McClave School District

Re-2 Technology in Education Plan

 

PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Information Technology 

 

 

Instructional and Administrative Implementation of Technological Systems for Information Access, Analysis, Synthesis, Application, Storage, and Communication

   2006/2008 Plan

 

 

 

 

 

Today

The McClave School District Re-2 achieved a number of significant goals in technology infusion during the past five-year program improvement plan. Significant examples follow.

A Networked Computer in Every Classroom

            Perhaps the most significant accomplishment in the past five years has been the installation of a useful computer in every classroom at every level... and the interconnection of all these computers via a high-speed Wide Area Network (WAN). Our WAN also connects to the Internet, giving classrooms, labs, and offices connection to computer systems around the world.  Wireless capability has also been added throughout the District.

Networked Elementary School Labs

            Colorado Standards Based item banks and software have been added to all stations in the elementary school. These labs are also connected to the WAN. In addition a reading and math lab, Successmaker, is fully functional on 25 workstations in the elementary.

Distance Learning Coursework

            Our district participates in a multi-district cooperative which has developed numerous advanced high school courses offered via the distance learning lab.. High school students may opt for taking some of their higher level courses in this alternative fashion.

Library/Media Center Automation

            All school LMCs operate on the same library automation system. This shared database enables all students to access not just resources in their own school’s collection but in the library collections of all of our schools.

Diversified and Distributed Management System

  Plans are underway to share personnel and software management costs through a Turnleaf Project within the Southeastern BOCES.  Standards-Based Education requires close attention to data, and teachers need ways to manage all of that data.

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We Asked

This long range plan has been under development for the past two years. In preparation, a survey of students, teachers, administrators, and a sampling of parents was conducted. The information gleaned from that survey led us to the following conclusions.

Increased teacher training was recognized as a need equal to or greater than the needs to replace older computers and complete our network connecting all classrooms. As a result, we’ve added a part time instructional technology coordinator.

Good, teacher-tested software was needed for our classrooms and labs. Since validating this need, we were able to incorporate an extensive software purchase plan in our replacement of all elementary school Write to Write labs. We also added software at the high school and middle school level.

Accessing the Internet was a high priority among respondents. That has been accomplished for all schools with great bandwidth utilizing the BOCES and AVNA fiber line.  AVNA is now filtering and protecting that access. In addition the District now runs all workstations through a single server filtered and fire walled (August 2004).

During the summer of 2000, a team of teachers began work on general technology proficiencies, competency standards we should expect our students to achieve. These proficiencies underwent various stages of refinement and have served to guide the development of objectives for this next five-year period. These proficiency statements are included in this Plan.

During the 2000 - 2001 school year, interviews were held with several groups of teachers to assure that the technology needs of all grade levels and subject areas are considered as we set goals for the next five years. The information gathered was consistent with our previous survey. We also picked up additional specific suggestions. Repeated below are some of which we heard most often.

 

  • Staff a part-time lab manager.
  • Prepare new teachers.

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  • We need more instructional labs. A new M.S./H.S lab has been added (wireless August, 2004).
  • Middle schools are in need of computer upgrades (improved 2004)
  • Computers need more memory (improved 2004).
  • Teachers need access to laptop computers.
  • Students and teachers need better means for managing file storage, access, and security (Accomplished 2004).
  • We need to provide better security on all computer stations (Accomplished 2004).

 

School Responsibilities

A. Continue to improve fiscal policy, practices, documents, and communication of district financial status to parents, staff and community.

B. Through thoughtful deliberation and planning, align financial resources with the focus areas of our educational agenda in order to maximize their impact on learning and achievement.

C. Continue to plan for District growth through collaboration with the entities the District serves.

D. Continue emphasis on superb facilities management, maintenance and improvements.

E. Continue to provide, within District resources, advanced technological improvements to further goals for teaching and learning, administrative effectiveness, communication inside and outside the District and for management of data.

F. Continue to improve on and increase the level of awareness of student safety in all District schools and facilities with particular attention to implementation of the Board's policy on School Safety.

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School Proficiencies in Technology

Grades K-2

K-12 Strand: Technology Skills

Students will develop abilities to use computers, printers, software, and other appropriate tools.

Proficiency: Students will demonstrate age-appropriate mastery of computers, teacher-selected peripherals, network-based resources, and grade-level-appropriate software.

