District Technology Plan
July 2012 – June 2015
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Code: 82160
Wayne RESA
Code: 82000
Dr. Gregory J. Baracy, Superintendent
Kevin J. Galbraith Sr., Executive Director of Technology
36745 Marquette
Westland, Michigan 48185
734.419.2000
http://wwcsd.net/assets/pdfs/Technology-Plan-2012-2015.pdf
Please direct any questions to Kevin J. Galbraith Sr.:
Voice: 734.419.2089 | Fax: 734.419.2093 | Email: GalbraithK@wwcs.k12.mi.us
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...............................................................................................3
II.
PROFILE .......................................................................................................................6
III.
BELIEF STATEMENT, MISSION AND GOALS..............................................................8
IV.
CURRENT TECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENT...............................................................10
V.
TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS ........................................................................................12
VI.
CURRICULUM INTEGRATION ....................................................................................13
VII.
TIMELINE ....................................................................................................................18
VIII.
INCREASED ACCESS AND INTEGRATION PREPARATION.....................................19
IX.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING FOR TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION ...........................20
X.
TECHNOLOGY SKILL TRAINING ...............................................................................22
XI.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT ..............................................................................................23
XII.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ..................................................................................24
XIII.
COMMUNITY AND PARENT INVOLVEMENT .............................................................28
XIV.
FUNDING ....................................................................................................................29
XV.
EVALUATION PLAN ....................................................................................................32
XVI.
COLLABORATIONS ....................................................................................................33
XVII.
CHILDREN’S INTERNET PROTECTION ACT.............................................................34
XVIII. ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY .......................................................................................35
XIX.
APPENDICES ..............................................................................................................37
APPENDIX A: NETWORK DIAGRAM (simplified) .................................................................38
APPENDIX B: EVALUATION PLAN ......................................................................................39
2
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
I.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Advances in technology have transformed the way we live, work and learn. The knowledge and
skills needed to succeed in today's world have changed dramatically in recent years and
continue to change. Technology must be second-nature for students to successfully compete in
future education endeavors and in the job market. Through technology, students and teachers
can access and share data, images, audio, and video with others from their own community and
around the world. Learning is increasingly occurring anywhere and anytime. We, as educators,
face important challenges to use available resources to enhance and expand the learning
process. To that end, Wayne-Westland Community Schools has developed this three year
Technology Plan.
Wayne-Westland Community Schools has a long history of utilizing technology for instructional
and administrative purposes. In 2004, the District completed the final phase of a $108 million,
multi-year bond issue that included building renovations and $24 million dollars of technology
enhancements. Since that time, Wayne-Westland Community Schools has faced an important
challenge; to transform and enhance instruction and learning through the use of technology.
This plan focuses on the continuation of curriculum integration as well as the professional
learning and technology support which is critical to the successful use of the technologies.
Background
The District developed its first Technology Plan in 1995 to provide long range direction and the
foundation for technology implementation throughout the District. The original Plan was developed
by the Technology Steering Committee and Technology Task Forces, representing students,
community members, teachers, administrators, staff and vendors, and focused primarily on the
acquisition of technology. The Technology Committee developed the Belief Statement and
Mission Statement contained within this document as well as the following five goals which are
this plan’s focus:
1. Prepare learners to succeed in the 21st century by using technology to provide
equal learning opportunities for all students and to support student
achievement.
2. Provide the technology to continually update and change the teaching/learning
process
3. Support efficient and effective communication within the District, with parents,
and with the community.
4. Use technological tools to enhance productivity and the efficient use of
District resources.
5. Provide the support necessary to ensure the effective use of technology
3
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
Organization
Wayne-Westland Community Schools continues to make a significant investment in technology
when appropriate. Classrooms include between one to four computers depending upon grade
level, a laser printer, telephone, TV/VCR, and other technology such as digital cameras,
scanners, student response systems, etc. Utilizing Federal Title Funds, the District has also
recently deployed wall-mounted SMARTboard interactive whiteboards and short-throw data
projectors, document cameras, and wireless tablet input devices in all core content area
classrooms. There are a variety of general and specialized computer labs at the secondary
level. Elementary Instructional Media Centers also have smaller labs of desktop computers for
student use. Elementary schools each possess at least one cart containing wireless laptop
computers. Many individual schools, realizing the power of mobile labs, have purchased
additional mobile labs. The District has provided cart-based tablet and laptop computers in
various buildings to support at-risk learners. The District has a private fiber wide area network
that connects 23 buildings for voice, video, and data, with every classroom having six network
drops. A variety of administrative systems are used to help manage district functions.
Curriculum Integration
Technology does not drive the curriculum of the Wayne-Westland Community Schools; rather,
technology is given its direction from the curriculum. The Plan details how the District has
successfully integrated technology into the curriculum in numerous ways.
Professional Learning
Ongoing professional learning dictates the level of technology integration into the curriculum.
The District’s Director of Instructional Technology works with stakeholder groups to facilitate
technology integration into the curriculum and professional learning and continues to provide
extensive training on the basics of technology implementation. The District supports training
through a variety of sources, including Wayne RESA workshops, attendance at the annual
Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) conference and workshops, and
a mix of subscription-based electronically delivered modules such as those offered through
Michigan LearnPort. While most of this professional learning has focused on curriculum
integration, additional training is sometimes necessary to enable the most effective use of
technology.
Technology Support
With the sizable influx of technology over recent years, it is critical that the District continues to
provide ongoing technology support. This plan details the steps that have been taken and must be
maintained, to provide the necessary support structure. The district realizes that the types of support
may likely change as staff and students increase their proficiency with technology and as curriculum
requirements change. Based on a previously conducted Information Technology Staffing Support
Study, the District took action to improve its technology support. The District continues to revisit
technology policy, operational guidelines, support structures and technician skill sets on a
regular basis.
4
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
The Technology Department continually strives to reduce repair response time and to make
technology resources increasingly available for all staff and students. To achieve this goal, an
electronic HelpDesk ticketing system is used to facilitate communication with faculty and staff.
Data from the system is used to allocate available resources to meet the various categories of
support needed, including: immediate assistance via a telephone hotline, technical support
using remote control of district computers, and the dispatching and scheduling of technicians.
Community Involvement
Wayne-Westland Community Schools is dedicated to making as much technology and support
available to the community as possible.
The District also places a high value on
communication with parents and community members. A number of programs are in place to
achieve these goals, such as the continuous improvement of the district’s extensive website,
increased use of the parent email listservs and telephone system notification system for rapid
messaging. Social media tools, such as a District YouTube Channel, District and building
Twitter feeds, and RSS feeds have also been implemented to reach stakeholders with
important information.
