District Initiatives
The following concepts have been implemented and continue to be supported throughout the classrooms of Mid Del Schools.
Software to support the reading strategies of fluency, comprehension, phonemic awareness, phonics and vocabulary are used throughout the district.
Mobile carts with instructional software purchased with Title I funds.
English-Language Arts writing labs at each high school.
Math/Science computer lab at each high school.
The Reading Sufficiency Act provides wireless laptops for tutors who work one-on-one with our students.
All sites have received training to implement the integration of technology with productivity and curriculum. Follow-up to this training is offered on a yearly basis.
A select group of teachers, one per elementary site, have been trained to use a laptop for both teacher productivity and curriculum integration. These teachers serve as models for others.
Mobile computer carts are being used at one high school for both math and science. Software to encourage the use of technology in science and math is being installed and training offered for teachers.
Business labs at each high school provide a business environment with the opportunity to prepare students with current technology skills to use in post high school education or the work place.
Special Services teachers are creating all IEPs electronically. Teachers will store their IEPs on a district server, create students IEP portfolios burned to DVD, and maintain all student records electronically.
ESL teachers work with laptops as they travel from site to site working with our limited English students.
Indian Education is providing tutoring, materials, software for math and reading, online software and computers for use with our Indian students.
Distance learning approaches include:
Technology courses for students located at sending schools.
Adult training and development courses broadcast to or received from other technology centers.
Customized training for businesses.
Technical updates from industry for various occupational areas.
Higher education academics courses for students enrolled under cooperative agreements.
College credit courses for instructors and community members.
Podcasting and video taping teachers teaching lessons for home-based students.
The district hosts a Moodle courseware distance learning environment.
Other distance learning systems include two centralized Apple servers for podcast of classes, two centralized servers for Destination Learning courseware, and A+nywhere Learning Systems is hosted for Special Education and Technology Center students.
Title II supports training of instructional staff during evening and summer classes using our Professional Development Center training lab. The use of wireless laptops is increasing for both teacher productivity and student access. Media Centers are used as core units to support research and the teaching of information literacy skills.
Connectivity
All buildings are interconnected for voice, data, video, and security services provided through Universal Service (E-Rate) and local bond funds for WAN/LAN connectivity.
• The WAN providing connectivity among district sites will be maintained.
• LANs at each site will be maintained.
• AC power in district buildings will be upgraded to accommodate emerging technology.
• All sites are connected utilizing fiber at 1Gb (except Cedar Ridge, which is connected with a T1).
• Most network communication closets within sites are connected utilizing fiber at 1Gb.
• Each site has 100 Mb wired and 54 Mb wireless connections within the building.
• Each classroom has a minimum of 4 Internet connections.
Equipment
Plans for the use and replacement of equipment are:
• All libraries are automated for circulation, catalog, Internet and student/staff productivity and continued replacement will be monitored.
• For group and peer instruction use, high schools have (a) a writing lab, (b) a math/science lab, and (c) a business lab.
• All hardware used on district networks will meet specifications required by the district.
• Computers have been provided to all district teachers. Access includes:
1. Student attendance software
2. Grade book
3. Internet access
4. E-mail
• Middle Schools have a computer lab with Internet access.
• Limited use of distance learning equipment now exists at two Middle Schools.
• Computer instructional upgrades with Internet access are being used at the elementary sites.
• Each school-based certified and specific support staff personnel will have access to a networked computer to enhance teaching, learning, productivity and classroom management.
• A ratio of one computer to every four students was reached by the school year 2009-2010.
• Evaluation of software and hardware will be done on an annual basis.
• District equipment will be evaluated for upgrading to meet emerging needs on a yearly basis.
Technology Services
The District is in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The District held a public meeting in October 2001 and October 2002 to discuss and approve the Internet safety policy. This policy is renewed and Board approved each year. A firewall to filter Internet access was in place by June 2002.
A district help desk allows calls and emails for needed support to be recorded and followed by tech support.
As computers are added for staff, training for every staff member is held onsite.
Site level tech support is provided as funds are available. Each high school has one SITE (Site Instructional Technology Expert) Tech. The Middle schools are serviced by three SITE Techs among the five sites. The seventeen elementary sites are serviced by (8.5) eight and one-half CORE (Cadre of Resource Educators) Techs.