K-2 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the primary grades need not be limited to, but should include:

Learning keyboarding basics including home keys and appropriate hand positioning, and beginning development of standard QWERTY keyboard skills.

Using the mouse to accomplish of variety of tasks; for example, selecting among menu options, highlighting and launching icons, and navigating text.

Using menu commands, keyboard commands, or buttons to launch and operate programs.

Using resources available via the network: World Wide Web, printers, databases available through the IMC, etc.

Competent Level Descriptor:

Given an assignment to complete using computers and related tools, students demonstrate competent, careful operation of these technology tools.

K-12 Strand: Technology Literacy

Students will possess an age-appropriate understanding of technology and its purpose, terminology, and impacts and recognize significant issues which arise through the use of technology.

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Proficiency: Students will know basic nomenclature of available computers and peripherals, and they will demonstrate respect for the rights of other users.

K-2 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the primary grades need not be limited to, but should include:

Printing over a network.

Identifying the basic physical components of computer hardware and software.

Demonstrating appropriate care and handling of the computer and software.

Describing and performing acceptable methods of turning the computer on and off.

Competent Level Descriptor:

Each student will complete an assignment on computer which requires the use of word processing software, the Internet, keyboard, mouse, printer, and other teacher-selected tools.

K-12 Strand: Technology Application

Students will use technology to help them learn and explore curriculum content and personal interests.

Proficiency: Students will use instructional software to assist in learning math and language arts and the Internet and library resources to search for information..

K-2 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the primary grades need not be limited to, but should include:

Using computers and available software in a lab and/or classroom to learn, to practice, and investigate curriculum concepts.

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Using the Internet and teacher-selected Web sites to find specific information.

Using the school IMC and library automation system to locate useful nonfiction resources and pleasure reading material.

Competent Level Descriptors:

Students will use available technology tools in the course of learning primary grade level content and developing productive life-long interests.

K-12 Strand: Technology for Productivity

Students will apply technologies effectively in the processes of problem-solving, researching, communicating, and completing classroom assignments.

Proficiency: Students will use available productivity software and other technology tools to access curriculum-relevant information and to create their own original documents or presentations.

K-2 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the primary grades need not be limited to, but should include:

Using the IMC and the Web to gather valid information on a topic.

Creating a word processing document using available layout and text features.

Students insert a graphic into a document by copying and pasting or clicking and dragging.

Competent Level Descriptors:

Students use available technology to develop a brief document.

 

 

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Grades 3-5

K-12 Strand: Technology Skills

Students will develop their abilities to use computers, printers, software, and other appropriate tools.

Proficiency: Students will demonstrate age-appropriate mastery of computers, teacher-selected peripherals, network-based resources, and grade-level-appropriate software.

3-5 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the intermediate grades need not be limited to, but should include:

Advancing their keyboarding skills.

Using the mouse to navigate windows, menus, programs, and documents.

Demonstrating ability to create, save, retrieve, and print documents.

Using painting and/or drawing tools.

Creating multimedia documents/presentations.

Demonstrating basic internet navigation skills such as the use of a Web browser to retrieve and save information from the World Wide Web.

Competent Level Descriptor:

Given an assignment to complete using computers and related tools, students demonstrate competent, careful operation of these technology tools.

K-12 Strand: Technology Literacy

Students will possess an age-appropriate understanding of technology and its purpose, terminology, and impacts and recognize significant issues which arise through the use of technology.

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Proficiency: Students will know nomenclature of available computers and peripherals plus basic terminology of the Internet, and they will demonstrate respect for the rights of other computer and Internet users.

3-5 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the intermediate grades need not be limited to, but should include:

Using basic technological terminology in proper context.

Identifying and using the basic functions of available input/output hardware.

Recognizing basic facts about world-wide networking of computers and fundamental potentialities of such connectedness among peoples around the world.

Demonstrating responsible use of other people’s ideas as well as responsible use and care of equipment.

Describing how they use computers, telecommunications, and other technology personally.

Competent Level Descriptor:

Each student will use a variety of available technology tools to develop a report which properly uses technology terminology and describes some current technologies and their impact on people.

K-12 Strand: Technology Application

Students will use technology to help them learn and explore curriculum content and personal interests.

Proficiency: Students will use instructional software to assist in learning math and language arts and the Internet and library resources to search for information..

3-5 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the intermediate grades need not be limited to, but should include:

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Using computers and available software in a lab and/or classroom to learn, to practice, and investigate curriculum concepts.

