Necessary Components for the LEA Technology Plans

Davidson County Schools Strategic Technology Plan 1

Necessary Components for the LEA Technology Plans North Carolina G. S. § Article 8, Part 3A 115c-102.6A-C(16).

In order for local education agencies to meet requirements as set forth in North Carolina General Statute § Article 8, Part 3A 115c-102.6C-A, each section of the plan must include at least one strategy or objective that addresses the following: High Student Performance

1. Mathematics/reading scores improvement 2. Classroom use of student resources 3. IMPACT model implementation 4. Computer Skills Test score improvement 5. Computer Skills Curriculum implementation 6. Information Skills Curriculum implementation 7. Technology integration across the curriculum 8. Student distance learning opportunities 9. Assistive technology availability

Healthy Students in Safe, Orderly and Caring Schools

1. School campus security (video, alarms, metal detectors, etc.) 2. School bus security (video, radios, cell phones, etc.) 3. Student and Staff ID systems 4. Student Information/Tracking Systems (SIMS/NCWISE, nutrition, etc.) 5. Internet and email filtering 6. Classroom telephone systems and other communications devices 7. Website use (district, school and classroom)

Quality Teachers Administrators and Staff

1. Teacher/staff skills assessment 2. Diverse training resources (local and online including DPI resources) 3. Follow-up support 4. Local certification and professional development requirements 5. Ethical and professional standards 6. Evaluation of training

Strong Family, Community and Business Support

1. Email access (staff, students) 2. Public relations (use of local Broadcast Media) 3. School and teacher websites 4. Learning Centers 5. Partnerships 6. Teacher/staff and student Internet and file access


Effective and Efficient Operations

1. Policy 2. Budget 3. Personnel 4. Security 5. Administrative Applications 6. Hardware 7. Infrastructure-School Local Area Networks and District Wide Area Networks


Public Schools of North Carolina North Carolina Instructional Technology Plan State Board of Education Department of Public Instruction Howard Lee, Chairman Patricia Willoughby, State Superintendent

REQUIRED SUBSTANTIVE COMPONENTS OF THE

LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY PLAN The local school board has actively involved key stakeholders in the development of a district-wide four-year technology plan that includes the following key components: • a vision statement consistent with the North Carolina Instructional Technology Plan

that reflects the unique qualities and strategic priorities of your local school system;

• the identification of the current situation, goals, objectives and evaluation of the core instructional and administrative components of a technology program that address the five strategic priorities of the ABCs plan for education:

High student performance

Quality teachers, administrators and staff,

Healthy students in safe, orderly and caring schools

Strong family, community and business support, and

Effective and efficient operations;

• a staff development and training component that reflects a budget of 20 to 30 % of the total cost of the technology program; and

• an infrastructure/connectivity component that meets North Carolina Information Technology Services standards to assure compatibility, connectivity, and cost-effectiveness.

LEA Name: LEA Number: Signature: Superintendent Local Board Chair Person of Contact: Telephone number: Instructional Technology Division Technology Planning and Support NCDPI


Technology Committee Members

All committee members have been involved in the development of this plan and support its implementation.

Name Title or Group Represented Signature Date Christine Hunt Director, Media Services & Instructional Technology

Dr. Fred Mock Superintendent

Dr. Sandi Lee Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Tony Peele Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources and Adm.

James Kiger Assistant Superintendent, Auxiliary Services

Ron Kepley Assistant Superintendent, Budget and Resource Management

Sue Whitman Director, Administrative Technology

Aaron Barr Instructional Technology Specialist

Carol Carter Director, Child Nutrition

Gary Edge Director, Accountability/Testing

Loretta Fulbright Director, Human Resources

Jeanne Haney Director, Middle School Education, 504 Coordinator

Ruth Hartsook Instructional Technology Specialist/District Webmaster

Vickie Jolly Director, Exceptional Children

Marley Knapp Instructional Technology Specialist

Kevin Lipe Instructional Technology Specialist

Sarah Murphy Media Coordinator, Brown Middle School

James Palmer Director, Maintenance

Meredith Palmer Director, School/Community Relations & Public Info.

Sonja Parks Director, Elementary Education & Title I

Jay Temple Director, Transportation

Ben Terrell Director, Research/Student Services

Marty Tobey Director, Career & Technical Education

Jerry Williamson Instructional Technology Specialist

Meredith Bame Administrative Assistant, Media and Instructional Tech.

Crystal Clodfelter Principal, Central Middle School

Tina Heitman Assistant Principal, Pilot Elementary School

Scott Ring Teacher, Ledford High School

Jonathan Sowers Network Specialist

Biff Ranson WAN Engineer


VISION The Davidson County School System holds the vision that all students will be responsible, competent citizens who will contribute successfully to a challenging and changing world. North Carolina has developed a state educational technology plan to enhance teaching and learning within all its schools. This plan has been designed to reflect North Carolina’s Strategic Plan for Excellent Schools, The ABCs Plus. Davidson County Schools will support and enhance the North Carolina State Board of Education’s strategic priorities of high student achievement; safe and orderly schools; quality teachers, administrators and staff; strong family, community and business support; and effective and efficient operations. High Student Performance Davidson County Schools will use technology as a tool to improve student achievement. Technology can enhance reading, writing, mathematics and the sciences. It does not replace these basics. However, technology has the potential to enhance the ability of students to develop these essential skills and apply them in today’s digital age. Students must be able to work collaboratively in applying problem-solving and critical thinking skills together with basic skill competencies through online communication, analyzing and processing of data, and designing and producing products. Healthy Students in Safe, Orderly, and Caring Schools The advent of technology into site planning and building design has increased the potential for creating a safe environment for teaching and learning. A technology infrastructure that includes integrated security and protection systems, such as telephones in every classroom, warning devices, and monitoring cameras, protects individuals and the facility. Network infrastructure design and management, including security and virus protection, enable educators to ensure safe, curriculum-centered technology use school-wide. The real benefit of technology in a safe and orderly educational environment, however, is in the resources it brings into the classroom and school library media center. Because technology opens doors to the world, while simultaneously focusing students on the task at hand, student interest and motivation are heightened and discipline problems decrease. When students are motivated and successful, they tend to work harder and longer, raising the possibility of higher student achievement. This success fosters a culture in which learning is the expectation and ultimate goal. Quality Teachers, Administrators, and Staff Because technology increases productivity, brings worldwide experience and expertise into the classroom, and stimulates interest in learning, it is the ultimate tool in the professional educator’s repertoire. Davidson County Schools needs teachers who are proficient and knowledgeable about contemporary technology. The teachers’ fluency


with technology is translated into unique learning opportunities for students. Use will be made of online staff development for “anywhere, anytime” training. Access to the Internet offers endless opportunities for professional development and educational research, as well as access to up-to-date curriculum resources. With statewide resources such as NC WISE, HRMS, BUD, NC WiseOwl, Kaleidoscope, e-Bistro, and N.C. Classes Online, teachers, administrators, and staff have desktop access to a variety of information resources. Various models of staff development will need to be developed to challenge an ever-changing set of needs for our teachers. Administrators will become effective instructional technology leaders. It offers a variety of tools that help decrease the time spent on paperwork, thus increasing time available to spend with students. This information allows educators to track individual progress and mastery of skills (and the conditions that might affect that progress); develop strategies, skills, and policies that assist in that mastery; and, ultimately, create a quality, data-driven environment that affects high student achievement. Technology promotes professional growth by providing a variety of opportunities for professional development. Telecommunications overcomes time and distance barriers that limit the resources for teachers and staff, particularly, in remote locations. Distance learning, online classes, and streaming video offer avenues for learning new instructional theories and developing new teaching strategies and essential skills. Through electronic collaboration with institutions of higher education, community colleges, and other public schools, local school systems are able to maximize professional development programs. E-Bistro, NCwin's online courses, and the NCDPI Star Schools distance learning series are three statewide initiatives that extend and expand professional development opportunities beyond the school. Strong Family, Community, and Business Support Technology is the fundamental vehicle for communication with the community and the family. E-mail, telephones in every classroom, community-access television, and school resources electronically available throughout the community allow and encourage adult participation in a child's education. Community Technology Learning Centers provide facilities where parents, teachers, students, and the community can learn new skills and share resources. The highest level of student achievement occurs when families, schools, and community organizations work together. (Dede, 1998) Parents can increase involvement as time constraints dissolve and education-related interactions occur in the comfortable, familiar context of home. With technology, the school and its values of learning and achievement can enter every home, thus enhancing and extending teaching and learning to every individual regardless of age or socioeconomic status. Eventually, this pervasiveness creates the culture that enables North Carolina's schools to become First in America by 2010.


