Tech+Plan+Draft

DRAFT

2010-2013 **
 * 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, virtual,wireless and cellular technologies that have the potential to lower support costs and to reallocate those funds to increase access to computers and laptops and newer mobile technologies. 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 access to technology tools and digital content at every school. This plan and the goals are subject to the District's annual budget. We have been facing budget challenges; however we have been able to use Contract for Excellence funds. 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 Haverstraw-Stony Point Central School District is a kindergarten to grade twelve district with an enrollment of approximately 8,000 students. The district includes ten school buildings:
 * School District Overview **

North Rockland High School Fieldstone Secondary School Farley Middle School Haverstraw Middle School Willow Grove Middle School Gerald Neary Elementary School North Garnerville Elementary School Stony Point Elementary School Thiells Elementary School West Haverstraw Elementary School

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 **


 * Vision**

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.


 * Grant Opportunities

Federal Grant** NRCSD secured a federal grant and will be providing eighty 10 yr olds cell phones to be used as 1:1 devices. No voice or texting, just using the cell phones as computers.Verizon has donated the CPCs (cell phone computers) and the grant is paying for the data plans. The building we are putting these mobile learning devices in is Haverstraw Middle School. There are three Middle Schools in the district, Haverstraw is the oldest, having been built in the 1930's. It is a beautiful building, however, it has not had an electrical upgrade so this school has not been able to acquire and use the latest technologies. We will be able to add 80 computers to this building without placing a burden on the electrical infrastructure, connecting via cellular to a filtered VPN. Students will use the devices in school and eventually, at home or in the park, in the car or at the mall. Having a mobile, personal learning device at hand at all times is the way of the future. Learning does not require students to be tethered to buildings.

The New York State Education Department has named Southern Westchester BOCES and the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center the recipients of a competitive educational grant, The Enhancing Education Through Technology award, which will be used to raise student performance in math and English Language Arts, and eliminate achievement gaps among middle school students in our middle schools and one secondary school. The initiative will help our district wade through the multitude of test results and other data that come out of state, district and classroom assessments, and it builds upon an initial grant that BOCES received two years ago to improve the academic performance of middle school students by using technology and formative assessment tools intended to enhance both teaching and learning.
 * EETT Grant**

** Current Technologies ** Projectors 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 SmartBoards Laptop carts RTC - teacher certification - technology Data Warehouse Scanners for testing ease (Prosper) Implemented Spam Filter Video Streaming Videoconferencing Libraries electronic research, connect to County Library System Video Surveillance Cameras - NRHS, FSS, FMS, SPES Partnerships w/ RTC, BOCES District-wide Voicemail Phone in every classroom Fiber to buildings Specialized software Connect-ED - School Notification System Rosetta Stone Replace electronics in buildings - switches/routers/racks School Board Agendas and information put on the district web page. Anti-Spam Software CAD software Xerox ‘area’ printing Administrator Technology sessions Technology Committee Guest Speaker Series Document Cameras iPod Pilot Cell Phone Computer Pilot Kindle Pilot Senteos Skype Flip Cameras Certify Software Naviance for Guidance Offices DMV program for new High School Drivers Higher-level Projection and TV for Middle School and High School Auditoriums Consolidation of district servers due to enhanced fiber project Podcasting studio Web based Web 2.0 integration eChalk Lesson Planning Tool Rockland County Moodle Ensemble video storage

Inventory & Infrastructure ** Inventory - PCs and Laptops
 * || Gx780 || Gx760 || Gx755 || Gx745 || Gx620 || Gx520 || Gx280 || Gx270 || Gx260 || D4600 || Laptops ||
 * Totals || 1 || 364 || 151 || 365 || 218 || 26 || 276 || 449 || 205 || 60 || 646 ||

Inventory - Macs
 * || eMac || PwrMacG3 || iMac || PwrMacG4 || PwrMacG5 || Powerbook || ibookG4 || ipods ||
 * Totals || 6 || 9 || 30 || 4 || 6 || 1 || 15 || 60 ||

A firewall solution exists through Southern Westchester BOCES that permits filtering, antivirus, white listing and blacklisting of sites, and some web applications. We did meet our goal in the last Technology Plan to build our own fiber network. As a result, plenty of additional bandwidth has been provided for future opportunities for improved and expanded services that support the learning and productivity environments. All desktops now have 100mb speeds and all servers and major switches to operate on a gigabit backbone. The fiber network allows 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 NRHS, FSS, FMS, SPES, GNES and Tomkins Cove Warehouse. Future surveillance cameraswill be I.P. cameras that will connect to our network via a server. 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 **
 * Data**

The North Rockland School District, approximately six years ago, set up our own Star Topology Network of Fujitsu PBX Phone Systems, thus enabling the following features: • 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 has upgraded 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 upgraded fiber optic backbone includes all district school buildings, providing us a one gigabit Ethernet Link. This enables new VOIP technology, video conferencing, fast internet/data transfer speeds, and superb reliability.

