Public Schools of North Carolina North Carolina Instructional Technology Plan State Board of Education Phillip J. Kirk, Jr., Chairman Department of Public Instruction Michael E. Ward, State Superintendent REQUIRED SUBSTANTIVE COMPONENTS OF THE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY PLAN The local school board has actively involved key stakeholders in the development of a district-wide four-year technology plan that includes the following key components: A vision statement consistent with the North Carolina Instructional Technology Plan Initiatives that follow the Department of Public Instruction and the Information Resource Management Commission standards and framework. Core Instructional and administrative components of a technology program that include: Instruction Staff Development Infrastructure / Connectivity Personnel Resources Hardware Recommendations Policy Budget Communication and Collaboration Evaluation The staff development and training component of the technology plan reflects a budget of 20 to 30 % of the total cost of the technology program. The Infrastructure/connectivity component meets Information Resources Management Commission standards to assure compatibility, connectivity, and cost-effectiveness. The evaluation component provides a systemic procedure for assessing the progress made toward meeting the goals of the local and state technology plan. The evaluation assesses the effectiveness of technology on student learning and achievement, cost effectiveness, and teacher productivity. LEA Name: Lexington City Signed: LEA Number: 291 Rebecca Bloxam, EdD Superintendent Instructional Technology Division Earl Hester Local Board Chair Technology Planning and Support Table of Contents Item Page Number Technology Plan Committee Members 2 Technology Goals Vision for System 4 Instruction 7 Staff Development 12 Infrastructure/Connectivity 17 Personnel 28 Resources 32 Hardware 36 Policy 40 Budget 43 Communication/Collaboration 47 Evaluation 50 Timeline 56 1 Technology Committee Lexington City Schools Name Position Worksite Tom Esposito Technician Lexington City Schools Bob Poole Drafting Teacher Lexington High School Gary Elms Business Teacher Lexington Middle School Susan Hutchens Technology Teacher Lexington Middle School Nancy Mack Literacy Specialist England Intermediate Pam Mitchell Media Specialist England Intermediate Debbie Mason Asst. Principal South Lexington Elementary Judy Fleenor Teacher/Tech. Mentor Southwest Lexington Elementary Jennifer Jackson Media Specialist Pickett Primary School Ava Long Dir. Comm. Learning Central Office Johnnie Van Roekel Director of Technology Central Office Group Charter The information age has an impact on what people must know as well as on how they do their work. Believing that we need to educate our students differently to prepare them for life in the information age, the educators of the Lexington City Schools chart this planning group to create a four-year instructional plan. We are seeing changes in our community and in the student population we serve. We now see a diversity that was not present in decades past. We recognize that the role and definition of the school must change to reflect the efforts we must undertake and the ones we may be asked to undertake in the future for the overall welfare of our students. The committee should explore what we need to do in the areas of intellectual growth, social and emotional health, and the physical well-being and safety of all students. 2 We developed this plan, primarily to help guide us as we discharge our responsibility to educate our students. We must find ways to provide them with the appropriate kinds of knowledge and skills for the world in which they will live. We need to prepare them for the kinds of workplaces they will find when they take their place in our community. We need to help them develop into the kinds of people we want to have as productive citizens in our society. The plan must allow educators to be more effective and to meet changing student needs. The instructional staff is the heart of the school system and its capabilities must be developed just as we expect to develop those students. To achieve this, the plan should combine new instructional and organizational strategies with the appropriate use of technology. 3 Lexington City School’s Technology Vision Lexington City Schools Mission Statement: The Lexington City Schools will meet the educational needs of all students through its programs, services, and facilities within a safe environment. We will provide resources to stimulate intellectual curiosity, promote achievement, and develop personal growth. We will prepare students to function as lifelong learners in an ever-changing society. We will encourage the involvement of all educators, families, and community members in the on-going process of school improvement. Lexington City Schools has developed a technology plan that will ensure that technology becomes an integral part of the teaching and learning process for all of our customers. We will do so by providing upgraded hardware and targeted staff development. This process will support our goals of high student achievement, safe and orderly schools, effective and efficient operations, quality staff, and family and community support. Vision Lexington City Schools envisions the following in regards to technology: High Student Achievement Technology is a tool that enables students to interact with and explore the world, bringing a wealth of information and experiences into the classroom, thus potentially overcoming geographical isolation, physical barriers, and economic hardships. Technology is a tool that encourages student creativity and selfdirection and helps students develop skills that prepare them for responsible citizenship within the nation and world. 1. Students prepared for a citizen work force capable of solving problems by use of critical thinking and problem solving strategies. 2. All children and staff possess the skills necessary to exist in an ever-changing information society. 3. Teachers and students who view the world as the classroom, extending learning opportunities beyond the school setting. 4 4. All K-5 schools should have interdisciplinary learning environments. 5. An ongoing curriculum development that should continuously addresses the changing needs of students. Family and Community Support Technology is the ultimate vehicle for communication with the community and the family. E-mail, telephones in every classroom, community-access television, and school resources electronically available throughout the community allow and encourage adult participation in a child's education. The highest level of student achievement occurs when families, schools, and community organizations work together. 6. Students are afforded equitable opportunities for learning and for participating in the life of the school community. Quality Professionals Teachers, administrators, and staff have desktop access to a variety of information that allows them to track individual progress and mastery of skills (and the conditions that might affect that progress); develop strategies, skills, and policies that assist in that mastery; and ultimately create a quality, datadriven environment that affects high student achievement. 7. Staff development activities that enable staff to grow professionally while maximizing the use of technology. 8. Staff possess the skills necessary to exist in an ever-changing information society. Effective and efficient operations Technology is a tool that enables teachers and administrators to work more productively, offering solutions for time management, student monitoring and intervention, and more interesting and effective lessons and classroom activities. 