5
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
II.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
PROFILE
Wayne-Westland Community Schools covers approximately 40 square miles and serves the
communities of Westland, Wayne, Canton, Dearborn Heights, Inkster, and Romulus.
Approximately 12,800 students attend the District’s 11 elementary, 2 upper elementary, 2
middle, and 2 high schools, as well as career-technical and alternative high schools; and an
early childhood center.
The William D. Ford Career-Technical Center provides outstanding
educational career-technical training in 21 skill areas, serving students throughout Wayne
County. The Center is recognized by local, state and national leaders for their many
outstanding programs.
Wayne-Westland Community Schools has implemented a Comprehensive District School
Improvement
initiative
involving
ongoing
research-based
training
in
school
improvement/development for all schools. In order to provide students with a well-rounded
education, the District has existing partnerships with numerous businesses including The Henry
Ford, Ford Motor Company, and Motorola, to name a few.
Academic Programs
All core content area curricula are aligned with the Michigan Curriculum Frameworks and the
curricula in math and ELA is being aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS's). All
curricula and assessments are reviewed and aligned as state and national standards are rolled
out. Comprehensive high school offerings include 40 advanced placement classes, many
through the Michigan Virtual High School. Middle school programs advisory periods, and
differentiate for at-risk students in English and math, as well as provide for specific programming
for identified gifted and talented students. All elementary schools include extensive early literacy
initiatives for children in the early grades. A district-wide Professional Learning Community
implementation effort is the vehicle in which analysis of student performance and adjustments to
instruction are made.
Accomplishments and Recognitions
Wayne-Westland Community Schools has received numerous recognitions including North
Central Accreditation/Outcomes Endorsement for all of the schools; as well as 14 Golden Apple
Awards and two Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Awards from the State of Michigan. Adams
Middle School and Hoover Elementary have received the Muth Award from the Middle Cities
Education Association for excellence in leadership. The Ford Career-Technical Center was
recognized by the Convergence Foundation as a Center of Science and Engineering
Excellence, an honor shared with only seven other sites in the Midwest. The District was also
recently recognized by the Michigan Association of School Boards with four Educational
Excellence Awards, including; the Technology Department’s annual professional learning
program, Marshall Middle School’s “Freaky Friday” parent involvement program, the “Bright
Futures” afterschool program and our middle schools “Power Lunch” lunchtime tutoring
program.
The graduating class of 2012 received more than $5.7 million in scholarship and award monies.
Thirty percent of those graduates were also enrolled in at least one advanced placement or
college-level equivalent course last year.
6
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
Funding
The General Fund and Federal e-Rate discounts funds are the primary sources for capital,
software, and ongoing technology-related costs. The District applies for and receives several
million dollars in State and Federal grants including Consolidated Grant for Academic Initiatives
and At-Risk funds to name a few.
7
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
III.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
BELIEF STATEMENT, MISSION AND GOALS
DISTRICT MISSION
The Wayne-Westland Community Schools, in cooperation with parents and the community, will
educate and prepare all of our students to be knowledgeable, responsible, contributing
members of a global society.
BELIEF STATEMENT
We believe that students, staff and administration should have access to and utilize a full range
of instructional and management tools necessary to accomplish the District's stated curricular
goals.
To this end, we are committed to providing the technological infrastructure, hardware, software
and human resources necessary to ensure student mastery of subject area content, while
utilizing technological tools commonly encountered in the workplace, post-secondary and
vocational arenas.
TECHNOLOGY MISSION
Wayne-Westland Community Schools will integrate technology throughout the District to
prepare students to meet the high expectations for learning that translate into success in today’s
connected community. The utilization of current technologies provides students in all our
schools with enhanced learning tools and the skills needed to use them effectively. Technologyrich environments and professional learning for teachers and administrators, focusing on using
technology to help differentiate learning, results in equal opportunities for all students.
Technologies provide the vehicle to continually improve and enhance the teaching/learning
process contributing to an increase in student achievement. The infusion of technology into
District operations will increase efficiency resulting in higher-level solutions and services for
students, parents, employees and the community at large. Online services allow increased
communication unlimited by the constraints of time and location.
GOALS AND STRATEGIES FOR TECHNOLOGY USE
1. Prepare learners to succeed by using technology to provide equal learning
opportunities for all students and to support student achievement.
2. Provide the technology to continually update and enhance the teaching/learning
process.
3. Support efficient and effective communication within the District, with parents, and
with the community.
4. Use technological tools to enhance productivity and the efficient use of District
resources.
5. Provide the support necessary to ensure the effective use of technology.
8
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
Wayne-Westland Community Schools is continually working to achieve these goals and to make
the mission, reality. The following paragraphs describe the efforts the district has taken towards
these goals.
The District has a student to computer ratio of approximately 2.5:1, and every teacher has
access to a workstation in their classroom. A powerful telephone system, including emergency
notification capabilities; electronic mail and web-based and social media services facilitate
communication among students, educators, and parents.
All educators record attendance electronically and utilize a secure web-based, electronic grade
book system. Information from the student information system is available for parents to view
online. High school students also have the ability to view their own assignments, grades and
transcript information. Educators can also post assignments and classroom news and updates
via classroom web sites, allowing parents to more actively participate in their student’s
education.
Wayne-Westland Community Schools believes that professional learning is paramount in the
use of technology. As such, the District is constantly working to help teachers change their
roles in the classroom by helping them learn to use and integrate available and emerging
technologies. As new technologies and resources are adopted, the District has looked for
innovative ways, such as relationships with textbook manufactures and content providers, to
acquire and embed them to support the curricula.
The District believes that technological support is a critical component in helping make
technology work for learners. Based on findings from an Information Technology Staffing
Support Study, seeking to identify how the District could improve its technology support,
additional staffs were hired and many new practices put into practice. Wayne-Westland
Community Schools has and will continue to implement a variety of the recommendations while
evaluating ongoing practices.
Wayne-Westland Community Schools has a number of specific strategies in place to achieve
these goals. Included in these strategies is a plan for updating and replace aging equipment; a
professional learning program, based on state and national standards, focused on the use of
technology to enhance student achievement; and to maintain a support structure based on the
Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), a framework of best practice approaches
intended to facilitate the delivery of high quality information technology services which provide
responsive and comprehensive hardware and software support.
