Technology+Plan

2007-2010
 * NRCSD TECHNOLOGY PLAN**

The project to create this Technology Plan is documented via a live development [|Wiki] which will be used as a reference point and communication tool by all participants of the District Technology Committee. Technology is changing at such a rapid pace, and the demands for new and improved services are such that a living plan is necessary to keep us on the cutting edge. This document hopes to help serve that purpose. The plan envisions exploring new networking and wireless technologies that have the potential to lower support costs and to reallocate those funds to increase access to computers and laptops. The plan focuses on improving student achievement through the use of technology. To that end we are cognizant of present and emerging technologies such as: introducing online learning, potential of remote access, and the possibility of providing broadband to student homes. In addition, the plan recommends analysis of student data for classroom teachers. The planning committee realizes that Professional Development and effective leadership are essential. We see technology as a ubiquitous piece of the education process to prepare North Rockland students for postsecondary education and the workplace. Most of the students, teachers and administrators have some access to technology tools and digital content at every school. This plan and the goals are subject to the District's annual budget. We are currently facing the challenges of an austerity budget. Should budgeting forecasts change at any time, goals in this plan and/or their implementation will be reviewed, modified, deleted and/or supplemented, as appropriate. The Technology Plan is designed to serve as a living document. As such, annual reviews and modifications in the Technology Plan are important if it is to be implemented effectively.
 * Plan Summary**

The mission of the Haverstraw-Stony Point Central School District, in partnership with its multi-faceted community, is to develop life-long learners who are informed, responsible, and productive citizens, by providing challenging and diverse programs that reflect high expectations and promote excellence in a caring environment.
 * Mission**

The North Rockland Central School District is committed to providing students a technology rich learning environment, which will be used to enhance productivity, communication, research, problem solving, decision-making and creativity. The North Rockland Central School District will incorporate technology as a natural part of education through an integrated, comprehensive framework to govern acquisition, application, and evaluation of technological resources to ensure that all students will have the opportunity to develop skills necessary to be productive life learners in an information-driven, flat world, global society.
 * Vision**

• Projectors • TV Studio - Board Meetings • High Speed Internet Connections • Wireless Access • Various technology-related workshops • eSchoolPlus software for administrative and classroom management purposes • Specialized Technology labs - music, CAD, Art • Web-Based - SIS, IEP Direct, eChalk email for staff and students, school web pages, Rubicon Atlas, MyLearningPlan.com, NutriKids • Productivity tools - Office 2003, XP-ing machines • SmartBoards • Laptop carts • RTC - teacher certification - technology • Data Warehouse • Scanners for testing ease • Implemented Spam Filter • Video Streaming via powermediaplus.com • Videoconferencing • Libraries electronic research, connect to County Library System • Video Surveillance Cameras - NRHS, FSS • Partnerships w/ RTC, BOCES • District-wide Voicemail • Phone in every classroom • Fiber to buildings (proposed) • Specialized software • Implemented Connect-ED - School Notification System • Remote Backup • Replace electronics in buildings - switches/routers/racks • School Board Agendas and information put on the district web page. • Anti-Spam Software • CAD software • Mac Music Labs
 * Current Technologies**

Inventory - PCs
 * Inventory & Infrastructure**
 * || Gx620 || Gx520 || Gx280 || Gx270 || Gx260 || Gx240 || Gx150 || Gx60 || Gx110 || Gx1 || Gxa || D4600 || Laptops ||
 * Totals || 171 || 17 || 246 || 428 || 189 || 151 || 314 || 193 || 142 || 142 || 5 || 71 || 105 ||

Inventory - Macs
 * || eMac || PwrMacG3 || iMac || PwrMacG4 || PwrMacG5 || Powerbook || ibookG4 ||
 * Totals || 3 || 8 || 30 || 4 || 6 || 1 || 15 ||

Data Most of our schools use T1 lines for our WAN connection. A firewall solution exists through Southern Westchester BOCES that permits filtering, antivirus, white listing and blacklisting of sites, and some web applications. We have been experiencing significant down time and problems with existing phone lines and we have decided to build our own fiber network. As a result, plenty of additional bandwidth will be provided for future opportunities for improved and expanded services that support the learning and productivity environments. The fiber network will allow the district to adapt to new changes in technologies that will certainly come to fruition in the future. Along with our district firewall, all servers and workstations in the district have been deployed with Norton Antivirus software. Our ISP (SWBOCES) filters internet content before information arrives at the desktop. SWBOCES also supplies email filtering and a remote backup solution. Surveillance cameras are online in FSS and NRHS. We are currently upgrading our ‘in-building’ infrastructure to give all desktops 100mb speeds and all servers and major switches to operate on a gigabit backbone. We will continue to examine the current industry standards in filtering, anti-spam and anti-virus needs as new technologies arrive on the scene. We will need to respond to the ever increasing need for security and overall network protection, especially with the proliferation of wireless access.
 * Infrastructure**