The district level support is serviced by a Director of Information Technology, computer support technicians, district help desk support technician, and district systems/network technicians.
E-Rate Services Telecommunication Services:
The district utilizes the telecommunication services (phone, Internet access, cellular) for service to as well as access for library media centers and classroom instruction. The detail of these services is reflected in the E-rate application. As a result of E-rate funding for the Internet access provider and leased cable lines for the WAN/LAN, more students have the ability to access the Internet for instructional purposes. Additionally, the district has funded more computers and printers for the classroom through local money and bond issues.
For the E-rate application, telecommunication service funding will be requested for phone service, cellular service, Internet access provider and Internet access through leased cable lines (WAN/LAN) for the network and Voice over IP (VoIP) telecommunication service.
E-rate requires that the plan include an evaluation process that enables the school or library to monitor progress toward specified goals and make mid-course corrections in response to new developments and opportunities as they arise.
Evaluation Section-l: Responsibility
Pam Deering, Superintendent of Schools
Kevin Knauss, Director of Support Information Services
Anita Friend, Instructional Technology Coordinator
Charlie Shelden, Systems Network Administrator
Evaluation Section-2: Evaluation Process
Mid-Del Public School District assembles a team of experts from varied disciplines to evaluate and update the district's technology plan. The team meets as a group each year to review procedures, timelines, and individual responsibilities. An electronic collaborative method is used to continue the revue and update of the plan. A snapshot of this living document is captured annual and approved by the administration and board of education. It is during this process that goals and benchmarks identified in the previous year's plan are examined for progress. Data sources include the district computer survey required by the State Department of Education which is usually submitted late fall of each year.
Evaluation Section-3: Evaluation Timeframe
The Mid-Del Public School District technology plan is a living document that is evaluated and updated on an on going basis. A snapshot of this living document is captured annually and approved by the administration and board of education. Then it is submitted to the State Department of Education before May of every year.
Evaluation Section-4: Evaluation Findings
An electronic collaborative method is used to revue and to update the district's technology plan on an on-going basis. The final document is shared with the Board of Education no later than April of every year. Section 1 of the plan includes all the current implementations and the year the product or service was initiated. Unsuccessful or outdated programs are eliminated and beneficial programs or services are included.
Internal Connections/Other Services:
The needs of the district for internal connections become greater each year. E-rate funding has significantly improved the sites that were eligible for the higher discounts for basic maintenance to ensure continued normal operation of servers and switches, routers, and cabling. Support through maintenance is vitally important in that these sites have a higher need and demand for the use of technology.
The district has implemented wireless capability to support wireless connectivity from any classroom in addition to the cabling that exists in each classroom.
For the E-rate Year 15 application, basic maintenance, telecommunications, Internet access, and additional connections to support Common Core requirements are requested for funding.
SIF
Oklahoma state law (HB 1646, 2003 legislative session) required school district compliance with the Schools Interoperability Framework (SIF) by the 2005-06 school year. The district met this requirement and remains compliant. SIF enables district to send and receive individual student records to and from the State Department of Education (SDE) using XML standards and protocols.
For SIF vertical compliance, each student record will receive a state student ID number that is randomly generated by the SDE when the records are initially received from the district. The number assigned by the WAVE will be sent back to the district on each student record and should be retained locally as long as educational services are provided to the student in the state of Oklahoma. It should be used in conjunction with local identification numbers.
Mid-Del Schools is working with each software vendor to ensure that SIF agents are developed for the software products. At this time, the following district owned products are SIF compliant and the agent has been implemented or is in the process of being implemented:
• Student Accounting Software System – PowerSchool
• Transportation Software – VersaTrans
• Child Nutrition Services Software – NutriKIDS
• Library Media Software – Destiny
• Student Assessment Software – EduSoft
WAVE
Oklahoma’s state student information system is called “The WAVE”. The WAVE is a customized and secure electronic student information system enabling data-driven decisions regarding the education of Oklahoma’s future, our children.