9
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
IV.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
CURRENT TECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENT
Network Infrastructure
The District infrastructure and network implementations at all buildings consist of the following:
•
•
•
•
•
Six to eight CAT5e data drops per classroom
One CAT5e voice drop per classroom
RCA/S-Video drops at the teacher work area, connecting one computer to a 32”
commercial monitor/VCR player system
Fully switched Cisco network electronics solution
Private fiber connection (12 strands single-mode) to the District’s Network
Operations Center located at the Ford Career-Technical Center
The District’s Network Operations Center is located in the Ford Career-Technical Center. The
District runs a variety of operating systems on its approximately 60 servers, many of which are
virtualized in a VMware Infrastructure environment, including Novell’s NetWare and Open
Enterprise Server; Microsoft Windows Server; openSUSE Server; and Apple OS X Server
software on Dell PowerEdge and Apple Xserve hardware. The District uses Novell GroupWise
for electronic mail and calendaring services.
A District-wide voice solution consists of a centralized PBX (Nortel CS1000) and voice mail
system (Nortel CallPilot), housed at the Network Operations Center. All other buildings are
connected to the PBX via private fiber. The voice solution provides voice connectivity from all
classrooms and office areas.
Appendix A contains a simplified network diagram.
10
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
Learning Systems
The schools contain the following instructional systems:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Three workstations and one laser printer per elementary classroom
Four workstations and one laser printer per upper elementary and middle school
classroom
One workstation and one printer per high school classroom
Each core content area classroom K-12 is equipped with:
o ‘Digital Hub’ computer for instruction and video conferencing
o Wall-mounted interactive whiteboard and data projector
o Audio enhancement system
Each core content area classroom K-8 is equipped with:
o Document camera/visual presenter
o MOBI Classroom Set (six student tablets and one teacher tablet)
16-18 desktop computers per elementary media center
Two to three computer labs per upper elementary and middle school
Seven computer labs per high school including labs designated to core curriculum
areas and CAD programs
One to three classroom sets of wireless notebook and netbook computers per
elementary school
Two classroom set of wireless notebooks per middle school
Each high school media center has 70 wireless laptops for checkout use
Classrooms at the Ford Career-Technical Center have mounted data projectors.
Student response feedback sets at all schools; at least 4 per elementary, 8 per upper
elementary and middle, and 4 per high school
Follett Destiny Library Management systems available for all school collections
Limited AlphaSmart and AlphaSmart Dana devices across the District
Limited Apple iPad tablet computers across the District
Digital video distribution with broadcast carts at each site that include a DVD/VCR
unit, digital camcorder, wireless handheld microphone, auxiliary inputs, and a 13”
television among other items
Peripheral equipment including portable projection systems, document cameras,
interactive wireless slates, digital cameras and camcorders, MIDI keyboards, and
mobile interactive whiteboards among other items.
Administrative Systems
Wayne-Westland Community Schools utilizes Wayne RESA for numerous administrative
systems including, MI-STAR (student information, formerly known as Zangle), Smart XL
(finance), REP (personnel), Cyborg (payroll) and Polyplot (transportation).
11
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
V.
TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS
The Wayne-Westland Community School District does not have in place, an online reading and
mathematics assessment program for the 2012-13 school year. However, a plan has been
developed which will utilize the Northwest Evaluation Assessments (NWEA) or an equivalent
assessment program, as we prepare to transition to the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium
(SBAC) and Michigan Interim Assessment systems as they become available in 2014-15. The
assessment system will be paid for primarily by reallocating funds currently used for purchasing
consumable classroom and testing materials.
The District has completed the (SBAC) Technology Readiness Survey and has the network
infrastructure that can support an online assessment system. In the fall of 2012-13, four schools
successfully participated in the online MEAP Social Studies assessment pilot. Six schools are
planning to participate in the MEAP Social Studies and Science assessments next fall.
Wayne-Westland Community Schools has also begun a district-wide technology project to support
the anticipated increase in needs for providing online or computer-based assessments, while
reducing desktop computer replacement costs. While the District will continue to evaluate, update
and replace aging systems as possible, it will begin piloting a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
model in the spring of 2013, which will look to repurpose existing hardware and utilizing zero-client
devices as necessary. This server-based computing model will require some infrastructure upgrades
in network equipment, primarily at the network core, as well in the area of server availability and
storage capacity, as determined by the VDI model implemented. The VDI model selected will also
allow remote desktop access on non-District owned devices. The District is currently researching
storage area network options as well as VDI models for this project. The project will conclude before
the beginning of the 2013-14 school year.
As referenced in section IV Current Technology Environment – Network Infrastructure, the District
has already virtualized the majority of servers. The District’s current VMware solution is hosted on
blade servers in an enclosure that is utilizing less than half of its capacity, allowing sufficient
resources for scaling up server availability for the VDI project.
At the inception of this project, the District consulted with engineers from Plante-Moran and various
vendor-partners, to evaluate storage needs. It was recommended that the District’s direct attached,
network attached, and legacy storage area networks should be consolidated into a single storage
area network solution. A proposal for this solution will be ready for consideration before the end of
the 2012-13 school year. Grant funds and collaboration opportunities with other organizations will be
explored for implementation of this project.
Wayne-Westland Community Schools will continue to evaluate current and emerging technologies
(e.g. 1-to-1 computing devices, expanded wireless network availability) as they become available to
determine whether instruction can be further enhanced by their use. Pilot projects focusing on these
emerging technologies are always developing and underway, collecting data for future use.
The District has standardized on workstation platforms and network electronics to allow for greater
interoperability and ease of management. Wayne-Westland Community Schools has also
established an IP addressing scheme that allows for flexibility in the future.
12
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
VI.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
CURRICULUM INTEGRATION
At Wayne-Westland Community Schools, the technology is given its direction from the
curriculum. All technologies adopted by the District must first be examined in light of how they
will serve the need for students to master necessary learning.
Curriculum Integration Goals:
• Continuing Goal: Increase the use of online content management tools to extend the
classroom and improve student access to content and activities.
• Build student communication skills and support learning through the use of digital
technologies such as email, video, podcasting, blogs and wikis.
• Building collaboration capacity in student learning through the use of Web 2.0 tools.
• An increased emphasis on instructional design, driven by assessment data that has been
collected and stored using the CLASS A System (Curriculum, Learning and Assessment for
Student and School Achievement).
In order to meet the Curriculum Integration goals for the Wayne-Westland Schools, a two-fold
strategy will be employed:
• Elementary classroom and Media Information teachers will be involved in an escalating
program that starts with basic recognition of where and when technology can be used to
differentiate instruction. The focus will then shift to connecting technology standards to
curricular standards in instructional design and the creation of authentic, project-based
assessments. Assessments will generate data necessary in making decisions on the
delivery of curriculum. In addition, teachers will receive just-in-time technology support as
needed to facilitate the implementation of these lessons.
