Eduspot

Synergy School District
Technology Plan
Academic Years 2013-2015

EDUC638: Technology Leadership

Dr. Vonda Beavers, instructor

Liberty University

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Technology Team.......................................................................2

Mission & Vision.........................................................................3

Goals 1 & 2...............................................................................4

Goals 3 & 4...............................................................................5

Goal 5......................................................................................6

Needs Assessment..................................................................7-8

Strategies, Timelines, & Budgets.............................................9-14

Children's Internet Protection Act...............................................14

Total Budget............................................................................14

References..............................................................................14

Technology Team

The technology team, led by the technology director, is the governing body for evaluation of district systems, hardware, and software as well as decision-making and policy updates. The team will meet monthly and at the request of the director. When new team members are needed, they will be chosen and designated before the fall term begins on each academic calendar.

Team Members

· Technology director**

· Superintendent*

· High School principal*

· Middle School principal*

· Elementary principal*

· District media specialist**

· District technology integration specialist**

· One special education instructor* (and one alternate)

· One high school instructor* (and one alternate)

· One middle school instructor* (and one alternate)

· One elementary school instructor* (and one alternate)

· One school board member (and one alternate)

· One parent (and one alternate)

· One community technology expert (and one alternate)

· 1-3 students

*These members must all be in attendance (physically or virtually) to have a quorum for votes or decisions. Discussions may be held with only some members in attendance.

**These team leaders are responsible for steering the committee and for developing and revising the District’s technology plan. Plans will be approved by a full quorum.

Mission and Vision

Mission

Our mission is to provide a premier, innovative setting for technology integration - where students and staff can be actively engaged in learning and discovery in a reliable, technology-rich environment. First in this plan is a transition to BYOD (bring your own device) integration into administrative presentations and classrooms that serve grades 9-12. Second is a move to district-wide use of Web 2.0 tools.

Vision

We envision a learning community with open communication and collaboration between school and community. Our aim is to be a model District with widespread benefits for students, teachers, administrators and community members, resulting in lifelong learning and active citizenship.

Goals

1. Provide a learning environment that is technology-rich, with an infrastructure to support the BYOD initiative in place before the start of fall workshops for educators, and a minimum of 75% of classrooms using BYOD by the end of the school year. (Trainers: Technology director, technology integration specialist, and regular ed. instructor)

· Provide BYOD training to all administrators and educators with a refresher at mid-year to evaluate progress.

· Provide instruction and resources in the fall and as needed to engage students and promote critical thinking.

· Address ways to incorporate BYOD into programs that require assistive technologies.

· Demonstrate how systems and devices accommodate diverse learning styles and intelligences.

· Introduce resources that encourage cooperation, creativity and innovation. (Interactive white boards, online game-based learning, design tools, etc.)

· Overview methods for using BYOD to teach core academics.

2. Provide a learning environment that is technology-rich, with an infrastructure to support the ongoing use of Web 2.0 tools, specifically Google Apps, with compensated training for educators and administrators during the first week of school, and a minimum of 95% of employees and students using Google Docs for storage, file sharing, and cooperative learning by the end of the first term. (Trainers: Technology director, technology integration specialist, one trained regular ed. instructor and one trained special ed. instructor)

· Provide Google Apps training to all administrators and educators with a refresher at mid-year to evaluate progress and provide additional instruction and resources to engage students.

· Provide training to students at the beginning of each term and as needed.

· Address ways to use Google Apps to engage students who use assistive technologies or have other exceptionalities.

· Demonstrate how systems and devices accommodate diverse learning styles and intelligences.

· Present the benefits of the student e-portfolio and how it works.

· Overview methods for using Google Apps in core academics.

Ongoing internal and external professional development opportunities that expose educators to innovative practices for using new and existing technologies to enhance student achievement and streamline administrative work. These might include:

Demonstrated ways to access and use technology tools and programs through open systems
How to use interactive databases for fast and efficient collection, analysis, and sharing of information
Training to improve understanding of online learning systems being used by students and school personnel
Techniques for using technology to enhance community relations and build professional networks with other visionary leaders
Updates on new or expanded ways to use BYOD or Google Apps for educational or administrative purposes
Training on blended learning formats and how to implement them while meeting content standards
How to find and/or design authentic online assessments that track student progress and overall trends
Updates and offerings on the latest in digital literacy and citizenship activities and tools, including blogs and virtual learning communities
Informal, internal assistance from building technology experts and trainers and methods for getting (non-emergency) support when it
is needed

4. Improved access to data and updated communication tools to increase efficiency a minimum of 10% by mid-year and a systemic improvement of 25% by the end of the academic year.