Effective and Efficient Operation Schools realize the benefits of a technology-rich environment through state-driven economies of scale and individual outcomes of increased productivity and more efficient time management. Online student management systems and application software allow teachers to focus more on teaching and less on clerical tasks. Online administrative and clerical resources such as North Carolina Window on Student Education (NC WISE), Transportation Information Management System (TIMS), Human Resource Management System (HRMS), Budget Utilization and Development (BUD), and CECAS have streamlined the reporting and information management process. Through statewide resources such as NC WISE and NC WiseOwl, every educator in North Carolina has the opportunity to access a broad range of essential information and resources that affect teaching and learning. Telecommunications has increased the availability of lifelong learning opportunities through e-learning, including streaming video, online and satellite-delivered courses, and reference and curriculum Web resources. Distance learning, brought into the classroom via the Internet, satellite video, fiber optics, or even cable, also allows students to complete college courses, get Advanced Placement credits, take classes when no certified teacher is available locally, or even complete a high school diploma at home. As validated by the National Association of State Boards of Education Any Time, Any Place, Any Path, Any Pace: Taking the Lead on e-Learning Policy (2001), “E-learning will improve American education in valuable ways and should be universally implemented as soon as possible.”

High Student Performance: Current Situation Narrative

Use of technology to support student achievement Technology alone can’t improve teaching and learning. It must be grounded firmly in curriculum goals and sound instructional practices. Davidson County Schools uses project-based learning infused with technology as one method of supporting student achievement. In PBL, students work to explore real-world problems and then share what they have learned. A growing body of academic research supports the use of project-based learning in schools as a way to engage students and improve test scores. For many children, solving hands-on, real-world problems is a great motivator. PBL makes learning relevant and useful to students by establishing connections to life outside the classroom, addressing real world concerns, and developing real world skills. Some of the skills learned through PBL include the ability to work well with others, make thoughtful decisions, take initiative, and solve complex problems. This is enhanced when technology is used in a meaningful way in the projects. Internet search engines, NCWiseOwl, CD-ROMS, and online databases are key to the research aspect of PBL. Students use multimedia packages (i.e. eZedia, KidPix Deluxe 4, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, iMovie, iDVD) in addition to word processing/desktop publishing software (i.e. Microsoft Word, AppleWorks) and hardware (i.e. digital cameras, digital camcorders, scanners) to assist them in the creation and presentation of their final product/project. Teachers use websites such as Teachnology and Rubistar to develop rubrics that are used for the evaluation of the projects. A variety of technology hardware and software solutions are capable of impacting academic achievement. ActivBoards and Smartboards, in addition to document cameras, are used for creating and presenting interactive lessons. TI-Navigator calculator systems are used in one high school math class. Science teachers use probes and microscopes to enhance lessons. Spreadsheets are used in teaching graphing skills. Media retrieval systems are available in three schools and Discovery’s United Streaming is available in two schools allowing for on-demand access to video clips that enhance the curriculum. Software packages such as Inspiration and Kidspiration are used to augment the writing process. Math teachers use presentations provided by the textbook company for introducing and remediating math concepts so as to provide the students with an additional avenue for understanding. Technology plays a vital role in Career and Technical Education. During the 2004-2005 school year, CTE implemented the Synergistic Systems lab at North Davidson Middle School. The lab is used to fully integrate academic, technical and technological skills while allowing the students to work in teams. Each team will interact with a computer each day as they receive the necessary instruction, engaging activities and guidance as they complete a given task. All modules have a computer that interacts with a piece of equipment. For example, a student will use the computer to program coordinates to instruct a robot to perform certain tasks.


Students served in the exceptional students programs at middle and high schools have available for their use 5 computers with Kurzweil software which allows materials, texts, books, etc. to be scanned and then read to the student. This program can also be used to assist students who have difficulty in writing. Some EC students must rely on technology as a means of communication. Laptops with various software programs such as “Write Out Loud” and “E-Z Keys” are provided as tools for these students to express themselves. Several of our elementary schools have sent teachers to Dibels training. Dibels is a program that provides systematic probes in reading. All EC teachers have at least one computer in their classroom for student use. Some of the older computers have been used to establish small computer labs for EC students. Excellence in technology does not go unrecognized in Davidson County Schools. Davidson County Students were featured in two issues of “Learning and Leading with Technology” Magazine (see appendix). Project-Based Web Authoring students (Spring 2002) received first place in the upper grades level Multimedia Mania 2002 Competition with their “Roman Architecture” web site. (http://techcenter.davidson.k12.nc.us/spring025/contents/indexl.html). Fourth grade students from Friedberg Elementary represented the district in the 2003 Multimedia Mania competition. These students received first place in the elementary division for their “Fashion Across the Decades” project. (http://www.davidson.k12.nc.us/friedberg/fashion/fashion.htm) Key technology programs The Enhancing Education through Technology (EETT) grant has allowed Davidson County Schools to expand project-based learning as an initiative. The 2004-2005 school year marked the third year of the grant. In year one and year two of the grant, selected middle and high school teachers were trained on the tenets of project-based learning with technology. In year three, the program was expanded to include elementary teachers. Participants also received various forms of technology including laptop computers, digital cameras, digital video cameras, projectors, and software packages. Staff development that focuses on the integration of technology into the core curriculum is fundamental. Instructional Technology Specialists offer training at every school site, not only on use of hardware and software, but also on the infusion of technology into the core curriculum. The district Technology Center is the site of evening and summer workshops that allow teachers and assistants further opportunity to expand their technology experiences. Project-based learning through technology has had a major impact on our schools. Moving from a teacher-centered to a student-centered environment and propelling students into higher order thinking through the use of technology has been a system-wide initiative. Davidson County Schools was highlighted in Leading and Learning with


Technology magazine in a pair of articles that focused on the district-wide implementation of project-based learning (see appendix). AP Computer Science is offered to students across the district at the Technology Center. The best and the brightest from all schools participate in this enormously successful program. In 2002-2003, 77% of students had passing scores on the AP exam. In 2003-2004, we were pleased that 100% of students passed. The web site for this program is http://techcenter.davidson.k12.nc.us. Silver Valley Elementary received special recognition in 2004 as one of only seven schools in North Carolina to receive a grant from the Beaumont Foundation of America. The school received approximately $75,000 worth of hardware and software including 36 Toshiba laptop computers, 2 wireless access points, 2 laser printers, 2 mobile carts, and 6 digital cameras. The Foundation assists public, private, parochial, and charter schools as well as institutions, nonprofit organizations and government agencies in gaining access to technology tools that make the information age a reality for all. As part of previous TLCF funding, three elementary schools have been able to provide an Alphasmart for every third and fourth grade student. Several other elementary schools have classroom sets of Alphasmarts available for checkout. These are used as a writing tool for all areas of the curriculum. With the new CTE standard course of study in place, CTE offers the following technology programs: Business Technologies such as Digital Communication Systems, Computer Applications I and II and Computerized Accounting I and II, Engineering Technologies such as Drafting, Digital Media, Scientific and Technical Visualization I and II and Computer Engineering I and II. “Teaching American History” grant participants use email as a primary means of communication. Teachers involved in the grant make use of many websites and have used and created webquests. Technology to assess and benchmark student achievement Elementary and middle school students currently use Reading Counts or Accelerated Reader to assess reading comprehension. Scholastic Reading Inventory allows teachers to easily determine the lexile level of students. Three elementary schools have subscribed to Study Island and one high school has a subscription to School Island. Both programs assess student achievement of core competencies and allow teachers access to detailed reports. This allows teachers to plan tutoring based on student needs. Houghton-Mifflin’s “Ways to Assess” program is utilized to develop math benchmark tests, to assess student achievement, and to guide classroom instruction. Several schools have begun using technology resources to develop electronic student portfolios that can easily be accessed, printed, or shared.


Title I teachers use a district-wide database to track student reading levels three times per year (beginning, middle, and end) and to guide placement of students in the Title I program. This database resides on our district intranet. Many of our district administrators participated in Excel training where they learned how to gather and manipulate student data to allow them to track student progress. IMPACT Implementation Flexible scheduling, as described in the IMPACT Model for Media and Technology is implemented to varying degrees throughout Davidson County Schools. All high schools have flexible access to media centers and computer labs. Middle schools have flexible access to media centers and fifty percent have flexible access to computer labs. Fifty percent of elementary media centers are flexibly scheduled and 25 percent of elementary computer labs are flexibly scheduled. Since we do not have building level Technology Facilitators, the Media Coordinator must often function in a variety of roles. The support personnel (ETS and Media Assistant) are critical to the ability to implement flexible access and consistent service to students and teachers. Collaboration occurs when teachers see the benefits of co-teaching for their students (in objectives accomplished and efficient use of resources). Number of Computers/Internet Access Access to media and technology resources is available throughout the schools. With approximately 5930 computers and 19,496 students, the district average is 3.29 students per computer. One hundred percent of classrooms have Internet access. Distance Learning Virtual schools can be a solution to inequities in educational opportunities that exist due to factors such as geographical location, school size, demographics of income and race/ethnicity, budgeting constraints, and substandard teachers (Blaylock, Newman; 2005). During the 2004-2005 school year, five Davidson County students were enrolled in online Latin courses. Digital Resources A number of digital resources are available to students and teachers. Example of state-provided instructional resources that support teaching and learning include:

• NCWise Owl • Kaleidoscope • LearnNC • SAS in Schools Curriculum Pathways • Computer Skills and Information Skills Curricula


In addition, high school students also have access to SAT Coach and APEX (AP Online Reviews). EBSCO has been made available to students in one high school. Two schools have subscriptions to United Streaming. These resources are shared with parents through classroom and school newsletters, as well as at individual school parent nights. Many digital resources are used in the CTE program. Third party resources such as keyboarding and accounting software packages provide resources and activities for teachers. DPI provides excellent digital resources on CD’s to coordinate with the CTE curriculum. The Internet is also used extensively as teachers locate resources, transfer and share files.