The WAVE is designed to provide accurate and comparable data at the district’s fingertips and speed up the process of research and best practice initiatives. It will keep up with our mobile society and allow us to retain valuable information on students. Mid-Del Schools has implemented The WAVE. The state continues to add reporting components through the WAVE including:
• State testing identification numbers
• Student transfer data
E-Rate Technology Goals
This plan establishes clear goals and a realistic strategy for using telecommunications and information technology to improve education and library services. The following table lists the budget goals for which the district applied for E-Rate assistance funding:
<insert E-Rate Requests table here >
Budgets
The following table identifies the three year budget summary.
<insert budget summary table here >
Strategies identified to reach C3 goals include:
1. Student Information System - Data Management Tools
a. All have a computer on which the district student information management system has been installed that includes attendance, grade book, textbook inventory, assessment data, and parent communication. The district student information system is in SIF compliance with the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
b. The district student information management system will enable teachers, counselors, and principals to track student achievement and adjust instruction more effectively to address individual needs.
c. Special Services teachers are creating all IEPs electronically. Teachers will store their IEPs on a district server, create student IEP portfolios burned to a CD-ROM, and maintain all student records electronically.
2. Software
a. Software to support the reading strategies of fluency, comprehension, phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary are being used district wide.
ESL students are offered a variety of software to utilized by teachers as they travel from site to site working with our limited English-speaking students. Library Media Specialists will work with ESL staff to provide appropriate supplementary materials.
b. Indian Education will continue to provide tutoring, materials, software for math and reading, online software, and computers for use with our Indian students.
c. Each school Library Media Center shall have access to district funded on-line resources (i.e. Encyclopedias, reference data bases). The district WAN will connect all library media centers.
d. Title I, Title IIa, Title IId, Title III, RSA, Indian Education as well as district funds support the implementation and training of the above- mentioned areas.
3. Security
a. Steps are in place to prevent unauthorized access (via the LAN) to student records, financial data, etc. Mid-Del Public Schools will take all available precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. Mid-Del is also in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Policies and procedures have been established for:
(1). District Technology Usage Policy
(2). District Web Publishing Guidelines
(3). Checkout of Equipment
(4). Summer Load Policy for Faculty
(5). Software Approval Procedures
(6). District Copyright Policy
(7). Donations/Gifts Policy
(8). Security cameras and recording devices have been placed at all sites. All secondary sites have campus security accessible over the WAN.
Specific telecommunications and information technologies funded by E-rate monies (i.e. access to the Internet, access to remote databases, distance learning, etc.) useful in helping reach these goals include:
1. Communication Tools
a. Connectivity to the site LAN, district WAN, and Internet is maintained on all campuses. All buildings are interconnected for voice, data, video, and security services.
b. Email: Through the use of the district email system, teachers can improve both communication among colleagues and parents, as well as enhance their ability to manage their professional activities.
c. Limited use of distance-learning equipment is now available in the technology center. This allows students and/or staff members at separate locations to meet, see, and hear each other simultaneously. Distance learning approaches could include:
(1). Technology courses for students located at sending schools.
(2). Adult training and development courses broadcast to or received from other technology centers.
(3). Customized training for businesses.
(4). Technical updates from business and industry for various occupational areas.
(5). Higher education academic courses for students enrolled under cooperative agreements.
(6). College credit courses for instructors and community members.
d. All sites now utilize the a Cisco Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution. All schools use AlertNow, which is an automated phone dialing system for parent contact. All schools have an exclusive line for a fax machine. Voicemail is available to administrators, high school teachers, and certain support staff.
e. Student e-mail will provide access for student/teacher and student/student communication and school/homework as needed.
2. Instructional Equipment
a. All libraries are automated for circulation, card catalog, Internet and student/staff productivity, and continued replacement will be monitored.
b. All teachers have their own computers.
c. All high schools and Middle Schools have a computer lab with Internet access that is funded by E-rate.
d. All certified and certain support staff have access to a networked computer to enhance teaching, learning, productivity, and classroom management.
e. All elementary schools have computer labs and/or media labs. Each lab consists of high-speed multimedia workstations.
f. Portable computers are used for both math and science. Software to encourage the use of technology in math and science has been installed, with training offered for teachers. Mobile carts are used at elementary sites for cross curriculum support.
g. Wireless laptops are available for teachers and individual tutors to work individually with students.
h. Business labs at each high school provide a business environment with the opportunity to prepare students to use current technology skills in post-high school education or in the workplace.
