplified acquisition that escaped the normal procurement bidding process?

Hear Dr. Weast in his own words or read the article (excerpts below)

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From the award write-up Eighth Annual Tech Savvy Superintendent Awards (Feb. 7, 2008)(http://www.eschoolnews.com/2008/02/07/eighth-annual-tech-savvy-superintendent-awards/) :

In our eighth annual Tech-Savvy Superintendent Awards, sponsored by Promethean and eCollege, eSchool News recognizes 10 of the nation's top K-12 executives for their outstanding ed-tech leadership and vision. Chosen by the editors of eSchool News with help from last year's winners, these 10 exemplary leaders will be honored in a private ceremony held at the same time as the American Association of School Administrators' annual conference in Tampa, Fla., Feb. 15.
. . .

Jerry D. Weast, Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland
When Weast became superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)--a large, culturally diverse school system of 21,000 professionals and 138,000 students--more than eight years ago, he set new priorities aimed at providing a high-quality teacher in every classroom, raising staff expectations of high academic achievement for all students, and giving educators the technology tools and support they needed to improve students' performance. He has rallied the support of stakeholders to provide funding to refresh the district's 40,000 computers, educational software, and network infrastructure every four years through a Technology Modernization program.

One of Weast's key technology initiatives to support teaching and learning focuses on data-driven decision making. By urging the creation of an integrated quality management system, he has simplified access to relevant student achievement data.

As a result, teachers now have immediate access to student performance data, so they can assess students' knowledge and abilities and tailor their instruction accordingly. Under Weast's direction, MCPS has integrated technology into professional development for all staff. Staff members register for professional development opportunities through the Professional Development Online (PDO) web-based program, which has been tailored to meet the specific training needs of each staff member. Professional development is provided in a new, state-of-the-art Center for Technology Innovation containing four computer labs and a video conferencing room.

Weast also has led the effort to develop online formative assessments that provide immediate access to results. Teachers now use handheld computers to streamline the process and improve the accuracy of diagnostic information. The district's most recent initiative is the installation of 18 Promethean ActivClassroom systems in 14 schools, with more than 22 additional schools to be added over the next two years [emphasis added].