The North Rockland School District, approximately six years ago via T-1 services, set up our own Star Topology Network of Fujitsu PBX Phone Systems, thus enabling the following features and more: • Four digit dialing anywhere in our district • DID service for all our administrative staff • Phones in every classroom • Centralized Voice Mail • Snow Emergency Hotline • Caller ID • Auto Attendant
 * Voice**

Our district since has been working to upgrade our own cabling infrastructure to further enhance our voice and data reliability. This has been done by upgrading the local telephone company building entrance cabling, and/or by installing our own fiber optic and copper telephony cables. Our plan is to upgrade our fiber optic backbone to include all district school buildings giving us a one gigabit Ethernet Link. This will enable new VOIP technology, video conferencing, fast internet/data transfer speeds, and superb reliability.

In order to achieve the North Rockland Central School District Instructional Technology Plan, the following six goals have been adopted: 1. The integration of technology will be linked to curricular goals and objectives. 2. Dedication towards ongoing professional development 3. A reliable technical infrastructure will be established, and adequate support services will be put in place in order to provide timely resolution to technical problems. 4. The North Rockland Central School District, administration, faculty and staff commit to the ongoing and adequate funding of technology initiatives, including the cyclical upgrading of technology resources. 5. Provide every student with a computer device and connectivity to enable them to access a full range of educational technology tools and opportunities. 6. Provide additional learning opportunities that can be accessed anytime and anywhere.
 * Technology Goals & Objectives**

Goal #1 The integration of technology will be linked to curricular goals and objectives. Objective #1 Technology will be treated as part of the curriculum. The plan calls for at least one computer in every classroom with Internet access to be used as an integrated instructional tool. In addition, the District will maintain labs for special projects and training.
 * Strategies of Implementation**
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Provide online access to curriculum and resources. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Documents posted online for teacher access throughout the school year. ||  ||
 * Continue to research, upgrade and expand access to digital resources in our libraries. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Funding sources are allocated for instructional materials and technological resources in our libraries. ||  ||

Objective #2 Technology integration will focus on the use of technology to help students to achieve success and a degree of technological literacy to enable them to be globally competitive in the 21st century.


 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Continue to coordinate technology applications to meet the needs of a high tech job market. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Courses provided students should meet the current market demand. ||  ||
 * Develop a variety of distance learning courses for students to continue their learning opportunities 24/7. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Courses developed or purchased for students to complete credits outside of the school day. ||  ||

Goal #2 Dedication towards ongoing professional development. Objective #1 Ensure that every teacher has the opportunity to take online learning courses.


 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Continue to establish and maintain professional learning communities anytime, anywhere. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Provide sessions on Staff Development Days. ||  ||
 * Publicize via our Rockland Teachers' Center any/all online training and growth opportunities. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Maintain a presence on the NRCSD Web Page the Rockland Teachers' Center Web Page ||  ||

Objective #2 Provide specialists to engage educators.
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Support formal and informal technology training with Instructional Technology Specialists and mentor groups. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Provide courses for educators that meet the technology needs of the current market demand. ||  ||
 * Develop a variety of distance learning courses for students to continue their learning opportunities 24/7. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Courses developed or purchased for teachers to complete credits outside of the school day. ||  ||

Objective #3 Create shared opportunities via staff mentoring, Web 2.0 technologies and Gen YES.
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Model technology implementation in all staff development sessions. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Teachers will use technology on a daily basis in their classrooms. ||  ||
 * Expand levels of technology implementation training to include all instructional staff (T.A.s, students) || 7/07 - 7/10 || Teaching assistants and students can assist in implementing technology into instructional settings. ||  ||

Goal #3 A reliable technical infrastructure will be established, and adequate support services will be put in place in order to provide timely resolution to technical problems. Objective #1 Increase reliable connectivity for data and phones by creating our own fiber infrastructure.
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Analyze bandwidth use and ensure it is being used effectively and efficiently, increasing the amount of bandwidth when it deems necessary to maintain adequate data flow/voice consistency. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Create a District infrastructure that incorporates fiber running to every building to be used for data and phones. ||  ||
 * Analyze phone bills (POTS, long distance and cell service) to provide staff, students, and parents adequate and reliable communications capabilities. || 7/07 - 7/10 || District Phone and Data Engineers to perform routine aggregation of systems data to determine sufficient telecommunications system. ||  ||

Objective #2 Integrate applications such as Support Bridge, Ardence and Deep Freeze to provide technical service.
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Maintain our District basic maintenance agreements with BOCES for technical services. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Include contractual maintenance solutions. ||  ||
 * Include the use of application software to enhance technical support issues to defray the expense of adding personnel. (austerity) || 7/07 - 7/10 || Install and upgrade District computers to include applications that provide technical service for end-users. ||  ||

