We’ve had some significant enhancements to the NASTECH service and quite a few new members to introduce, and we’ll cover it all with a Welcome Back to NASTECH overview to get things started.

Districts will soon have to choose whether to administer computer-based (CBT) or paper-based tests in the NYSED Online Test Ordering System. Among the many factors to take into consideration, technology readiness is certainly a primary concern for the NASTECH group. We’ll hear from two districts who administered CBT last spring to help you determine, Are You Ready for Computer-Based Testing? Matt Gaven and Bob Schilling will share their experiences in Mineola and Massapequa respectively, discussing how their districts met the CBT Technology Reading Requirements Guidelines and the pros and cons of making the transition for paper. Meador Pratt of Nassau BOCES will facilitate the discussion and provide the latest updates on what you need to know to move forward. Be sure to register for the Regional CBT Fall Presentation Session on October 2.

We will continue the popular District Spotlight feature at each meeting, this year focusing on the topic of STEAM and Makerspaces. Our first presentation will be presented by NASTECH Executive Chairperson Dan Friedman and Dr. Rose Borda, Supervisor of Social Studies & Home and Careers, who will discuss Wearable Technology in Hicksville UFSD. DIY wearables are made out of tape or sewn together with conductive thread to a power source and output device such as an LED. Some wearables included micro controllers that needed to be properly coded and wired. Students first learned circuitry basics, constructing circuits out of a piece of paper, copper tape, 3V coin cell batteries and LEDs. We’ll also be joined by Travis Sluss, CEO and Owner of MacInspires, which provided the professional development to the teachers for this project. For more information visit MacInspires.com.

Our Pre-Meeting Session starts at noon with a New Tech Director Cohort. Feel free to join us to the meet some of the new members of NASTECH.