Pennsylvania Department of Education
Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania
Department of Education
333 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333
Educational Technology Report
Tuesday, August
23, 2011
(Last Approved: Monday, March 14, 2011)
Entity: Gateway SD
Address: 9000 Gateway Campus Boulevard
Monroeville, PA 15146-3378
Phone: (412) 373-5705
Contact Name: Rica Cleary
Mission
The mission
of the Gateway School District, in cooperation with parents and other members
of the community, is to provide quality educational opportunities for all
students, to promote academic excellence in a safe and caring environment, to
enhance self-confidence through personal responsibility, and to develop
life-long learners who will be productive citizens in a diverse and changing
world.
Vision
The vision of the Gateway
School District is that all students will espouse the characteristics symbolic
of the Gateway Seal: Learning, Scholarship, Leadership and Sportsmanship.
The lion represents Learning, the most vital part of any
life. Learning is above all others as the lion is above all beasts.
Learning never ceases, but is a continuing part of life, from birth to death.
Scholarship is a part of learning.
Honorable scholarship is not just the desire to achieve recognition or complete
an assignment, but the effort to explore knowledge in formal classes and
everyday experiences.
Leadership in academics, sports, activities,
and good student citizenship should be the ideal of every student. A goal
to contribute to the betterment of society, as a youth or as an adult, demands
intelligent and rational leadership.
Sportsmanship on and off the field of contest is
our own aim and, hopefully, our accomplishment. Sportsmanship is trying
to win, but not at the sacrifice of honor or pride. It is the position of
losing, but cheering the victors and the position of winning gracefully.
Shared Values
BELIEF STATEMENTS
At Gateway School District,
we believe that:
- All students have the desire to learn, have the
capacity to learn, and share in the responsibility for their education.
- All students seek to fulfill the following needs:
power, purpose, challenge, affirmation and contribution.
- Educators must willfully respond to students' needs
through invitation, investment, persistence, opportunity, and reflection.
- A distinctive responsibility of schools is to help
young people develop the knowledge, skills, and understandings to
contribute to society in a positive way.
- Quality curriculum, effective assessment, and
differentiated instruction are the vehicles for ensuring and promoting the
acquisition of a high level of competence, knowledge, understanding, and
critical skills for all learners.
- Educators must be knowledgeable and current in their
profession, discipline, and pedagogy.
- Stakeholders must recognize and respect all forms of
diversity.
- Effective schools are built upon integrity and foster
respectful, inclusive, and dynamic environments.
- Fiscal responsibility must be continually monitored to
ensure the proper balance between the needs of students and available
community resources.
- Families, students, district staff, and the community
are contributing partners in the educational process.
- Exemplary schools have exemplary leaders and leadership
teams.
- Schools empower all stakeholders to succeed in a
changing, global world.
- A safe environment is essential to promote a strong
community of learners.
- Communication between home and school is essential.
- Each individual has worth and deserves respect and
consideration.
- Accountability by all stakeholders is necessary to
ensure a quality education for all students.
Needs Assessment
Reflections
There are
currently no reflections selected for this section.
The district technology committee
reviewed the current technology plan to assess the progress and status of
previous goals. These goals were also reviewed over the last two years
with the high school technology advisory group in light the school’s Classrooms
for the Future grant awards, and in response to the growing use of technology
and electronic data initiatives in the district. In addition, an annual review
of the technology plan as part of the budgeting and planning process is
conducted by the Director of Technology and the Assistant Superintendent.
Based on these reviews, the district
believes that a number of goals from the previous plan have been
achieved. Most importantly, the infrastructure and network in the
district have been unified and greatly improved. A robust district-wide network
now supports the use of technology in all aspects of the administration, management
and instruction in the district.
Many of the remaining technology
goals continue to be on-going efforts. We believe valuable progress has
been made in empowering teachers to use technology to enhance student
achievement. Likewise, the district has maintained a continuous effort
focusing on technology integration while evaluating, maintaining and updating
district technologies. The district continues to implement secure
solutions to store, manage and report district data to our stakeholders and to
provide access for our professionals, our parents, students and community
members.