Resources (i.e. trainers, selected curricular software, Internet access, links to subscribed data bases, etc.) to reach these goals for improved teaching and learning or improved library service include:
1. Technical Support
a. Ongoing technical support will continue throughout the district. Every site will have a technology support group to assist in troubleshooting hardware and software issues.
b. The Information Technology department is responsible for the repair and maintenance of equipment, assistance in technology training for district staff, and coordination of community involvement with district networks, training, and equipment.
c. The Instructional Technology Coordinator assists in the selection of educational software and initiates continual training in relation to productivity software and curriculum integration.
d. Continue to provide “Help Desk” support.
2. Professional Development: Ongoing support/training will be provided for teachers and support staff in specific job classification through professional development.
3. Support of District Standardization: Technology Directors will continue to assess the current infrastructure and identify each school’s current and future needs.
Vision Statement
The following is a vision for the future of technology and the learning environment.
Access:
• Allow student access to a personal folder on the server reducing the need for external data storage.
• Allow appropriate teacher access to student folders to include portfolios.
• Provide both site and district intranet for commonly used documents and forms.
• Allow teacher access where appropriate to students’ schedules and information through the student information system.
• Move toward a distance learning option where available.
• Provide interactive online capabilities for parents during the enrollment process.
• Provide dedicated access ports for personal laptop connectivity.
Compatibility and Control:
• Provide seamless use of technology from lab to lab and computer to computer.
• Create student ID logins accessible from anywhere on campus.
• Provide Internet access controlled by student ID logins.
• Provide servers for starting and maintaining computers and loading software.
Equipment Acquisition:
• Provide more projectors and computers for the classroom to utilize existing and emerging technolgies to access research, people, customs, and locations worldwide.
• Provide additional electrical and network outlets and drops in classrooms.
• Provide available laptops for staff and student use during and beyond the school day, creating a technology infused learning environment.
• Continually evaluate new peripheral devices that aid technology integration.
General Goals:
• To establish a communication network which connects buildings, classrooms, and all levels of education.
• To improve the achievement level of all students as indicated by results on key district measures.
• To provide site level technology support especially for reading and math.
• To secure ongoing funding for our technology goals.
• To ensure the integration of technology into and across the curriculum.
• To build enduring parent-teacher-school partnerships through information links between home and school.
• To plan and implement a method to notify information services, student accounting, and instructional technology of the employment of new staff or the purposes of training and entry into needed data systems.
Following are immediate strategies to begin the process of meeting the vision as mentioned above.
• Connectivity to the site LAN, district WAN, and Internet will be maintained on all campuses. E-mail will be installed where equipment is available.
• Staff and students using the WAN for Internet and e-mail will follow the district ISP Board Policy.
• The Professional Development plan to:
o include staff productivity applications
o include the development of curriculum specific models for technology infusion to the classroom objectives.
o provide clock time for teachers to be trained in applications as well as integration strategies.
o provide time for all staff to be trained to improve performance at specific job positions.
A district technology team led by the Instructional Technology Coordinator, Director of Information Technology, and the Systems Network Coordinator will support the selection of software, hardware, installation, repair and training for district technology needs.
Benefits
As a result of the implementation of this plan, certified and non-certified staff members and students will:
• Use technology to manage time and tasks related to instructional planning and reporting.
• Integrate strategies to model real life scenarios, and problem solve using technology.
• Use technology in personally meaningful ways for their own development as independent learners.
• Access information from local and remote sources, exchange ideas, conduct research and communicate thoughts using technology.
• Appreciate the current and project the future impact of technology on their own lives and on society in general.
• Utilize global resources to perform classroom assignments.
• Use technology with ease and confidence.
• Receive technology support.
Technical Support
Without effective, timely technical support to the staff members the frustration of not being able to complete a function will lead to the same deficiencies as poorly timed professional development practices. The Mid-Del School District must provide access to technical support for equipment malfunctions as well as application assistance. In either equipment breakdowns or situations where the operator can't make the software complete the desired task, there is a delay in the completion of the job. If these situations aren't resolved in a timely manner, a less efficient method will be found to complete the task or it remains incomplete. The following are recommended:
• The Information Technology deparment has responsibility for the repair and maintenance of equipment, assisting technology training for district staff, and coordination of community involvement with district networks, training and equipment.