• Students’ technology skills will be assessed in the context of the grade-level standards
included in the METS-S. Students will be given pre- and post- tests on technology skills in
elementary media classes. Curriculum in the elementary media classes and appropriate
secondary-level courses will be adjusted to fill in gaps in student skills identified by analysis
of the results.
As curriculum is developed it will be made available to all teachers in the district electronically
on the district’s Intranet. Teachers will share curriculum developments with their peers during
the district-wide technology professional learning day, as well as a variety of other methods.
13
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
Other strategies for using specific technology tools are listed below.
Distance Learning: Wayne-Westland Community Schools offers a variety of distance learning
programs, including:
•
•
•
•
Students at Wayne Memorial High School and John Glenn High School participate in the
Michigan Virtual High School Program. Through this program, students are offered a variety
of classes, including advanced placement classes such as AP Physics and AP Language
and Composition. Certified Media Specialists collaborate and supervise these students.
Using the Two Way Interactive Connections in Education (TWICE) Content Provider
Database, teachers identify distance learning programs that assist in meeting their
curriculum standards. Students have been able to interact directly with authors, subject
matter experts and their own peers across the country through these experiences. Other
examples include the observation of surgical procedures, creation of puppets while learning
about literature and science, to learn about foreign cultures and the exploration of museums
and zoos.
Teachers in core-content areas K-12, have access to the District’s video conferencing
system to interact with other professionals, not only across the District, but across the
country in discussing educational issues. Other video conferencing technologies are
available from Wayne RESA to support video conferencing in all other classrooms.
Community groups have been introduced to video conferencing by participating in sessions
where they connect with other locations for interactive exchange.
Digital Communication: Blogs and wikis are being used to afford students the opportunity to
publish their writing on the Internet to a global audience and to get feedback on their work from
their peers. In some classes, students are creating podcasts that they post to the internet using
telephones. Teachers are creating instructional videos and share them with their students
providing resources that allow them to learn outside the classroom.
Video: Ultra-compact camcorders, such as Flip and RCA Small Wonder devices, have been
made available to classrooms so that students can create videos to support their learning.
Students learn to shoot video then edit it so that the final result is a coherent presentation. An
example would be videos on correct library behavior created by fifth graders then used in early
elementary classes to teach young students how to act in the library. Screencasting
technologies have also been used by students to document technical procedures, originally as
an assessment instrument for their instructor, but also are used in a library of “how to” videos for
others student’s use.
Broadcast Cart: Students in elementary, middle and high schools are using broadcast carts in
their buildings in conjunction with the district IP Video network to produce news shows, daily
announcement broadcasts, and broadcasts of building events. Often events are taped and
archived so that students can view them asynchronously.
Interactive Whiteboards: All core-content area classrooms in the district have an interactive
whiteboard and data projector for instructional use. Teachers have developed lessons for use
with these boards and uploaded these lessons to the district share drive, so others can make
use of them.
Student Response Systems: Classroom Performance System sets are available in all
buildings in the district. Students use the responder pads for a variety of uses, including the
answering of test questions, reviewing of information, and other formative and summative
assessments. Recently purchase response systems deployed in the middle schools, give
14
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
students the ability to text short answers using the responder. The newer systems offer more
utility in math classes as students can now enter answers using mathematical notation.
Wireless Input Slates: Each K-8 core-content area classroom has been provided with a set of
wireless input slates that includes a teacher Mobi View and 6 Mobi learners for student use.
The slates all connect to the room’s Digital Hub from any point in the classroom. Once
connected, the slates allow the teacher and students to use any program displayed on the
room’s interactive whiteboard.
Teaching Web Sites: Teachers continue to create and maintain web sites for the purpose of
communicating with both students and their parents. Wiki and blog sites are also being created
to provide a classroom presence on the Internet. A District server allows teachers to upload
audio, video, and graphic files for use on these sites. The ease of use allows teachers to
update daily so that their information is always current.
Streaming Video: Teachers have access to a wide variety of streaming video content to
integrate into their lessons. This is provided by Wayne RESA in collaboration with United
Streaming. Teachers have received professional learning on using streaming video with
interactive whiteboards, student response systems and with PowerPoint. Video generated by
classes in the district is available using the local video server.
AlphaSmart Devices: AlphaSmart Danas are employed by high school special education
programs and at an elementary school to enhance the English Language Arts curriculum.
ExamView Learning Series: Teachers in K-8 classrooms have access to the ExamView Learning
Series which provides them with a collection of unique, high-quality questions aligned to the
Michigan Grade Level Expectations and Common Core Standards. The ExamView suite of tools
allows teachers to create and manage assessments in their classroom.
Reading: Several schools have chosen to use Accelerated Reader to support the reading
curriculum. A few schools have also subscribed to Raz-Kids which allows students to access
activities from their classroom or home.
Math: Students in all K-6 schools have access to Every Day Math Games. This online resource is
accessible in school or from home and integrates with the Every Day Math curriculum used in the
District. Some schools have also elected to use Accelerated Math to support the math programs,
while others use Star Math. A donation from a district Alumna has resulted in Mighty Math Number
Heroes being installed on all elementary schools computers district-wide.
Writing and Research: Students have access to the Internet in labs, from classroom computers,
and while using laptops in the media centers wirelessly. Students are taught Internet research
skills in elementary classrooms and media centers. In secondary buildings, students learn more
advanced research skills and are encouraged to increase their use of the Internet as a research
tool. Writing skills are reinforced through technology strategies such as webquests, digital
storytelling, and project-based learning activities. At the secondary level, teachers in core-area
classrooms and elective programs have agreed to focus on a non-fiction writing project for each
semester. Research is an integral part of this project.
Science: Many of the District’s science textbooks include question banks from ExamView which
are used for review and/or assessment activities. Many high school classes have integrated the
use of these questions with the student response systems. In addition, teachers have developed
their own assessments for use with these sets.
15
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
Art: Students are using the Internet for research and to get access to artistic resources. Student
collections are being stored digitally and displayed on the internet and on the cable access
channel in the district. High School students learn to display their pieces, photograph or record
videos of their work, and then create a digital portfolio that they can submit to others as a
demonstration of what they can do.
Course Management System (CMS): Moodle is available to all teachers in the district. It is
used to provide easy access for students to online classroom resources. Online tools available
within the system include forums, journals, class glossaries, and quizzes. Students can access
their teacher’s Moodle site from anywhere on the Internet, extending the classroom.
Publications: Students use technology to create literary magazines, yearbooks (available on
DVD), flyers, calendars, announcements, etc. Students at one high school have changed their
literary magazine from paper format to digital.
Career Assessment & College Search: Students at all secondary schools use Career
Cruising, an online suite of career guidance and planning tools, to explore the world of work and
make decisions about their future.