We are looking at upgrading our voicemail system which is now nine years old and is backed up via floppy diskettes.

In order to achieve the objectives of 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
 * Strategies of Implementation**

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 secondary classroom and at least three computers in elementary classrooms with Internet access to be used as an integrated instructional tool. In addition, the District will maintain labs for special projects and training. Students may not have to be marked 'absent.' ||  || touchscreen devices, ipods, cell phones, and netbooks. Examine the use of 'augmented reality' in education. ||  || 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. student coursework and teacher professional development. || 7/10-7/13 || Students and teachers have access to files, assessments and coursework anytime, anywhere. ||  || job market. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Courses provided students should meet the current market demand. || || learning opportunities 24/7. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Courses developed or purchased for students to complete credits outside of the school day. || ||
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Investigate 'hybrid' classes (online, cellular) that do not have to always meet in a building. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Secondary level students may be able to work online or via cellular for portions of some coursework.
 * Support Libraries to acquire devices for the ubiquitous accessing and sharing information. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Expand to using new devices including ebook readers, Kindles, Nooks,tablets,
 * Provide online access to curriculum and resources. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Documents posted online for teacher access throughout the school year. || ||
 * Continue to research, upgrade and expand access to digital resources in our libraries. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Funding sources are allocated for instructional materials and technological resources
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Investigate using a CMS (Course Management System) Moodle or Blackboard for
 * Continue to coordinate technology applications to meet the needs of a high tech
 * Develop a variety of distance learning courses for students to continue their

Goal #2 Dedication towards ongoing professional development. Objective #1 Ensure that every teacher has the opportunity to take online learning courses. network. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Use Social Networking tools for professional development opportunities. ||  || huge success in providing technology training and information sessions for all staff. ||  || software, data, cyberware, learning standards and skills....22nd century skills. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Provide RSS training to all staff to provide access to current information in all fields. ||  || anywhere. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Provide sessions on Staff Development Days. || || opportunities. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Maintain a presence on the NRCSD Web Page the Rockland Teachers' Center Web Page || || Objective #2 Provide specialists to engage educators. technologies. || 7/10 -7/13 || Maintain district positions to provide technology training to all staff. ||  || Specialists and mentor groups. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Provide courses for educators that meet the technology needs of the current market demand. || || opportunities 24/7. || 7/10 - 7/13 || 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. the use of Creative Commons sites. ||  || collaborate using a variety tools to display explanations and multiple representations of educational concepts. ||  || staff (T.A.s, students) || 7/10 - 7/13 || Teaching assistants and students can assist in implementing technology into instructional settings. || ||
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Support learning about using Social Networking as part of the district's learning
 * Examine the possibility of a full day of new technology training and vendors. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Persuade the District Professional Development Committee that the 2008 Tech Expo was a
 * Encourage all stakeholders to be informed of recent technologies, hardware,
 * Continue to establish and maintain professional learning communities anytime,
 * Publicize via our Rockland Teachers' Center any/all online training and growth
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Support 'teacher on special assignment' model for the facilitation of instructional
 * Support formal and informal technology training with Instructional Technology
 * Develop a variety of distance learning courses for students to continue their learning
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * All stakeholders understand copyright and fair use laws. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Provide training on staff development days or at ALF to understand the law and to encourage
 * Students and teachers create their own content for learning. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Select appropriate instructional materials and resources that allow all learners to engage and
 * Model technology implementation in all staff development sessions. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Teachers will use technology on a daily basis in their classrooms. || ||
 * Expand levels of technology implementation training to include all instructional