High Student Performance: Strategic Technology Plan Include at least one strategy or objective that addresses the following:

1. Mathematics/reading scores improvement 2. Classroom use of student resources 3. IMPACT model implementation 4. Computer Skills Test score improvement 5. Computer Skills Curriculum implementation

6. Information Skills Curriculum implementation 7. Technology integration across the curriculum 8. Student distance learning opportunities 9. Assistive technology availability

Strategic Priority 1: High Student Performance* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Every child ready for school Rigorous and relevant academic standards and assessment systems for every student Every student masters essential knowledge and skills Every student graduates from high school Every student a life long learner and ready for work Objective 1 Improve Reading and Math Scores

Strategy

Resources Needed (Human & Material)

Person(s) Responsible

Budget Needs

Funding Sources Time-line (Proposed

Beginning & Ending dates)

Method of Evaluation

Evaluation Results June, 2006

1.1 Provide staff development on the integration of technology into reading curriculum.

Computer training labs; Workshop Instructor

Director of Instructional Technology

$2500/day State January 2006-June 2006

Workshop Evaluation; Student Achievement Data (Reading EOG)

1.2 Research additional software packages and internet resources that will improve reading comprehension

Websites; evaluation copies of software

Director of Instructional Technology; Director of Elementary Education

No cost N/A August 2005-June 2006

Evaluation of internet resources and software packages

1.3 Implement Reading and Writing

Workshop Instructor

CTE Director, CTE Program Specialist,

$2,000 Local, State, and Federal

October 2005-June 2008

Teacher evaluation


Across the Curriculum within the CTE curriculum

CTE Curriculum Coordinator, CTE Teachers

and student academic and technical attainment data collected

1.4 Expand TI-Navigator program to 5 remaining high schools

Software, graphing calculators, training instructor

Director of Instructional Technology, Math Lead Teacher, Principals

$42,000 Local, State, Federal

August 2005-June 2007

Surveys, Student Achievement Data (Math EOC’s)

1.5 Implement HotMath.com with middle and high school students

Website Director of Instructional Technology, Math Lead Teacher

Free resource N/A August 2005-June 2006

Student Achievement Data (Math EOG’s and EOC’s)

1.6 Pilot reading assessment program using Palm OS

Alphasmart Danas, software, training instructor

Director of Instructional Technology, Director of Elementary Education, Elementary Teachers

$4,000 State August 2005-June 2006

Student Achievement Data (Reading EOG’s)


Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Every child ready for school Rigorous and relevant academic standards and assessment systems for every student Every student masters essential knowledge and skills Every student graduates from high school Every student a life long learner and ready for work Objective 2 Improve Access to resources

Strategy

Resources Needed

(Human & Material)


Budget Needs





2.1 Increase software availability in labs and classrooms

Software Director of Instructional Technology

$20,000 State July 2005-June 2009

Report of software available at each school

2.2 Upgrade hardware in classrooms

Hardware Director of Instructional Technology

$100,000 Local, State, Federal

July 2005-June 2009

AMTR

2.3 Conduct staff development on “free” student resources such as NCWiseOwl, LearnNC, Kaleidoscope, SAS in School

Instructor, web resources

Director of Instructional Technology, ITS Staff

In-kind N/A July 2005-June 2009

Staff development evaluations

2.4 Implement NetTrekker for elementary schools

Software, workshop instructors

Director of Instructional Technology, ITS Staff, Media Coordinators

$6,500/year State July 2005-June 2006

Survey

2.5 Implement CultureGrams for Middle Schools

Website, workshop instructors

Director of Instructional Technology, ITS Staff, Media Coordinators

$2,500 per year

State July 2005-June 2006

Survey


2.6 Continue subscription to WebCollection Plus for all schools

Software Director of Instructional Technology

$4,000 per year

State July 2005-June 2009

Log of usage by school site


Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Every child ready for school Rigorous and relevant academic standards and assessment systems for every student Every student masters essential knowledge and skills Every student graduates from high school Every student a life long learner and ready for work Objective 3 Improve implementation of IMPACT model

Strategy



Budget Needs





3.1 Provide IMPACT staff development for administrators

Trainer Director of Media Services

In-kind N/A August 2005-May 2006

Survey

3.2 Implement a “public relations” plan within the schools

Media coordinators, brochures,

Director of Media Services; Media Coordinators


Survey of teachers

3.3 Provide IMPACT staff development for teachers

Trainer Director of Media Services


Attendance Rosters

3.4 Attend training on new IMPACT program

IMPACT training Director of Media Services, Media Coordinators

$500 (travel) Local August 2005 Certificate of Attendance

3.5 Increase flexible access in media centers and computer labs

Consultant Director of Media Services, Media Coordinators, Principals

$2,000 State July 2005-June 2009

Observation

3.6 Implement “No Media Center Left Behind”

Consultant Director of Media Services, Media Coordinators

$10,000 State July 2005-June 2008

Completed Media plan

3.7 Train Media staff on Collaboration Toolkit and

Training Materials; consultant

Director of Media Services

$500.00 State July 2005-June 2006

Attendance Rosters


Copyright Primer

3.8 Conduct Media staff development on Questioning

Consultant Director of Media Services

$300.00 State July 2005-June 2006

Attendance Rosters


Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Every child ready for school Rigorous and relevant academic standards and assessment systems for every student Every student masters essential knowledge and skills Every student graduates from high school Every student a life long learner and ready for work

Objective 4 Improve District Computer Skills Test scores by 1% each year Strategy

Resources

Needed (Human & Material)


Budget Needs





4.1 Transfer old files into new NCDesk format

Data files; software; personnel

Director of Instructional Technology, ITS

$3,000 State July 2005-August 2005

Converted files distributed to schools

4.2 Organize summer computer camp for 7th grade students identified as “at-risk” for failing computer skills test in 8th grade

Certified Teachers, computer lab facilities


$6,000 State June 2006 Survey; camp attendance; computer skills test scores

4.3 Pilot Computer Skills assessment at 5th grade Level

Test questions; scanners


$300 State May 2006 Computer skills Test scores; survey


Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Every child ready for school Rigorous and relevant academic standards and assessment systems for every student Every student masters essential knowledge and skills Every student graduates from high school Every student a life long learner and ready for work Objective 5 Implement Computer Skills Curriculum

Strategy



Budget Needs





5.1 Develop computer skills curriculum pacing guides

SCOS; personnel Director of Instructional Technology, ITS

$5,000 State July 2005-September 2005

Completed pacing guides

5.2 Conduct staff development on integration of computer skills curriculum into core curriculum

Workshop instructors, SCOS


In-kind N/A August 2005-June 2009

Attendance rosters

5.3 Implement district-wide iSafe training

Workshop instructors; training materials; computer labs;

Director of Instructional Technology, ITS; Media Coordinators


Attendance rosters

5.4 Pilot web-based computer skills instruction program

Website; ITS; training materials

Director of Instructional Technology, ITS, classroom teacher


Administration of practice test to students


5.5 Provide Staff Development on Kaleidoscope to 5th grade teachers

Training materials; computer labs; Teacher-on-loan



Attendance rosters; workshop evaluations

5.6 Evaluate keyboarding software for elementary students

Software Director of Instructional Technology; ITS


Written evaluation of software packages


Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Every child ready for school Rigorous and relevant academic standards and assessment systems for every student Every student masters essential knowledge and skills Every student graduates from high school Every student a life long learner and ready for work Objective 6 Implement Information Skills Curriculum

Strategy



Budget Needs





6.1 Conduct staff development on collaboration

Trainer; SCOS Director of Media Services

$500.00 State August 2005-June 2007

Attendance rosters; survey of staff


Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Every child ready for school Rigorous and relevant academic standards and assessment systems for every student Every student masters essential knowledge and skills Every student graduates from high school Every student a life long learner and ready for work Objective 7: Increase integration of technology across the curriculum

Strategy



Budget Needs





7.1 Implement career academy approach to fully integrate academic, technical and technological skills

Teachers; academy curriculum

CTE Director, CTE Program Specialist, Principal, Academy instructor

$35,000 – Academy of Finance; $2,000/site – Academy of Medical Sciences; $80,000 – Academy of Pre-Engineering; $1,500 – Oracle Academy

Local, state, and federal

August 2005 – June 2009

Teacher evaluation and student academic and technical attainment data collected (VOCATS)

7.2 Implement the Synergistic Systems lab in all middle schools that have a CTE technology program

Teachers; Lab consumables

CTE Director, CTE Program Specialist, Principal, Synergistic Systems instructor

$450,000 Local, state, and federal

July 2005 – June 2008

Teacher evaluation and student academic and technical attainment data collected (VOCATS)


7.3 Implement keyboarding and business computer technology in all middle schools

Teachers; curriculum

CTE Director July 2005-2006 Teacher evaluation and student academic and technical attainment data collected (VOCATS)

7.4 Establish an American History technology resource center at Davidson County Community College

Software Classroom Teacher; Grant coordinator; ITS

$25,000 Teaching American History Grant

July 2005-2006 Pre- and posttests to determine growth in American History in 5th and 8th grades after having utilized technology in the study of American History. 11th grade students will be assessed by the state EOC in US History.