10. Educational decisions should be based on shared data analysis and research. Safe and Orderly Schools Because technology opens doors to the world while simultaneously focusing students onto the task at hand, student interest and motivation is heightened 5 while discipline problems decrease. When students are motivated and successful, they tend to work harder and longer, in turn raising the possibility of higher student achievement. This success fosters a culture in which learning is the expectation and ultimate goal. 11. Students who have access to quality, current, and appropriate resources. 12. Staff who have access to quality, current and appropriate support resources. 6 Instruction Current Situation Through the efforts of the 1995 Technology Plan, and subsequent TLCF grants Lexington City Schools has seen an increased effort to infuse technology into instruction. Technology has been used to provide and analyze test data throughout the system. Staff members use technology and associated software to monitor student progress throughout the year. Individual schools use such instructional software as Cornerstone, Skills Bank, and ALS in computer labs to teach students for success throughout the system. All K-8 schools use Accelerated Reader to encourage students to read. The Microsoft Office suite is available to all students in grades 3-12. All schools are now connected to the WAN and all labs in the schools have access to the Internet. We have implemented programs that provide instruction for our students in technology related fields that range from computer applications to networking and computer engineering technologies. Staff development is held in house at no charge on basic, advanced, and integration skills while other advanced skills are available to staff on a reduced-fee individual cost basis. While we have made progress and look forward to a quantum leap this year, despite these efforts technology has not become an instructional tool for our staff. It still remains a separate subject to many. To those it remains just something else to teach and is not infused into their daily instructional process. Vision Technology will be used not only to reinforce basic skills and provide basic remediation but also to promote higher order thinking skills and to enrich the curriculum. Technology will still allow teachers to easily monitor student progress through curriculum-based software. However, appropriate staff development and accessible hardware and connectivity will ensure that technology is an integral part of the curriculum and a powerful tool in the learning process of each student. 7 Recommendations 1. Teachers will receive the staff development necessary to enable them to infuse technology into the teaching and learning process. Emphasis will be placed on this process by addressing this need through local school plans and Individual Growth Plans. 2. Media Centers will phase in flexible scheduling. Flexibly scheduled labs are available in each media center. 3. On-going assessment will be conducted for computer skills and remediation and re-teaching will be provided for the necessary students. 4. The Director of Technology, the local school principal, and appropriate curriculum personnel will work with staff members to integrate the use of technology throughout all curriculum areas. 5. Continue to seek grant resources to place portable text devices and/or lap tops at each grade level k-5 for student use and staff/student checkout. 6. Through effective modeling and use of technology at the administrative level, foster the use of technology throughout the entire educational process. 7. Evaluate and procure software that supports the ABC’s EOC and EOG testing program. 8. All middle school students in Lexington City Schools County will pass the eighth grade computer skills test. 9. All K-3 students will have core curriculum subjects supplemented & enhance with a variety of hardware and software programs that integrate computer and information skills curriculum into those core areas. 10. All high school students will be provided with progressive opportunities for becoming technically skilled in an information society through technology enriched activities infused into course content. 11. Weekly assessments and on-line tools are used to provide diagnostic and prescriptive remediation. 8 Instructional Goals, Objectives and Strategies Goals/objectives and Strategies Integrate technology into the total learning environment Resources Increase teacher effectiveness by providing opportunities for professional growth. Obj: The Director of Technology, the school principals and curriculum personnel will work with staff members to integrate the use of technology throughout all curriculum areas. Strategies Teachers will receive the staff development necessary to enable them to infuse technology into the learning process Faculty Individual growth plans will include a technology component School Improvement plans will include a technology component Through effective modeling and use of technology at the administrative level, foster the use of technology throughout the entire educational process Appropriate hardware Appropriate Software Instructiona l Resources Grants NCWiseOwl Online Public Access Catalogs In-house staff development Tech Facilitator Media Specialists Internet Connectivity Monitoring/Evaluation Annual teacher surveys System-wide, annual assessment of basic computer skills for educators School Improvement Plan Individual Growth plans Staff Development Schedules 9 Instructional Goals, Objectives and Strategies Goals/objectives and Strategies Resources Students will be competent users of technology. Obj: By Grade 12, 100% of Lexington City School students will pass the Computer Skills Test. Strategies: On-going assessment will be conducted for computer skills Lexington City Schools will provide yearly remediation for students who do not pass the computer skills test. Lexington City Schools will provide testing opportunities twice each school year for students who do not pass the Computer Skills Test. Complete the design of and administer a fifth grade computer skills test Monitoring/Evaluation Standard Course of Study Instructional resources Testing resources and assessment tools Teaching staff School Improvement plans Test Results Student Work samples Computer Skills test schedule 10 Instructional Goals, Objectives and Strategies Goals/objectives and Strategies Resources Monitoring/Evaluation Integrate technology into the total learning environment at all grade levels Obj: Implement the Information and Computer Technology Skills Curriculum Strategies: All middle school students in Lexington city Schools County will pass the eighth grade computer skills test All k-3 students will have core curriculum subjects supplemented and enhanced with a variety of hardware and software programs that integrate computer and information skills curriculum into those core areas. All high school students will be provided with progressive opportunities for becoming technically skilled in an information society through technology enriched activities infused into course content. Media Centers will phase in flexible scheduling to maximize access to resources. Flexibly scheduled labs are available in each media center. Continue to seek grant resources to place portable text devices and/or lap tops at each grade level k-5 for student use. Evaluate and procure software that supports the ABC’s EOC and EOG testing program. Weekly assessments and on-line tools are used provide diagnostic and prescriptive remediation Instructional Resources Selection policy Media and technology committee Instructional Technology facilitators NCWiseOWL Online Public Access Catalogs School Websites School Improvement Plans Grants Curriculum Coordinators ABC Test Results Student Work samples Computer Skills test schedule CTB McGraw-Hill Test bank/generator LEARNNC on-line