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. storing multimedia files at the RIC, not on district servers. ||  || floppy diskettes for backup. ||  || increasing the amount of bandwidth when it deems necessary to maintain adequate data flow/voice consistency. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Monitor District infrastructure to ensure network stability regarding the fiber running to every building used for data and phones. || || for access. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Compare current network and equipment costs with cellular and mobile learning device costs. ||  || students, and parents adequate and reliable communications capabilities. || 7/10 - 7/13 || District Phone and Data Engineers to perform routine aggregation of systems data to determine sufficient telecommunications system. || || Objective #2 Integrate applications such as Remote Support, and VMWare to provide technical service. virtualization options. ||  || services. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Include contractual maintenance solutions. || || issues to defray the expense of adding personnel. (austerity) || 7/10 - 7/13 || Install and upgrade District computers to include applications that provide technical service for end-users. || || Objective #3 Monitor our District Help Desk. resolved in a timely manner. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Each technician is using the Help Desk on a daily basis. || || connection to resources. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Computer Lab TAs are trained in its use. || ||
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * The IS Department and NRCSD should be as 'green' as possible. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Encourage the district to be as paperless as is possible. ||  ||
 * Investigate 'cloud' computing for storing files off-site. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Examine Google Apps for possible file storage and sharing. Use Ensemble for
 * Upgrade and update the district telephone system as necessary. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Provide new voicemail component to replace the old system that requires
 * Analyze bandwidth use and ensure it is being used effectively and efficiently,
 * As the bandwidth pipes increasing clog with data, we will look toward celluar
 * Analyze phone bills (POTS, long distance and cell service) to provide staff,
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Consolidate district file servers and investigate virtualization opportunities. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Work with Dell to set up a file server consolidation plan; BOCES will assist with
 * Maintain our District basic maintenance agreements with BOCES for technical
 * Include the use of application software to enhance technical support
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * The District Help Desk provides a monitoring system for technical issues to be
 * Help Desk that allows users(T.A.s) to have a seamless and trouble-free

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. able to maintain equipment and supplies that are received by the district. || 7/10 -7/13 || Provide training for employees to manage an inventory system at the warehouse or other designated building. ||  || information so that erate reimbursements continue. ||  || by State and District auditors. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Software, hardware and online instructional materials will be approved through this process || || and procuring future technologies. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Budgets are adequate to cover ongoing technology costs. || || as an opportunity to save on software purchases. || || Objective #2 Create partnerships with local colleges/universities, businesses, and people in our community. Objective #3 Plan for and deploy a re-fresh cycle for computers. benefit veterans and homeless training programs. ||  || 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. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Replacement Cycle Plan is completed and shared with all users. || || network switching and phone system equipment at all newly constructed facilities and at all additions to current district facilities. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Include as an integral part of architectural plans. || ||
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Support a clearly defined inventory system and building with personnel
 * Propose district telecommunications purchases to include erate funding. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Provide USAC all forms and information including free/reduced lunch
 * Follow the budget item approval process set up by the District and overseen
 * Sustain a viable budget for keeping current programs and for investigating
 * Investigate alternative sources for software purchases. || 7/07- 7/10 || Examine the advantages and disadvantages of Open Source software
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Investigate 'Virtual Schools' as an option for student coursework. || 7/10 - 7/13 || NRCSD students would benefit in taking at least one online course before graduating. Virtual schools provide a variety of online courses for access anywhere, anytime. ||  ||
 * Incorporate an Internship program for college/university students to assist the District while earning credits for school. || 7/10 - 7/13 || 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. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Maintain our relationship with BOCES, the Public Library System, local non-public schools and the Rockland Teachers Center. || ||
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * The IS Department should be as 'green' as possible. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Donate old equipment we can no longer use to non-profit organizations to
 * Develop a replacement plan for outdated technology - desktops, laptops,
 * Provide computing devices and peripherals, network wiring, wireless networking,

