SOS ... --- ...
Students Offering Support

Program can be used in high school or middle school.

Requirements:

• Each school building will need a program/project staff supervisor.

• There needs to be one students per class period for each school building.

• Training sessions must be planned for and implemented at the start of the school year ( or start of project) for those students involved in the project on Office Products software or individual programs that each school would select for the students to cover. (This selection of software programs might be done by the technology committee or survey of the faculty)
• Training sessions covering the management part of the project and tips for students on working with the teachers must be planned and scheduled at the beginning of the school year. (or start of project)
• Selection/Application process

Form:

• Application
• Work order request form (on line)
• Work tracking logs (filled out by students)
• Student evaluation form filled in after each session by individual teacher
• Training evaluation forms filled in by students after training sessions

Process:
     Students will fill out application and go through selection process. Students will be given training in the Office Products Software and any other programs the school has selected.
     They will also be involved in training on proper conduct and courtesies when working with others, expectations, responsibilities and procedures.
     Teachers are given a description of the project and what software programs the students will be able to cover as well as any other areas of help. (Brochure to be handed out) Each school web page will have an "SOS" button. Teachers will click on "SOS" which will bring up a quick reference guide as to the areas of help and then a work order request will appear. The teacher will fill out the request and submit it on line. Each morning the staff person monitoring the project will check for incoming requests and assign them to the students involved in the project, matching up the time the students are in their study hall/free time period with the time that the teacher is available ( their lunch or prep period). The assignments will be done electronically by transferring the work order to the students' assignment folder (part of the SOS site). Students in the program would log onto the SOS site at the beginning of their assigned hour to receive work orders. They would acknowledge receipt of the work order back to the program supervisor and send a message to the requesting teacher that they will be meeting them to cover the request at the stated time and place. The project supervisor would keep a time log to ensure that no student was being assigned more than one project at a time.

Benefits:
Students will receive training on software programs: Microsoft Office

• Students will receive training in human relations: leadership/communication/problems solving/listening skills
• Students will have the opportunity to put their knowledge to work. and try out the role of a teacher.
• ISD will cover the cost of the test for Microsoft Office Certification for students who complete the SOS program and pass a pre test.
• Each school will receive $2,000 for software and to support this project. This money (in part or whole)can be used as a stipend for the staff person who is supervising the project in Year I.
• Teachers will receive training on software in a very timely manner and increasing their technology competence.

Student Requirements:
Students selected for SOS must meet and maintain program requirements throughout the entire program. Failure to do so will result in termination of their duties and training toward MOUS.

• Maintain a C or above grade average in all classes.
• Must be in attendance for SOS every day they are assigned to the Help Desk Program. Three unexcused absences from SOS will result in termination from the program.
• Students may use only SOS e-mail for SOS communications.
• Students may only access SOS e-mail from the designated SOS area.
• Students must have good oral communication skills.
• Students must abide by all computer and internet use agreement forms on file
• Students must complete all trainings prior to being assigned to the Help Desk
• Students must pass the preliminary proficiency test
• Students must have a study hall in their schedule.

Selection of Students:
An informational meeting will be set up and publicized for all interested high school and middle school students. Students will be asked to complete an application and submit a letter of reference. A committee comprised of the technology coordinator, computer teacher, media specialist and media assistant will serve as the selection committee. Students will be given ½ credit in high school for the service and be re-evaluated at the end of each marking period.

• Training on Microsoft Office
• Training in human relation areas
• Additional training through MVH
• Additional training provided by individual school technology coordinators.

TimeLine for Program:
During the first week of school in the Fall of the Year, a letter will be sent to staff members explaining the program. Students will be selected and trained during the first month of school. On-going training will continue throughout the year. A staff person will accompany students for a minimum of their first two service visits. Phone support will be available as needed. Students returning to the program will be given the opportunity to sign up in the Spring and will be given a short refresher course and scheduled first. They will also be asked to serve as mentors in the training sessions.

Scheduling and Follow Up:
Scheduling of students will be done with the Media Center of Technology Coordinator via e-mail. An SOS Service Request Form is to be received in the Media Center a minimum of 3 school days prior to the date of service request. Once a request is completed, students and teachers will be expected to complete a follow-up evaluation checklist. Each of the required forms will be composed using Forms on Microsoft Word and will be put on each teacher's computer as a template.