assessments/lessons 11 Staff Development Current Situation Early in the last technology plan cycle local funds and grant funds were available to supplement state funds and specialist was hired to assess and conduct technology staff development for our staff. The grant was not renewed two years ago and local funding was decreased. Our system then entered into an agreement with Davidson County Community College to provide training for our staff members on a cost basis. The above factors, along with over a twenty percent turn-over rate for our staff and the travel and cost factors for the community college training, has created a need for targeted on-site staff development. The media specialists and technicians cover basic trouble shooting skills. We offer at least 8 classes a year in Basic and Advanced computer competency to the staff free of charge. Other advanced classes are made available on line from a local vendor for a reduced fee. Through a TLCF grant, at least one and in most cases two technology integration specialists have been trained at each school. The train-the-trainer model was used to enable our staff to be trained by these specialists. Two courses a year will be made available to the staff and required of all 6-8 core teachers that will enable the teachers to integrate technology into the teaching and learning process. The specialist will serve as peer coaches and help teachers develop a portfolio of the applied skills. Vision Lexington City Schools will provide the training and staff development necessary to maintain a staff, both teachers and administrators, that is proficient at the basic competency level in the areas of word processing, databases, multi-media presentations, telecommunications, operational skills, and set-up and maintenance while providing opportunities for those staff members that demonstrate basic competencies to seek additional training. This process will ensure that staff members have the skills necessary to infuse technology into the daily curriculum. 12 Recommendations 1. Allocate 20% of the technology budget in actual or in-kind services towards staff development. 2. Ensure that all technology staff development will be designed to enable staff members to gain the North Carolina basic and/or advanced technology competencies for educators. This training will involve all teachers and administrators. 3. Technology Mentors and Media Specialists will conduct a checklist assessment for each staff member as it relates to the basic competencies. 4. Utilize the checklist to design individual training needs. 5. Provide training at the local school level in the areas of telecommunications, operational skills, and set-up/maintenance. The Technology Mentors and/or Media Specialists will provide this training. 6. Provide at least eight ten-hour sessions each semester in the areas of multimedia presentations, databases, and word processing. This training will be held at Lexington High School and conducted by local staff members. 7. Provide fees necessary for five staff members from each school, each year to obtain advanced training beyond the basic competencies. 8. Local training conducted by LEARNNC, conferences which educators can attend, as well as 0n-line training at prices below NCWIN will be available to all educators 9. Administrators will be provided staff development as needed to attain ISTE standards. 10. Local workshops in Basic and Advanced computer skills are offered a minimum of 8 times a year to professional staff as well as teacher assistants and clerical staff. 11. Technology Integration Specialists trained through a TLCF grant will teach classes on integrating technology into the teaching and learning process. 13 Staff Development Goals and Objectives Goals/objectives and Strategies Increase teacher effectiveness by providing opportunities for professional growth. Obj: The Director of Technology, the school principals and curriculum personnel will work with staff members to integrate the use of technology throughout all curriculum areas. Resources Strategies Teachers will receive the staff development necessary to enable them to infuse technology into the learning process Faculty Individual growth plans will include a technology component School Improvement plans will include a technology component Through effective modeling and use of technology at the administrative level, foster the use of technology throughout the entire educational process Strategy: Allocate 20% of the technology budget in actual or in-kind services towards staff development. Strategy: Ensure that all technology staff development will be designed to enable staff members to gain the North Carolina basic and/or advanced technology competencies for educators. This training will involve all teachers and administrators. Local training conducted by LEARNNC, conferences which educators can attend, as well as on-line training offered at prices below NCWIN will be available to all Appropriate hardware Appropriate Software Instructional Resources Grants NCWiseOwl Online Public Access Catalogs In-house staff development Tech Facilitator Media Specialists Internet Connectivity Monitoring/Evaluation Annual teacher surveys System-wide, annual assessment of basic computer skills for educators School Improvement Plan Individual Growth plans Staff Development Schedules State technology trust fund and inkind services County and School level budgets North Carolina Technology Competencies for Educators System-wide, annual assessment of basic computer skills for educators School Improvement Annual teacher surveys System-wide, annual assessment of basic computer skills for educators School Improvement Plan Individual Growth plans Staff Development Schedules Technology Mentors and Media Specialists will conduct a checklist assessment for each staff member as it relates to the basic competencies. Participation lists/records of 14 educators. Administrators will be provided staff development as needed to attain ISTE standards Local workshops in Basic and Advanced computer skills are offered a minimum of 8 times a year and are available to professional staff as well as teacher assistants and clerical staff Strategy: Provide at least eight ten-hour sessions each semester in the areas of multi-media presentations, databases, and word processing. This training will be held at Lexington High School and conducted by local staff members. Plan Individual Growth plans Staff Development Schedules Utilize checklist to design individual training needs Provide fees necessary for five staff members from each school, each year to obtain advanced training and beyond the basic competencies. Strategy: Technology Integration specialists trained through TLCF grant will teach classes on integrating technology into the teaching and learning process. Teachers will develop a portfolio of integrated skill and the instructor will serve as a peer coach. This project, as well as all other activities, Appropriate hardware Appropriate Software Instructional Resources In-house staff development Tech Facilitator Media Specialists Internet Connectivity teachers, administrators, other personnel Integration specialists Staff Development Annual teacher surveys System-wide, annual assessment of basic computer skills for educators School Improvement Plan Individual Growth plans Staff Development Schedules Class rosters Completed portfolios 15 requires prior approval for awarding ceu’s. Strategy: Training will be held to prepare for the implementation of NCWISE and to ensure the infrastructure is adequate for implementation ( all install for the last year and in the future will meet those standards) Director of Technology 16 Infrastructure/Connectivity Current Situation Lexington City Schools is presently completing the installation of its Wide Area Network with connectivity that reaches to the classroom level. The system has a T1 line into the Central office and the main router. Lexington High School and Lexington Middle School have 384k connections within the frame relay. The other four schools have 128k connections. There are at least three data ports per classroom with four in 75% of them. All Media Centers have at least a 20-station lab/data port in or adjacent to them. The network equipment is 10 Mbps speed. Network Address Translation is used in our network to provide enough IP addresses for our computers and effectively providing a firewall for security protection. Vision With the limited budget and uncertainty of additional federal, state, or local funding our vision is to maintain a reliable high speed access through our Wide Area Network as efficiently and with the lowest cost of ownership possible while providing for implementation of newer more advanced technology. Recommendations 1. Equip all new computers with 10/100 Mbps network cards. 