older computers. || 7/10 - 7/13 || 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. connectivity to meet the demands of teaching and learning. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Site survey is done for each area involved, equipment is purchased and is operational. || || Objective #2 Mobile, portable devices such as PDAs, MP3 players, cell phones, ipods, GPS devices, and laptops will be evaluated as potential teaching tools. devices. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Examine budgetary options to transfer funds from texbook purchases to electronic device purchases. ||  || (virtual private network) for internet access. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Set up VPN through BOCES so that cellular devices can connect at school or from home. ||  || will allow dependable access 24/7. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Develop a project plan for hardware (ipods and cell pones) to fit software needs, and access to be reliable. || || Objective #3 Investigate the potential home access via tools such as Wimax. WIMAX is a way to provide internet access to students from families too poor to afford even a phone line. || 7/10 - 7/13 || 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 and cellular- based learning opportunities/applications will be considered, such as: mobile learning, elearning, distance learning, video conferencing, webinars, podcasting, blogging, Wiki's, etc.
 * Investigate BOCES procurement rules as a way of funding replacment of
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Investigate cellular networks for mobile learning using cell phones as computers or netbooks on the cell network. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Cellular networks provide the ultimate in ubiquitous access to anywhere, anytime learning. Monitor and document the cell phone computer pilot at HMS. (provided via the 2009-2010 Federal Grant) ||  ||
 * Improve the inventory of wireless networks with high-speed wireless
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Support using textbook funds to purchase portable, mobile, personal learning
 * Provide options for mobile learning devices to connect to a cellular VPN
 * Investigate opportunities for connectivity beyond desktop computing that
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Provide parent access to varying school information data. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Set up a parent portal in eSchoolPlus (our student management system) so that parents/guardians can access attendance/marke reporting information. ||  ||
 * For reasons of equity, bring internet service into the homes of all students.
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Ubiquitous access is the future for learners. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Mobile, portable, personal learning devices will allow learning to take place anytime, anywhere. ||  ||
 * Future technological innovations will be considered in the realm of potential learning possibilities. || 7/10 - 7/13 || 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 from home as regular practice or for students who are ill or homebound for various reasons. || 7/10- 7/13 || Use the eChalk lesson planning tool so that coursework is online. ||  || teacher lesson plans, curriculum, and teacher credit summaries. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Teachers can acquire curriculum maps online and access other products from outside of the school building. || || Objective #3 Web-based administrative opportunities/applications will be considered, such as: eSchoolPlus, Data Warehouse, AESOP, DSR surveillance cameras... transactions and for building safety. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Investigate card slides and readers to open doors, take attendance, make payments, etc. ||  || for a position to crunch those numbers in meaningful ways to provide accurate information for the formulation of district goals and objectives. ||  || decisions are accurate. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Use Certify software to 'shrink the problem' of maintaining data in eSchoolPlus. ||  || SIF Compliance. Pursue Sif-certified, web-based products. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Data will be brokered between applications that support SIF, leading toward data-driven decision making. || || for ease of access. || 7/07 - 7/08 || Participate with Rockland BOCES to begin digitizing our paper records. Maximize our use of Wincap once the initial implementation is complete. || ||
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * On-line lesson plans provide student/parent/teacher access
 * Develop web-based staff development products and programs that support
 * Pursue programs that will allow single user sign-on technology.(SSO) || 7/10 - 7/13 || Vendors will demonstrate SSO solutions that will allow users to authenticate once and have access to all appropriate applications. || ||
 * Action Items || Time Line || Evaluation || Status ||
 * Implement the use of ID Cards (students and staff) for secure district financial
 * Pursue email archiving to be compliant with records retention schedules. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Continue to work with legal to set appropriate archival schedule with eChalk and BOCES. ||  ||
 * Investigate a district (CIO) data position to analyze data. || 7/10-7/13 || Consider CIO certification program at Pace University. Data is more than numbers. The need is
 * Verify and clean the data in eSchoolPlus (SIS) so that district reporting and
 * Execute the District's plan to continue to use and install security cameras at strategic locations in schools. || 7/10 - 7/13 || 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
 * Consider digitizing district records, i.e. student transcripts, payroll records, etc.
 * Collection and analysis of data for the Data Warehouse as well as for teachers and classroom use is integral to district operations. || 7/10 - 7/13 || Data is used at all levels in decision-making. Purchase Certify Software to assist in data integrity in our SIS and IEP Direct. || ||

Professional development is vital for the implementation of technology and its uses. Ongoing professional development that provides staff support is essential so that teachers are able to use technology appropriately to promote learning for all students in the classroom. Professional development is a process that should link with student achievement. The District will provide the staff with a variety of ways to not only enhance their knowledge but to help them empower their students through the use of technology. Teachers will be provided with before and after school coaching in small groups with the different technology tools they currently have in their classrooms and new technology that will be acquired. This training will be done by staff members who have a great deal of expertise in this area. This will allow teachers to become proficient in the use of the SMART Board and gain a better understanding of how to instruct their students to become better learners. We currently have two instructional facilitators who, along with our own Rockland Teachers’ Center, BOCES personnel, our membership in the BOCES Models Schools Program and in the BOCES Technology Leadership Institute, our Rockland BOCES membership, as well as consultants from outside the District will provide professional development for teachers in the areas of technology that will enable their students to be prepared for 21st century learning. Topics will include, but are not limited to, wikis, blogs, moodle, digital storytelling, Google Apps, mobile technologies and web 2.0 tools.
 * Professional Development Strategies **

1. The District will continue to offer after school professional development computer workshops relating to current instructional, curricular and administrative computer applications. Such professional development will be aimed at enhancing the use of computer technology to enrich and support instructional programs for students and increasing administrative efficiency.

