USD 434 District Technology Plan

Approved by USD 434 Board of Education on MARCH 16, 2011 and certified by the Kansas State Department of Education. This Technology
Plan certification is valid for three years starting on 7/1/2011 and expiring 6/30/2014.

Committee Membership / Stakeholder Representation

The Santa Fe Trail USD 434 District Technology Team is comprised of teaching professionals, administrators, parents representing the four attendance centers, special service staff, Board of Education, and the District Technology Coordinator.  Membership is reviewed yearly and all openings are advertised to staff.  There is an application process for individuals interested in serving on the team.  New team members are selected by the current Technology Team.

Carbondale Attendance Center

  • Michael Flax, Principal
  • Gretta Hug, Jr. High Teacher and Parent
  • Sheila Mumford, Technology Teacher

Overbrook Attendance Center

  • Tammy Endecott, Principal
  • Chris Giebler – 2nd Grade Teacher
  • Ruth Kelly, Library Media Specialist
  • Cheryl Arnwine, Computer Lab Paraprofessional and Parent

Scranton Attendance Center

  • Sheree Gill, Principal
  • Cindy Moulin, 4th Grade Teacher
  • Debbie Ebert, Computer Lab Paraprofessional

District Office

  • Dr. Steve Pegram, Superintendent of Schools
  • Sean Nelson, District Technology Coordinator
  • Laurie Mersmann, Technology Assistant
  • Denise Bahner, District Office Technology Assistant

Santa Fe Trail High School

  • Dave Swaim, Principal
  • Connie Lindell, Vocational Teacher
  • Eric Lynch, Library Media Specialist
  • Faith Flory, Social Studies Teacher
  • Donna Campbell, Kaw Area Vocational Tech School
  • Dick Allison, Allen County Community College
  • Roberta Jolly, Washburn University

Board of Education/Parent

  • Dana Mentzer, BOE and Parent

 

MISSION AND VISION

The Mission of Santa Fe Trail USD 434 is to nurture the students’ self-esteem and thirst for knowledge.  Students will graduate with a defined body of knowledge, the ability to comprehend and apply reasoning, as well as behavioral skills necessary to compete effectively and efficiently in the world, both now and in the future.

Instructional Technology Vision

            It is the vision of the Santa Fe Trail School District that our students will become tech savvy learners. Learners will have 21st century skills necessary to interact successfully in a technical environment to achieve their personal, education and workplace goals. To realize this vision the following tasks need to be accomplished:
1) Strengthen leadership at the student, teacher, and administrative levels.
2) Advocate and work to increase technology funding to support improved student learning.
3) Increase professional development opportunities for teachers in the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning.
4) Support and make available online learning.
5) Encourage the availability of adequate technical support to manage, maintain and improve district technology to maximize educational opportunities.
6) Increase curriculum resources to include digital content.
7) Integrate data systems allowing students, parents, teachers, and administrators to access information to improve student achievement.

The above tasks are aligned with the National Technology Plan, (January 2005) and support the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

DISTRICT SUMMARY OF PROGRESS

              Technology goals are ongoing for USD 434.  This year the technology curriculum was reviewed and updated to align with the ISTE National Education Technology standards.  Each year the technology curriculum and instructional integration is reviewed and suggestions are provided by certified staff.  The updated technology curriculum can be reviewed on the USD 434 district website:   www.usd434.org

Technology Backbone and Infrastructure
            USD 434 has been able to maintain a stable broadband Internet connection and increase bandwidth.  Bandwidth has been increased 3Mbps adding 2T1’s through the Kan-Ed 2.0 connection.  Additional bandwidth is necessary as curriculum and instruction applications become more online based.  The district added hardware to bundle existing T1’s with new Kan-Ed 2.0 T1’s, upgraded managed switches with new or upgraded firmware.  Infrastructure improvements have been made with WAN and LAN routing, creating VLAN’s and additional subnets for network traffic improvements.  These improvements enhance Internet, network and telecommunications traffic within the district.  Communication improvements by implementing alert email and calling system, available to patrons and district.  The district has adopted a content filter which allows district users the ability for social networking, private data storage, and access to thousands of educational videos and content, so much more. Budgetary restraints make increasing total numbers difficult. However as new equipment comes available older equipment is upgraded and placed into classrooms or mini labs. This increases the total number of computers raising our student to computer ratio gradually.  All buildings have wireless access and teachers use laptops allowing them the flexibility with instruction.