7.5 Expand Middle and High School Science probeware program

Probes, workshop instructors,

Director of Instructional Technology, Middle School Science teachers; High School Science teachers

$30,000 Local, State August 2005-June 2006

Surveys


7.6 Implement GPS training

Handheld GPS, training materials, internet access, SCOS

Director of Instructional Technology; ITS; Media Coordinators


Workshop rosters; training handouts

7.7 Re-instate “Templates for Teachers” program for elementary and Middle School

SCOS, Computer Labs,

Director of Instructional Technology; ITS; Teachers


Completed templates

7.8 Implement Intel’s Teaching Thinking with Technology for High School

Computer Labs, Intel instructor, training materials



Workshop evaluation; attendance roster

7.9 Implement “Moodle” online course tool for high schools

Computer Labs, workshop instructor, training materials


In-kind N/A August 2005-July-2009

Survey of tool usage

7.10 Continue project-based learning staff development

Workshop instructors, training materials


In-kind N/A August 2005-July 2009

Attendance rosters; workshop evaluations

7.11 Offer follow-up training to previous EETT participants

Workshop instructors, training materials, software


$5,000 State August 2005-July 2006

Survey of needs; attendance rosters

7.12 Continue EETT program in elementary schools

Workshop instructors, hardware, software, training materials, substitutes


$90,000 State, Federal (Grant)

August 2005-July 2007

Survey


7.13 Implement GLOBE project for high school science

GLOBE Workshop trainer; substitutes; hardware; software; probes; training materials


$100,000 State August 2005-July 2009

Teacher Survey

7.14 Implement Blogging tool

Instructor; training materials

Director of Instructional Technology; ITS


Survey of tool usage


Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Every child ready for school Rigorous and relevant academic standards and assessment systems for every student Every student masters essential knowledge and skills Every student graduates from high school Every student a life long learner and ready for work Objective 8: Expand Student Distance learning opportunities

Strategy



Budget Needs





8.1 Explore videoconferencing opportunities at state and national conferences

Conference Registration


$1000 State, Local July 2005-August 2006

Collected resources from conferences, meetings, etc.

8.2 Encourage student participation in on-line high school courses

DPI; LearnNC; parent brochures

Director of Instructional Technology; Principals; Guidance Counselors

No cost State July 2005-August 2006

Number of students enrolled in online courses


Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Every child ready for school Rigorous and relevant academic standards and assessment systems for every student Every student masters essential knowledge and skills Every student graduates from high school Every student a life long learner and ready for work Objective 9: Improve availability of assistive technology

Strategy



Budget Needs





9.1 Train EC teachers on accessibility options for Windows XP and OS X

Training materials; workshop instructors



Attendance rosters

9.2 Analyze district, school, and teacher web sites to make them more accessible

Training materials; workshop instructors

Director of Instructional Technology; District Webmaster; School Webmasters; ITS


Increased accessibility of websites

9.3 Explore Assistive Technology Software and Hardware

Hardware, software

Director of Instructional Technology; Director of Exceptional Children


Brochures; evaluations of hardware and software


Healthy Students in Safe, Orderly and Caring Schools: Current Situation Narrative

Safe Schools Plan Our schools are meant to be safe places where students can learn and educators can work in an atmosphere of caring, security and hope. The need exists to prevent unauthorized persons from getting inside school property. Currently, all schools in Davidson County have burglar/security (in addition to fire) alarms. Door-access technology helps schools strike a balance between convenience and security. Teachers or students who participate in extracurricular activities may need to enter the school building after hours or through doors other than the main entrance. If no provision is made for them, they may be tempted to prop doors open. Door-access technology solves these problems. Identification badge systems have been implemented across the district to allow schools to easily identify wanted and unwanted visitors. An MBS ID Badge System allows for on-site creation of Central Office staff identification badges. Badges are updated yearly and are returned to the district immediately upon termination. Individual school staff identification badges are provided using digital pictures and prepared by a school photography company. Technology is useful in maintaining order throughout the school day. Every middle and high school has a full time school resource officer. School resource officers connect via the Internet to search criminal records as needed. In addition, all middle schools and high schools have hand-held metal detectors. Each school has an intercom system in place, and, in several of our schools, telephones have been installed in classrooms to allow for two-way communication. Walkie-talkies are used in most schools to maintain contact among key personnel. All schools in the system prepare a Critical Incident Response kit that includes a variety of information that can be used by school officials, emergency management personnel, or law enforcement personnel in handling emergencies that can occur at the school site. The kit includes a CD that has digital photos of each classroom and space in the school. In addition, an aerial view of the school campus is included on the CD for utilization by officials in the event of an emergency. Each school has been supplied with one video camera to assist with student monitoring on buses. Two schools have used PTO funds to purchase a camera for every bus. Each bus in the system is equipped with a radio that allows the driver to contact the bus garage in the event of a breakdown. Also, the transportation department utilizes GPS systems in developing bus routes, tracking mileage and time.


A district Acceptable Use Policy is in place for teachers, students, and staff. In addition, iPrism email filtering and St. Bernard Internet filtering provide an additional layer of security. Command Antivirus has been deployed throughout the district as the primary means of virus protection for Windows-based computers. Child Nutrition Department Each cafeteria is using computerized Point of Sale software to record and report student participation. In addition, there is student eligibility software for determinations of Free and Reduced meal applicants. Managers also utilize software to place food orders and to count and control inventory. At the central office level, cafeteria management software is utilized to manage all financial aspects of the Child Nutrition program including: purchase orders, general ledgers to build financial accountability for each school and county account, inventory control, and accounts payable. Student Eligibility scanner and software are used to make determinations of free or reduced meal benefits. In addition, Linker software is used to communicate with each school cafeteria site and nutritional analysis software is used to insure that meals meet state and federal guidelines. Electronic Surveillance Systems Only two schools currently utilize video surveillance for security purposes. One site utilizes corridor surveillance and the other utilizes exterior/grounds surveillance. Student Programs (DARE, CIS) The local site coordinator for CIS uses the state CIS web site and email to coordinate parent volunteers. DARE officers use email to communicate between schools and other officers. In addition, a national DARE web site is accessed as needed with students. Student Discipline Data In past years, our schools have used the discipline module in SIMS to track discipline issues. However, some schools have used third party software to keep up with the data.


Healthy Students in Safe, Orderly and Caring Schools: Strategic Technology Plan Include at least one strategy or objective that addresses the following: 1. School campus security (video, alarms, metal detectors,

etc.) 2. School bus security (video, radios, cell phones, etc.) 3. Student and Staff ID systems 4. Student Information/Tracking Systems (SIMS/NCWISE,

nutrition, etc.)

5. Internet and email filtering 6. Classroom telephone systems and other communications

devices 7. Website use (district, school and classroom)

Strategic Priority 2: Healthy Students in Safe and Orderly and Caring Schools* Strategic Goal: (Please check.)

Learning environments inviting and supportive of high student performance Schools free of controlled and illegal substances and all harmful behavior Mutual respect of students, teachers, administrators, and parents Adequate, safe education facilities that support high student performance

Objective 1 Each school will have a Critical Incident Response Kit

Strategy



Budget Needs Funding Sources

Time-line (Proposed




1.1 Update the digital images of all areas of the school on a yearly basis

Digital Camera School Administration

None N/A August 2005-May 2009

Observation of updated images in kit

1.2 Examine the need for additional school security

None Superintendent; Assistant Superintendent of Auxiliary Services


Observation




Objective 2 Use of bus video camera to monitor student actions to ensure bus safety.

Strategy




Time-line (Proposed




2.1 Purchase and mount video camera in a bus to monitor student actions

Observer Color School Bus System Camera and VCR

Assistant principal in charge of buses

$797.80 Safe and Drug Free Schools budget

August 2005-June 2006

Student incident data

2.2 Provide schools/PTO’s with ordering information for additional video camera systems for buses

Ordering information

Director of Transportation

None N/A August 2005-June 2006

Ordering information




Objective 3 All central office employees will wear photo identification when visiting school facilities.