Using the school IMC and library automation system to locate useful nonfiction resources and pleasure reading material.

Locating resources on a topic from a variety of sources including electronic media, the Web, and hard-copy documents available through the school library-media center.

Competent Level Descriptors:

Students will use available technology tools in the course of learning intermediate grade level content and developing productive life-long interests.

K-12 Strand: Technology for Productivity

Students will apply technologies effectively in the processes of problem-solving, researching, communicating, and completing classroom assignments.

Proficiency: Students will use available productivity software and other technology tools to access curriculum-relevant information and to create their own original documents or presentations.

3-5 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the intermediate grades need not be limited to, but should include:

Exploring the library-media center and the Web to gather valid information on a topic.

Utilizing technology to interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.

Using word processing as a tool to write, edit, and print a written paper.

Using the computer to gather and integrate valid information from a variety of resources into an accurately documented product.

Using tools such as digital still cameras, video recorders, and scanners to integrate illustrations into informative multimedia presentations.                                                                                                                                                          Page 9

Developing basic skills with a variety of productivity software.

Competent Level Descriptors:

Students use available technology to gather and sort information, to prepare and organize text, to create and integrate illustrations into textual information, and to make presentations for the purpose of communicating information.

 Grades 6-8

K-12 Strand: Technology Skills

Students will develop their abilities to use computers, printers, software, and other appropriate tools.

Proficiency: Students will demonstrate age-appropriate mastery of computers, available peripherals, network-based resources, and grade-level-appropriate software.

6-8 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the middle school need not be limited to, but should include:

Selecting appropriate output devices on a network.

Navigating available computer systems effectively, saving, organizing, and retrieving files as needed.

Demonstrating basic keyboarding skills.

Using the mouse to navigate windows, menus, programs, and documents.

Developing basic formatting skills in a word processing program.

Developing an understanding of productivity software and skills with word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, and multimedia software.

 

 

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Competent Level Descriptor:

Given an assignment to complete using computers and related tools, students demonstrate competent, careful operation of these technology tools.

K-12 Strand: Technology Literacy

Students will possess an age-appropriate understanding of technology and its purpose, terminology, and impacts and recognize significant issues which arise through the use of technology.

 

Proficiency: Students will know nomenclature of available computers and peripherals plus basic terminology of the Internet, and they will demonstrate respect for the rights of other computer and Internet users.

6-8 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the middle school need not be limited to, but should include:

Using technological terminology related to basic operating system and software application use.

Practicing ethical use of technology in the collection and use of data.

Considering how a constantly evolving world-wide networking of computers affects people all over the world.

Competent Level Descriptor:

Each student will use a variety of available technology tools to develop a report or presentation which properly uses technology terminology and describes some current technologies and their impact on people.

K-12 Strand: Technology Application

Students will use technology to help them learn and explore curriculum content and personal interests.

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Proficiency: Students will use instructional software to assist in learning math, language arts, social studies, science, and or other curriculum content and the Internet and library resources to search for information.

6-8 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the middle school need not be limited to, but should include:

Using computers and available software in a lab and/or classroom to learn, practice, and investigate curriculum concepts.

Using the school IMC and library automation system to locate nonfiction resources and fiction material.

Locating resources on a topic from a variety of sources including electronic media, the Web, and hard-copy documents available through the school library-media center.

Competent Level Descriptors:

Students will use available technology tools in the course of learning appropriate grade level content and in developing personal interests.

K-12 Strand: Technology for Productivity

Students will apply technologies effectively in the processes of problem-solving, researching, communicating, and completing classroom assignments.

Proficiency: Students will use available productivity software and other technology tools to access curriculum-relevant information and to create their own original documents or presentations.

6-8 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the middle school need not be limited to, but should include:

Using the research process to locate, evaluate, and understand validity of resources on the internet.

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Utilizing technology to interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.

Using multiple media to compile, utilize, organize, and present information.

Advancing their skills with a variety of productivity software.

Competent Level Descriptors:

Students use available technology to gather and sort information, to prepare and organize text, to create and integrate illustrations into textual information, and to make presentations and/or create documents for the purpose of communicating information.

 Grades 9-12

K-12 Strand: Technology Skills

Students will develop their abilities to use computers, printers, software, and other appropriate tools.

Proficiency: Students will demonstrate age-appropriate mastery of computers, available peripherals, network-based resources, and grade-level-appropriate software.