District Goals for Technology Usage
              Assessment on the usage of technology in the Santa Fe Trail School District is an on-going process.  Each school year, student achievement data is compiled and analyzed and used to make data driven instructions in regard to instruction and the integration of technology as an instructional strategy.  Data is collected for each of the district goals for technology usage. A summary of the district progress in meeting each goal follows.

Continue Participation in the Kansas online assessment testing:
              Baseline data for Santa Fe Trail was collected in 2004.  All Santa Fe Trail students in grades 3-8 and the designated grade level in high school are assessments using the Kansas Computerized Assessment Program.  Teachers have found that students are more motivated to do well on the assessments when taking them on the computer verses the old paper and pencil method.  Student scores continue to improve as necessary to meet the requirements to achieve “Adequate Yearly Progress”.  Data from these computerized assessments provides teachers with immediate feedback.  KS Assessment data is used in all Santa Fe Trail building improvement plans and helps teachers make data-driven decisions to improve their instructional effectiveness.

Continue participation in MAP Assessments (Measures of Academic Progress):
            Santa Fe Trail began taking the MAP Assessment in the fall of 2005, and collected baseline data.  The MAP Assessment is a computerized assessment which is aligned with the Kansas Reading and Math Standards.  Student data from this assessment indicates to teachers the skills in each content in which a student scores high as well as the skills in which they score low. Students take the MAP Assessment at the beginning of the school year, helping teachers know their students strengths and weaknesses in each content, allowing them to adjust their instruction to meet the needs of students.  The MAP Assessment provides teachers with resources to predict how their students will perform on the Kansas Assessments.  Student MAP data is used in school improvement plans allowing students to be compared to a nationally-normed group of students, and to show individual student academic growth from fall to spring.  Santa Fe Trail began using the Primary MAP Assessment for students in kindergarten and first grades in December 2010.  Baseline data from this assessment will be collected for students in grades K and 1 this year.  Students will also be assessed at the end of the school year.

Improved communication for students, parents, and staff through web-based applications:
            Communication has improved from school to parents and students, as well as staff with the use of PowerGrade/Power School.  PowerGrade and PowerSchool eases a teacher’s workload with online attendance, integrated grade book, instant grade checks, online posting of homework assignments, automated and immediate communication of student progress with parents and students.  Administrators can easily access student information for effective decision-making.  Santa Fe Trail parents use PowerSchool to stay updated on their child’s academic performance. 
            Another web-based application which has improved communication to parents is the K-12 Alert System.  District administrators can send parents alert messages, newsletters, cancellation notices, etc. by using the K-12 system.  Information can be sent by telephone, email, or text messaging.  This allows information to be sent to inform parents quickly and efficiently. 

Implementation of Destiny Library Management Program:
                  All Santa Fe Trail attendance center libraries have the Destiny Library Management Program in place.  This system is used to manage school libraries across the district.  This allows for more effective use of all library titles for research and information collection.

Integration of Technology into the curriculum:
                  Santa Fe Trail teachers have been working to integrate technology into the curriculum for students and into their instruction to motivate students.  The new technology curriculum document includes performance indicators for teachers and for students.  The Meeting the teacher performance indicators will ensure creative lessons are designed, implemented, and will assess learning experiences which engage students and improve learning; enrich professional practice; and provide positive models for students, colleagues, and the community. The 2010-2011 school year has been one in which teachers actively engaged in using the mimio bar and/or pad to design and create engaging lessons for their students.  Students find this type of instruction motivating so they willingly engage in learning.  Students are often assigned technology projects which require web-based research and inquiry.  Several of our new curriculums also incorporate technology based learning for students.  Using technology has made learning and instruction more interactive and motivating for students, producing increased academic achievement.  All elementary students have a scheduled technology time in the computer lab to work on integrated curriculums and projects.   Keyboarding is one of the basic skill foundations students learn in the elementary grades.  The main emphasis of these classes are to teach students the correct key-stroking and proper keyboarding techniques.  Proper keyboarding is reinforced to students in grades five through eight.  Seventh and eighth grade students can choose technology as an elective this year, but when the new technology curriculum is implemented in the 2011-12 school year, they too will have a scheduled technology class.  High school students use computer labs for integration of district curriculum and activities and high level technology applications.  High school students have the opportunity to use technology in many of their course offerings.  The high school curricular offerings reflect that a high level of technology exists within the building.  The Accelerated Reading Program integrates technology into the reading curriculum.  This program checks reading comprehension as students are assessed over the books they read.

