Welcome to B*B*C*

(Barry / Brooklyn Connection)

B*B*C* is a collaborative, distance learning project using the on-line course builder eSchoolbuilder.com.  The course offers many ways for students to communicate in a safe on-line environment since the only way to access the site is to be enrolled by the instructor.

The focus of the project was to improve student writing.  Because the Welsh have a National Curriculum mandated by legislature, it was important that the project strictly adhered to their Frameworks and Standards. It became very apparent that the Standards and Frameworks of Wales and the State of Connecticut align in most instances particularly in the areas of literacy and IT.

This project involves two Fifth Grade, self-contained classes in Brooklyn Elementary School in Brooklyn, CT. Lessons were developed and delivered by both the classroom teachers (Diane Wimmer and Robin Byrne) and the Library Media Specialist (Kathryn Stellitano). The classroom teachers worked on the writing skills while the Library Media Specialist focused on information literacy and technology.

Also participating were two Year 6 classes in St. Helen’s School in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. These classes are also self-contained. Year 6 students are the same age as the 5th grade in Connecticut since students enter kindergarten at age four in the United Kingdom. Like their Connecticut counterparts, the students are in self-contained classrooms. Their classroom teachers, Sue Evans and Nicola Starke worked on the writing skills as part of their literacy classes. The IT teacher, Therese Brayford, provided the technology support and acted as facilitator for the Welsh teachers.

The success of the project was to be measured using teacher made rubrics for writing assessment.  Also, an on-line survey was created in eSchoolbuilder.com to gather student reflections.

This site was last update 11/29/07