9-12 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the high school need not be limited to, but should include:

Pursuing basic troubleshooting procedures when computer problems occur.

Navigating available computer systems effectively, saving, organizing, and retrieving files as needed.

Displaying proper keyboarding techniques for speed and accuracy.

Using available calculators for problem solving.

Using word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, and multimedia software to organize, construct, or present information in a logical fashion.

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Competent Level Descriptor:

Given an assignment to complete using computers and related tools, students demonstrate competent, careful operation of these technology tools.

K-12 Strand: Technology Literacy

Students will possess an age-appropriate understanding of technology and its purpose, terminology, and impacts and recognize significant issues which arise through the use of technology.

Proficiency: Students will know nomenclature of available computers and peripherals plus terminology of the Internet, and they will demonstrate respect for the rights of other computer and Internet users.

9-12 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the high school need not be limited to, but should include:

Using appropriate advanced technological terminology.

Analyzing the societal implications of technology use.

Demonstrating ethical behavior in the usage of technology, particularly email and the Web.

Considering how a constantly evolving world-wide networking of computers affects people all over the world.

Competent Level Descriptor:

Each student will demonstrate an understanding of technological language, the Web, a variety of technology tools, and personal rights and responsibilities as they create items such as Web pages, spreadsheets, databases, and multimedia presentations.

K-12 Strand: Technology Application

Students will use technology to help them learn and explore curriculum content and personal interests.

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Proficiency: Students will use instructional software to assist in learning math, language arts, social studies, science, and or other curriculum content and the Internet and library resources to locate and select valid, curriculum-relevant information.

9-12 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the high school need not be limited to, but should include:

Using computers and available software in a lab and/or classroom to learn, to practice, and investigate curriculum concepts.

Using the school IMC and library automation system to locate useful nonfiction resources and pleasure reading material.

Locating resources on a topic from a variety of sources including electronic media, the Web, and hard-copy documents available through the school library-media center.

Competent Level Descriptors:

Students will use available technology tools in the course of learning appropriate grade level content and in developing productive life-long interests.

K-12 Strand: Technology for Productivity

Students will apply technologies effectively in the processes of problem-solving, researching, communicating, and completing classroom assignments.

Proficiency: Students will use available productivity software and other technology tools to access curriculum-relevant information and to create their own original documents or presentations.

 

 

 

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9-12 Learning Experiences:

Students’ learning experiences in the high school need not be limited to, but should include:

Utilizing technology to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.

Researching topics using electronic resources.

Gathering, organizing, and reporting information using electronic media.

Creating and editing a research paper that is complete with documentation.

Producing and presenting a multi-media, audio-visual presentation.

Advancing their skills with a variety of productivity software.

Competent Level Descriptors:

Students use available technology to gather and sort information, to prepare and organize text, to create and integrate illustrations (spreadsheets, graphs, photos, clip and original art, animation, video clips, etc.) into textual information, and to make presentations for the purpose of communicating information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Evaluation

In April of 2004 the McClave School District conducted a significant needs survey for the second time and formed a new tech committee responsible for major changes in tech-ed for the 04-05 school year.  Many of the curricular and material changes are referred to  within this document.   New evaluation is scheduled for the 2007 school year.

 

Evaluation will be conducted first by a team of teachers and then referred to the accountability sub committee in charge of technology.  All decisions will be referred to the McClave School District Board of Education.  In addition during the 2006-2007 school year all 8th grade students will be pre and post tested on standards dealing with Technology Skills, Technology Literacy, Technology Application and Technology Productivity as mentioned in the 9-12 Technology Curriculum listed above.

That exit exam rubric should be available to staff and student by May of 06.

 

Library Services

 

The McClave School District k-12 Library has been recognized as a Power Library for the past seven years based upon a number performance factors, one being technology leadership.  The McClave School District accountability Committee has recommended that research access be expanded in the Library.  A plan to place two more internet accessible computers next to the current six would bring the capacity to about 1 computer to 2 library patrons visiting the library as non-class members.  The Librarian is also a key player in addressing 8th grade IT literacy.  A pre and post test will be administered to all 8th graders during the 2006-2007 school year.