Use web-based instructional program to diagnose and facilitate student learning:
                  Currently, VPL is used to develop prescriptive instructional programs for high school students in the alternative classroom and junior high at-risk students. It is also used for test preparation in grades 3-8, and for enrichment instruction for select gifted students who want to explore a specific content such as foreign language.  High school students have also used VPL to recover lost credits.  This program can be used at school or at home.  VPL teaches the A+ curriculum which is aligned with the Kansas Content Standards.

Use technology instructional programs to facilitate student learning:
                  USD 434 has a curriculum rotation to update student resources and maintain alignment with the Kansas Standards in each content.  As curriculum resources are adopted, new technology is available to students and teachers to use in instruction.  Two such curriculum programs which have been adopted which include a technology component which is the Everyday Math Program and the LEAD 21 Language Art Program.  Both of these programs provide teachers with multiple progress monitoring reports, instructional aids, games to reinforce student learning, and other technology to enhance and reinforce learning and instruction.  USD 434 considers technology components of a curriculum program when evaluating curriculums to adopt.
            Many high school classes are centered around technology.  The student services department in the high school annually assists students with career exploration by utilizing the Choices and Bridges computer programs.  Counselors update students about opportunities for financial aid through program, and admissions information online by accessing technology in the school.  Various software programs are available to assist students with test preparation.
The curricular offerings at the high school also reflect that a high level of technology exists within the school.  Students are able to enroll in the following classes that are technology related or include the utilization of technology:

  • Business Technology
  • Computer Applications
  • Desktop Publishing
  • Drafting/3D Modeling
  • Industrial Technology
  • Newspaper
  • Word Processing

            Presently, other courses are being designed to follow the career cluster pathway design models as adopted by Kansas.  Most of these courses will center around technology. 
            Santa Fe Trail Junior High School is also in the process of designing technology classes for seventh and eighth graders.  Several classes will be electives which can be chosen by students, such as web page production, computer application, and multi-media.  All students will have technology instruction to maintain their basic skills.

Continue to improve District Website:
                  Santa Fe Trail maintains an excellent website which is informative to district patrons and parents.  Each attendance center as well as the district office updates information on activities and other calendar events.  This website is updated daily and new features have been added to better inform parents, patrons, and students. 

Increase professional development opportunities for teachers:

                  The focus of staff development is directed toward demonstrated student academic growth.  Santa Fe Trail teachers have had many opportunities for professional development, especially in the area of technology.  As teachers began using the mimio bars and pads, the mimio votes, the Everyday Math Program, and the LEAD 21 Language Art Program numerous staff development opportunities were provided for staff.  One of our district staff development days was geared strictly on technology and ways to integrate it into instruction.  Several of these training sessions were presented by Santa Fe Trail teachers who were knowledgeable in using these technology components.  It has and continues to be the philosophy of Santa Fe Trail that all staff should have the opportunity to acquire skills in using technology tools to explore, learn and practice technology integration.  To accomplish this goal, the district technology team, and PDC have implemented activities such as results based staff development plans with Level 1, 2, and 3 to document training, implementation, and the impact on student learning.  Technology is a part of most staff development days.  Staff members provide training and support for their peers.  In addition, technology projects have become a collaborative effort.  Presently, each teaching team is collaborating to create student lessons which integrate technology.  Staff members receive PDC points for their work in implementing technology integration activities into classroom instruction.