· Ease of access to data through consolidation and interactivity between databases and data systems

· Improved virtual communication tools to enhance school and community partnerships and global networking

· More efficient delivery system for required forms and reporting

· Updated navigation design and interactivity of school Web site

· A reliable wireless network

5. Tools to support a 25% collective improvement in digital literacy and citizenship each semester.

· Bandwidth for storage of course work and e-portfolios

· Targeted training on use of effective and intelligent messaging in electronic communication and within social networks

· Guidelines for safe navigation of the Internet and its content for the purposes of educational inquiry and research

· Instruction on proper use of search engines and efficient navigation processes

· Ease of access to appropriate and reliable technology tools

· Ability to both secure and share files through Web 2.0 tools

· Training on cyberbullying, privacy, plagiarism, and responsible use guidelines

· Updated or new hardware and software

· Machines and programs that are 100% compatible district-wide

· The appropriate tools for advancing skills in digital literacy and citizenship. (I.e. laptop, tablet, desktop computers, large screen size, hand-held devices, etc.)

· A reliable wireless network

Minnesota technology standards for K-12 education can be found at http://memotech.ning.com/page/memo-information-and.

Needs Assessment

The technology team arrived at these needs as a result of employee polling, business trends, community input, observations, research, and informal communications with parents, students, and stakeholders.

Instructional

For our students to keep pace with the world they are preparing to enter, our needs and acquisitions would include:

· A designated place for students to store, share, or collaborate on projects, such as Google Apps

· An interactive white board in each classroom*

· Smart Notebook software for interactive white boards*

· A working, designated laptop for each student enrolled*

· A 30% increase in dollars ear-marked for staff development in technology for the purposes of learning new technologies and integrating them into the required curriculum for the purpose of engaging students in learning

· More bandwidth and/or cloud storage to support instruction and student creation of multimedia projects and digital art

· Consolidation of servers into one to avoid network confusion or dropped connections. This will allow students to make more productive use of their class time*

*Items already budgeted

Administrative

To build partnerships and improve efficiency, the administration requests the following:

· Document sharing capabilities for the purpose of faster collaboration and better accuracy on mailings and promotions

· Interactive databases combined into one system with one access point

· A reliable wireless connection, especially during video conferencing

· Timed, automatic updating of critical software and data programs during times that do not interfere with front office business

· Staff development for all administrative support professionals on MARSS, Infinite Campus, and SMARTer programs

· The capacity to communicate with parents in real time near or within the parent portal on the school Web site

· A school Web site that appears quickly in searches and offers students, parents, and community members more data and interactivity than they are currently getting

Infrastructure

There is no end to the upkeep and maintenance of any technology infrastructure. These are some comments concerning ours:

· Consolidation of servers into one will avoid network confusion and dropped connections. This is a top priority.

· The need to recycle and replace machines is constant. We would like to phase out the remaining desktop computers with the exception of those purchased within the past year.

· All new computers and software should have open systems architecture to enable faster and more affordable replacement or addition of parts or applications

· Daily assessment and management of bandwidth requirements and server gigabit assignments

· Bi-monthly inspection of machines and timed, automatic software updates for all approved applications should be done in all areas of the District

Professional Development

· Fall training for faculty, students and staff as well as scheduled in-services throughout the school year

· Timely, face-to-face assistance for faculty, staff or students with immediate technology training needs

· A trained tech trainer in each section of the building

· Introduction of free, online teaching and learning resources to teachers and staff at least twice during the academic year

· Paid attendance at the TIES (Technology and Information in Education Services) annual conference for up to ten licensed employees (rotating each year to allow more personnel exposure to new technologies)

· At least one paid professional development opportunity per employee for the purpose of technology training and innovation

· Targeted in-service training on BYOD and implementation

· Targeted in-service training on Web 2.0 (Google Apps) and implementation

· Updated database training for administrative professionals in the fall of 2013 and as needed through 2015, barring any additional changes