Objective #3 Create our own District Help Desk.
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * A District Help Desk will provide a monitoring system for technical issues to be resolved in a timely manner. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Invite vendors to demonstrate Help Desk products to District personnel. ||  ||
 * Select a Help Desk that allows users to have a seamless and trouble-free connection to resources. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Select a Help Desk, install and train District personnel in its use. ||  ||

Goal #4 The North Rockland Central School District, administration, faculty and staff commit to the ongoing and adequate funding of technology initiatives, including the cyclical replacement of older technologies. Objective #1 While implementing this plan, the North Rockland Central School District will strive to be cost effective and will investigate alternative funding whenever possible.
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Follow the budget item approval process set up by the District and overseen by State and District auditors. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Software, hardware and online instructional materials will be approved through this process ||  ||
 * Sustain a viable budget for keeping current programs and for investigating and procuring future technologies. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Budgets are adequate to cover ongoing technology costs. ||  ||
 * Investigate alternative sources for software purchases. || 7/07- 7/10 || Examine the advantages and disadvantages of Open Source software as an opportunity to save on software purchases. ||  ||

Objective #2 Create partnerships with local colleges/universities, businesses, and people in our community.
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Incorporate an Internship program for college/university students to assist the District while earning credits for school. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Provide opportunities for higher education to assist their students as their students assist our District in their course of study. ||  ||
 * Continue to include links to outside agencies and schools. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Maintain our relationship with BOCES, the Public Library System, local non-public schools and the Rockland Teachers Center. ||  ||

Objective #3 Plan for and deploy a re-fresh cycle for computers.
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Develop a replacement plan for outdated technology - desktops, laptops, projectors, printers, handhelds, cameras, video players-recorders, technology labs, foreign language labs, library equipment, phone system equipment as required to meet District and classroom requirements. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Replacement Cycle Plan is completed and shared with all users. ||  ||
 * Provide computing devices and peripherals, network wiring, wireless networking, network switching and phone system equipment at all newly constructed facilities and at all additions to current District facilities. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Include as an integral part of architectural plans. ||  ||
 * Investigate BOCES procurement rules as a way of funding replacment of older computers. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Finance the replacement of computers via a BOCES IPA (Installment Purchase Agreement.) ||  ||

Goal #5 Provide every student with a computer device and connectivity to enable them to access a full range of educational technology tools and opportunities. Objective #1 Research the possibilities of "One to One" computing.
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Improve the inventory of wireless networks with high-speed wireless connectivity to meet the demands of teaching and learning. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Site survey is done for each area involved, equipment is purchased and is operational. ||  ||

Objective #2 Portable devices such as PDAs, MP3 players, cell phones, GPS devices, and laptops will be evaluated as potential teaching tools.
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Investigate opportunities for connectivity beyond desktop computing that will allow dependable access 24/7. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Develop a project plan for hardware to fit software needs, and access to be reliable. ||  ||

Objective #3 Investigate the potential home access via tools such as Wimax.
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * For reasons of equity, bring internet service into the homes of all students and educators. WiMAX is a way to provide internet access to students from families too poor to afford even a phone line. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Investigate a system to provide free wireless broadband internet service to the homes of staff and students. ||  ||

Goal #6 Provide additional opportunities (learning, professional and administrative) that can be accessed anytime and anywhere. Objective #1 Web-based learning opportunities/applications will be considered, such as: elearning, distance learning, video conferencing, webinars, podcasting, blogging, and Wiki's.
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Future technological innovations will be considered in the realm of potential learning possibilities. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Digital technologies will be infused into the curriculum as they become available and are known to promote student achievement. ||  ||

Objective #2 Web-based professional opportunities/applications will be considered, such as Rubicon Atlas, IEP Direct, MyLearningPlan
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Develop web-based staff development products and programs that support teacher lesson plans, curriculum, and teacher credit summaries. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Teachers can acquire curriculum maps online and access other products from outside of the school building. ||  ||
 * Pursue programs that will allow single user sign-on technology.(SSO) || 7/07 - 7/10 || Vendors will demonstrate SSO solutions that will allow users to authenticate once and have access to all appropriate applications. ||  ||

Objective #3 Web-based administrative opportunities/applications will be considered, such as: eSchoolPlus, Data Warehouse, AESOP, DSR surveillance cameras...
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Execute the District's plan to continue to use and install security cameras at strategic locations in schools. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Site survey is done for each implementation, equipment is in place and is operational. ||  ||
 * Explore the implementation of a ZIS (Zone Integration Server) to assist with SIF Compliance. Pursue Sif-certified, web-based products. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Data will be brokered between applications that support SIF, leading toward data-driven decision making. ||  ||
 * Consider digitizing district records, i.e. student transcripts, payroll records, etc. for ease of access. || 7/07 - 7/08 || Participate in the Rockland BOCES Grant to begin digitizing our paper records ||  ||
 * Collection and analysis of data for the Data Warehouse as well as for teachers and classroom use is integral to District operations. || 7/07 - 7/10 || Data is used at all levels in decision-making. ||  ||