The district through the technology
committee has reflected upon and revised those goals to unify our efforts in
order to shape the current Technology Plan as part of the district’s Strategic
Plan.
In order to continue improving both the technology infrastructure and use of technology by teachers, students and staff, the District believes that the following Goals, Strategies and Activities, which were identified in the District's 2008 Strategic Plan, are valuable programs and should be continued. In most cases, additional monies have been added to the original resource amounts based on anticipated cost increases.
Goals and Strategies
Goal: 1.) Improvement of Student Achievement
Description: Gateway
School District (GSD) will take steps to ensure all graduates are ready for
college and career and proficient in core subjects by refining, enhancing, and
monitoring the K-12 academic program by strictly adhering to
research-based/scientifically-based principles, high-leverage practices, and
data-informed structures that are specific to systemic reform efforts regarding
curriculum, assessment, and instruction.
Strategy: Create a Comprehensive K-12 Technology Fluency
Curriculum
Description: The
Gateway School District will create a comprehensive K-12 Technology Fluency
Curriculum with clearly articulated student competencies.
Activity: Building Computer Aide Competencies
Description: Building
computer lab aides will be provided more training in technology that supports
instructional initiatives, in an effort to move the role of aides from
troubleshooting to instructional support. Technology help desk will need to be
establish to help support the switch from front line support to instructional
support.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Dr. Nancy
Hines |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
- |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Content-Specific Software
Description:
Content-specific software in support of instructional objectives, will be
purchased based upon department review and recommendations. Curriculum specific
software will be purchased and maintained based on: • Technology inventory •
Current research • Based effectiveness
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr. Brian
Stamford |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
- |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Development of K-12 Technology Fluency Curriculum,
Aligned to ISTE NETS-S
Description: The
district will develop a comprehensive K-12 Technology Fluency curriculum, based
on ISTE NETS-S. This blended curriculum will rely on both stand-alone classes,
as well as integration into other curricular areas. • Meeting time • Resources
related to ISTE NETS-S
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr. Brian
Stamford |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
- |
Status: In Progress — Upcoming
Activity: Horizontal and Vertical Curriculum Alignment
Description: The
district will ensure a system of horizontal and vertical alignment within the
curriculum, allowing flexibility for adjustments over time based on increased
(or decreased) student competencies.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr. Brian
Stamford |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
- |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Technology Fluency Courses at Various Levels
Description: Based upon
assessments of student technology competencies, the Information Technology
courses (presently at the high school) may be modified or moved to a more
age-appropriate level.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr. Brian
Stamford |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
- |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Updated Responsibilities of Technology Personnel
Description: The
district will examine and modify (if necessary) responsibilities of computer
lab aides and building computer teachers. The district will explore a model
which would provide a technology integration specialist at each building level.
Technology help desk will need to be establish to help support the switch from
front line support to instructional support.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Robert Reger |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
- |
Status: In Progress — Upcoming
Strategy: Increase the use of technology to enhance teacher
effectiveness and improve student achievement
Description:
Activity: Integrate data management systems into teacher
planning in support of the recommendation made from the Technology Audit.
Description: Training
will be building and/or subject area specific for teachers using in-service
time for data analysis and the use of technology to inform instruction. We will
use a train-the-trainer model by having the Coordinator of Data Management and
the CFF Coach provide grade level and team leaders, as well as department
chairpersons, the tools and skills needed to assist colleagues in the use of
technology for instruction and data analysis. We may also use outside experts
from CDA, and third party providers based on software implementation as needed.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Dennis Houlihan |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
$10,000.00 |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Provide teachers access to and training in placing
instructional materials on the Web
Description: All
teachers will be provided in-service training sessions on the use of Edline and
GradeQuick, Progress Book and Moodle as avenues for placing instructional
materials on the web and making information available to students and parents.
