CALHOUN County Technology Plan
2004-2007
OPTIMAL
Online Planning - Technology Integration Measures for Achievement and Learning
Last revised on January 11, 2005
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County Technology Plan
West Virginia has placed an emphasis on equitably providing technology for schools in order to
enhance student learning, improve student achievement, and prepare students for post-secondary
education and the world of work. Many stakeholders are involved in this process including students,
teachers, administrators, parents, community members, legislators, board of education members and
others.
Collectively, the county technology planning team members have assisted in creating, refining,
implementing and utilizing educational technology to meet the current standards, develop local
programs, build partners and capacity, make data-driven decisions, and to evaluate the use of
technology for administrative and instructional tasks.
The county technology plan is a component of the UCIP and is based on the state OPTimal online
format (http://wv.ontargetus.com/). This plan will serve several functions. Not only does the plan
complement and support the county's instructional goals as delineated in the UCIP, it is also intended to
help meet the technology objectives/requirements of the school, county/state policies, state/federal
programs, and competitive grants. Examples of these include the following:
Policy 2320: A Process for Improving Education Performance Based Accreditation System
Policy 2450: Virtual Distance Learning
Policy 2460: Use of the Internet by Students and Educators
Policy 2470: Use of Technology by Students and Educators
Policy 2510: Assuring Quality of Education
Policy 2520: Content Standards and Objectives
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in order to receive Universal Service Fund Program
E-rate Funds
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 which establishes the Enhancing Education Through
Technology (Ed Tech) Program
West Virginia House Bill 4319
Basic Skills/Computer Education (BS/CE)
WV SUCCESS
WVDE Reinventing Education
However, the most important function of the plan is to ensure that the effective use of educational
technology supports achievement and lifelong learning.
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Technology Team Contact Information
Name: Ronald Blankenship
Title: Superintendent of Schools
Email: rrblank@access.k12.wv.us
Phone: 304-354-7011 Ext: 14
Name: Greg Cartwright
Title: Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Email: gcartwri@access.k12.wv.us
Phone: 304-354-7011 Ext: 12
Name: Jean Simers
Title: Coordinator
Email: jsimers@access.k12.wv.us
Phone: 304-354-7595
Name: Chad Bartlett
Title: Technology Coordinator/Calhoun Middle High School
Email: cpbartle@access.k12.wv.us
Phone: 304-354-6148 Ext: 26
Name: Mike Offutt
Title: Principal/Calhoun Middle High School
Email: mboffutt@access.k12.wv.us
Phone: 304-354-6148 Ext: 20
Name: Karen Kirby
Title: Teacher/Calhoun High School
Email: kkirby@access.k12.wv.us
Phone: 304-354-6148 Ext: 10
Name: Terry Jones
Title: Teacher/Calhoun Middle School
Email: tljones@access.k12.wv.us
Phone: 303-354-6148 Ext: 10
Name: Larry Stinn
Title: Principal/Pleasant Hill Elementary
Email: lstinn@access.k12.wv.us
Phone: 304-354-6022 Ext: 1
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Name: Bette Ritchie
Title: Technology Coordinator/Pleasant Hill Elementary
Email: blritchi@access.k12.wv.us
Phone: 304-354-6022
Name: Donald Price
Title: Principal/Arnoldsburg Elementary
Email: dprice@access.k12.wv.us
Phone: 304-655-8616 Ext: 1
Name: Jane Lynch
Title: Director of Federal Programs
Email: jelynch@access.k12.wv.us
Phone: 304-354-7011 Ext: 17
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County Mission and Vision Statements
County Vision:
Preparing today's students for tomorrow's careers.
County Mission:
The Mission of Calhoun County Schools, working with parents and community, is to establish a system
characterized by cooperation, collaboration, and innovation, in which the adopted curriculum is taught
by all teachers and mastered by all students. Furthermore, the staff accepts the responsibility of
fostering students' unique abilities and developing student accountability for personal good health,
positive attitudes, and responsible behavior.
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Needs Assessment
Analysis of Assessment Data
A review of the SAT-9 data for Calhoun county reveals three very distinct trends in the scores over the
last several years.
1. When comparing Total Reading with Math and Total Language scores, the reading score is
consistently the lowest of the three.