Premier Assistive Suite: The District has provided assistive software for all computers in the
district. The suite contains a talking dictionary, talking calculator, and multiple text-to-audio
programs that allow students access content whether on the web or from a local document of
any kind.
CompassLearning: CompassLearning assessment and management software diagnoses
student strengths and weaknesses, on skills tested by state and national assessments, and
then prescribes personalized learning paths to help students meet critical standards. All K-8
students have CompassLearning accounts which allow them access to the system from their
classroom or home.
Testing Preparation: ACT, SAT, MEAP preparation courses are offered online.
Textbook Purchases: Textbook adoption procedures review technology components that could
be provided with the texts, as a contributing factor for the eventual purchase by the district.
MEAP: Wayne-Westland Community Schools’ curriculum is aligned with the MEAP. By integrating
technology into the curriculum, the District has the opportunity to enhance MEAP scores.
METS: The Wayne-Westland Community Schools curriculum is based on research and best
practices utilizing technology in education. Federal and State standards play an important role
in the curriculum. One of these sets of standards comes from the International Society for
Technology in Education (ISTE), which has developed National Educational Technology
Standards for students (NETS•S)
<http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/NETS_for_Students.htm>,
Another is the Michigan Educational Technology Standards for Students (METS-S)
<http://techplan.org/>.
16
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
The District uses the following process to discover and adopt new instructional technologies:
17
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
VII.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
TIMELINE
The focus of this technology plan is to maintain, support and integrate the district’s technology
investment. As such, the following activities will occur throughout the plan.
PROJECT
2012-2013
2013-2014
Curriculum
Development
Professional
Learning
Hardware
Upgrades,
Repair and
Maintenance
Collaborations
18
2014-2015
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
VIII.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
INCREASED ACCESS AND INTEGRATION PREPARATION
Wayne-Westland Community Schools strives to bring students and technology together. The
District has a variety of strategies in place to achieve this goal.
The District has a private, fiber wide-area network, which will allow all students and staff
members to have greater access to technology and resources. The District has an IP video
network that provides classroom connections to broadcasts produced from any school in the
district, a selection of cable television channels, streaming video content, and video
conferencing opportunities. This allows students to have access to many new educational
opportunities. Wayne-Westland Community Schools also has a variety of other curriculum
specific technologies used to aid in student learning.
Wayne-Westland Community Schools brings additional educational opportunities to its students
through the use of technology. Students at the secondary level have the opportunity to take
classes through the Michigan Virtual High School. All District students and employees have
access to online classes through Michigan LearnPort, a program offered by MDE and Michigan
Virtual University.
In an effort to embed technology into all facets of education and services in the Wayne–
Westland Community Schools, the district has moved away from the concept of treating
technology as a separate entity. Technology decisions are not only addressed by the
Technology Services Committee but also by curriculum committees, NCA committees, and
various administrative committees.
The technology department solicits input from all
stakeholders in the district.
In conjunction with the Department of Instruction, the District has created a conference/training
room equipped with all the technology provided to teachers in their classroom. This technologyrich environment provides a place where teachers can experiment and develop lessons and
activities for use in their classrooms.
Wayne-Westland Community Schools use a variety of assistive technology to aid students.
The following list details a portion of the assistive technology currently in place:
• Alternative input and output devices
• Assistive software
• Variety of switches which replace keyboard / mouse input
• Voice recognition software (Dragon Naturally Speaking, etc)
• Large text, voice output, and icon (picture) software (Intellitools/Intellikeys, etc.)
• Various word processing software (as an alternative to handwriting) such as Co-Writer,
Write-Out-Load and Word Q, and word processing devices like the AlphaSmarts
• Talking calculators
• TAP-it ADA-compliant interactive learning stations
• Apple iPads to support students as augmentative and alternative communication
systems
Wayne-Westland Community Schools has a requirement that appropriate Professional
Learning must accompany all new technologies purchased. Please refer to Section VIII
Professional Learning for Technology Integration and Section V Curriculum Integration for
further details.
19
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
IX.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING FOR TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION
The District recognizes that substantial professional learning is necessary with the introduction
and utilization of technology. Initial as well as on-going training will be necessary to enable the
use and integration of technology into the curriculum. Teachers, administrators, and all
instructional staff must be prepared to provide and facilitate technology-supported learning for
all students. Knowledge of technology tools and the ability to apply technology to support and
enhance the learning process is critical for all teachers. The new Teacher Evaluation Plan asks
for evidence that teachers are integrating technology into their classroom in all areas. This will
increase demand for professional learning from some of the teaching staff. The effectiveness of
this Plan will lie in the training and on-going education of all staff.
Professional Learning
Technology-related professional learning is an ongoing endeavor. As teachers, administrators,
and other staff become more comfortable with various technologies their skill levels have
increased accordingly. Professional learning has evolved to meet the changing needs of these
groups.
The learning environment includes, large group training sessions on software and
tools, just-in-time individualized training in the classroom, small group training during the school
day, online training specific to tools or software, full day professional development offering
choices from many offerings and a Summer Tech Camp. Regardless, the emphasis of all
technology-related professional learning has changed to focus on learning how to use these
new skills on the job and in the classroom. Teachers, and others, receive technology training
and support where and when they need it, often in conjunction with student learning. Online
professional learning is offered through Michigan’s LearnPort.
Plans for Continued Professional Learning
Technology-related professional learning has evolved from a focus on tools, software and user
comfort level to an increased use of technology to integrate, collaborate and communicate. The
increased skill levels of teachers, administrators, and staff plus the changed nature of the
Internet as evidenced in Web 2.0 tools, has and will continue to change the nature of
professional learning in the Wayne-Westland Community Schools.
Integration of technology tools into curriculum activities will set the context for building 21st
Century skills for both teachers and students. Professional learning will be fashioned on a
continuum instead of as a one-time happening, allowing time for reflection, reworking of
lessons, and collaboration with peers.
Each building’s Instructional staff has created a Professional Learning Communities (PLC). A
key ingredient contributing to the success of the work of these communities is the increased
collaboration and communication among and between peers. Professional learning in
technology will focus on topics such as assessment, data collection and review, and the use of
asynchronous tools to facilitate the flow of information.
In addition, the Technology Department will use online assessment tools to collect data from
both formative and summative assessments of all technology training. Data will be collected on
both the training delivery and content. Subsequent learning opportunities will be planned based
on the data collected from these assessments.
20
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
Professional learning will continue to be aligned with the ISTE National Technology Standards
for Teachers (NETS-T) and the proposed Michigan Technology Standards for Teachers (METST) and the ISTE National Technology Standards for Administrators (NETS-A).