• Create leaders at all levels • Provide online learning for students • Provide remote access for students • Provide broadband to the students’ homes ([|wimax]) • Implement “pedagogy first”, “one to one” initiatives where appropriate • Provide online learning for teachers • Infuse data into classroom decision-making • Implement [|Generation Yes] to provide support to teachers • Converge network applications • Implement software “virtualization” and remote support tools • Commit to use of web based software • Implement Video Conferencing • Develop a plan, policies, and procedures to clean and maintain all data in district systems. • Implement SIF to make updating and maintaining all data systems more automated. • Provide a safe and secure environment. • Facilitate data driven decision making through the use of integrate technology. • Evaluate technology staffing continually to make the most effective and strategic use of these resources. • [|Payschool] - online payment processing system that provides schools with an easy and efficient method to collect fees and receive electronic payments for school lunches, field trips, registration, prom tickets, T-shirts and any other school-related fees. • [|Boarddocs] - BoardDocs has been developed for school boards, local governments, private and public boards to help alleviate the enormous task of assembling, printing, distributing and revising agenda items and policies. • Digitizing School District Records
 * Working Toward Transformative Trends:**

• Establish a plan to integrate data systems so that administrators and educators have the information they need to increase efficiency and improve student earning. • Use data from both administrative and instructional systems to understand relationships between decisions, allocation of resources, and student achievement. • Use assessment results to inform and differentiate instruction for every child. • Data Mining Warehouse
 * Integrate Data Systems:**

Technology should be a tool to help educators meet the educational needs of all children. As such, technologies cannot function as solutions in isolation but must be thought of as key ingredients in making it possible for schools to address core educational challenges. Simply providing access does not ensure that technology will effectively enhance teaching and learning and result in improved achievement. Nor does providing access imply that all teachers and students will make optimal use of the technology. Technology may mean little without appropriate objectives and goals for its use, structures for its application, trained and skillful deliverers, and clearly envisioned plans for evaluating its effectiveness. Evaluation should not be limited only to outcomes and effects, but should also be related to the process of implementing the program, its rationale, and the quality of its goals and objectives. Evaluation, then, can be formative, summative and include short-term, long-term, qualitative, quantitative, conventional, and innovative elements. It can include a range of procedures—performance assessments, standardized tests, observations, writing samples, and other indicators of the impact of technology on achievement. Teachers can also participate in surveys and focus groups with students (and parents) about technology use in the classroom. The District Technology Committee will annually review the technology plan and purchases for that year. The Committee will have the opportunity to make necessary revisions and suggestions to areas of the plan that need to be addressed. Evaluation should be based on a data-driven process. The technology plan, which we have stated is a living, workable document, should be appraised each year in the following areas:
 * Evaluation Process**

With the constant and rapid change in technology, knowledge of the District's vision statement can be evaluated in light of changing technologies and student needs.
 * Vision**

On an annual basis, the District Technology Committee will decide whether District goals and objectives have been met and if there is the need for new or modified action plans. Needs Assessment As teachers and administrators update their training and abilities, new additions to the district technology plan can offer new insights and observations to classroom needs and improvement.
 * Goals and Objectives**

As new staff enters the District and existing staff seek new solutions and challenges, the District Technology Committee will need to examine other training options for teachers and administration. (1. Perhaps conduct a self-evaluation among staff members. Each year thereafter, repeat the survey to track progress in upgrading skills, 2. Maintain rosters of staff taking courses/classes related to technology, 3. Track requests for technical services by category --installation, troubleshooting, etc. -- and by turn-around time for completion of the request.)
 * Professional Development**

Curriculum integration needs to be appraised on an annual basis as course offerings change and student competencies increase. (Perhaps prepare a survey of staff/student use of technology in instruction and productivity.)
 * Curriculum Integration**

Student performance can be evaluated as test scores are evaluated. We will search for a tool to provide us with the ability to accurately evaluate student performance.
 * Student Performance**

Changes and upgrades to infrastructure will be examined on the basis of changing technology as well as changing needs. A comparison will be made to current industry standards as well as user satisfaction regarding speed, ease of use, number of technical requests regarding infrastructure components, etc.
 * Connectivity and Infrastructure**

On an annual basis, school inventories will be updated. The annual inventory will assist in replacement cycles and changes in hardware and software requirements by staff. A broad definition of all technologies including cable TV, videoconferencing, robotics, TV Studio, projectors, etc. will be included and evaluated.
 * Inventory**

Surveys Focus Group Interviews Classroom Observations Artifact Analysis
 * Tools that may be useful for technology evaluation data collection:**