TECHNOLOGY NEEDS ASSESSMENT 

Technology needs assessment is an ongoing process involving both qualitative and quantitative data from staff, administration, parents, students, community members, and educational institutions.  Technology needs are considered in terms of the need for basic technology knowledge, the need for integration into curriculum and instruction, and the need for inclusion as part of the school improvement plan.  Technology needs are categorized into the following areas:

  • Network Infrastructure
  • Curriculum and Instruction - to include software integration and alignment with school improvement plans
  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Staff Development
  • Tech Support

Staff data will be obtained by:

  • Evaluations and surveys from the District Technology Team, Curriculum Committees and Building Technology Team

Administration data will be obtained by:

  • Evaluation of building assessment data - Kansas Assessments, Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), and Virtual Prescriptive Learning (VPL), Everyday Math Assessments, and LEAD 21 Assessments.
  • Building Improvement Plans

Parent data will be obtained by:

  • Yearly feedback through the School Site Council and Parent-Teacher organization discussions
  • Parental surveys as they are conducted for School Improvement Process

Student data will be obtained by:

  • Student surveys as they are conducted for the School Improvement Process
  • Graduate follow-up surveys at the high school and junior high levels
  • Informal feedback during the instructional process

Community data will be obtained by:

  • Feedback from the School Site Council and Parent-Teacher Organization
  • Feedback from area employers as to the technology competency of graduates

Educational institution data will be obtained by:

  • Evaluation of reports from educational institutions as to incoming student proficiency in technology use and integration
  • Periodic conversations by counselors with institutions of higher education
  • Regular feedback from Allen County Community College to which many of the Santa Fe Trail High School graduates attend

Technology needs assessment is an annual process that is used to determine new technology (hardware and software) to be purchased for the next school year.  A comprehensive process begins in January of each year and is completed no later than June.  Following is an outline of the process.

February/March-District Technology Team (DTT) reviews last year’s needs assessment process and determines if any changes need to be made.  The process is documented.

March/April-Technology Building Team presents the process to staff in the buildings.

Staff complete the needs assessment tools

Technology Integration/Assessment Survey

Technology Staff Development Needs Survey

Home Internet Survey

Department/Grade level meetings/discussions

Technology Standards

Integration Strategies

Hardware issues

Software issues

April-Building Reports are presented to DTT.

April/May-DTT justifies the needs and prioritizes the hardware list.  Final approval is given.

May/June- District Technology Coordinator presents the plan to the School Board.

District Technology Infrastructure Goals and Objectives

                  USD 434 Santa Fe Trail provides a computer and telecommunications network that allows for broadband communications.  This network connects rooms within the building and buildings within the district to have access to local network resources as well as state and national resources. Adding two Kan-Ed T1’s to current bandwidth has allowed the district to optimize Internet utilization.  Continued evaluation of technology needs and usage is necessary to ensure a proper infrastructure which supports our 21st Century classrooms. In order to expand and maintain current technologies it is necessary to maintain the support and funds of Kan-Ed and E-Rate. 
            As on line instruction becomes more of a normal means of curriculum delivery we experience the need for additional hardware.  It is our hope to be able to improve on classroom equipment with mounted projectors with sound which connect directly to the instructor’s computer.  This technology creates a cohesive and fun learning environment.
Current Infrastructure

  • Six T1’s provided by ATT and two T1’s provided by KanEd 2.0 (KanEd member) providing total 12Mbps total District Bandwidth
  • Three elementary attendance centers are connected through wireless Quickbridges which pass up to 16Mbps
  • All buildings have Internet access through the WAN.
  • All buildings have communication through district E-mail.
  • All buildings have at least two computer labs with a minimum of 20 networked computers.
  • All buildings have a voice communication system.
  • All classrooms are connected to their attendance center’s Local Area Network (LAN).
  • All classrooms have at least two computers connected to the LAN.
  • All classroom computers have district adopted software installed.
  • Content filter to cover the classroom 21st Century requirements for cyber bullying and social networking.  Device also provides desktop security, network monitoring and spam filtering for email.

Curriculum Integration Goals and Objectives:

  • Increase Student Achievement through the effective use of technology.
    • Students will be provided the opportunity to use digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information .  New curriculum adoptions will include a technology component to provide students the opportunity to learn and interact using digital tools.
  • Ensure that students are technology literate by the end of the 8th Grade.
    • Students will follow the newly adopted (2011) technology curriculum to ensure they are technologically  literate by the end of their eighth grade school year.  Students will be expected to develop keyboarding skills, research skills, and digital communication skills by the end of grade 8. 
  • Progress is being made toward fully integrating technology into the curriculum.
    • Teachers will design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments to motivate and engage students in their own learning.  USD 434 will continue to provide teachers with the technology resources necessary to integrate technology into instruction, as funding allows.