Teachers will be encouraged to complete the 21 Things for the 21st Century Educator program
(http://www.21things4teachers.net/) to broaden their knowledge of incorporating technology into
the curriculum.
Additional technical support and training services will come from several sources including:
Wayne County RESA
Wayne County RESA provides technology services to member districts, including
professional learning and consulting.
Outside contractors and consultants
The District will utilize the services of outside contractors and consultants where necessary
and available to ensure that new technology is appropriately implemented and that staff is
capable of efficiently using new technologies.
MI Streamnet
MI Streamnet is a web-based portal to live and on-demand professional development and
legislative video content for Michigan educators, free of charge.
MACUL – Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning
MACUL is a state-wide organization that provides professional learning opportunities at their
conference and through resources they provide such as the MACUL Journal.
United Streaming
The District has access to a variety of materials through Wayne RESA’s collaboration with
United Streaming.
TWICE
TWICE promotes and supports collaborative connections for the benefit of all students by
providing a database of video conferencing providers throughout the world and inservicing
teachers on how to best use a video conferencing experience to enhance classroom
curriculum.
Michigan LearnPort
LearnPort, a web-based professional development delivery system, provides up-to-date and
flexible online professional development to help meet personal and district learning
requirements.
netTrekker
netTrekker is a teacher-approved, standards-aligned educational content search tool.
21
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
X.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
TECHNOLOGY SKILL TRAINING
Wayne-Westland Community Schools has a working plan to ensure that as technology arrives
in classrooms, staff will be knowledgeable in its use. Accordingly, the District will:
•
Use the Director of Instructional Technology to develop and implement sustained training
throughout the calendar year.
•
Provide opportunities for staff at all levels to learn about new technologies that will
enhance their job performance.
•
The Technology Department provides supporting resources to District staff. These
include but are not limited to: hardware and software support, troubleshooting, as well as
online help documents.
•
Develop new delivery strategies for technology training that are always available to staff
and to support teachers in developing similar delivery models for offering instruction and
support for students.
•
Most schools in the district include a technology component in their NCA goals. The
technology department is directly responsible for providing any and all resources
necessary to help those schools meet those goals.
•
Use the Executive Director of Technology, Director of Instructional Technology, and
current in-district Technology Advisory and Educational Services Committees to
collaborate with the District Instruction Department to insure the delivery of a curriculum
integrated with technology focused on enhanced student learning and achievement.
•
Provide online video tutorials on technology-related and other topics where appropriate.
•
Provide for all Technology Department staff to receive regular training.
•
Develop extensive in-district technology professional learning programs for classroom
teachers and other district employees in order to increase their knowledge and comfort
with use of web-based and local network resources.
•
Provide online training opportunities for all district teachers.
•
Assist staff in meeting technology standards for teachers and administrators
•
Maintain a Help Desk for day-to-day questions on software and hardware concerns.
•
Provide additional day-to-day assistance through: existing relationships with vendors and
Wayne RESA, consultants, the State Technology Coordinator’s listserv, MACUL, MAME,
MAEDS, MSBO, ISTE, CoSN, TWICE, and The Middle City’s Education Association:
Educational Technology Taskforce.
22
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
XI.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
In order to maximize the District’s investment in technology, appropriate personnel are
necessary to ensure that the Plan and its vision are effectively implemented and supported.
While technology is generally perceived to be equipment, software and peripherals, its value
and power as a resource comes only from its widespread use. The responsibility for the
acquisition and implementation resides with designated, capable and qualified persons.
The Executive Director of Technology is responsible for providing vision and leadership in
educational and information technology. In addition to this position, the Department includes a
Director of Instructional Technology, Network Administrator, network and hardware repair
technicians, and administrative system support personnel (Computer Services). The following
organization chart depicts all positions in the Technology Department.
The Computer Services Group, coupled with Wayne RESA resources, provides support for the
District’s administrative systems.
The District contracts out a portion of their technology work, mainly for support contracts and
warranty repairs.
Organization Chart
23
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
XII.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
WORK ORDERS
The District uses an electronic helpdesk solution for technology-related work orders. District
employees utilize a web-based interface to submit requests. A Network Technician monitors
the incoming work orders and decides whether the request can best be handled remotely, by
email, or if it requires a physical visit. The Network Technicians rotate daily, each sharing the
duties of assigning work orders and dispatching technicians as necessary.
FILE SERVER BACKUP
Back-up services for the Wayne-Westland Community Schools network is provided by a virtual
server running Novell Netware and Back-up Exec software. It is hosted on a Dell PowerEdge
server running VMware Infrastructure datacenter virtualization software. This server has 100
GB of local storage, and is connected to a 23-bay robotic tape changer with dual LTO-2 drives
and a Fibre-Channel SAN. Disk storage, both local and SAN, is leveraged to provide quick
restoration of files on a per-request basis. This includes monthly copies of the e-mail
databases. As copies of the e-mail databases age, they are removed from online/disk locations
and archived for 2 years. 30-day, 90-day, 1-year and 2-year e-mail archives reside on-disk for
quick, non-disaster restorations. The LTO-2 tape library is used for long-term archival and
disaster recovery. Archive tapes are cataloged and stored off-site in a secure location.
The Technology Department will continue to research backup and data security strategies and
implement them as necessary.
24
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
HARDWARE PURCHASE PROCEDURE
Hardware needs
identified
Assess Hardware
options
Yes
Determine whether
Hardware is on
approved list
No
Technology
Director
Acquisition
Approval
Bring proposal to
Technology
Director
Technology
Department to
purchase
hardware
Technology
Director
Approval Process
Yes
Yes
Instruction
Department
Approval Process
Review hardware
for technical
compatibility
No
Technology Director
Acquisition
Approval & Possible
purchasing
assistance
Go to
Assess
Hardware
Options
25
No
Go to
Assess
Hardware
Options
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
SOFTWARE PURCHASE PROCEDURE
Software needs
Identified
Assess software
options
Bring proposal to
Technology
Director
Technology
Director
Approval Process
Yes
Yes
Technology Director
Acquisition
Approval & Possible
purchasing
assistance
Instruction
Department
Approval Process
Review software
for technical
compatibility
No
Go to
Assess
Software
Options
26
No
Go to
Assess
Software
Options
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
ADMINISTRATIVE / BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY NEEDS IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURE
Evolving Use of Administrative / Business Technology
Input
Task
Responsibility
Administrators /
Business Office
Identify New
Technology Needs
Administrators
Business Office
Publications
Internet
Other Districts
Vendors
Conferences
-Identify New Uses for
Existing Technology
- Identify Potential
Additional Technology
Administrators
Business Office
Technology Director
Demos
Previews
Selection / Approval /
Implementation
Administrators
Business Office
Technology Director
Train Staff
- Increased Focus on
Pedagogy
- Greater Focus on
Pedagogy (i.e. In-class
Assistance)
Teacher Technology
Leaders, Director of
Instructional
Technology
Assess / Evaluate
Administrators
Business Office
Technology Director
27
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
XIII.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
COMMUNITY AND PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Wayne-Westland Community Schools is dedicated to making as much technology and support
available to the community as possible. The District Technology Plan will be posted on the
District web site so that parents and the community at large have access to it. In addition to the
Plan, the Acceptable Use Policy and the District Web Publishing Guidelines are posted on the
District web site. The District places a high value on communication with parents and
community members. As such, the following programs are in place:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
All teachers and staff have email and voicemail that enables parents and community
members to communicate with them.