• The Instructional Technology department assists in the selection of educational software and initiates continual training in relation to productivity software and curriculum integration.
More people need to be involved in troubleshooting problems. The district goal is to staff site and district level tech support when financially feasible. The role of the site tech is to solve minor difficulties with equipment and applications. One STEP Educator (Sharing Technologically Effective Practices) is assigned at each site as a contact and initiator of information and training for curriculum. This individual serves on a committee at the site to help make technology decisions. It is recommended that schools have one (1) STEP Educator for every fifty (50) certified staff members. A stipend is provided for STEP Educators at each site. The Mid-Del School District has established technical support procedures to encourage the continued use and development of technology skills in staff members and students.
Section 6: Technology Type and Costs
District Initiatives
The following concepts have been implemented and continue to be supported throughout the classrooms of Mid Del Schools.
Distance learning approaches include:
The district hosts a Moodle courseware distance learning environment.
Other distance learning systems include two centralized Apple servers for podcast of classes, two centralized servers for Destination Learning courseware, and A+nywhere Learning Systems is hosted for Special Education and Technology Center students.
Title II supports training of instructional staff during evening and summer classes using our Professional Development Center training lab. The use of wireless laptops is increasing for both teacher productivity and student access. Media Centers are used as core units to support research and the teaching of information literacy skills.
Connectivity
All buildings are interconnected for voice, data, video, and security services provided through Universal Service (E-Rate) and local bond funds for WAN/LAN connectivity.
• The WAN providing connectivity among district sites will be maintained.
• LANs at each site will be maintained.
• AC power in district buildings will be upgraded to accommodate emerging technology.
• All sites are connected utilizing fiber at 1Gb (except Cedar Ridge, which is connected with a T1).
• Most network communication closets within sites are connected utilizing fiber at 1Gb.
• Each site has 100 Mb wired and 54 Mb wireless connections within the building.
• Each classroom has a minimum of 4 Internet connections.
Equipment
Plans for the use and replacement of equipment are:
• All libraries are automated for circulation, catalog, Internet and student/staff productivity and continued replacement will be monitored.
• For group and peer instruction use, high schools have (a) a writing lab, (b) a math/science lab, and (c) a business lab.
• All hardware used on district networks will meet specifications required by the district.
• Computers have been provided to all district teachers. Access includes:
1. Student attendance software
2. Grade book
3. Internet access
4. E-mail
• Middle Schools have a computer lab with Internet access.
• Limited use of distance learning equipment now exists at two Middle Schools.
• Computer instructional upgrades with Internet access are being used at the elementary sites.
• Each school-based certified and specific support staff personnel will have access to a networked computer to enhance teaching, learning, productivity and classroom management.
• A ratio of one computer to every four students was reached by the school year 2009-2010.
• Evaluation of software and hardware will be done on an annual basis.
• District equipment will be evaluated for upgrading to meet emerging needs on a yearly basis.
Technology Services
The District is in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The District held a public meeting in October 2001 and October 2002 to discuss and approve the Internet safety policy. This policy is renewed and Board approved each year. A firewall to filter Internet access was in place by June 2002.
A district help desk allows calls and emails for needed support to be recorded and followed by tech support.
As computers are added for staff, training for every staff member is held onsite.
Site level tech support is provided as funds are available. Each high school has one SITE (Site Instructional Technology Expert) Tech. The Middle schools are serviced by three SITE Techs among the five sites. The seventeen elementary sites are serviced by (8.5) eight and one-half CORE (Cadre of Resource Educators) Techs.
The district level support is serviced by a Director of Information Technology, computer support technicians, district help desk support technician, and district systems/network technicians.
E-Rate Services
Telecommunication Services:
The district utilizes the telecommunication services (phone, Internet access, cellular) for service to as well as access for library media centers and classroom instruction. The detail of these services is reflected in the E-rate application. As a result of E-rate funding for the Internet access provider and leased cable lines for the WAN/LAN, more students have the ability to access the Internet for instructional purposes. Additionally, the district has funded more computers and printers for the classroom through local money and bond issues.
For the E-rate application, telecommunication service funding will be requested for phone service, cellular service, Internet access provider and Internet access through leased cable lines (WAN/LAN) for the network and Voice over IP (VoIP) telecommunication service.