Strategies, Timelines, and Budget

Goal 1. Provide a learning environment that is technology-rich, with an infrastructure to support the BYOD initiative in place before the start of fall workshops for educators, and a minimum of 75% of classrooms using BYOD by the end of the school year. (Trainers: Technology director, technology integration specialist, and regular ed. instructor)
Professional Development: Targeted in-service training on BYOD and how this practice works with different types of devices. We will begin with the iPhone, iPod, and touch phones by other manufacturers. Students will receive instruction on the same during the first week of school. We will also discuss methods for using handheld devices with first-generation language learners and students with exceptionalities. There will be opportunities for training at the beginning of each new term for students and staff.
Strategy	Timeline for Implementation	Responsible Parties	Expected Outcome	Evaluation	Parties Responsible for Evaluation	Budget (Include total and per unit cost.)	Funding Source	NETS-S	NETS-T
The technology director, integration specialist, and a trained teacher will provide an in-service for educators and interested employees on BYOD technology.	Fall 2013 – end of academic year. After that, refreshers and updates at the beginning of each term with one-on-one assistance given as needed	Technology director, technology integration specialist, a regular ed. Teacher and a special ed. teacher. The District media specialist and principals will also be in attendance	A minimum of 75% of classrooms will be using BYOD by the end of the school year	A survey will be completed by each classroom instructor during the final week of the school year, and a new annual goal will be set by the technology team	Technology director, technology integration specialist, the assigned trained teachers	$100 annual technology fee/rental of handheld device (estimated x20); $1600 purchase of 20 handheld devices @ $80 average each Total 1^st year: $3600 Total over course of 3 years $10,800	Title I Budget	1.a. & b. Basic Operations and Concepts a. Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems. b. are proficient in the use of technology. 2.a Digital Age Learning Culture Administrators: Ensure instructional innovation focused on continuous improvement of digital-age learning	3.d. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning Teachers exhibit knowledge… of an innovative professional in a global and digital society. d. Teachers: model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning

Goal 2. Provide a learning environment that is technology-rich, with an infrastructure to support the ongoing use of Web 2.0 tools, specifically Google Docs, with compensated training for educators and administrators during the first week of school, and a minimum of 95% of employees and students using Google Docs for storage, file sharing, and cooperative learning by the end of the first term
Professional Development: Targeted in-service training on Web 2.0 (Google Apps) and implementation will be done at the beginning of each school year and term for
Strategy	Timeline for Implementation	Responsible Parties	Expected Outcome	Evaluation	Parties Responsible for Evaluation	Budget (Include total and per unit cost.)	Funding Source	NETS-S	NETS-T
The technology director, integration specialist, and a trained teacher will provide an in-service for educators and interested employees on BYOD technology.	Fall 2013 workshops to end of first term. After that, refreshers and updates at the beginning of each term with one-on-one assistance given as needed	Technology director, technology integration specialist, one trained regular ed. instructor and one trained special ed. Instructor. Principals will also be in attendance	A minimum of 95% of students will be using Google Docs for storage, sharing and collaboration by the end of the first term	A survey will be completed by each student advisor at the end of term 1 and each consecutive term indicating the percentage of students in that advisory who have demonstrated use of Google Docs during the term	Technology director, technology integration specialist, one trained regular ed. instructor and one trained special ed. Instructor.	$0.00 Google Apps Education Edition Total 1^st year: $0.00 Total over course of 3 years $0.00	none	3.a. & b. Technology Productivity Tools Students: a. use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. b. use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, preparing publications, and producing other creative works	5.b. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership Teachers exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others