2. Replace failed and purchase new hubs that operate at 10/100 Mbps. 3. Complete the installation and configuration of the WAN to the classroom level. 4. Work cooperatively with the City of Lexington and Davidson County Schools to install a fiber connection to all schools. The City of Lexington will install the fiber ring around the city at no cost to us. We will investigate the feasibility of tying into that ring. The installation of that link will be our only cost in the project. If this project is successful it will result in a lower cost of ownership and a more efficient, higher speed network. 5. Continue to provide up to maintain WAN and LAN diagrams. 17 6. Maintain adequate virus protection and updated control lists for filtering under CIPA requirements. 7. Apply for year 6 E-rate funds that provide T1 connection speed to all schools. 8. Install firewall to provide solution to vulnerability and to monitor network traffic. 18 WAN/LAN Designs 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Personnel Current Situation Lexington City Schools has a Director of Technology that also serves as the Director of Workforce Development and the Coordinator for Driver’s Education, SACS, and Parent Liaison. There are presently three technology technicians to serve the system and two K-3 schools have created a Technology Assistant position. Including computers of all types at all locations, the technicians service computers at a ratio of 1:400. However, their duties also include LAN and WAN design and maintenance since we do not employ a LAN or WAN engineer. Vision While no additional funding sources are anticipated, re-organization and effective and creative use of current resources will help provide additional staff and services for technology. A greater emphasis will be placed on the use of technology as an instructional tool. Additional staff will be provided at the school level to assist in the use of technology and provide additional technical support at the classroom level in a timely fashion. Recommendations 1. Duties of central office Directors will be reviewed and possibly restructured. 2. Each school will examine their budgets and staff assignments and attempt to add a technology assistant by the beginning of the 2001-02 school year. This will be in addition to any positions funded at the state level. 3. If E-rate funding is secured that can supplant local funds spent on technology, a Technology Facilitator will be employed to work with the technology assistants at each school. 4. If additional funds become available, employ an additional technology technician III as outlined in the job descriptions. 5. Maintain full-time Media specialists at each school and employ technology assistants and/or facilitators as funds become available. 28 Job Descriptions Director of Technology The Director of Technology is primarily concerned with the development, implementation, operation, monitoring, and evaluation of the technology program for the school system. This individual provides leadership in identifying hardware and software purchases, ensuring that they are consistent with the school system instructional technology plan and state technology guidelines. The employee coordinates, and may deliver, staff development on technology competencies needed for teaching the North Carolina Computer/Technology Skills Curriculum to students and for acquiring the required North Carolina Technology Competencies for Educators needed for licensure renewal. The employee works collaboratively with the other members of the school system central office staff and school building staff to use technology and include technology applications as an integral part of the total instructional program. Technology Facilitator The technology facilitator is the key instructional technology specialist for the school system. This individual provides training and support to the staff on technology integration, the North Carolina Computer/Technology Skills Curriculum, the North Carolina Technology Competencies for Educators, and administrative applications. The employee assists with identifying, acquiring, and maintaining hardware, software, and network products. This individual also assists in the implementation of the system and building-level technology plans. Technology Technician III The Technology Technician III works as the senior or lead technician at the system level. This employee performs skilled, supervisory, and managerial work in directing the activities of Levels I and II Technology Technician. This work includes repair and maintenance of all technology-related equipment as well as technical support for all technology-related systems. This employee is responsible for maintaining the operation and integrity of local area networks, file servers, and workstations. Through scheduling and assigning technical support staff work tasks, the Technology Technician III supports the Director of Technology and Network Engineer in the design, configuration, and installation of local area networks and file servers. 29 Technology Assistant An employee in this class performs tasks to aid in the ongoing support of teachers and students using computers in K-3 classrooms as well as other classrooms K-12. The employee provides hardware and software support to teachers including but not limited to software training, technical advice on software packages, LAN/hard disk back-ups for disaster recovery, hardware and software installation, disk formatting, and troubleshooting printer malfunctions. The employee may assist in the development of applications for users, generate ad hoc reports, develop user documentation, and evaluate hardware, software, and new technology to make purchase recommendations. Tasks also include troubleshooting problems such as logging on to computer systems or software, printing malfunctions, or routine error messages. In some cases, the employee will research appropriate manuals to find answers. If standard techniques do not resolve the situation, the employee will seek assistance from the appropriate technical professional. 