2. When reading scores go down for a group of students, so do the math and language scores for that
same group of students for that year and when reading scores increase, so do the math and language
scores.
3. Calhoun County students' reading scores appear to peak about the fifth or sixth grade and then
gradually and pretty consistently decrease until the end of the testing cycle for those students.
When looking at the scores for the same group of students over the years, there has not been a time in
the data presented, which includes scores as far back as seven years, when reading scores were not
the lowest of the three. Not one year for one group of students has the reading score not been lower
than both math and language. This represents testing data from the current fourth grade through the
current high school seniors, since each group was in the third grade. Of course, previous accreditation
and accountability standards set goals for the Total Basic Skills scores which was influenced by all
three scores. Now, under No Child Left Behind, we are accountable for each of these scores individually
for our entire population as well as sub-groups.
If one compares the three scores for a group of students as they move through our school system, it is
very apparent that the scores for the students each year seem to all move up or all move down. With
reading being the lowest of the three, it seems that it is the most imperative area on which to focus.
When reading improves, the other two improve; when reading decreases, the others decrease also.
Our reading scores at the lower grades are solid and indicate that students are getting a good
foundation in the reading skills. However, the steady and predictable decline in scores over the years
indicates that we have either not taught those well enough to be fully engrained in the students, or that
we fail to teach them the new skills that they shoudl acquire as they mature as readers. Regardless, we
definitely need to bolster our reading instruction at all levels with particular emphasis on the upper
grades with subject area specific strategies that will increase students' overall reading abilities.
Pleasant Hill School met all accrediation standards for which they were accountable for the 2003-04
school year. Arnoldsburg Elementary School failed to meet the standard for low SES students in
Reading but met all other standards for which they were accountable.
Calhoun Middle High School was exempt from the accrediation standards for this year since they were
considered a new school as a result of combining Calhoun Middle School and Calhoun High School into
one school under a single principal. However, the school would not have met the graduation rate
standard of 80% or the standard for low SES in Reading. The areas identified in these findings need to
be areas of focus in the UCIP which is currently being developed and which will be submitted by
September 15, 2005.
Analysis of UCIP
Calhoun County has provided professional development in the following technology-related areas:
1. I Know web site.
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2. Technology Content Standard Objectives (CSO).
3. Re-Invent Education web site.
4. State CE of CSO's and mapping document.
We are constantly providing professional development to staff members to increase their knowledge of
technology and how to integrate it into their classrooms.
Technology Infrastructure
Arnoldsburg Elementary has a 3.1:1 computer ratio and Pleasant Hill Elementary has 3.8:1 computer
ratio. The Calhoun Middle/High School has a 3.5:1 ratio and the county's overall ratio is 3.6:1. We strive
consistently to find ways to fund new hardware to lower the ratio for all schools.
School Satisfaction Survey
All schools in Calhoun County have a web site which keeps parents updated on activities, schedule of
events, email addresses for teachers, along with breakfast/lunch menus.
OEPA Reports
OEPA audits have not indicated any noncompliance of technology integration. We are always looking
for ways to increase the use of technology in our classrooms.
Facilities Assessment
All schools in Calhoun County have a T-1 line.
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Instructional Goal #1
All students will graduate with the academic and technical skills necessary to succeed in post
secondary education and/or the workplace. Students will be taught the necessary processes to
empower them to take charge of their own learning.
Instructional Goal #1, Technology Improvement Objective #1
Each grade level will improve their mean percentile scores for the reading vocabulary and
comprehension subtests.
Indicators of Achievement:
Year 1:
Each grade level will improve their mean percentile scores for the reading vocabulary and
(2002-03) comprehensive subtests by 2 points.
Year 2:
Baseline data will be established in the areas of reading vocabulary and comprehension
(2003-04) using the WESTEST. (Input data and project from there)
Year 3:
Each grade level will improve their mean percentile scores for the reading vocabulary and
(2004-05) comprehensive subtests.
Year 4:
Each grade level will improve their mean percentile scores for the reading vocabulary and
(2005-06) comprehensive subtests.
Year 5:
Each grade level will improve their mean percentile scores for the reading vocabulary and
(2006-07) comprehensive subtests.
Technology Activity: #1, Instructional Goal #1, Technology Improvement Objective #1
Individual schools will conduct a detailed analysis of Westest results.