E-rate requires that the plan include an evaluation process that enables the school or library to monitor progress toward specified goals and make mid-course corrections in response to new developments and opportunities as they arise.
Evaluation Section-l: Responsibility
Pam Deering, Superintendent of Schools
Kevin Knauss, Director of Support Information Services
Anita Friend, Instructional Technology Coordinator
Charlie Shelden, Systems Network Administrator
Evaluation Section-2: Evaluation Process
Mid-Del Public School District assembles a team of experts from varied disciplines to evaluate and update the district's technology plan. The team meets as a group each year to review procedures, timelines, and individual responsibilities. An electronic collaborative method is used to continue the revue and update of the plan. A snapshot of this living document is captured annual and approved by the administration and board of education. It is during this process that goals and benchmarks identified in the previous year's plan are examined for progress. Data sources include the district computer survey required by the State Department of Education which is usually submitted late fall of each year.
Evaluation Section-3: Evaluation Timeframe
The Mid-Del Public School District technology plan is a living document that is evaluated and updated on an on going basis. A snapshot of this living document is captured annually and approved by the administration and board of education. Then it is submitted to the State Department of Education before May of every year.
Evaluation Section-4: Evaluation Findings
An electronic collaborative method is used to revue and to update the district's technology plan on an on-going basis. The final document is shared with the Board of Education no later than April of every year. Section 1 of the plan includes all the current implementations and the year the product or service was initiated. Unsuccessful or outdated programs are eliminated and beneficial programs or services are included.
Internal Connections/Other Services:
The needs of the district for internal connections become greater each year. E-rate funding has significantly improved the sites that were eligible for the higher discounts for basic maintenance to ensure continued normal operation of servers and switches, routers, and cabling. Support through maintenance is vitally important in that these sites have a higher need and demand for the use of technology.
The district has implemented wireless capability to support wireless connectivity from any classroom in addition to the cabling that exists in each classroom.
For the E-rate Year 15 application, basic maintenance, telecommunications, Internet access, and additional connections to support Common Core requirements are requested for funding.
SIF
Oklahoma state law (HB 1646, 2003 legislative session) required school district compliance with the Schools Interoperability Framework (SIF) by the 2005-06 school year. The district met this requirement and remains compliant. SIF enables district to send and receive individual student records to and from the State Department of Education (SDE) using XML standards and protocols.
For SIF vertical compliance, each student record will receive a state student ID number that is randomly generated by the SDE when the records are initially received from the district. The number assigned by the WAVE will be sent back to the district on each student record and should be retained locally as long as educational services are provided to the student in the state of Oklahoma. It should be used in conjunction with local identification numbers.
Mid-Del Schools is working with each software vendor to ensure that SIF agents are developed for the software products. At this time, the following district owned products are SIF compliant and the agent has been implemented or is in the process of being implemented:
• Student Accounting Software System – PowerSchool
• Transportation Software – VersaTrans
• Child Nutrition Services Software – NutriKIDS
• Library Media Software – Destiny
• Student Assessment Software – EduSoft
WAVE
Oklahoma’s state student information system is called “The WAVE”. The WAVE is a customized and secure electronic student information system enabling data-driven decisions regarding the education of Oklahoma’s future, our children.
The WAVE is designed to provide accurate and comparable data at the district’s fingertips and speed up the process of research and best practice initiatives. It will keep up with our mobile society and allow us to retain valuable information on students. Mid-Del Schools has implemented The WAVE. The state continues to add reporting components through the WAVE including:
• State testing identification numbers
• Student transfer data
E-Rate Technology Goals
This plan establishes clear goals and a realistic strategy for using telecommunications and information technology to improve education and library services. The following table lists the budget goals for which the district applied for E-Rate assistance funding:
<insert E-Rate Requests table here >
Budgets
The following table identifies the three year budget summary.
<insert budget summary table here >
Strategies identified to reach C3 goals include:
1. Student Information System - Data Management Tools
a. All have a computer on which the district student information management system has been installed that includes attendance, grade book, textbook inventory, assessment data, and parent communication. The district student information system is in SIF compliance with the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
b. The district student information management system will enable teachers, counselors, and principals to track student achievement and adjust instruction more effectively to address individual needs.
c. Special Services teachers are creating all IEPs electronically. Teachers will store their IEPs on a district server, create student IEP portfolios burned to a CD-ROM, and maintain all student records electronically.