2. The District will continue to provide professional development to develop staff members’ proficiency with the use of technology that supports new curricular/instructional initiatives.

3. The District’s computer labs will continue to be utilized to introduce new computer skills and curricular applications. The District’s instructional facilitator teachers will continue to teach new skills and applications to students while simultaneously conducting demonstration lessons and modeling technologies for staff members. The use of LCD projectors, SMART Boards, Web 2.0 tools, and other interactive technology will be the focus of this professional development model.

4. Professional development, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of Internet safety instruction in all grades, will be provided for all teaching staff members and appropriate administrative and support staff members.

5. Professional development will increase teachers’ knowledge of the following technologies and how to integrate them into the curriculum: podcasting, digital story telling, web2.0 tools, wikis, and blogging.

6. The District will increase its professional development offerings relating to distance learning and develop programs that enhance grade level curricula. Such professional development will be aimed at increasing the use of distance learning to enrich and support instructional programs for students.

7. A variety of professional development models (i.e., administrative, grade level and faculty meetings, demonstrations, and discussions; after school professional development; participation in out-of-district conferences; etc.) will be used to increase staff members’ understanding of the features and use of the eSchoolPlus student database, Certify Software and the LHRIC BOCES Data Warehouse offerings. Such professional development will be aimed at increasing the use of data to drive instruction.

8. The District’s library media specialists will continue to participate in regional professional development to assist students and teachers.

9. The District’s computer lab teaching assistants will continue to participate in professional development activities. 10. The District’s Network Administrator and technicians will continue to participate in professional associations and will be provided with increased opportunities to attend noteworthy regional conferences.

11. For long-term planning purposes, the District will continue to increase its subscriptions to professional literature and journals relating to technology education, and review model technology plans obtained from other school districts.

12. The District’s Network Administrator and Director of Information Systems will maintain up-to-date knowledge regarding the status of regional initiatives in the area of fiber, wireless or broadband expansion. They will attend related regional meetings and offer recommendations to the Superintendent of Schools regarding possible expansion of newer technologies in the Haverstraw-Stony Point Central School District. 1. The District’s previous Technology Plan provided for the purchase of classroom hardware for presentation purposes. The Contract for Excellence has allowed for the installation of LCD projectors and Smartboards throughout the district. This equipment has been effective in enhancing student engagement in learning.
 * Needs Assessments **
 * Hardware, 2010-2013 **

2. Many teachers have been trained in the use of the smartboard technology. Teachers will require training in the use of Senteos and Document Cameras used in conjunction with the smartboards.

3. Many more teachers require training as the district expands the installation of smartboards. Administrators also require training in evaluating the use of this costly technology.

4. District-wide, computers are required to be replaced. It is cost-efficient to replace older computers. Older computers require more electricity, are out of warranty and are therefore more expensive to maintain, and frequently require upgrades or they simply breakdown at critical times.

5. Server replacement continues to be ongoing with the goal of increasing capacity and speed for document processing and storage, Internet utilization, and e-mail. We are looking into virtualization and server consolidation.

6. Printer replacement is also ongoing and printer replacement will continue. Ink cartridges continue to be a huge expense, so our Xerox ‘area’ printing project will allow some savings with unlimited printing.

7. Video conferencing equipment will become more important as we continue to seek distance learning and collaborative projects for students. Skype and Adobe Connect are desktop products they we will investigate.

8. The replacement of digital cameras and the addition of flip video cameras will take place during the 2010 school year, if necessary.

9. The District’s Special Services Department will require the latest innovations to assist our challenged students.

10. The District will investigate newer hardware technologies and purchase as needed.

1. The District will continue to pursue Web 2.0 web-based software and Open Source software.
 * Software, 2010-2013: **

2. Wincap (implemented July, 2009) will require further training for administrative staff.

3. An assessment of the software currently used will take place. Additional software and licenses will be purchased during the 2010-2013 school years. We are looking at developing a checklist to make sure that the district software purchases meet the standards expected for students.

4. The District will investigate newer software technologies and purchase as needed.

• 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 Investigate Fax Servers to save on POTS lines and paper for transmission. Implement a new Voicemail System. Pursue virtual schools as options for students.
 * Working Toward Transformative Trends: **


 * Integrate Data Systems:**

• 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

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 smartboards, 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:**