 

Lab and Classroom Capacity 6-12

 

In conjunction with the McClave School District Library is the 6-12 grade computer lab.  Wireless Lap Tops are currently used in the lab.  It will fully support two to three classes at McClave, or 35% of all 6-12 students at one time.  Lap tops may be checked out individually or by class for use in all classrooms.  Additionally, there are at least two computers in every classroom, with Vocational Agriculture and Business having 25 laptops or desktop computers each.  The assessment on student needs accomplished in the spring of 05 indicated student satisfaction with access and only a complaint on wireless hot spots being an issue.

 

Lab and Classroom Capacity Pre School – 5th Grade

 

The cornerstone of technology use in Pre-School through 5th grade is the Pearson Learning Reading and Math Lab. A comprehensive 30 minute routine every day for every child has resulted in increased test scores.  All time is spent in front of desktop accomplishing grade leveled tasks in reading and math.  There are concerns about

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incorrect keyboarding skills, but in the comprehensive keyboarding classes in 6th and 7th

grade, no particular difficulties are encountered teaching keyboarding.  The Lab has been

in use for over four years as of (4-06). A current assessment (4-06) indicates desktop replacement is necessary in the summer of 06.  In addition every elementary class has at least one desktop in the classroom.

 

Distance Learning Services and Connectivity

 

The Arkansas Valley Network Association in conjunction with the South Eastern BOCES regulates the fiber capacity of the McClave School District.  Bandwidth is currently satisfactory, but another fiber loop to the Front-Range has been added to the WAN to aid in back –up when fiber lines are cut or there are general outages.  A central filter is applied to block undesirable sites and the software has changed from time to time to adjust to differing threats.  In addition all District sponsored e-mail is managed by the BOCES and spam is blocked there as well.  That fiber line also carries a two way face to face Distance Learning Service to the 13 Districts of the South Eastern BOCES.  The McClave School District receives two classes and sends out three on the service as of 4-06. That results in about 42 students receiving 1 hour of instruction everyday on the McClave link.   There are plans underway to expand capacity.

 

Capacity Beyond the Laptop or Desktop

 

The  McClave School District does have four PDA’s with streaming video capability for use by instructors,  two high quality digital cameras, a comprehensive LAN of printers faxes and scanners, five digital projectors with accessories, three classroom e-instruction setups, and many individual student learning devices from GPS to health simulators.

 

What Happens After Capacity is Built?

 

The question of “what next?” is central to planning for instruction in the McClave School District.  Students have used current technology to build BLOGS, Web Sites, and networks of friends.  They have transferred, manipulated, and created, music, video, and other documents while instructors have fretted, pondered, and sometimes cried wolf at new developments.  Safety has always been a concern for our students.  POS or in our case Instructor Over the Shoulder, has been a common occurrence in the McClave School District.  Electronic and manual limits have been placed on chat-rooms, email, and BLOGS over objections by students.  At the CASE Conference in 05, in a presentation by Julie O’Brian, an urging for reduction in control became a group topic.  Many administrators had over-reaching controls in place in regard to safety of students.  A good solution was not arrived at to ensure safety other than limiting administrator passwords and setting restrictive permissions.

 

 

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Compliance with Federal Regulations

 

In 2006 the Arkansas Valley Network Association was operating comprehensive filtering software with on site permission and limiting capability.  The McClave School District held a series of public meetings discussing internet safety in conjunction with the McClave School District Accountability Meetings.  At a public School Board Meeting Policies were adopted by the McClave School District Board of Education at a series of meetings between August of 2003 and January of 2006 setting up permission forms for students, awareness documents for parents, and internet safety information in general.  These documents were also mailed to all postal addresses within the District and sent directly to all out of district students homes.  Information is available at www.mcclaveschools.org .  That web page as well as a comprehensive calendar updated daily is the key communication component to parents.  The District still sends a paper monthly newsletter to all boxholders.  

 

Working with Other Agencies

 

A recent assessment survey with C2 D3 was completed on April 27, 2006 addressing the future of technology and data collection within the McClave School District.  Right now emphasis is on teacher training to stay abreast of IT instruction.  Comprehensive training is scheduled for the fall of 06.  All staff will continue to use the $500 educational stipend available to for training in IT teaching.

 

Budget

 

The 06-70 budget for technology upgrades mentioned above is set at $39,000.  This amount includes the $8,000 stipend for the technology director as well as supplies and property purchases.  Not included in that amount is the $10,500 assessment paid the the SEBOCES for related services.  E-rate discounts will continue to be received for basic phone service with connectivity issues left to the SEBOCES.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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