2. Software
a. Software to support the reading strategies of fluency, comprehension, phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary are being used district wide.
ESL students are offered a variety of software to utilized by teachers as they travel from site to site working with our limited English-speaking students. Library Media Specialists will work with ESL staff to provide appropriate supplementary materials.
b. Indian Education will continue to provide tutoring, materials, software for math and reading, online software, and computers for use with our Indian students.
c. Each school Library Media Center shall have access to district funded on-line resources (i.e. Encyclopedias, reference data bases). The district WAN will connect all library media centers.
d. Title I, Title IIa, Title IId, Title III, RSA, Indian Education as well as district funds support the implementation and training of the above- mentioned areas.
3. Security
a. Steps are in place to prevent unauthorized access (via the LAN) to student records, financial data, etc. Mid-Del Public Schools will take all available precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. Mid-Del is also in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Policies and procedures have been established for:
(1). District Technology Usage Policy
(2). District Web Publishing Guidelines
(3). Checkout of Equipment
(4). Summer Load Policy for Faculty
(5). Software Approval Procedures
(6). District Copyright Policy
(7). Donations/Gifts Policy
(8). Security cameras and recording devices have been placed at all sites. All secondary sites have campus security accessible over the WAN.
Specific telecommunications and information technologies funded by E-rate monies (i.e. access to the Internet, access to remote databases, distance learning, etc.) useful in helping reach these goals include:
1. Communication Tools
a. Connectivity to the site LAN, district WAN, and Internet is maintained on all campuses. All buildings are interconnected for voice, data, video, and security services.
b. Email: Through the use of the district email system, teachers can improve both communication among colleagues and parents, as well as enhance their ability to manage their professional activities.
c. Limited use of distance-learning equipment is now available in the technology center. This allows students and/or staff members at separate locations to meet, see, and hear each other simultaneously. Distance learning approaches could include:
(1). Technology courses for students located at sending schools.
(2). Adult training and development courses broadcast to or received from other technology centers.
(3). Customized training for businesses.
(4). Technical updates from business and industry for various occupational areas.
(5). Higher education academic courses for students enrolled under cooperative agreements.
(6). College credit courses for instructors and community members.
d. All sites now utilize the a Cisco Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution. All schools use AlertNow, which is an automated phone dialing system for parent contact. All schools have an exclusive line for a fax machine. Voicemail is available to administrators, high school teachers, and certain support staff.
e. Student e-mail will provide access for student/teacher and student/student communication and school/homework as needed.
2. Instructional Equipment
a. All libraries are automated for circulation, card catalog, Internet and student/staff productivity, and continued replacement will be monitored.
b. All teachers have their own computers.
c. All high schools and Middle Schools have a computer lab with Internet access that is funded by E-rate.
d. All certified and certain support staff have access to a networked computer to enhance teaching, learning, productivity, and classroom management.
e. All elementary schools have computer labs and/or media labs. Each lab consists of high-speed multimedia workstations.
f. Portable computers are used for both math and science. Software to encourage the use of technology in math and science has been installed, with training offered for teachers. Mobile carts are used at elementary sites for cross curriculum support.
g. Wireless laptops are available for teachers and individual tutors to work individually with students.
h. Business labs at each high school provide a business environment with the opportunity to prepare students to use current technology skills in post-high school education or in the workplace.
Resources (i.e. trainers, selected curricular software, Internet access, links to subscribed data bases, etc.) to reach these goals for improved teaching and learning or improved library service include:
1. Technical Support
a. Ongoing technical support will continue throughout the district. Every site will have a technology support group to assist in troubleshooting hardware and software issues.
b. The Information Technology department is responsible for the repair and maintenance of equipment, assistance in technology training for district staff, and coordination of community involvement with district networks, training, and equipment.
c. The Instructional Technology Coordinator assists in the selection of educational software and initiates continual training in relation to productivity software and curriculum integration.
d. Continue to provide “Help Desk” support.
2. Professional Development: Ongoing support/training will be provided for teachers and support staff in specific job classification through professional development.