The District uses the MI-STAR student information system (formerly known as Zangle)
which allows quick retrieval of student records and facilitates communications between
school and home using the ParentConnection web-based portal. High school students
have access to StudentConnection, which provides them with similar information.
The District has provided Moodle, a course management system which students, as well
as parents, can access from any computer with Internet access.
Teachers are provided with wiki and blog sites that allow them to provide parents and
students with up to date classroom resources and information. Audio, video, and graphic
files can be attached for student use. Forms, handouts, and other document files can be
attached so parents can download them and print them off.
The WWCSD website <http://wwcsd.net> provides district information to parents and the
community. A searchable district directory, information about individual school buildings,
links to online resources for parents and students, as well as interactive maps of the
district. The website content can be quickly translated into several different languages.
The District utilized an emergency notification system to place calls to parents and
employees regarding school closings and other important district information.
Math and Literacy nights offered at elementary schools allow parents to learn how to use
online programs such as CompassLearning, Everyday Math Games, and Raz Kids.
These programs are available for students to access at home as well as their classrooms.
Programs on Internet Safety and Cyberbullying for PTOs and other parent organizations
Use of immediate response feedback systems in a variety of community venues and
meetings with citizens across the district.
Community presentations on Using Computers, the Internet, and Internet Safety.
Board meetings, as well as special programs are broadcast via a local cable channel.
The District has a building dedicated to Adult and Alternative Education. The program
offers classes, including a variety of technology classes, to students from seven-thirty in
the morning to ten-thirty at night.
Parental and community involvement in all aspects of the development and
implementation of the Technology Plan has been encouraged.
Support of the work of the District Improvement team which includes parents, community
members and district representatives. Members of the technology department will
continue to serve on that team and provide technical resources and information to help in
the work of the Improvement Team.
Wayne-Westland Community Schools will communicate the progress and goals of its
technology initiatives to the community via District and building newsletters, web sites, as well
as with parent and advisor groups.
28
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
XIV.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
FUNDING
The District’s General Fund and Federal E-Rate monies are the primary sources for hardware
and software costs. Technology support and related professional development are funded
primarily through the General Fund, supplemented by Federal Title II, part D funds. The District
also utilizes all savings realized through the Federal E-Rate program for technology initiatives.
Under the leadership of the Executive Director of Technology, aggressive efforts will be made to
pursue all available local and governmental sources of grant funding. As needed, other
personnel from the District may be used to design grant proposals and seek creative sources of
matching funds, which will aid in the implementation of this plan. The current economic state in
Michigan, coupled increased costs and declining enrollment has resulted in a zero-growth
pattern. Cost containment measures and an increased use of Free and Open Source Software
will be implemented to assist in technology funding capacity.
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Projected Budget for 2012 – 2013
Hardware
Computers
Replacement
Maintenance
New
Servers
Replacement
Service Contracts & Maintenance
New
Network Electronics
Replacement
Service Contracts & Maintenance
New
Printers & Copiers
Replacement
Maintenance
New
Software
Upgrades
New software
Connectivity
WCRESA
Telecommunications
Wiring (Voice & Data/Video)
Support
Labor
Suppliers
Professional Learning
Instructional Staff
Technology Staff
TOTAL COST OF OPERATION
$25,000
$75,000
$25,000
$10,000
$40,000
$195,000
$105,000
$1,001,000
$60,000
$1,536,000
29
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Projected Budget for 2013 – 2014
Hardware
Computers
Replacement
Maintenance
New
Servers
Replacement
Service Contracts & Maintenance
New
Network Electronics
Replacement
Service Contracts & Maintenance
New
Printers & Copiers
Replacement
Maintenance
New
Software
Upgrades
New software
Connectivity
WCRESA
Telecommunications
Wiring (Voice & Data/Video)
Support
Labor
Suppliers
Professional Learning
Instructional Staff
Technology Staff
TOTAL COST OF OPERATION
$25,000
$75,000
$25,000
$10,000
$40,000
$195,000
$105,000
$1,015,000
$60,000
$1,550,000
30
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Projected Budget for 2014 – 2015
Hardware
Computers
Replacement
Maintenance
New
Servers
Replacement
Service Contracts & Maintenance
New
Network Electronics
Replacement
Service Contracts & Maintenance
New
Printers & Copiers
Replacement
Maintenance
New
Software
Upgrades
New software
Connectivity
WCRESA
Telecommunications
Wiring (Voice & Data/Video)
Support
Labor
Suppliers
Professional Learning
Instructional Staff
Technology Staff
TOTAL COST OF OPERATION
$25,000
$75,000
$25,000
$10,000
$40,000
$195,000
$105,000
$1,030,000
$60,000
$1,565,000
31
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
XV.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
EVALUATION PLAN
In order to ensure appropriate use of technology, including maximizing the benefits, the
Executive Director of Technology will evaluate the use of technology on an annual basis. This
evaluation will include the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A summary of how technology is used in the classroom at the elementary, middle and high
school levels.
Progress on professional learning plans for the past year.
An update on the collaboration activities accomplished in the past year.
Progress on planned technology projects.
A summary and analysis of the technical support provided in the past year.