The sessions will be conducted by Digital Fluency Coaches (DFC) and coordinated
by our Classrooms for the Future Coach. We use a train-the-trainer model and
the expertise of our own staff members to gain buy-in and support from our
teaching staff. The DFC are trained by the district CFF coach with the support
of the Technology Coordinator and staff. The DFC then provide in-service
sessions demonstrating and modeling the desired skills and strategies. Needs to
be ongoing professional development opportunities, not just in-service days.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Dennis Houlihan |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
$10,000.00 |
Status: Complete
Activity: Supervision of Teacher Use of Edline, Grade Quick,
Progress Books, etc.
Description: Building
level principals will monitor use of Edline, Grade Quick, Progress Books, etc.
to ensure parents/guardians have timely access to grade reporting data.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Dennis Houlihan |
Start:
2/1/2011 |
- |
Status: Not Started —
Overdue
Activity: Update teacher presentation stations and supportive
technology
Description: With the
assistance of seed funds from the Classrooms for the Future grants, the goal of
the district is to create smart classrooms for each teacher using electronic
presentation boards, projectors, and related peripherals to assist instruction.
Our first focus is on the secondary schools to complement CFF efforts. We will
follow through with the remaining buildings based on budget allowance and
future grants. The building principals and technology committee also support
teacher technology requests and initiatives based on curriculum-related needs.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Dennis Houlihan |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
$525,000.00 |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
|
Date |
Comment |
|
1/26/2011 |
Most 9-12
classrooms have been equipped. |
Strategy: Integrate Data Systems
Description:
Activity: Create and Support of a Technology Vision that Sets
Challenging, Clear Expectations for All Students
Description: • District
instructional technology members will survey staff, study district goals and
action plans and review results of AIU technology audit. A shared vision of
technology will be developed, one that ensures a future in which the
integration of technology is critical to the ongoing success of the district. •
Create a committee • Meeting time • District goals and action plans • Informal
surveys of staff
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr. Brian
Stamford |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
- |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Increase access to electronic data systems to
stakeholders in order to make data-informed instructional decisions
Description: We have
provided teachers with a growing number of on-line data sources including CDA,
E-metrics, 4Sight, and DIBELS. We will further expand the use of data through
Compass Learning and Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) while providing
teacher training to access and utilize the data. Our Coordinator of Data
Analysis leads these efforts to open data sources to all teachers and to assist
them in analyzing results to inform instruction and individualized plans.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Dennis Houlihan |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
- |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Train teachers to access data systems and make
informed decisions
Description: Our
Coordinator of Data Analysis leads these efforts to open data sources to all
teachers and to assist them in analyzing results to inform instruction and
individualized plans. Overseen by the Assistant Superintendent, he works with
the building principals, Technology Manager, and support technicians, as well
as the Digital Fluency Coaches, computer teachers, grade-level and team leaders
and department chairpersons to carry out meaningful and successful training
efforts.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr. Brian
Stamford |
Start:
7/1/2008 |
- |
Status: In Progress —
Overdue
Goal: 4.) Communications
Description: Gateway
School District (GSD) will build and improve upon interactions and
communication practices among all stakeholders, in order to support a
constructive partnership intended to optimize accountability, efficiency, and
transparency.
Strategy: Improve communication systems through the use of
technology
Description:
Activity: Enhance and upgrade and replace telephone and
electronic commnication systems, in support of the recommendation made in the
Technology Audit.
Description: Upgrade
our existing analog telephones to IP-based phone system, upgrade administrative
digital phones and migrate off of the buildings key systems. The VOIP will be a
part of the RWAN consortium bid. Maintain and enhance secures socket layer
encryption and new keys.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Dennis Houlihan |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
$350,000.00 |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
|
Date |
Comment |
|
1/26/2011 |
We are
awaiting final Board approval for purchase and implementation. |
Activity: Ensure a safe and secure environment for the use of
technology resources.