30 Technology Organizational Chart Assistant Superintendent For Instruction Building Level Principal Media Specialists Director Of Technology Technology Tech. III Technology Tech. III Technology Tech. III Technology Facilitator Technology Assistants 31 Resources Current Situation Resources exist at various levels throughout the system due to local school purchasing decisions. Some school sites commit more resources to and utilize technology more than others. All resources are presently subject to policy, curriculum, or technical guidelines. All classrooms and administrative facilities have Internet connectivity, and 95% of the classrooms have computers at the end of the connections. The classrooms with computers have access to NCWISE OWL and all schools have the hardware and resources to run NCWISE at the administrative level upon its release. All new computers placed in classrooms and labs are loaded with or have access to the Microsoft Office suite.. All school and administrative staff members have email accounts. Simulation software is in use in Principles of Technology classes, Driver’s Education, and some older Edunetics science programs are available for use. On-line CD-ROM resources are available for research at all schools and each school, as well as the school system, has an active web site. The local school Media Advisory Committees or SIT’s selects all resources based on the selection policy and information contained in the local Technology Plan. Vision Lexington City Schools will strive to provide the needed resources to become competent, effective, and efficient users of technology. All stakeholders will realize the benefits of such a technology rich environment. Instruction will be enhanced and productivity increased through effective use of these resources. Recommendations 1. Provide access to NCWISE, NC WISE OWL and OPAC through purchase of computers for classrooms that do not have them. The OPAC connection will be done at the same time that the circulation software in each school is converted from DOS to Windows based. 2. Provide basic application software on all new servers, labs, and desktops purchased and installed. 3. Provide and maintain email accounts for all system staff members. 32 4. Upgrade the school and system web sites through use of Front Page to allow contents to be expanded and become more dynamic in nature. 5. Work with school level teams and curriculum personnel to identify, purchase, and implement the use of appropriate simulation software. 33 Resources Goals, objectives and strategies Goals and Objectives Equitable access to a variety of technology resources will result in the integration of technology. Provide access to NCWISE, NC WISE OWL and OPAC through purchase of computers for classrooms that do not have them. Internet access is available in all classrooms except satellite locations (request in year 5 and 6 Erate applications) Obj: All classrooms will have access in each school to the school’s library media collection via an online public access catalog (OPAC) Strategy: The OPAC connection will be done at the same time that the circulation software in each school is converted from DOS to Windows based Provide and maintain email accounts for all system staff members. Objective: Lexington City Schools will have up-to-date websites Strategy: Upgrade the school and system web sites Resources Monitoring/Evaluation School-wide LAN Appropriate hardware and software Staff development and training School-wide LAN Appropriate hardware and software Automated Library Appropriate OPAC hardware & software Technical Support License and support agreements School Improvement Plans Technology Planning Committee Internet Access Staff Development training Appropriate hardware & software Staff development training Internet Access Appropriate hardware and software Web site address School Improvement Plan Technology Planning Committee School Improvement Plans Technology Planning Committee Media Coordinators Technology planning committee 34 through use of Front Page to allow contents to be expanded and become more dynamic in nature. Obj: Classrooms should have access to basic Policy Manual application software (word processing, database,Media Advisory and spreadsheet, keyboarding, presentation Committee programs, simulation software, and on-line Standard Course and/or CD-ROM resources of Study Technology funding Strategy: Technology Planning Committee Technology Facilitators Annual teacher surveys Media Advisory Committee School Improvement teams Provide basic application software on all new servers, labs, and desktops purchased and installed. Work with school level teams and curriculum personnel to identify, purchase, and implement the use of appropriate simulation software Selection of materials, software will be guided by the materials selection policy/procedure in place with appropriate follow-up evaluation 35 Hardware Current Situation The 2001-2002 Annual Media and Technology Report reflects an overall ratio of 3 students to 1 computer. Approximately 35% of those computers are located in vocational classrooms or labs. All classrooms, except satellite areas are connected to the Internet. All staff members except maintenance staff, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers have email addresses. All classrooms 6-8 have at least one Pentium class computer. Eighty percent of K-6 classroom do. All schools have at least one 30-station Pentium computer lab with associated application software. All media centers have been converted to Windows based circulation software in the last two years. Each media center has at least 4 search stations connected to the database and all have the capability to push the access to the classroom level. All schools will have at least one multi-media presentation station by the end of the 2002-2003 school year. Vision Hardware purchases, installed, and maintained through the technology plan must support the use of technology as an instructional tool and to help administrators and other staff members to work more efficiently and effectively. The classroom should be the focal point of teaching and learning. The teaching should become more project based with technology integrated into the fiber of the classroom. The media centers should be an extension of the classroom. The technology in this area should support and facilitate student research, multi-media presentations, use of on-site and remote databases, efficient check out procedures and the evaluation of resources and their use. Administrators should be provided with hardware that allows them to produce documents more efficiently, access information quickly, and communicate more effectively with both their internal and external customers. 36 Recommendations 1. Purchase a minimum of 30 multi-media computers with power/surge protectors per year for a total of five new computers per school. These may be placed individually in classrooms or grouped in mini-labs based on building level decisions. 2. Purchase one networkable printer for each 5 computers above. 3. Purchase two multi-media centers each year. 4. Purchase one projection device each year to be placed in each of the K-5 schools. 5. Purchase 30 computers to replace or add to existing labs each year. 6. Convert 3 schools every two years to a Windows based circulation system and include 2 circulation stations, 2 research stations, a printer, and a server in the conversion. 7. Purchase and install an application server in each LAN to enable classroom computers attached to the LAN to access software programs throughout the network. 8. Purchase furniture that is ergonomically correct as necessary during the plan. 9. The Annual Media Technology Report will be completed and submitted annually. 10. Schools will maintain inventory lists through Media Center software as it relates to system inventory procedures. 11. Ensure Purchase procedures/policies are in place as they relate to state purchasing guidelines. The above actions and would move us further along the path to achieving the ultimate goal of having all hardware meet the criteria listed below. While this goal will not be accomplished during this plan, all future hardware purchases should be made within that framework. 