Persons Responsible
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Principals
Teachers
Activity Type
Professional Development
No. Budget Item
1
Activity Type
Funding Source Est $
Professional Development Professional Development Step 7
400.00
Total:
400.00
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Technology Activity: #2, Instructional Goal #1, Technology Improvement Objective #1
All teachers at grade levels will receive professional development leading to development of strategies
for reading vocabulary and comprehension through utilization of various COMPASS software packages,
utilizing Basic Skills, SUCCESS, and Title I.
Persons Responsible
Teachers
Activity Type
Professional Development
No. Budget Item
1
Activity Type
Funding Source Est $
Professional Development Professional Development Step 7
100.00
Total:
100.00
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Instructional Goal #2
Calhoun County Schools will continue to upgrade technology capabilities and utilize a variety of
methods to integrate technology and improve teaching and learning.
Instructional Goal #2, Technology Improvement Objective #1
The hardware and network capabilities will be increased to allow for better utilization of technology
within the schools. Calhoun County staff and students will increase their knowledge and utilization of
grade appropriate software to improve their teaching and instructional performance respectively.
Indicators of Achievement:
Replace two labs and create one additional lab at CMHS. Add mini labs at both elementary
schools.
Year 1:
Provide professional development consistent with the technology plan.
(2002-03)
Expand the utilization of new and enhanced software.
Utilize Distance Learning for seventh and eighth grade Foreign Language.
Replace remaining lab at CMHS.
Expand mini labs at both elementary schools.
Provide professional development consistent with the technology plan.
The number of professional development offerings will be recorded with 80% of staff
Year 2:
involved in the trainings.
(2003-04)
Expand the utilization of new and enhanced software.
Utilize Distance Learning for seventh and eighth grade Foreign Language. The number of
courses offered along with the number of students taking the courses and the percentage
of successes will be recorded.
Upgrade labs and software at both elementary schools.
Provide professional development consistent with the technology plan.
Year 3:
Expand the utilization of new and enhanced software.
(2004-05) Utilize Distance Learning for seventh and eighth grade Foreign Language. The number of
courses offered along with the number of students taking the courses and the percentage
of successes will be recorded.
Upgrade labs and software at both elementary schools.
Year 4:
Provide professional development consistent with the technology plan. All professional
(2005-06) development will be tracked by use of sign in sheets and staff development logs with a
minimum of 90% of staff participating in technology oriented staff development.
Upgrade labs and software at both elementary schools.
Year 5:
Provide professional development consistent with the technology plan. All professional
(2006-07) development will be tracked by use of sign in sheets and staff development logs with a
minimum of 90% of staff participating in technology oriented staff development.
Technology Activity: #1, Instructional Goal #2, Technology Improvement Objective #1
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Expand mini labs at both elementary schools utilizing BS/CE FY03 funds. FY04 BS/CE funds were
used at both elementary schools to decrease the computer/student ratio. FY05 BS/CE funds will be
utilized to purchase 11 computers at Pleasant Hill School to decrease the computer/student ratio.
Persons Responsible
Technology team.
Activity Type
Access
No. Budget Item
1
Activity Type Funding Source Est $
Hardware - Desktop Access
BS/CE
13736.00
Total:
13736.00
Technology Activity: #2, Instructional Goal #2, Technology Improvement Objective #1
Calhoun County used Year 1 EDTech Formula funds to provide professional development, purchase
software licenses and upgrade hardware at Arnoldsburg School to expand technology integration in the
classrooms. We purchased two half-days of professional development on the Compass software for
each school. Software licenses were for Microsoft Word for the new computers purchased at
Arnoldsburg School.
Year 2 EdTech formula funds were used to purchase computers at Pleasant Hill School along with
professional development.
Year 3 EdTech formula funds will be used to purchase a new served at Calhoun Middle/High School.
Additionally, one new computer will be purchased with EdTech funds to be combined with
Telecommunications/Technology computers to finish replacing a complete lab at Calhoun Middle/High
School (one-half of the lab was replaced last year with SUCCESS monies).