Description: Implement
the newly approved Acceptable Use Policy and Cyber Bullying Policy for students
and staff and inform new students and teachers of all policies. Provide ongoing
student and staff training specific to esafe. Maintain and enhance technology
resources based on building needs in support of the curriculum.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Dennis Houlihan |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
- |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Maintain a Rapid Notification System
Description: Continue
subscription to Constant Contact and expand the use of the Alert Now
notification system.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Dennis Houlihan |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
$25,000.00 |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Provide teachers access to training in placing
instructional materials on the Web
Description: All
teachers will be provided in-service training sessions on the use of Edline and
GradeQuick, and Progress Books and Moodle as avenues for placing instructional
materials on the web and making information available to students and parents.
The sessions will be conducted by Digital Fluency Coaches (DFC) and coordinated
by our Classrooms for the Future Coach. We use a train-the-trainer model and
the expertise of our own staff members to gain buy-in and support from our
teaching staff. The DFC are trained by the district CFF coach with the support
of the Technology Coordinator and staff. The DFC then provide in-service
sessions demonstrating and modeling the desired skills and strategies.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Dennis Houlihan |
Start:
7/1/2008 |
- |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
|
Date |
Comment |
|
1/26/2011 |
This
activity is incorporated in newly developed activity specific to professional
development. |
Strategy: Upgrade District Hardware and Software
Description:
Activity: Access and Equity Inventory
Description: The
district will complete an annual survey of buildings in an effort to identify
disparities and ensure equal access and equity between and within buildings.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Dennis Houlihan |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
$400,000.00 |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Consistent Versions of Software Between and Within
Schools
Description: Software
will be updated to provide consistency between and within schools based on: •
Technology inventory • Technology Curriculum • Confirmed regular use and
effectiveness
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Dennis Houlihan |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
$400,000.00 |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Develop and implement a system for hardware/software
replacement, based upon the recommendation from the Technology Audit.
Description: Follow a
projected life-span cycle of all purchased equipment and develop a replacement
cycle for the equipment. The life-span cycle may be modified based on
technology advances, curriculum decisions, needs, and budget limitations.
Software and hardware will be updated to provide consistency between and within
schools. In the 2010-2011 school year 320 new Apple I-Macs where purchased in
support of the K-6 curriculum goals. This purchase cost $ 300,000.00. Explore
more options/models ex: Apple ipod upgrades
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Dennis Houlihan |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
$300,000.00 |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Explore and purchase technology useful in attaining
goals of the Strategic Plan and the recommendations of the Technology Audit.
Description: The
purchase of technology must be reviewed each year to determine priorities for
meeting curriculum needs. The technology committee submits the requests to the
Assistant Superintendent to determine expenditures and to create a realistic
plan for implementation. The district will create, commit to, and fund a
five-year technology replacement cycle. Note: three years will be covered by
this plan. In the 2010-2011 school year, 320 new Apple I-Macs were purchased in
support of the K-6 curriculum goals. This purchase cost $300,000.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Dennis Houlihan |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
$300,000.00 |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Hardware and Software Capable of Running Current
(and future) Interventions
Description: Hardware
and operating systems will be upgraded to levels which would support current
and projected intervention needs • Based upon technology inventory. •
Technology Curriculum
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Dennis Houlihan |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
$400,000.00 |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Provide technology support to staff
Description: Using an
on-line ticket system, staff will gain greater access to problem reporting,
troubleshooting tips, technology support staff, and training videos to address
multiple issues with both hardware and software. Provide online and phone-based
help desk.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Dennis Houlihan |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
$100,000.00 |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Goal: 5.) Building Human Capacity
Description: The
Gateway School District (GSD) will actively seek to hire and retain highly
qualified individuals at all levels of the organization through an extensive
candidate review process, combined with quality professional development for
those hired.