Strategy




Time-line (Proposed




3.1 Schedule appointments for all central office employees to have identification badges made

Digital Camera, software, badge printer, blank badges

Human Resources clerical support staff; Instructional Technology clerical support staff

$150.00 per year

Local August 2005-May 2009

Observation of individuals wearing photo ID badges while inside school facilities




Objective 4a All teachers and administrators will use the full capabilities of NCWise

Strategy




Time-line (Proposed




4a.1 Use NCWise information to build Point of Sales database for Child Nutrition; Build household address files to aid in distribution of a family application for Free and Reduced meal benefits

Additional personnel, hardware, software

Director of Child Nutrition

$32,000

Local child nutrition funds

August 2005

Monitoring accuracy of determinations and the timeliness of completion of determinations

Objective 4b Develop a local data warehouse to enhance the reporting of student data in NCWise 4b.1 Build student files from NCWise at End of Year and build database

Student data via NCWise

Director of Administrative Technology

$2,000 per year

Local August 2005-May 2009

Analysis of student data

Objective 4c Use TIMS to gather student residency data 4c.1 Provide training on use of TIMS as needed

Training materials; instructor

Director of Transportation


Training rosters




Objective 5a Internet access will be provided in a safe and secure manner.

Strategy




Time-line (Proposed




5a.1 Provide filtering services to prevent access to potentially dangerous or offensive sites

Internet filter Director of Administrative Technology

$15,000 per year

Local and state August 2005-May 2009

Analyze internet site reports; observations

Objective 5b Student email will be safe and secure. 5b.1 Filter out public email domains from student use

Internet Filter Director of Administrative Technology

$5,000 Local and state August 2005-May 2009

Observation

5b.2 Employ teacher controlled email accounts for student use

Gaggle.net accounts; training materials; workshop instructor



Analyze teacher reports of email usage

Objective 5c All computers will be protected against viruses and spyware 5c.1 Deploy an enterprise version of virus protection

Virus protection software

WAN Engineer $12,000 Local, State August 2005-May 2006

Computers automatically updated




Objective 6 All classrooms will have access to telephone systems and other communications devices

Strategy




Time-line (Proposed




6.1 Install IP telephones in every classroom

Telephones, wiring, technicians

Director of Maintenance; Director of Administrative Technology

$368,500 Local, state, July 2005-June 2009

Observation




Objective 7 Implement an Internet Safety program for parents and students.

Strategy




Time-line (Proposed




Train parents on Internet safety

iSafe brochures and training materials; Roy Cooper’s Internet safety video; Instructor


$1000.00 Local August 2005-June 2009

Parent survey and program evaluation


Quality Teachers, Administrators and Staff: Current Situation Narrative Davidson County teachers and administrators have been honored with several state and national awards. Ledford High School teacher Scott Ring was recognized in 2002 as the NCaect Outstanding Technology Educator of the Year. Apple Computer recognized him in 2003 as an Apple Distinguished Educator. NCaect honored Lynn Fritts, Media Coordinator for Friedberg Elementary in 2005 when she was named Media Coordinator of the Year. Our Superintendent, Dr. Fred Mock was recognized by the American Association of School Administrators as one of 18 recipients of the 2004 President’s Technology Award. Staff Development Activities/DPI Resources Professional development underlies all successful technology integration efforts. Research shows that professional development must be substantial, ongoing throughout the year, on-site, and just in time. Comprehensive professional development for technology includes not only the development of technical skills and knowledge, but also strategies for technology-enhanced teaching and learning, and for classroom management. (SEIR*TEC) District training for Media and Technology staff on NCWise Owl and Gale Group resources is conducted annually. Teacher-on-loan services have been used to offer training on iSafe and Geocaching/GPS. Several district Instructional Technology staff members received training at NCCAT to become certified to lead Intel Teach to the Future training. This training has been offered to representatives from each middle and high school as well as many of our media coordinators. Training resources Once teachers realize the potential of technology, they often become eager to use it and to try new teaching techniques. Varied instructional strategies have a positive impact on student achievement. Teachers with even a small amount of technology training teach more effectively and have a better understanding of how students learn. (Anderson, 2002) Instructional Technology Specialists provide staff development on-site at every school as well as at the district Technology Center. Workshops at the Technology Center are also available in the evenings and summer. These workshops cover a wide variety of topics and range from 1 hour to 10 hours in length (see appendix). EETT funds have been used to create school-based Project-Based Learning “experts”. Teachers who have attended EETT training have been required to work with teachers in small groups, one-on-one, or in whole staff development. This train-the-trainer model has worked very well for our district.


State and national conferences provide a great resource. All Media Coordinators, Media Assistants, and ETS’s have the option of attending one of the following state conferences: NCSLMA, NCaect, NCETC. In addition, Instructional Technology staff members attend national conferences such as FETC, Technology & Learning, and NECC. EC teachers receive training on various EC forms and reports through a train the trainer type model. Key personnel are trained and they provide direct training and later serve as a resource for EC teachers. Technology staff development requirements In 1995, the N.C. State Board of Education realized the need for educators to possess technology competence in order to maximize the effectiveness of the instructional program. For a period of several years, the state required thirty contact hours per renewal cycle in the area of technology. When the state requirement of technology staff development for educators was lifted, the Davidson County Board of Education stepped up. The local Board of Education has made it a requirement that all certified staff must earn at least 3.0 technology CEU’s in a renewal cycle. This requirement continues to keep our teachers abreast on new technology. Web based resources for work Throughout the district, a wide array of web-based resources is used on a daily basis. EC teachers use InfoHandler for completing EC paperwork. The department has begun the process of moving to CECAS for all record keeping. The child nutrition department accesses many web sites including: USDA, NCDA, NCDPI, NCSFSA, and SNA. Administrative resources currently used include NCWise, HRMS, BUD, Intranet, and email. Purchase orders are completed through the e-Procurement process. This speeds up the ordering process while reducing the amount of paper used as well. E-mail is used on a daily basis to communicate with teachers, lead personnel, parents, principals, etc. Many principals require the use of email among staff members. The district’s Web-based staff development server was updated in 2004. Teachers, administrators, and other staff can view curriculum and technology staff development offerings online. Instructors can access rosters, send email reminders, enter and update workshop information via the intranet. Technology budget/technology staff development Davidson County Schools supports technology staff development with efforts that may not be clearly revealed in the supplied budget. The district provides five Instructional


technology Specialists (ITS) who have the full responsibility of staff development in instructional technology. This staff, in the schools alone, offers hundreds of hours of staff development. The Instructional Technology staff members are ten-month employees who are contracted to work an additional month in the summer conducting the summer staff development workshops. The ITS staff are also contracted to conduct evening staff development throughout the school year. When these in-kind services are included in the staff development expenses for technology in Davidson County, the district far exceeds the 20% - 30% of technology budget for staff development.


Quality Teachers, Administrators and Staff: Strategic Technology Plan Include at least one strategy or objective that addresses the following:

1. Teacher/staff skills assessment 2. Diverse training resources (local and online including

DPI resources) 3. Follow-up support

4. Local certification and professional development requirements

5. Ethical and professional standards 6. Evaluation of training

Strategic Priority 3: Quality Teachers, Administrators and Staff* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Professional preparation aligned with state priorities A system to develop, train, and license a BK (birth-kindergarten) professional staff for public schools A system to recruit, retain, and compensate a diverse corps of quality teachers, administrators, and staff A system to ensure high performance of teachers, administrators, and staff A system of continuous learning and professional development to support high performance of all employees High ethical and professional standards for all employees Objective 1 Employ Teacher/staff skills assessment

Strategy




Time-line (Proposed




1.1 Survey of technology needs for staff

Online survey tool Director of Instructional Technology; ITS

$3,000.00 Local and State August 2005-June 2006

Technology Staff development evaluation instrument; data will be applied to following year’s staff development plan


Strategic Priority 3: Quality Teachers, Administrators and Staff* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Professional preparation aligned with state priorities A system to develop, train, and license a BK (birth-kindergarten) professional staff for public schools A system to recruit, retain, and compensate a diverse corps of quality teachers, administrators, and staff A system to ensure high performance of teachers, administrators, and staff A system of continuous learning and professional development to support high performance of all employees High ethical and professional standards for all employees Objective 2 Use Diverse training resources (local and online including DPI resources)

Strategy




Time-line (Proposed




2.1 Implement CECAS as a means of completing EC paperwork and providing required information to DPI for periodic child count purposes