Persons Responsible
Principal
Teachers
Activity Type
Access
Content/Tech Integration
Stakeholder Involvement
Admin/Support Procedures
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No. Budget Item
Activity Type
Funding Source
1
Access
Ed Tech Formula - Round 3 6991.00
2
3
Hardware - Server
Hardware - Desktop
Access
Est $
General Funds
755.00
Total:
7746.00
Ed Tech Formula - Round 3 3660.00
Telecommunications
22500.00
Total:
26160.00
Professional Development Professional Development Ed Tech Formula - Round 3 3550.00
Total:
3550.00
Technology Activity: #3, Instructional Goal #2, Technology Improvement Objective #1
To provide Internet access and access to WVEIS accompanied by professional development provided
by the county technology coordinator in order to enhance learning and improve student achievement in
all Calhoun County Schools and to enhance teacher proficiency as required by House Bill 4319. County
funds will be used for contracted services from RESA V for four days per week for maintenance of
hardware and software, staff development, and network administration.
Persons Responsible
County e-rate contact
Activity Type
THERE IS NO BUDGET ITEM
No. Budget Item
Activity Type Funding Source Est $
No Budget Items
Technology Activity: #4, Instructional Goal #2, Technology Improvement Objective #1
Through the use of county and school websites and school newsletters, Calhoun County Schools will
promote parental involvement and improve communication with community and home. Staff and
students will receive extensive training in the use of appropriate software.
Persons Responsible
Web Masters
Teachers
Activity Type
THERE IS NO BUDGET ITEM
No. Budget Item
Activity Type Funding Source Est $
No Budget Items
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Technology Activity: #5, Instructional Goal #2, Technology Improvement Objective #1
Calhoun County adult literacy needs are addressed through the Adult Basic Education and Literacy
Volunteers at Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center. The Technology Opportunity Center at Calhoun
Middle/High School will be available to address adult literacy if needed.
Persons Responsible
Director
Activity Type
Stakeholder Involvement
THERE IS NO BUDGET ITEM
No. Budget Item
Activity Type Funding Source Est $
No Budget Items
Technology Activity: #6, Instructional Goal #2, Technology Improvement Objective #1
Calhoun County Schools will annually assess progress toward each Indicator of Achievement and make
appropriate revisions to the County Technology Plan.
Persons Responsible
County Technology Team
Activity Type
Admin/Support Procedures
THERE IS NO BUDGET ITEM
No. Budget Item
Activity Type Funding Source Est $
No Budget Items
Technology Activity: #7, Instructional Goal #2, Technology Improvement Objective #1
Utilize Distance Learning and Virtual School Programs.
Persons Responsible
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Activity Type
Content/Tech Integration
THERE IS NO BUDGET ITEM
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No. Budget Item
Activity Type Funding Source Est $
No Budget Items
Technology Activity: #8, Instructional Goal #2, Technology Improvement Objective #1
To provide for improved communication between school, home and community through the use of
school web sites. Each school in Calhoun County has a web site that posts activities for their location
along with email addresses for employees making it easier for parents and the community to contact
schools and personnel.
Persons Responsible
County e-rate contact
Activity Type
Stakeholder Involvement
No. Budget Item
Activity Type
1
Stakeholder Involvement E-Rate Year 6
2
3
4
5
E-rate - Voice
E-rate - Voice
E-rate - Voice
Funding Source Est $
11700.00
General Funds
3900.00
Total:
15600.00
Stakeholder Involvement E-Rate Year 7
19066.08
General Funds
4766.52
Total:
23832.60
Stakeholder Involvement E-Rate Year 8
20000.00
General Funds
4000.00
Total:
24000.00
E-rate - Long Distance Stakeholder Involvement E-Rate Year 6
1350.00
General Funds
450.00
Total:
1800.00
E-rate - Long Distance Stakeholder Involvement E-Rate Year 7
2112.00
General Funds
528.00
Total:
2640.00
Technology Activity: #9, Instructional Goal #2, Technology Improvement Objective #1
To continue improving communication between school, home and community through the use of school
web sites. Each school has their own web site to keep the public informed of activities happening in the
schools. Erate monies give us a discount on the T1 lines to each school along with maintenance of
CSU/DSUs.