Strategy: Continue Efforts in Professional Development
Description:
Activity: Collaboration Among Staff
Description:
Professional development opportunities will include time for collaboration
among staff at common grade and subject levels • Meeting time • K-12 Technology
Fluency curriculum • Systemic PD plan
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Dr. Nancy
Hines |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
- |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Ensure that every teacher knows how to use
technology to provide data-informed instruction and to improve student
achievement
Description: Training
will be building and/or subject area specific for teachers using in-service
time for data analysis and the use of technology to inform instruction. We will
use a train-the-trainer model by having the Coordinator of Data Management and
the CFF Coach provide grade-level and team leaders, as well as department
chairpersons, the tools and skills needed to assist colleagues in the use of
technology for instruction and data analysis. We may also use outside experts
from CDA, and third party providers based on software implementation as needed.
Need to be ongoing opportunities, not just inservice days.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr. Brian
Stamford |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
- |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Professional Development Activities that Integrate
Best Practices
Description: Professional
development opportunities will be numerous, relevant, and based upon
integrating technology into best practices. • Meeting time • K-12 Technology
Fluency curriculum • Systemic PD plan
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Dr. Nancy
Hines |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
- |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Professional Development of Administrators
Description: Administrators
will be provided professional development in integrating technology into best
practices and enhancing leadership through technology • Meeting time • K-12
Technology Fluency curriculum • Systemic PD plan
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Dr. Nancy
Hines |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
- |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Provide employees access to online professional
development opportunities, in support of the recommendation made in the
Technology Audit.
Description: In the
past, all CFF teachers must complete 30 hours of on-line PDE approved courses;
other teachers will be encouraged to pursue on-line courses related to their
subject area or grade-level needs. Act 183 grant and other state or federal
grants which supports on-line training opportunities via the AIU and RWAN
consortium will also be utilized as they become available.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Dr. Nancy
Hines |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
$150,000.00 |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Systemic Plan for Professional Development
Description: The
district will develop a systemic plan to ensure that all staff participate in
relevant professional development • Meeting time • K-12 Technology Fluency
curriculum
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Dr. Nancy
Hines |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
- |
Status: In Progress —
Upcoming
Activity: Updated Responsibilities of Technology Personnel
Description: The
district will examine and modify (if necessary) responsibilities of computer
lab aides and building computer teachers. The district will explore a model
which would provide a technology integration specialist at each building level
with a clearly attributed job description that does not overlap with the
responsibilities of any current staff.
|
Person
Responsible |
Timeline
for Implementation |
Resources |
|
Mr.
Robert Reger |
Start:
7/1/2010 |
$525,000.00 |
Status: In Progress — Upcoming
Budget
Potential Budget for an AMENDMENT to the
currently approved plan report that spans 7/1/2011 to 6/30/2014.
|
Funding
Source |
2011-2012 |
2012-2013 |
2013-2014 |
Total |
|
010 -
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET |
$935,000.00 |
$925,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$1,860,000.00 |
|
Grand
Total |
$935,000.00 |
$925,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$1,860,000.00 |
|
Goal:
1.) Improvement of Student Achievement |
|||||
|
Increase
the use of technology to enhance teacher effectiveness and improve student
achievement |
2011-2012 |
2012-2013 |
2013-2014 |
Total |
Funding
Source |
|
Integrate
data management systems into teacher planning in support of the
recommendation made from the Technology Audit. |
$5,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$5,000.00 |
010 -
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET |
|
Provide
teachers access to and training in placing instructional materials on the Web |
$5,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$5,000.00 |
010 -
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET |
|
Subtotal |
$10,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$10,000.00 |
|
|
|
|||||
|
Goal:
4.) Communications |
|||||
|
Improve
communication systems through the use of technology |
2011-2012 |
2012-2013 |
2013-2014 |
Total |
Funding
Source |
|
Enhance
and upgrade and replace telephone and electronic commnication systems, in
support of the recommendation made in the Technology Audit. |
$100,000.00 |
$100,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$200,000.00 |
010 -
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET |
|
Upgrade
District Hardware and Software |
2011-2012 |
2012-2013 |
2013-2014 |
Total |