Website; Instructor Director of Exceptional Children

July 2005-May 2009

Data and reports in CECAS

2.2 Provide certified staff with a information about various technology professional development opportunities

Training opportunities brochures


$350.00 per year

State, Local August 2005-June 2009

Enrollment of certified staff in technology professional development

2.3 Purchase subscription to AtomicLearning.com for ETS and ITS staff

Website Director of Instructional Technology

$2500 per year State August 2005-June 2006

Survey of ETS/ITS for usefulness of subscription

2.4 Publicize online technology courses that are available through USDLC,

Brochure, website Director of Instructional Technology

$500.00 State, Local August 2005-June 2009

Enrollment of certified staff in online technology


NCWin, etc courses 2.5 Re-establish biennial district-wide “Technology Leadership Conference”

DCCC, workshop presenters, conference agendas, refreshments

Director of Instructional Technology; Director of Career and Technical Education

$5000.00 State, Local August 2005-June 2009

Conference attendance

2.6 Provide opportunities for teachers, staff, and administrators to attend state and national technology conferences

Conference brochures

Director of Instructional Technology; Principals

$7500 per year State August 2005-June 2009

Conference attendance and handouts

2.7 Enlist the services of DPI Teachers-on-loan

ETIPS Website Director of Instructional Technology


Documentation of services


Strategic Priority 3: Quality Teachers, Administrators and Staff* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Professional preparation aligned with state priorities A system to develop, train, and license a BK (birth-kindergarten) professional staff for public schools A system to recruit, retain, and compensate a diverse corps of quality teachers, administrators, and staff A system to ensure high performance of teachers, administrators, and staff A system of continuous learning and professional development to support high performance of all employees High ethical and professional standards for all employees Objective 3 Provide Follow-up support for key technology programs

Strategy




Time-line (Proposed




3.1 Provide refresher courses on NCWise to returning teachers

Trainer, computer labs, training materials

Director of Instructional Technology; NCWise Project Manager


Sign-in sheets; observation

3.2 Provide follow-up staff development to teachers who have participated in EETT in previous years

Trainers, computer labs, training materials



Sign-in sheets; observations


Strategic Priority 3: Quality Teachers, Administrators and Staff* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Professional preparation aligned with state priorities A system to develop, train, and license a BK (birth-kindergarten) professional staff for public schools A system to recruit, retain, and compensate a diverse corps of quality teachers, administrators, and staff A system to ensure high performance of teachers, administrators, and staff A system of continuous learning and professional development to support high performance of all employees High ethical and professional standards for all employees Objective 4 All licensed personnel will meet state/local certification and professional development requirements.

Strategy




Time-line (Proposed




4.1 Provide staff development for principals and directors in accessing licensed candidate applications on-line

Technology Labs; Training instructors

Director of Human Resources, Licensure Specialist; Human Resources Staff

$1000.00 Human Resources Budget, Title II monies


Principal use of on-line application process

4.2 Provide staff development for principals (who will train teachers on their staff) to access Continuing Education Reports on-line

Technology Labs; Training instructors

Director of Human Resources, Licensure Specialist; Human Resources Staff

$1000.00 Human Resources Budget, Title II monies


Principal and teacher use of on-line Continuing Education Report

4.3 Provide staff development for administrators on web resources

Technology labs; training instructors; training materials



Sign-in sheets


Strategic Priority 3: Quality Teachers, Administrators and Staff* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Professional preparation aligned with state priorities A system to develop, train, and license a BK (birth-kindergarten) professional staff for public schools A system to recruit, retain, and compensate a diverse corps of quality teachers, administrators, and staff A system to ensure high performance of teachers, administrators, and staff A system of continuous learning and professional development to support high performance of all employees High ethical and professional standards for all employees Objective 5 Maintain Ethical and Professional Standards

Strategy




Time-line (Proposed




5.1 Implement standards of ethical use of technology and professionalism

NCSCOS Computer/Technology Skills; INTASC standards; Federal and state mandated policies and procedures


In-Kind N/A August 2005-June 2009

Ethical Use assessment tool; teacher evaluation instruments

5.2 Provide training for media and technology staff on copyright

Trainer, training materials

Director of Media Services and Instructional Technology



5.3 Provide training for new media staff and principals on MCPAI

Trainer, training materials

Director of Media Services




Strategic Priority 3: Quality Teachers, Administrators and Staff* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Professional preparation aligned with state priorities A system to develop, train, and license a BK (birth-kindergarten) professional staff for public schools A system to recruit, retain, and compensate a diverse corps of quality teachers, administrators, and staff A system to ensure high performance of teachers, administrators, and staff A system of continuous learning and professional development to support high performance of all employees High ethical and professional standards for all employees Objective 6 Evaluate Training and Staff Development

Strategy




Time-line (Proposed




6.1 Develop and implement uniform evaluation instrument for technology staff development

Evaluation Instrument


$3,000.00 State, Local August 2005-October 2005

evaluation instrument

6.2 Purchase subscription to online survey tool

web site Director of Instructional Technology


Completed surveys


Strong Family, Community and Business Support: Current Situation Narrative Citizens in the Davidson County community take pride in their public school system. The school staff and students enjoy their school system’s solid reputation for safety, academic excellence, qualified teachers, school pride, and progressive leadership. The Office of School/Community Relations and Public Information works hard to promote partnerships among schools, businesses, community groups and parents. These partnerships will ultimately benefit children and create positive learning and teaching environments for staff and students alike. In May 2005, Davidson County Schools received three Blue Ribbon Awards for effective communications from the North Carolina School Public Relations Association. The large school calendar publication featuring student art won a Blue Ribbon Award for the sixth time. A second Blue Ribbon Award was received for Career Pathways that is designed for parents and explains the various academic and career pathways high school students may choose during their 9-12 grades. The third Blue Ribbon Award was given for the district website. Email All full-time staff have email accounts with Davidson County Schools. It is filtered for viruses, offensiveness and spyware. Student email was piloted during the 2004-2005 school year with three CTE classes at one high school. Gaggle.net was used to establish and monitor these accounts. Students are provided email on a limited basis. All public email domains are filtered out, allowing controlled access where teachers can closely monitor student communications. Telephones All classrooms have an IP phone with outside access or a classroom phone tied directly to the office intercom system. Currently we have employed IP telephony in 9 out of 31 schools, plus the Central Office. Full deployment is our goal at a rate of 3 schools per year. Local Media We have developed a working partnership with the local media. Important information and news stories are shared with the public via four television stations, ten radio stations and six area newspapers. All major DCS publications for parents and families are now available on the DCS web site. It is important that we are meeting parents’ needs in terms of information about schools and students in a way that is readily accessible and affordable. We have also partnered with the four area Chambers of Commerce in the creation of Images magazine. This publication highlights the quality of life in Davidson County and is used in teacher recruitment. District Web Site Davidson County Schools web site is located at http://www.davidson.k12.nc.us. The site underwent a major overhaul in the summer of 2004 to increase functionality. As a result, the current site makes use of active server pages and allows for simple addition and


deletion of resources by various individuals. For example, the director of Public Information has the capability of adding and deleting current news items via a web browser. The site is continually evolving and currently includes resources for parents, teachers, community members, and businesses. In addition, each school and media center maintains a current web site with current events and resources. Web addresses are well publicized in each school through parent newsletters and student agendas. Davidson County’s district web-site has received many accolades, including: Blue Ribbon Award for Effective Communications in Electronic Media by the North Carolina School Public Relations Association, “One of North Carolina’s Best” by North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and “Exemplary School Web Site” by District Administration magazine (see appendix). Learning Centers The 21st Century Community Learning Center Program is a key component of President Bush's No Child Left Behind Act. It is an opportunity for students to continue to learn new skills and discover new abilities after the school day has ended.

A 21st Century Community Learning Center has been established with funds from a federal grant to provide students in one Davidson County School with a comprehensive, school-based, safe, drug-free, supervised learning environment that serves approximately 65 elementary students who have been designated as at-risk. Technology plays a large role in our CLC. Students are exposed to 40-50 minutes per day of computer lab time. All of the elementary “trees” for Orchard have been purchased in addition to “StudyIsland.com”. Four administrative laptops were purchased as well as an ActivBoard. Agency Partnerships/Internet and File Access Davidson County’s Business/Education Partnership, with the assistance from Davidson County Schools, Lexington City Schools, and Thomasville City Schools, developed a CD-ROM that touts the county’s quality of life, safe and mentoring school environments and more. The partnership has developed many projects over the pasts two years to help recruit and retain teachers. This CD was granted the 2004 Award of Excellence in Audio/Visual Media by the National School Public Relations Association. Currently computer and internet access is provided for school employees only. No access is provided for agency partnerships. Files that are relevant to parents are posted on the district website where they are available for download.