Curriculum Integration Narrative:

Santa Fe Trail USD 434 believes that technology is a tool to be used to improve and expand the educational process in all curriculum areas. USD 434 staff delivers instruction through a teaching model that provides integrated activities across the curriculum. The District Technology Curriculum provides staff valuable information in planning instructional integrated activities. The following information is available in the technology curriculum:  standard number, benchmarks/indicator/ suggested teaching strategies and activities, grade level, benchmark year and assessment information. The District Technology Essential Skill lists provide additional quick reference for students, parents, teachers and administrators on basic technology skills.
            All K-6 students have scheduled time in computer labs to work on technology integrated curriculum.  Additional time is available for scheduling extra time or sending small groups of students to work on group or individual projects. Seventh and eighth grade students have scheduled technology classes and use the Computer or Technology Labs for district curriculum classes and/or integration activities. High School students use computer labs for integration of district curriculum and activities. All computer labs are used for on-line Kansas Assessments.  Students may enroll in VPL to take on-line courses to meet district and state standards and for credit recovery.
            PowerSchool is a web-based student information system which simplifies data-driven decision making by providing real-time information to all stakeholders over the Internet. Students can track their own progress. Parents gain immediate access to their children’s grades and have quick e-mail communications. Teachers gain timesaving administrative tools, with PowerGrade, which is the teacher gradebook application that integrates with PowerSchool. By simplifying administrative procedures, teachers spend more time instructing their students.  PowerGrade and PowerSchool eases a teacher’s workload with:  online attendance, integrated grade book, instant grade checks, online posting of homework assignments, automated and immediate communication of student progress with parents and students. Administrators get accurate information to make more effective decisions.
            Virtual Prescriptive Learning (VPL) provides an effective tool to create individual student learning plans and monitor progress.  Skill assessments, benchmarked against State Standards, are used to diagnose and remediate skill gaps, and document mastered concepts. The VPL uses the A+ Curriculum.  The first year of implementation started December of 2004 in the FAST LANE programs at Carbondale and Scranton Attendance Centers and for district identified special education students.  The program has been expanded as a result of positive results.  Presently all schools in the district can use VPL to provide students with individual student plans.  High school students use VPL to recovery credits needed for graduation.
            Keyboarding is one of the basic foundations of the technology age. All students need to understand the importance of keyboarding skills. Keyboarding classes are designed to teach the touch system.  The main emphasis is correct key-stroking and using proper techniques on electronic equipment.  Left and right hand positions are taught in kindergarten and formal instruction begins in the fourth grade.  Keyboarding skills are reinforced in the 5-8th grades and more advanced classes are offered at the high school level.  Our district goal is for eighth graders to be proficient in keyboarding before entering High School.
            Accelerated Reader is used for reading comprehension and enhancement, selection of library resources, support for classroom instructional strategies and determination of effectiveness of school improvement plan reading strategies. Students are challenged to read on many different levels and may take tests from networked computers throughout the buildings.  Teachers can print reports indicating the number of tests taken and the percentage of correct answers.
            Staff lesson plans will show integration of technology in reading, math, science, health, writing, spelling, social studies, fitness and music. 
            Research/Library Media Center technology as part of the overall instructional program, including use of the Destiny Library Management System, World Book on-line encyclopedias, through the KAN-ED network and other research sources and use of the Internet.
Many classroom teachers develop specialized integrated technology classroom projects.  Following is a sample listing:

  • Heart Rate Monitors/Fitness Classes
  • United Streaming as Instructional Tool
  • Inspiration
  • Apple I-Life
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Financial Foundations for Kids
  • PowerPoint/Microsoft Office
  • ShopBot (Application for Router)