3. Support of District Standardization: Technology Directors will continue to assess the current infrastructure and identify each school’s current and future needs.
Vision Statement
The following is a vision for the future of technology and the learning environment.
Access:
• Allow student access to a personal folder on the server reducing the need for external data storage.
• Allow appropriate teacher access to student folders to include portfolios.
• Provide both site and district intranet for commonly used documents and forms.
• Allow teacher access where appropriate to students’ schedules and information through the student information system.
• Move toward a distance learning option where available.
• Provide interactive online capabilities for parents during the enrollment process.
• Provide dedicated access ports for personal laptop connectivity.
Compatibility and Control:
• Provide seamless use of technology from lab to lab and computer to computer.
• Create student ID logins accessible from anywhere on campus.
• Provide Internet access controlled by student ID logins.
• Provide servers for starting and maintaining computers and loading software.
Equipment Acquisition:
• Provide more projectors and computers for the classroom to utilize existing and emerging technolgies to access research, people, customs, and locations worldwide.
• Provide additional electrical and network outlets and drops in classrooms.
• Provide available laptops for staff and student use during and beyond the school day, creating a technology infused learning environment.
• Continually evaluate new peripheral devices that aid technology integration.
General Goals:
• To establish a communication network which connects buildings, classrooms, and all levels of education.
• To improve the achievement level of all students as indicated by results on key district measures.
• To provide site level technology support especially for reading and math.
• To secure ongoing funding for our technology goals.
• To ensure the integration of technology into and across the curriculum.
• To build enduring parent-teacher-school partnerships through information links between home and school.
• To plan and implement a method to notify information services, student accounting, and instructional technology of the employment of new staff or the purposes of training and entry into needed data systems.
Following are immediate strategies to begin the process of meeting the vision as mentioned above.
• Connectivity to the site LAN, district WAN, and Internet will be maintained on all campuses. E-mail will be installed where equipment is available.
• Staff and students using the WAN for Internet and e-mail will follow the district ISP Board Policy.
• The Professional Development plan to:
o include staff productivity applications
o include the development of curriculum specific models for technology infusion to the classroom objectives.
o provide clock time for teachers to be trained in applications as well as integration strategies.
o provide time for all staff to be trained to improve performance at specific job positions.
A district technology team led by the Instructional Technology Coordinator, Director of Information Technology, and the Systems Network Coordinator will support the selection of software, hardware, installation, repair and training for district technology needs.
Benefits
As a result of the implementation of this plan, certified and non-certified staff members and students will:
• Use technology to manage time and tasks related to instructional planning and reporting.
• Integrate strategies to model real life scenarios, and problem solve using technology.
• Use technology in personally meaningful ways for their own development as independent learners.
• Access information from local and remote sources, exchange ideas, conduct research and communicate thoughts using technology.
• Appreciate the current and project the future impact of technology on their own lives and on society in general.
• Utilize global resources to perform classroom assignments.
• Use technology with ease and confidence.
• Receive technology support.
Technical Support
Without effective, timely technical support to the staff members the frustration of not being able to complete a function will lead to the same deficiencies as poorly timed professional development practices. The Mid-Del School District must provide access to technical support for equipment malfunctions as well as application assistance. In either equipment breakdowns or situations where the operator can't make the software complete the desired task, there is a delay in the completion of the job. If these situations aren't resolved in a timely manner, a less efficient method will be found to complete the task or it remains incomplete. The following are recommended:
• The Information Technology deparment has responsibility for the repair and maintenance of equipment, assisting technology training for district staff, and coordination of community involvement with district networks, training and equipment.
• The Instructional Technology department assists in the selection of educational software and initiates continual training in relation to productivity software and curriculum integration.
More people need to be involved in troubleshooting problems. The district goal is to staff site and district level tech support when financially feasible. The role of the site tech is to solve minor difficulties with equipment and applications. One STEP Educator (Sharing Technologically Effective Practices) is assigned at each site as a contact and initiator of information and training for curriculum. This individual serves on a committee at the site to help make technology decisions. It is recommended that schools have one (1) STEP Educator for every fifty (50) certified staff members. A stipend is provided for STEP Educators at each site. The Mid-Del School District has established technical support procedures to encourage the continued use and development of technology skills in staff members and students.