Strong Family, Community and Business Support: Strategic Technology Plan Include at least one strategy or objective that addresses the following:

1. Email access (staff, students) 2. Public relations (use of local Broadcast Media) 3. School and teacher websites

4. Learning Centers 5. Partnerships 6. Teacher/staff and student Internet and file access

Strategic Priority 4: Strong Family, Community, and Business Support* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) State education priorities responsive to the needs of the family, community, and business customers A comprehensive and aligned system of support for the academic success and general well-being of all children that promotes: A system to build the capacity of local districts to create, respond to, and sustain meaningful partnerships Objective 1 Email will be used routinely for communication

Strategy



Budget Needs

Funding Sources

Time-line (Proposed



Evaluation Results July, 2006

1.1 Continue staff development on appropriate use of email

Training materials, Workshop Instructor


In-kind N/A September 2005-July 2009

Observation; use of email in appropriate manner

1.2 Implement guidelines for use of student email

Gaggle.net Director of Instructional Technology

In-kind N/A September 2005-October 2005

guidelines


Strategic Priority 4: Strong Family, Community, and Business Support* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) State education priorities responsive to the needs of the family, community, and business customers A comprehensive and aligned system of support for the academic success and general well-being of all children that promotes: A system to build the capacity of local districts to create, respond to, and sustain meaningful partnerships Objective 2 Technology will be used to provide information to parents and community.

Strategy



Budget Needs

Funding Sources

Time-line (Proposed




2.1 Increase the amount of information for parents on the district’s website

Webmaster Director of School/Community Relations; District Webmaster


Updated website; informal parental feedback

2.2 Publicize events on community access television channels and with local network providers

Cable providers; local network affiliates

Director of School/Community Relations

None N/A July 2005-June 2009

Information on community access channels

2.3 Publicize “good news” stories with local media

Local TV network affiliates, radio stations, newspapers

Director of School/Community Relations

None N/A July 2005 – June 2006

Number of stories aired; informal feedback from public

2.4 Continue to make DCS publications available through DCS website

Publications; publications specialist

Director of School/Community Relations; District WebMaster


Observation of posted publications


Strategic Priority 4: Strong Family, Community, and Business Support* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) State education priorities responsive to the needs of the family, community, and business customers A comprehensive and aligned system of support for the academic success and general well-being of all children that promotes: A system to build the capacity of local districts to create, respond to, and sustain meaningful partnerships Objective 3 School and Teacher Websites will be current and informative

Strategy



Budget Needs

Funding Sources

Time-line (Proposed




3.1 Offer “webpage workdays” twice per year for updating information on sites

Web design software; computer labs; ITS

Director of Instructional Technology, ITS, School Webmasters

$1000.00 per year

State August 2005-June 2009

Updated web pages

3.2 Conduct staff development on web-based calendaring

Software; computer labs; training materials; instructors


In-kind (free software)

N/A August 2005-June 2006

Current calendars posted online

3.3 Explore web site services such as SchoolWires.com

Site evaluators; web site



evaluation of subscription web services

3.4 Implement Guidelines for WebPage Development

Sample guidelines Director of Instructional Technology; ITS

None N/A August 2005-October 2005

completed guidelines


Strategic Priority 4: Strong Family, Community, and Business Support* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) State education priorities responsive to the needs of the family, community, and business customers A comprehensive and aligned system of support for the academic success and general well-being of all children that promotes: A system to build the capacity of local districts to create, respond to, and sustain meaningful partnerships Objective 4 - 21st Century Learning Center will offer enrichment opportunities to students.

Strategy



Budget Needs

Funding Sources

Time-line (Proposed




4.1 Investigate additional software packages.

Sample software packages

Director of Instructional Technology; CLC Director


Software evaluation

4.2 Purchase ActivVotes for ActivBoard

Purchasing information from Promethean

Director of Instructional Technology; CLC Director

$1895.00 Federal Grant August 2005-June 2006

Completed purchase

4.3 Train teachers on hardware

Trainer CLC Director; ITS In-kind N/A August 2005-June 2009

Attendance Roster


Strategic Priority 4: Strong Family, Community, and Business Support* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) State education priorities responsive to the needs of the family, community, and business customers A comprehensive and aligned system of support for the academic success and general well-being of all children that promotes: A system to build the capacity of local districts to create, respond to, and sustain meaningful partnerships Objective 5a Provide students with a seamless transition from high school to post-secondary education

Strategy



Budget Needs

Funding Sources

Time-line (Proposed




5a.1 Meet periodically with local community colleges and universities to vertically align CTE and academic courses to prepare students for immediate college entrance upon graduation

Hardware, software as suggested by local colleges

CTE Director, CTE Program Specialist; CTE Teachers; college representatives

Will vary depending on suggested material and equipment


July 2005-June 2009

Teacher evaluations, teacher surveys, student surveys

5a.2 Partner with local colleges to develop quality professional development for DCS teachers

Hardware, software as suggested by local colleges; training instructors


Will vary depending on professional development programs


July 2005-June 2009


5a.3 Partner with local colleges to develop quality summer camps for DCS students in grades 9-12

Hardware, software as suggested by local colleges; training instructors


Will vary depending on summer camps


July 2005-June 2009



5a.4 Purchase hardware and software for Davidson Early College program

Hardware, software, training instructors


$30,000 State, Local July 2005-October 2005

Observation


Strategic Priority 4: Strong Family, Community, and Business Support* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) State education priorities responsive to the needs of the family, community, and business customers A comprehensive and aligned system of support for the academic success and general well-being of all children that promotes: A system to build the capacity of local districts to create, respond to, and sustain meaningful partnerships Objective 5b Develop and strengthen our partnership with community leaders that supports the initiative that all students must be prepared for higher education.

Strategy



Budget Needs

Funding Sources

Time-line (Proposed




5b.1 Partner with Davidson Vision and the Business/Education partnership of Davidson County to promote and strengthen the K-14 high school +2 initiative

Promotional Materials; web site; brochures; posters; booklets; pamphlets; bumper stickers

Community members, Davidson Vision, Business/Education Partnership of Davidson County, local college representatives, all DCS Staff

Will vary Local, State July 2005-June 2009

Community awareness through surveys; student data


Strategic Priority 4: Strong Family, Community, and Business Support* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) State education priorities responsive to the needs of the family, community, and business customers A comprehensive and aligned system of support for the academic success and general well-being of all children that promotes: A system to build the capacity of local districts to create, respond to, and sustain meaningful partnerships Objective 6a All teachers and administrators will use full capabilities of NCWise

Strategy



Budget Needs

Funding Sources

Time-line (Proposed




6a.1 Provide staff development for teachers and administrators on features of NCWise

Training materials; computer labs; training instructors

Director of Instructional Technology; NCWise Data Manager

In-kind State August 2005-June 2009

Successful use of NCWise

Objective 6b All teachers will have access to web based calendaring software 6b.1 Set up WebDAV server for district

WebDAV plugin; server

Director of Instructional Technology; WAN Engineer

No cost N/A August 2005-October 2005

Ability to host web calendars for employees

6b.2 Train teachers and administrators on calendaring software

Software; training materials; Computer labs; instructors



Observation


Effective and Efficient Operation: Current Situation Narrative Technology Personnel Davidson County currently has no state-provided technical support positions. As we work to meet the state recommendations, we are optimistic that in future years our legislature will recognize the importance of technical support. Currently, we have:

• One Director of Media Services and Instructional Technology • One MIS Director • One LAN Engineer • One WAN Engineer • Three Computer Technicians • One Software Specialist • One NCWise Coordinator • One Technology Courier • One NCWise Data Manager per school • Five Instructional Technology Specialists • One Webmaster/Instructional Technology Specialist • Thirty-one ETS/Technology Assistants (1-2 per school) • Twenty-eight Media Specialists • Twenty-nine Media Assistants

All computer and warranty repairs are handled in-house. Computers earmarked for NCWise are replaced rather than repaired to facilitate a timely fix.



Budgets Career and Technical Education utilizes 013 local, capital outlay, 014 state and 017 Perkins monies to support and fund technology needs in the CTE program as needed. Instructional technology funding comes from 015 state and 001 local funds. EETT funds come through 107. Network Environment The infrastructure has been revamped to employ all managed switched and routers. Cache engines are in place centrally and at many of our schools. All schools have one or more network servers employed. Suitable Policies Davidson County Schools is following the initiatives set forth by NCDPI for identifying policies that enhance teaching and learning while simultaneously protecting community standards and academic freedom. Policies for Acceptable Internet Use and NCWise are currently in place. Other policies are currently being developed. Bandwidth Each school has a Point-to-Point T1 terminating at our head-end. All Internet requests are filtered for appropriateness and sent to the Internet on a 25 MB pipe. Work is currently underway to segment certain types of traffic. Hardware Student to computer ratio for Davidson County Schools is 3.29 students to computers. We aim to maintain this ratio by continuously replenishing computers as they become outdated. We use the Annual Media and Technology Report to monitor our individual schools as well as the district.