37 Classrooms One teacher workstation + 4 multimedia computers/classroom (may require hub/switch depending on number of data ports). Assistive/adaptive peripherals to meet student/teacher needs. One 200-volt UPS on every teacher workstation. One surge-protector/computer (student workstations). One networkable printer/classroom, inkjet or better. One projection device/classroom. One TV/monitor/classroom. One telephone/classroom. One multimedia center for each 5 classrooms: digital camera, scanner, and multimedia computer. One video camera/500 students. Ergonomically correct furniture and peripherals. Appropriate technology for course content (i.e. manipulatives, probeware, midis, CADware, etc.). Media Center One OPAC station/150 students. One research station/100 students. Assistive/adaptive peripherals to meet student/teacher needs. Two circulation stations/media center. One circulation printer/media center. One networkable printer /10 computers/media center, inkjet or better. One presentation station (includes multimedia computer, scanner, and projector/LCD panel). One 200-volt UPS on presentation and circulation workstations. One surge-protector/computer (OPAC and research workstations). Two TV/Monitors for media center use. Ergonomically correct furniture and peripherals. Computer Lab 25-30 Internet-accessible computers depending on largest class size. One networkable printer, inkjet or better. Assistive/adaptive devices as needed. One teacher presentation/workstation (includes multimedia computer, scanner, and projector/LCD panel). One TV/monitor. One 200-volt UPS on every teacher workstation. One surge-protector/computer (student workstations). 38 ] Ergonomically correct furniture and peripherals. Administrative Spaces These spaces include media coordinator, media assistants, nurses, counselors, etc. One computer/each administrative/clerical personnel. Assistive/adaptive devices as needed. One telephone. One scanner/each administrative area. One networkable printer/each administrative area, inkjet or better. One 200-volt UPS on every administrative/clerical computer. One surge-protector/computer (non-administrative workstations). Access to TV/monitor. Ergonomically correct furniture and peripherals. 39 Policy Current Situation Lexington City Schools presently has policies in place that guide materials selection and donations of equipment and materials. An Acceptable Use Policy and a policy that addresses data privacy and FERPA guidelines have also been approved by the Board of Education. In addition plans and/or procedures are in place that address the disposal of outdated resources and equipment as well as inventory control. Vision North Carolina Public Schools are challenged with implementing technology resources based on community standards and sound educational theory. In order to ensure that the selection of instructional materials is based on these premises, each LEA must establish a series of policies that are reflective of their mores, protects academic freedom, and assists personnel in making sound educational decisions. 40 Recommendations Policy a) A Materials Selection Policy In Place Timeline (if not) Yes as mandated by GS115C-102.6. . b) A hardware and software procurement No 1/01/002 c) A Copyright Policy. No 1/01/02 d) Deployment Procedures. No 1/01/05 e) An Acceptable Use Policy. Yes f) A policy for equipment / materials donation. Yes g) Guidelines for Web site development No 1/01/05 h) A policy for equipment maintenance No 1/01/03 policy that follows IRM technology standards. . . . . . and repair. . i) A policy for replacement of No obsolete equipment. . j) A network security policy that includes No 1/01/03 regularly scheduled security audits. . k) A plan to cover the disposal of Yes outdated resources and equipment. . 41 l) A comprehensive policy for Yes Inventory control. . m) A data privacy policy that addresses Yes FERPA and state legislation. . n) An Access to Information Policy that, No 1/01/04 No 1/01/02 No 1/01/04 No 1/01/04 if filtering systems are used, ensures adequate data retrieval capabilities for both students and staff. . o) A plan for translating all student/parent policies into other languages . p) A policy for disaster recovery of data and hardware . q) A policy that addresses advertising and commercialism on school resources and equipment. 42 Budget Current Situation No funds are allocated to Technology from local sources except for salaries and some capital outlay. A Technology renovation grant of over $81,000 greatly enhanced our capabilities to provide adequate resources to our elementary schools. No local funding is allocated to instructional technology. All funds to support that endeavor have come from TLCF grants. Re-imbursement from Erate funds for telephone service and Internet service already in the local budget are used, along with State technology funds, to support the purchase and maintenance of hardware and software. Approximately 75% of our students are on free and reduced lunch. That puts us on the threshold of the 90% matching rate from SLD. We have applied for funds in year 6 that. I approved will allow us to re-wire two schools done on Net Day and to greatly enhance the entire WAN. While the budget picture for technology is not a bleak as it was two years ago, the outlook for increased funding at the local level is not promising. Our needs continue to exceed our resources. Vision Budgeting should create a roadmap for the future of technology in the system. It should help achieve the lowest total cost of ownership and the most effective use of resources. Adhering to standards will ensure the items being purchased can and will be supported as efficiently as possible. While many technology purchases, especially instructional software, are ultimately school site-based decisions, the budget and plan will help guide those decisions and establish an overall direction and purchasing responsibility for the system. Recommendations The budget recommendations are listed below. This budget allocates funds from state and local funds including capital outlay, technology, workforce development, individual school funds, and other funds that are considered recurring funds. If other funds become available and/or the budgeted amounts increase, the plan will be accelerated and amended if all actions/strategies are accomplished ahead of time. 43 Budget: Activity 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 Media Circulation Software Maint. 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 Media Database Purchase 2,500.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 Filter Software License 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 Email Software Maintenance 500.00 500.00 500.00 500.00 Convert to Windows Based Circulation Convert to Front Page/HTML 6,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 Implement Maintain Cable Access 3,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 600.00 600.00 600.00 600.00 Scanner Maintenance 1,500.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 Replacement Parts, Drives, Etc. 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 Router, Switch, Hub Replacements 6,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 Media Equipment Maintenance 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 Replace, Upgrade Servers 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 Replace, Add (30 Computer) Labs 35,000.00 35,000.00 35,000.00 35,000.00 Purchase Computers To Replace Old Purchase Work Group Printers 30,000.00 30,000.00 45,000.00 45,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 Purchase Multi Media Centers 6,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 Purchase Projection Device 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 Purchase/Install Application Servers 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 Resources Purchase Digital Cameras 3,000.00 Hardware 44 Purchase Furniture 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 In- House Staff Development Sessions License Fees For On-Line Training 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 School Level Trouble Shooting Media Specialists (In-Kind) Technicians Group and Individual Sessions (In-Kind) Technology Mentors Demo Lessons, Workshops (In-Kind) Director of Technology (In-Kind) 20,000.00 21,000.00 22,000.00 23,000.00 10,000.00 10,500.00 11,000.00 11,500.00 5,000.00 5,250.00 5,500.00 5,750.00 5,000.00 5,250.00 5,500.00 5,750.00 Registration Fees, Sub Pay, Etc. 