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Persons Responsible
County e-rate contact
Activity Type
Stakeholder Involvement
No. Budget Item
Activity Type
1
Stakeholder Involvement E-Rate Year 8
2
3
4
5
E-rate - Long Distance
E-rate - Data Lines
E-rate - Data Lines
E-rate - Data Lines
Funding Source Est $
2112.00
General Funds
528.00
Total:
2640.00
Stakeholder Involvement E-Rate Year 6
15670.55
General Funds
4549.50
Total:
20220.05
Stakeholder Involvement E-Rate Year 7
16176.00
General Funds
4044.00
Total:
20220.00
Stakeholder Involvement E-Rate Year 8
16176.00
General Funds
4044.00
Total:
20220.00
E-rate - Internal Connections Stakeholder Involvement E-Rate Year 7
19200.00
General Funds
4800.00
Total:
24000.00
Technology Activity: #10, Instructional Goal #2, Technology Improvement Objective #1
Replace one-half of the computers in one lab at Calhoun Middle/High School to update the technology
available to both staff and students using FY03 SUCCESS funds.
FY04 SUCCESS funds was used to replace the other half of the computers in this lab at Calhoun
Middle/High. An E-choices bundle was also purchased using FY04 SUCCESS monies in the amount of
$1,345.00 for teachers to help students prepare portfolios. This element will be evaluated by the
increased number of participants using E-choices along with logs of additional time used in the labs.
FY05 SUCCESS monies will be spent during Phase 2 with final determination by the school and county
technology team.
Persons Responsible
County Technology Coordinator
County SUCCESS contact
Activity Type
Stakeholder Involvement
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No. Budget Item
1
Activity Type
Funding Source Est $
Hardware - Desktop Stakeholder Involvement SUCCESS
Total:
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17194.00
17194.00
Compliance Checklist
Ed Tech Compliance Checklist
1. Does the county plan include the county's specific goals for using advanced technology to improve
student achievement?
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 2
2. Does the plan include strategies that address how Ed Tech Funds will improve academic
achievement of all students in all schools in the county? (Emphasis should be given to high-need and
high-poverty schools)
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 2
3. Does the county plan include strategies that address how to ensure that all students and teachers will
have increased access to technology?
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 1
4. Does the county plan include plans to provide ongoing professional development for teachers,
principals and administrators to further the effective use of technology?
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 3
5. Does the county plan include a budget (description of type and costs of technology to be acquired
with Ed Tech formula and /or competitive funds)?
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 2
6. Does the county plan include strategies that address how to encourage the development and use of
innovative strategies for the delivery of specialized or rigorous courses (e.g., distance learning)?
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 7
7. Does the county plan include strategies that address how to use technology to promote parental
involvement to increase communication with parents?
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 4
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8. Does the county plan include strategies that address how the technology programs will be developed
in collaboration with adult literacy providers?
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 5
9. Does the county plan include strategies that address how the county will evaluate the extent to which
activities funded in formula and competitive funds are effective in integrating technology?
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 2
E-rate Compliance Checklist
1. Does the county plan include the E-rate requirements for clear goals and a realistic strategy for using
telecommunications?
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 8
2. Does the county plan include strategies that address the computer equipment currently available or
budgeted for purchase?
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 10
3. Does the county plan include strategies that address the internal connections that the county has in
place or budgeted to install in the current, next or future academic years?
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 3
4. Does the county plan include strategies that address the computer software necessary to
communicate with other computers over an internal network?
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 3
5. Does the county plan include the professional development plan for professionals using the
equipment connected to the telecommunications network?
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 2
6. Does the county plan include the existing or budgeted maintenance contracts to maintain computers?
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 3
7. Does the county plan include specific plans for using telecommunications technologies and how they
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integrate the use of these technologies into the curriculum?
yes
This is addressed under Goal 2 Objective 1 and Activity 3
8. Does someone else other than your county personnel submit your local E-rate application?
no
9. E-rate requires that we report the number of schools in each county that have the following Internet
Connections:
Number of schools in the county with Dial up modem connections to the Internet?
0
Number of schools in the county with 56 K frame relay connection to the Internet?
0
Number of schools in the county that have T-1 frame relay connections to the Internet? 4
Number of schools in the county that have ATM T-1 Internet connections?
0
Number of schools in the county that have cable modem connections to the Internet? 0
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Policies and Procedures
Do you have an Acceptable Use Policy?
yes
If yes, what is the last date of adoption/revision?
06/03/2002
When was the public meeting held for CIPA Compliance?
09/17/2001
Provide the URL to your acceptable use policy.
boe.calh.k12.wv.us
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