Total

Computers

Total

Students

Students to

Computers Goal Variance

District 5930 19496 3.29 4.0 0.7

High Schools

East 282 890 3.16 4.0 0.8

West 257 722 2.81 4.0 1.2

South 223 453 2.03 4.0 2.0

North 319 1458 4.57 4.0 -0.6

Ledford 308 926 3.01 4.0 1.0

Central 326 933 2.86 4.0 1.1

Totals 1715 5382 3.14 4.0 0.9

Middle School

Tyro 232 676 2.91 4.0 1.1

North 385 1246 3.24 4.0 0.8

Ledford 245 856 3.49 4.0 0.5

Brown 216 773 3.58 4.0 0.4

South 185 409 2.21 4.0 1.8

Central 280 866 3.09 4.0 0.9

Totals 1543 4826 3.13 4.0 0.9

Elementary

Brier Creek 157 379 2.41 4.0 1.6

Davis-Townsend 210 574 2.73 4.0 1.3

Welcome 221 662 3.00 4.0 1.0

Wallburg 176 886 5.03 4.0 -1.0

Southwood 119 1050 8.82 4.0 -4.8

Silver Valley 122 251 2.06 4.0 1.9

Reeds 165 671 4.07 4.0 -0.1

Pilot 142 501 3.53 4.0 0.5

Northwest 220 621 2.82 4.0 1.2

Midway 167 587 3.51 4.0 0.5

Hasty 191 737 3.86 4.0 0.1

Fairgrove 201 610 3.03 4.0 1.0

Denton 171 508 2.97 4.0 1.0

Churchland 122 593 4.86 4.0 -0.9

Friedberg 172 428 2.49 4.0 1.5

Totals 2556 9058 3.54 4.0 0.5

Special Needs

Stoner-Thomas 53 75 1.42 4.0 2.6

Extended Day 63 155 2.46 4.0 1.5

Totals 116 230 1.98 4.0 2.0

*Derived from the 2004-2005 Annual Media and Technology Report

*Average Daily Membership as of May 23, 2005

Davidson County Schools

Year 2004 - 2005

Students to Computer Ratio


Effective and Efficient Operation: Strategic Technology Plan Include at least one strategy or objective that addresses the following:

1. Policy 2. Budget 3. Personnel 4. Security

5. Administrative Applications 6. Hardware 7. Infrastructure-School Local Area Networks and District

Wide Area Networks

Goal 5: Effective and Efficient Operations* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Components of the education system aligned to achieve high performance Decision making authority and control at the most appropriate level closest to the classroom Information and accountability systems capable of reporting strategic and operational results A funding system that provides adequate and aligned financial and personnel resources to maximize educational achievement Objective 1 – Make district policies available to the public.

Strategy



Budget Needs

Funding Sources

Time-line (Proposed




1.1 Post policies on web site in searchable format

Web site Director of Instructional Technology; District Webmaster

$3,000 Local, state August 2005-June 2009

Observation


Goal 5: Effective and Efficient Operations* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Components of the education system aligned to achieve high performance Decision making authority and control at the most appropriate level closest to the classroom Information and accountability systems capable of reporting strategic and operational results A funding system that provides adequate and aligned financial and personnel resources to maximize educational achievement Objective 2 – Increase funding for technology

Strategy



Budget Needs

Funding Sources

Time-line (Proposed




2.1 Apply for grants and e-rate to supplement technology budget

Grants; web sites; Director of Instructional Technology; Director of Administrative Technology

In-kind N/A August 2005 – June 2009

Grants accepted and funded


Goal 5: Effective and Efficient Operations* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Components of the education system aligned to achieve high performance Decision making authority and control at the most appropriate level closest to the classroom Information and accountability systems capable of reporting strategic and operational results A funding system that provides adequate and aligned financial and personnel resources to maximize educational achievement Objective 3 – Increase technology personnel

Strategy



Budget Needs

Funding Sources

Time-line (Proposed




3.1 Hire additional technicians

applications on file with Human Resources department

Director of Administrative Technology; Assistant Superintendent of Budget and Resource Management

$30,000 per year

Local July 2005 – June 2009

Improvement of Computer/Technician ratio

3.2 Hire additional Instructional Technology staff

applications on file with Human Resources department

Director of Instructional Technology; Assistant Superintendent of Budget and Resource Management

$30,000 per year

Local, State July 2005-June 2009

Improvement of ITS/computer ratio


Goal 5: Effective and Efficient Operations* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Components of the education system aligned to achieve high performance Decision making authority and control at the most appropriate level closest to the classroom Information and accountability systems capable of reporting strategic and operational results A funding system that provides adequate and aligned financial and personnel resources to maximize educational achievement Objective 4a Internet access will be provided in a safe and secure manner.

Strategy




Time-line (Proposed




4a.1 Provide filtering services to prevent access to potentially dangerous or offensive sites

Internet filter Director of Administrative Technology

$15,000 per year

Local and state August 2005-May 2009

Analyze internet site reports; observations

Objective 4b Student email will be safe and secure. 4b.1 Filter out public email domains from student use

Internet Filter Director of Administrative Technology

$5,000 Local and state August 2005-May 2009

Observation

4b.2 Employ teacher controlled email accounts for student use

Gaggle.net accounts; training materials; workshop instructor



Analyze teacher reports of email usage

Objective 4c All computers will be protected against viruses and spyware 4c.1 Deploy an enterprise version of virus protection

Virus protection software

WAN Engineer $12,000 Local, State August 2005-May 2006

Computers automatically updated


Goal 5: Effective and Efficient Operations* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Components of the education system aligned to achieve high performance Decision making authority and control at the most appropriate level closest to the classroom Information and accountability systems capable of reporting strategic and operational results A funding system that provides adequate and aligned financial and personnel resources to maximize educational achievement Objective 5 Administrative applications will be used by appropriate personnel

Strategy



Budget Needs

Funding Sources

Time-line (Proposed




5.1 Provide NCWise professional development to help users access student data

Training Materials; workshop instructor

Director of Instructional Technology; Director of Administrative Technology; NCWise Coordinator

$10,000 per year

Local, State August 2005-May 2006

TAM data, discipline reports, observations

5.2 Submit media reports using online reporting tool

Web site Director of Instructional technology; Media Coordinators; Media Assistants


completed reports


Goal 5: Effective and Efficient Operations* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Components of the education system aligned to achieve high performance Decision making authority and control at the most appropriate level closest to the classroom Information and accountability systems capable of reporting strategic and operational results A funding system that provides adequate and aligned financial and personnel resources to maximize educational achievement Objective 6 Provide up-to-date hardware to schools.

Strategy



Budget Needs

Funding Sources

Time-line (Proposed




6.1 Evaluate classroom computer needs and establish replacement cycle

AMTR Director of Instructional Technology


Student/Computer ratio

6.2 Upgrade memory on wireless computer labs

Memory; technical support

Director of Instructional Technology; ETS; Technicians

$5,000 State July 2005-October 2009

Observation

6.3 Replace inkjet printers with laser printers

Printers; technicians Director of Instructional Technology; Principals; LAN Engineer

$10,000 State July 2005-October 2009

AMTR


Goal 5: Effective and Efficient Operations* Strategic Goal: (Please check.) Components of the education system aligned to achieve high performance Decision making authority and control at the most appropriate level closest to the classroom Information and accountability systems capable of reporting strategic and operational results A funding system that provides adequate and aligned financial and personnel resources to maximize educational achievement Objective 7 Infrastructure will be upgraded and maintained.

Strategy



Budget Needs

Funding Sources

Time-line (Proposed




7.1 Deploy caching servers to enable close monitoring of website access

Servers; Installation WAN Engineer $10,000 Local, state August 2005-May 2006

Schools will be able to monitor their internet usage

7.2 Upgrade routers to units with QOS and IP telephony capability and enhance routing functions

Routers Director of Administrative Technology

$52,500 Local, state August 2005-May 2009

Speed of internet connectivity

7.3 Replace servers every 3 to 4 years to facilitate implementation of latest software

Servers LAN Engineer $200,000 Local, State August 2005-May 2009

All servers covered by warranty

7.4 Install Netware 6.0 or greater on all servers and add them to the tree

Server software WAN Engineer, LAN Engineer

$25,000 Local, State August 2005-May 2007

All servers accessible from Central Office

7.5 Implement QOS on network subnets to guarantee bandwidths for mission critical areas

Server Software WAN Engineer, LAN Engineer

$2,000 Local, state August 2005-May 2006

Speed of all internet functions


Bibliography

Anderson, Mary Alice, and . "The value of staff development: librarians should plan a leading role in technology training." School Library Journal 48.11 (2002): 34-37. Blaylock, T. Hendon, and Joseph W. Newman. "The impact of computer-based secondary education." Education 125.3 (2005): 373-384. McGrath, Diane, and Nancy Sands. "Finding the Time." Learning and Leading with Technology September 2004: 52-55. McGrath, Diane, and Nancy Sands. "Taking the Plunge." Learning and Leading with Technology April 2004: 34-36.


In compliance with federal laws, N C Public Schools administers all state-operated educational programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability, or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to:

Dr. Elsie C. Leak, Associate Superintendent Office of Curriculum and School Reform Services

6307 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-6307

Telephone (919) 807-3761; fax (919) 807-3767

Necessary Components for the LEA Technology Plans

Documents