The impact on student achievement
Collect and document samples of student and teacher work
Survey of student and parent attitudes and perceptions
In order to be effective, the evaluation process must be streamlined and straightforward. The
evaluation process cannot use so many resources, so as to become impossible to accomplish
or cost prohibitive. To that end, the District will solicit input into the evaluation process from all
staff. Success will be determined through a variety of methods, including pilot integration test
sites, action-based research, and teacher surveys. The District will employ the following
strategies:
Task
Summary of how
technology is used
Update on collaboration
activities
Progress on planned
technology project
Technical support analysis
Impact on student
achievement
Work samples
Survey
Strategy
Solicit input from media specialists, principals, technology staff
and curriculum committees
Solicit input from all teachers and staff thru district-wide email;
Compare completed projects to plan
Review work request logs including quantity of requests,
nature of request and turnaround time; assess whether current
support is appropriate
Compare test scores with past years; survey teachers and
students
Establish annual award for “Pockets of Excellence” for teacher
that best/innovatively integrates technology to enhance
learning; solicit student work samples through district-wide
email to teachers
Distribute survey to small sample of teachers, students and
parents
The evaluation for the prior school year will take place from July through September of the
following year. A summary report will be prepared for administrative review. Through the
evaluation process, the District will determine what goals were not met and determine what
went wrong, as well as an action plan to address these goals.
32
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
XVI.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
COLLABORATION
Wayne-Westland Community Schools recognizes that collaboration with other school districts,
and educational, professional and community groups can only enhance and improve its
technology program.
The District actively seeks cooperative ventures with outside
organizations that can assist it to reach its goal of better learning for its students. Accordingly,
in the pursuit of its technology program, the Schools have established working relationships with
the following organizations:
Colleges and Universities
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Central Michigan University
Concordia College
Eastern Michigan University - Gear Up! & Bright Futures programs
Henry Ford Community College
Lake Michigan College
Lawrence Technological University
Madonna University
Marygrove College
Northwestern Michigan College
Oakland University
Olivet College
Schoolcraft College - Talented & Gifted Program
Sienna Heights College
University of Detroit - Mercy
University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) - Secondary MAC Program
University of Michigan (Dearborn)
Wayne State University
Western Michigan University
Businesses
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Apple
Belle Tire
Bill Brown Ford Inc.
Chase Bank
Coldwell Banker Legacy, Inc. Realtors
Comerica Bank
Dell
Detroit Diesel
English Gardens
Ford Motor Company
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Johnson Controls
Pep Boys
Motorola
Westland Mall
140+ Community Business Partnerships with Career-Technical Center
Miscellaneous Organizations
•
•
•
•
•
•
City of Westland
Oakwood Hospital
Project ACE (Access to College for Everyone)
The Henry Ford
UAW Local 163
Westland Foundation
33
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
XVII.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
CHILDREN’S INTERNET PROTECTION ACT
Wayne-Westland Community Schools recognizes the need to protect its students’ privacy and
Internet safety. The federal government also has acts in place for this purpose. As such, the
District forces all Internet traffic to pass through content filters. Wayne-Westland Community
Schools meets the requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act by filtering all Internet
access using Websense Web Security Suite for filtering purposes (CIPA).
Wayne-Westland Community Schools’ technology is intended for use by staff and students only.
Because our libraries and computer labs are not open to the public, all computers within the
school buildings are filtered at all times.
Filtering services are accomplished using "mirror ports" at the firewall, so that all traffic passing
through the network is analyzed.
The Websense servers automatically receive filtering updates throughout the day. The identity
of users on the network is accomplished using LDAP. Filtering policies are applied to four
classes of service: Student, Teacher, Administrator, and in the event a user cannot be identified
by the Websense servers, a restrictive "default policy" is applied.
34
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
XVIII. ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
Wayne-Westland Community Schools encourages and promotes the educational use of
technology in our schools. To ensure students, staff and parents take full advantage of the
technologies available; all uses of technology in the school district must have proper
authorization and adhere to district policies. All use of technology is a privilege, not a right, and
must be in support of and consistent with the purposes and stated goals of the school district.
There are no inherent warranties for technological resources that Wayne-Westland is providing.
Wayne-Westland reserves the right to monitor network activity.
Guidelines:
•
•
•
•
Students will use technology as authorized by appropriate school personnel.
Only software legally owned and/or authorized by the District may be put on district
computers.
All network activities will be legal and appropriate use will be enforced.
Prior approval of the building principal and district web manager is needed to place anything
on the building or district web pages.
Technology users will:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Comply with district policies, rules and regulations
Use networks and technology in support of Wayne-Westland’s educational goals
Obey all district, state and national copyright laws
Report to the building administrator or teacher any misuse of networks and/or technology
Use district equipment responsibly; respect individual work, files, programs and security
Sign the Wayne-Westland “Use of Student Work/Photograph” release when a project and/or
photograph is to be placed on the district’s Internet site.
This release requires
guardian/parental signature.
Hold harmless Wayne-Westland Community Schools from any and all claims or damages of
any nature arising from access, use or inability to access or use the technology or network
system.
Technology users will not:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Intentionally tamper with computer or network components in a way that makes them
temporarily or permanently inoperable.
Access, vandalize, or modify anyone else’s account, data, files and/or password without
authorization of the network administrator or building principal.
Use district technology for commercial or “for profit” purposes.
Use district technology to impersonate another, obtain illegal copies of software or audio,
text, video materials for which Wayne-Westland does not have ownership.
Use district technology to send or intentionally receive messages that are inflammatory,
harassing in nature, sexist, racist or otherwise inappropriate.
Disclose confidential information, passwords, or access codes.
Post personal information (such as address or phone number), credit card numbers, bank
account numbers, or any other financial information.
35
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
•
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
Use district technology to distribute materials that:
 Violate the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act which affords students certain rights
with respect to their education records;
 Jeopardizes the health and safety of students; is obscene, pornographic or libelous;
 Causes disruption of school activities;
 Plagiarizes the work of others;
 Is a commercial advertisement or
 Has not been approved by the building administrator, network administrator or web
manager
Any attempt at performing one of the aforementioned acts is also prohibited.
Violation of Acceptable Use Policy
A student shall not violate or attempt to violate the Acceptable Use of Technology Policy.
Violation of any of the rules and responsibilities may result in a loss of:
access
privileges/technology privileges/computer usage and may result in other disciplinary or legal
actions including restitution. Penalty – administrative intervention to expulsion.
36
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
XIX.
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
APPENDICES
37
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
APPENDIX A: NETWORK DIAGRAM (simplified)
38
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Technology Plan
2012 - 2015
APPENDIX B: EVALUATION PLAN
Components
Activities
Completed
Staffing
Professional Development
Technical Support
Supporting Resources
Money
Project Funding
Coordination of Funding
Resources
Time
Fall 2012
Winter 2013
Summer 2013
Fall 2013
Winter 2014
Summer 2014
Fall 2014
Winter 2015
Summer 2015
Projects
Integration
Emerging Technologies
Communication
Communications
Community Involvement
Collaboration
Policies
Acceptable Use Policy
Hardware Purchase Policy
Software Purchase Policy
Impact
Impact on Student Achievement
39
Next Steps
Associated
Risks