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 Media Assistants Software, Lab Access Training ( In-Kind) 10,000.00 10,500.00 11,000.00 11,500.00 30,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00 15,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 0 0 15,000 15,000 Staff Development Infrastructure T-1 Connectivity (All Sites) Contracted Services for repairs, Installation Fiber Installation Instruction Software Purchased at School Level through Material Supply Money Personnel 45 Salary Technicians 132,000.00 136,000.00 140,000.00 144,000.00 Salary Director (partial) 20,000.00 21,000.00 22,000.00 23,000.00 Evaluation No outside additional cost to Technology Total $395,100.00 $392,600.00 $430,100.00 $422,600.00 46 Communication and Collaboration Current Situation Lexington City Schools has attempted to promote the integration of and implementation of technology as a tool for both its instructional and operational services by and through the following activities: Placing articles in the Pride Page of the local newspaper that reflects the use of and the integration of technology in the schools. Sponsoring Job Shadowing Days and other work-based learning activities through Workforce Development. Maintaining a web page for Lexington City Schools and individual school sites. Identifying volunteer technology mentors in the schools who promote the use of technology to educators at the school site. Establishing a partnership with Davidson County Community College to provide specified staff development activities in technology to our staff and students. Providing a web based email program and addresses for all staff members. Working collaboratively with ExplorNet, CISCO, and Davidson County Community College offer classes in Computer Engineering Technology and Networking/Router skills. These classes involve the local industry through sponsorships and donation of equipment. Vision Technology should be a vehicle to increase the efficiency and output of our staff and to provide a vehicle to improve communication between our schools and our customers. Lexington City Schools will ensure that it efficiently uses its financial and human resources while enhancing its business partnerships to facilitate these goals. In order to assure that the groups and individuals who will be affected by the plan are supportive and united behind the vision of the plan, the technology planning committee will implement the following communication plan: 47 Keep school administrators appraised of the planning process through timely staff meeting discussions Publish the planning process and deliberations through timely newsletters for each school site. Present the planning process and annual plan reviews through regularly scheduled staff and faculty meetings. Inform the public through various news articles throughout the four years. Present the final plan to the Board of Education and to the public. Provide opportunities for review and amendments of the plan by each school site annually. Recommendations 1. Expand the use of email to improve communication with all internal and external customers by providing a computer for each teacher. 2. Publish email addresses for staff members on the web page. 3. Provide training and leadership at the administrative level to approach the paperless office at all levels in the system. 4. Provide PDA’s and appropriate software and training to facilitate scheduling, communication, and data access for administrators. 5. Move the system and school web pages from static to dynamic information through use of Front Page and selected, trained key staff members at each location. 6. Purchase digital cameras for those sites that do not presently own them to help publicize school activities on the school web page. 7. Work collaboratively with the local cable companies and the Workforce Development staff to provide information through the local public access channel as a strategy for developing local business partnerships. 8. Provide opportunities to review and share ideas for technology through regular meetings of the Technology Committee. 9. Lexington City school staff members including media and technology personnel will create public relations programs targeted to students, parents and the general public to communicate the impact of media and technology programs on teaching and learning. 48 10. Extend the hours of Media centers through after school programs wherever possible. (Note: this was begun during the 2001-02 school year through 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant) 11. Utilize partners such as LEARNNC, CSI, CTILex, Explorenet, The ASSETT Group (Closing the Gap Task Force, Teacher Academy and others to enhance the learning opportunities for our students, 12. Actively engage School Based Committees, Media Advisory Committees consisting of parents, staff, and community members/partners in the planning process. 49 Evaluation Current Situation Specific data is collected each year to report on the progress and evaluate the use of technology. The Annual Media and Technology Report collates and reports the number and types of equipment in use as well as the type and pervasiveness of connectivity. The Milken Technology Survey also collects and reports data concerning the use of technology in the system. Both of these reports allow Lexington City Schools to compare our status with that of other school systems. The Computer Skills Test given to eight graders is used to assess student progress and to adjust and plan instruction accordingly. An on-line version of the fifth grade competency test is in use as both a pre and post test. Through a TLCF grant teachers took an on-line assessment and training to integrate technology into the classroom was designed for each site based on the results. Records of workshops attended and credits earned are kept for each staff member as it relates to technology credits. Vision Technology must become an integral part of the school day and an indispensable tool to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of all staff members of the system. The evaluation process should measure the use of technology, the level of preparedness for its use, the comfort level of staff members in its use, and its impact on teaching and learning (specifically achievement levels of students) as well as the daily business operations of the system. Recommendations 1. Continue collection of and reporting data on both the Annual Media and Technology Report, the Milken Technology Survey and the new Federal No Child Left Behind Legislation. 2. Conduct a system wide assessment of Basis Computer Skills for educators annually and plan staff development offerings from the results. 3. Analyze results from the Computer Skills Test for eight graders to adjust instruction in grades 6 – 8. 50 4. Complete the design of and administer the fifth grade skills test in conjunction with the TLCF grant. This will be done on an annual basis and is independent of any future TLCF funding. 5. Design and conduct annually a survey for all staff members that will assess their perceived comfort level with using technology and the level of use in the instructional process while identifying the barriers that prevent increased use. 6. Disaggregate data from EOC’s and EOG’s to determine which software and/or instructional management packages have the most impact on student learning. Not all software is consistent from school to school and this would allow for standardization and the greatest impact if approved by building level school improvement teams. 7. Conduct an annual review of the local plan to assess progress. Adjust timeline as necessary depending on funds available. 