            Writing Activities/Assignments - to include the extent of technology usage in teaching written composition skills (Six Trait Writing), including use of word processing, researching, and desktop publishing, etc.
            Elective Courses - Junior and senior high school technology elective course content which best integrates with the academic curriculum and supports student and school improvement.
            High school students have access to a wide variety of opportunities that allow them to access technologies in the school and classroom.  The student services department in the high school annually assists students with career exploration by utilizing the Choices and Bridges computer programs.  Counselors update students about opportunities for financial aid through scholarship searches done online.  Santa Fe Trail students are able to contact colleges for course, program, and admissions information online by accessing technology in the school.  Various software programs are available to assist students with test preparation. 
            The curricular offerings at the high school also reflect that a high level of technology exists within the high school building.  Students are able to enroll in the following classes that are technology related or include the utilization of technology:

  • Business Technology
  • Computer Applications
  • Computer Technology
  • Desktop Publishing
  • Drafting/3D Modeling
  • Industrial Technology
  • Newspaper
  • Word Processing

Technology use in the High School Art Room
            Technology is used to teach, create and store artwork at SFTHS.  The Internet is used to gather resources and images for lessons.  Images are downloaded to the computer for use in PowerPoint presentations teaching concepts and art history. Some art projects involve images from the computer. Student photographs are taken using the digital camera and are uploaded to the computer. Images are modified in Adobe Photoshop before being printed.  Students use these altered images to draw, paint, or print. 

            Completed approved art projects are digitally photographed and saved on the computer or server as a digital portfolio. Art projects are uploaded to Artsonia  - www.artsonia.com/schools/santafe2 for display on our webpage. Artsonia is a world wide virtual art museum for K-12 students.  Parents and others can view the artwork online, leave positive comments for the students and even purchase memorabilia on which their child’s artwork is printed. The website Artsonia is a way to see what other high school art students are accomplishing.

Assessing Curriculum Integration

Student achievement will improve due to the utilization of technology for research, writing, reading, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication. Data collected will be used to assist in making decisions for curriculum changes, selection and use of software and hardware decisions.
PowerSchool was implemented in the summer of 2004, and PowerGrade was implemented the fall of 2004. Quarterly informal assessments are reviewed at the teacher and administrative levels to determine steps needed to guarantee successful use throughout the year.  Currently all teachers use PowerSchool to record attendance and tardies.  Teachers in grades three – twelve use PowerSchool and PowerGrade for grading.  Students and parents use PowerSchool to access their academic progress and improve home to school communications
Virtual Prescriptive Learning (VPL) provides skill assessments, benchmarked against State Standards, as well as diagnostic lessons to master standards. Elementary students have used VPL to prepare for the Kansas Assessments as well as to become more proficient in required reading and math skills. VPL is as diagnostic program which provides prescribed lessons for each individual student.  For this reason, it has been very effectively in providing individualized learning plans for students in reading and math.  High school students use VPL for credit recovery.  VPL is used during the school year and during a summer credit recovery program for this purpose.  Baseline data was collected at the high school in summer 2005.   
            Accelerated Reader provides ongoing assessment of student reading comprehension.  Data to be used in selection of library resources support for classroom instructional strategies and determination of effectiveness of school improvement plan reading strategies.
Computer Lab uses checklists, rubrics, and teacher observation as forms of assessment.
Instructional Evaluation - Periodic evaluation of instructional lesson plans for integration of technology in reading, math, science, health, writing, spelling, social studies, fitness and music.  Data to be used to identify the extent of technology integration, hardware/software needs and future planning for technology purchases.
Curriculum Study/Adoptions - Evaluation and selection of new basal adoptions which include technology as part of the adoption.  Data to be used as part of the evaluation of new materials.
Research/Library Media Center Activities - Evaluation to include extent and usage of library media center technology as part of the overall instructional program, including use of the catalog/circulation system, online encyclopedias and other research sources, and use of the Internet.  Data to be used in selection of materials, instructional planning, and support of school improvement plan interventions.
            Writing Activities/Assignments - Evaluation to include the extent of technology usage in teaching written composition skills (Six Trait Writing), including use of word processors, research technology, desktop publishing, etc.  Data to be used to assess needed changes in implementing writing improvement strategies.
             Elective Courses - Evaluation of junior and senior high school technology elective courses.  Data to be used in determining the course content which best integrates with the academic curriculum and supports student and school improvement.

            High School Criterion Writing Program – On-line assessment of students writing ability with immediate feedback using the Criterion Writing Program.

TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Technology Professional Development Goals and Objectives:

  • Improve the capacity of teachers to integrate technology effectively into the curriculum and instruction.
    • Santa Fe Trail teachers will coordinate technology staff development to train teachers on how to effectively develop instruction using digital tools which are provided by the district.
  • Encourage effective integration of technology through teacher training and curriculum development to establish replicable best practices.
    • All certified staff will have the opportunity to acquire technological skills necessary to integrate technology into classroom instruction through district staff development trainings.
  • Improve the capacity of classified staff to effectively use technology to fulfill their duties.
    • The district will provide staff development focusing on the acquisition of technology skills for classified staff so they can more effectively do their jobs using technology.

Technology Professional Development Narrative:

                  The District Technology Team (DTT), along with the Professional Development Council (PDC), has developed a comprehensive system to coordinate technology staff development needs for USD 434. The focus of all staff development is directed toward demonstrated growth of student learning.  The following belief: “Technology is a tool of empowerment, both for students and teachers.  Every effort should be made to create technologically infused learning environments where students and teachers have access to emerging technologies which increase productivity and enhance thinking and creativity”; guides the PDC to provide “best practice” professional growth opportunities for the staff of USD 434.
            It has been the philosophy of the district that all staff should have the opportunity to acquire skills in using technology tools to explore, learn and practice technology integration.  In order to achieve this goal staff must be technology literate.  To accomplish this goal, the DTT and the PDC have implemented the following activities:

  • Results Based Staff development plans for technology are in place.
  • Results Based Staff development levels 2 and 3 document learning strategies to student learning.
  • A portion of staff development days is devoted to technology.
  • During staff development days, staff members participate in structured discussions about technology and technology integration according to agenda schedules.
  • District buildings utilize staff members for training and technology support.
  • Staff members create and share technology projects with co-workers.
  • Staff members receive PDC points for implementing technology integration activities into classrooms.

Technology Professional Development Assessment Narrative:

            The District Technology Team (DTT) along with the Professional Development Council (PDC) has developed a comprehensive system to assess technology staff development needs for USD 434.  After each staff development day, staff is required to fill out assessments for the day.  Results are reported to the PDC.  All staff currently takes the following annual assessments:

  • Home Internet Survey
  • PDC staff development needs survey

              All data assessments assist the DTT and PDC by providing information about staff knowledge of applications, emerging technology tools, teaching and learning programs, and administrative programs.  All qualitative and quantitative data from the assessments are used to evaluate successes of current project goals and objectives and to drive decision making regarding technology professional development.

DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY PLAN VERIFICATION FOR ERATE PURPOSES

DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY PLAN BUDGET
The projected budget amounts for the three years that your plan covers. 

School Year:

2011-2012

  

 

 

 

Budget Area

 

  

Costs

 

Funding Sources with amount per Sources

Professional Development

$15,000

 

General Fund

Telecommunications and Internet Access

$75,000

 

E-Rate /General Fund

Materials and Supplies (i.e. Software)

$50,000

 

General Fund

Equipment (i.e. Hardware)

$125,000

 

General Fund

Maintenance and Support

$30,000

 

General Fund

Other

 

  

$30,000

 

General Fund

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 

  

$325,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

School Year:

2012-2013

  

 

 

 

Budget Area

 

  

Costs

 

Funding Sources with amount per Sources

Professional Development

$15,000

 

General Fund

Telecommunications and Internet Access

$75,000

 

E-Rate/General Fund

Materials and Supplies (i.e. Software)

$50,000

 

General Fund

Equipment (i.e. Hardware)

$125,000

 

General Fund

Maintenance and Support

$30,000

 

General Fund

Other

$30,000

 

General Fund

 

 

  

 

 

General Fund

Total

 

  

$325,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

School Year:

2013-2014

  

 

 

 

Budget Area

 

  

Costs

 

Funding Sources with amount per Sources

Professional Development

$15,000

 

General Fund

Telecommunications and Internet Access

$75,000

 

E-Rate/General Fund

Materials and Supplies (i.e. Software)

$50,000

 

General Fund

Equipment (i.e. Hardware)

$125,000

 

General Fund

Maintenance and Support

$30,000

 

General Fund

Other

$30,000

 

General Fund

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 

  

$325,000