Goal 3. Ongoing internal and external professional development opportunities that expose educators to innovative practices for using new and existing technologies to enhance student achievement and streamline administrative work.
Professional Development: • Demonstrated ways to access and use technology tools and programs through open systems • How to use interactive databases for fast and efficient collection, analysis, and sharing of information • Training to improve understanding of online learning systems being used by students and school personnel • Techniques for using technology to enhance community relations and build professional networks with other visionary leaders • Updates on new or expanded ways to use BYOD or Google Docs for educational or administrative purposes • Training on blended learning formats and how to implement them while meeting content standards • How to find and/or design authentic online assessments that track student progress and overall trends • Updates and offerings on the latest in digital literacy and citizenship activities and tools, including blogs & virtual learning communities • Informal, internal assistance from building technology experts and trainers
Strategy	Timeline for Implementation	Responsible Parties	Expected Outcome	Evaluation	Parties Responsible for Evaluation	Budget (Include total and per unit cost.)	Funding Source	NETS-S	NETS-T
Increase the technology training budget by 30%, allowing every educator in the District to attend an external workshop and ten licensed staff members (per year) to attend TIES in St. Paul.	Fall 2013 – summer 2015	Technology team	Technology innovation in the classroom and streamlined administrative processes	At the end of each academic year, a survey will be completed by each employee who attended an internal or external technology workshop, sharing anecdotal assessments of observed growth and ratings in designated areas	Technology team	$22,400 over three years (previous three years = $13,500); $2000 mileage and expenses $498 average each staff member or $166/year (Total=49) Total 1^st year: $7533 Total over course of 3 years $22,600	Budget (Symantec Management Suite already in use throughout District for mobile security)	2.e. Digital Age Learning Culture Administrators: Promote and participate in local, national, and global learning communities that stimulate innovation, creativity, and digital age collaboration	5.d. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership Teachers contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community

Goal 4. Improved access to data and updated communication tools to increase efficiency a minimum of 10% by mid-year and a systemic improvement of 25% by the end of the academic year.
Professional Development: Updated database training for administrative professionals and other stakeholders (such as instructors required to file paperwork with the State and confidential employees) in the fall of 2013 and as needed through 2015, barring any additional changes
Strategy	Timeline for Implementation	Responsible Parties	Expected Outcome	Evaluation	Parties Responsible for Evaluation	Budget (Include total and per unit cost.)	Funding Source	NETS-S	NETS-T
Combine all databases into one interactive database with one point of access with privacy settings attached to login and password information	Fall 2013 training with check points at mid-year and end of the year.	Technology director and District director or Assistant Director	10% improvement in efficiency my mid-year, 2013 and a total of 25% improvement by the end of the 2013 academic year; More time focused on student needs and improved relations with internal and external customers	At each of the two yearly benchmarks, administrative staff (and designated stakeholders) will complete a survey responding to quantifiable questions pertaining to efficiency. This data will be shared and used to set new goals for 2014 and 2015.	Technology director	$0.00 per survey Total 1^st year: $0.00 Total over course of 3 years $0.00	Budget		3.a. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning Teachers (and other education professionals) demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations

Goal 5. Tools to support a 25% collective improvement in digital literacy and citizenship each semester or twice per academic year
Professional Development: A 30% increase in dollars ear-marked for professional development in technology for the purposes of learning new technologies and integrating them into the required curriculum will engage more students in learning. Specifically, teachers will need to explore the more commonly-used social networks used by adolescents to help set baseline curricular needs.
Strategy	Timeline for Implementation	Responsible Parties	Expected Outcome	Evaluation	Parties Responsible for Evaluation	Budget (Include total and per unit cost.)		Funding Source	NETS-S	NETS-T
Establish expectations for safe and appropriate digital communication collectively, and implement school-wide as a line item in the grade book. Provide digital literacy instruction in technology classes and core academic areas. Assess and record as a line item in the grade book. Grades will be analyzed by the technology team.	Instruction will begin with fall 2013 courses. Instructors will teach, assist, and assess in both areas, recording results at least twice each term in the grade book.	Technology director, technology instructors, and core instructors	For 2013, 25% improvement in digital literacy and 25% improvement in digital citizenship grades at each semester or twice per year; 50% improvement expected in each category	At each of the two yearly benchmarks, grades in the two categories will be submitted to the technology director and technology team for analysis and calculation of percentages. At the end of the first academic year, new expectations will be set by the committee	Technology director, technology instructors, and core instructors, and technology team	$0.00 per survey Total 1^st year: $0.00 Total over course of 3 years $0.00	Budget		2.a-c. Social, Ethical, and Human Issues Students will a. understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology. b. practice responsible use of technology systems, information and software. c. develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support life-long learning, collaboration, personal pursuits and productivity	4. a-d. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning Teachers will a. advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources b. address the diverse needs of all learners by …providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools … c. promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information d. develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication…
TOTAL BUDGET $33,400

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Sunday, July 7, 2013

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