8. Identify successful strategies for integrating technology into the curriculum and that engage students in learning by conducting random surveys of students in 5th, 7th and 11th grades. Goals and Objectives Evaluation will be conducted from four points of view: Process, content, user satisfaction, and staff development. We have defined the goals and objectives for our evaluation and the circumstances of what is to be evaluated, how it is to be evaluated, who is going to be responsible for evaluation, and when will the evaluation be conducted. A. Process Evaluation: Evaluation of the steps and procedures needed to carry out the plan. Goals and Objectives Educational decisions should be based on data analysis and research What: Current time line for development of technology plan. Are we on schedule? Four-year time line of technology Plan. Are we meeting dates for implementation? Why/Why not? 51 How: Quarterly report against goals and objectives Annual report to staff, and local school board, Two-year report to Department of Public Instruction Revisions will be made by the Technology Planning Committee Who: Technology Planning Committee When: Full report don on a yearly basis B. Content Evaluation: Evaluation of student learning and/or achievement Goals and Objectives: An ongoing curriculum development should continuously address the changing needs of students All children should possess the skills necessary to exist in an ever-changing information society All k-5 schools should have an interdisciplinary learning environment What: Student learning/achievement Student work force readiness Teachers will use authentic assessment such as rubrics and portfolios How: EOG/EOC test score Who: Technology Planning Committee Testing staff When: All learning/achievement goals on a yearly basis EOC/EOG High School Semester, K-8 yearly C. User Satisfaction/Dissatisfaction Evaluation: 52 Evaluation of the satisfaction/dissatisfaction, cost effectiveness, ability to use acquired technology and effectiveness and its effectiveness and efficiency in the classroom Goals and objectives All students and staff should work and learn in appropriate facilities Students and staff should have access to quality, current, and appropriate resources. What: Adequacy of maintenance and repair request/service Teacher satisfaction in relation to use and application of technology Resource support: Do teachers have the technical support to maintain the current system? How: Survey Who: Technology Planning Committee When: Annually with annual summary reports to staff and school board D. Staff development Evaluation: Evaluation of staff development as well as the basic computer competencies that Lexington City School Educators will develop. Goals and Objectives Staff Development activities that enable staff to grow professionally while maximizing the use of technology Teachers should be encouraged to view world as a classroom, extending learning opportunities beyond the school setting Students and staff should have access to quality, current and appropriate resources What: Resources support: Amount and kind of training and development Knowledge gained: Percent of teachers mastering the basic computer competencies. 53 Teacher productivity: Measurement of the technology to be used, the frequency of use, and the efficiency of use How: Ongoing training and evaluation Evidence of basic competency skills of appropriate staff and faculty Who: Technology staff, principles and curriculum personnel When: Ongoing evaluation as a process of training Annual report to Technology Committee, Board of education and staff Status Person(s) Responsible Target Date Target Date Target Date Target Date 2001/2002 2002/2003 2003/2004 2004/2005 May 1 May 1 May 1 May 1 On schedule Director Tech., Principals On schedule Media Spec., Principals On schedule Computer ed., Testing Coord. Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 On schedule Dirctor Tech., Principals Jan 1 Jan 1 Jan 1 Jan 1 On schedule Dierctor Tech., Grants Coord. May 1 May 1 May 1 May 1 Administative Staff Jan 1 Jan 1 Jan 1 Jan 1 Behind schedule On schedule Sept 1 6-12 May 1 k-5 School Technology Comm. Sept 1 Sept 1 Sept 1 Sept 1 Computer ed., Principals June 1 June 1 June 1 June 1 On schedule Director Tech., Prin., SIT's May 1 May 1 May 1 May 1 On schedule Director Tech., Prin., SIT's Feb 1 Feb 1 Feb 1 Feb 1 On schedule Dir Tech, Curriculum Spec. Jan 1 Jan 1 Jan 1 On schedule Director Technology May 1 May 1 May 1 May 1 On schedule Behind schedule Director Tech., Principals Sept 1 Sept 1 Sept 1 Sept 1 Behind schedule Media Spec., Principals Sept 1 Sept 1 Sept 1 Sept 1 Behind schedule Instructional staff LHS Sept 1 Sept 1 Sept 1 Sept 1 On schedule Tech. Mentors, Media Spec. Sept. - May Sept. - May Sept. - May Sept. - May On schedule Director Tech, Instr. Staff LHS Sept. - May Sept. - May Sept. - May Sept. - May Behind schedule Dir. Tech Dir. Finance July 1 July 1 July 1 July 1 On schedule Local staff, Dir Tech., partners May 1 May 1 May 1 May 1 On schedule Local staff, Dir Tech., partners May 1 May 1 May 1 May 1 On schedule Local staff, Dir Tech., partners May 1 May 1 May 1 54 On schedule On schedule Director Tech., Technicians On schedule Director Tech., Technicians On schedule Technicians Jan 1 Jan1 Jan1 Behind shedule Director Tech. Sept 1 On schedule Tecnology staff June 1 June 1 June 1 June 1 On schedule Tecnology staff June 1 June 1 June 1 June 1 On schedule Dir Technology Jan 1 Behind schedule Tecnology staff Sept 1 July 1 July 1 July 1 July 1 July 1 July 1 July 1 July 1 July 1 On schedule Asst. Supt. Instruction Jan 1 On schedule Principals Aug 1 On schedule Director Technology On schedule Director Technology On schedule Principals, Personnel admin On schedule Director tech., Principals On schedule Director, Principals,Techn.'s Jan. 1 On schedule Technicians, Human Res. Sep 1 On schedule Technicians, school vol. Sep 1 Behind schedule July 1 July 1 Principals, Med. Adv. Comm. April 1 Ahead of schedule Director Tech. Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 On schedule Director Tech. Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Ahead of schedule Director Tech., Media Spec. Mar. 1 Mar. 1 Mar. 1 Mar. 1 Ahead of schedule Director Tech., Media Spec. Mar. 1 Mar. 1 Mar. 1 Mar. 1 Director Tech. Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Ahead of schedule On schedule Director Tech., Media Spec. May 1 May 1 May 1 May 1 On schedule Director Tech., Technicians Mar. 1 Mar. 1 Mar. 1 Mar. 1 Director Tech. Mar. 1 Mar. 1 Mar. 1 Mar. 1 On schedule Director Technology July 1 July 1 July 1 July 1 On schedule Principals, media spec. On schedule Dir Tech. Dir Finance behind schedule July 1 July 1 July 1 July 1 August 1 August 1 August 1 August 1 55 On schedule Director Tech., Prin., SIT's May1 On schedule Director Technology Jan1 On schedule Director Technology Jan1 On schedule Director Tech., LHS Principal Sept 1 Director Tech., School vol. Sept 1 On schedule Director Tech., Media Spec. Sept 1 On schedule Director Tech., WFD staff On schedule Dorector Technology On schedule Director Techn., WFD staff On schedule 21st Century personnel On schedule Dir. Tech, Principlas On schedule Dir. Tech, Principlas On schedule Director Tech., Media Spec. On schedule On schedule Behind schedule July 1 May 1 May 1 May 1 May 1 July1 Aug 1 Aug 1 Aug 1 May 1 May 1 May 1 May 1 May 1 May 1 June 1 June 1 June 1 June 1 Media Spec. May 1 May 1 May 1 May 1 Principals, Testing Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 May 1 Behind schedule Director Tech., Project Coord. On schedule Director Tech., Tech. Comm. On schedule Prin., SIT's Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 On schedule Director Tech., Tech. Comm. July 1 July 1 July 1 July 1 Director Tech., Prin., SIT's May 1 May 1 May 1 May 1 Behind schedule 56