Funding
Source |
|
Access
and Equity Inventory |
$150,000.00 |
$150,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$300,000.00 |
010 -
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET |
|
Consistent
Versions of Software Between and Within Schools |
$150,000.00 |
$150,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$300,000.00 |
010 -
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET |
|
Develop
and implement a system for hardware/software replacement, based upon the
recommendation from the Technology Audit. |
$100,000.00 |
$100,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$200,000.00 |
010 -
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET |
|
Explore
and purchase technology useful in attaining goals of the Strategic Plan and
the recommendations of the Technology Audit. |
$100,000.00 |
$100,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$200,000.00 |
010 -
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET |
|
Hardware
and Software Capable of Running Current (and future) Interventions |
$150,000.00 |
$150,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$300,000.00 |
010 -
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET |
|
Subtotal |
$750,000.00 |
$750,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$1,500,000.00 |
|
|
|
|||||
|
Goal:
5.) Building Human Capacity |
|||||
|
Continue
Efforts in Professional Development |
2011-2012 |
2012-2013 |
2013-2014 |
Total |
Funding
Source |
|
Updated
Responsibilities of Technology Personnel |
$175,000.00 |
$175,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$350,000.00 |
010 -
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET |
|
Subtotal |
$175,000.00 |
$175,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$350,000.00 |
|
|
|
|||||
|
Grand
Total |
$935,000.00 |
$925,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$1,860,000.00 |
|
Staff Development
As technology curriculum
recommendations are approved and new technology is made available, the staff
receives training provided by vendors, district administrators and/or a team of
lead teachers or Digital Fluency Coaches. The training is based on the demands
of implemented software and hardware along with instructional needs as
determined by teachers and the Technology Committee.
The district has found it
most advantageous to use a train the trainer model for these purposes. We
use outside experts to train our building principals, technology staff, and key
support personnel who then train a cadre of local teachers to assist and carry
out the training initiatives. Our local teachers function as coaches,
team and grade level leaders or as department representatives to carry out
training sessions for colleagues. We provide in-service dates for staff
training as well as time before and after school hours. We shape our
training based on teacher needs and curricula connections. All training
is approved and coordinated by the assistant superintendent and building
principals. The administrative team works with the technology staff,
third part vendors, and the IU to create the optimum training
environment.
Professional development
activities are facilitated by the assistant superintendent and the building
principals. The district uses a variety of modes for professional
development. In-service and Act 80 days are used for a series of
technology workshops. Specified workshops on such things as the use of GradeQuick
and Edline and Progress Book are mandatory; other sessions may be optional, but
are based on teacher and technology staff input. We also conduct technology
training through the use of professional days, providing substitutes for
classroom teachers. In addition, time is used after school to further
enhance teacher training. As part of this plan, we will establish a
professional lab for teachers to visit during the school day, during lunch or
planning periods, to explore the latest in technology from web-based programs
to whiteboard utilization, Moodle sites, and video streaming. The lab
will be manned by the CFF coach and will be supportive of teacher unit and
lesson design as well as content area standards and anchors.
Again, in almost all cases,
we use a train the trainer model for our in-service and technology needs.
For example, our Literacy Coach and Manager of Data Analysis train the
department chairpersons in how to use PSSA data via CDA to identify program
strengths and gaps as well as to focus on the needs of individual
students. The department chairpersons then train other members of the
departments to likewise use the data. These sessions are conducted with
the use of professional days and became part of the monthly department meetings
held after school.
At times we bring in
outside experts such as trainers from the IU to present information to building
principals and district administrators. The leaders then identify
in-house staff to train with the expectations and understanding that these
district leaders provide the training to colleagues in department, grade level
or building meetings. Our CFF coach as well as our Keystone Integrators
work with classroom teachers and we provide planning time for them to mentor
and assist teachers implementing technology-based lessons. In addition, we
support the requests of teachers to take on-line and independent technology
training and workshops in accordance with the professional bargaining
agreement.
To support these efforts a
great deal of professional development time and funding, through the use of
substitutes or reimbursement to teachers for time beyond the school day,
reimbursement for credit-based courses and increased salary in accordance with
credit completion, are devoted to technology and training. The district
has made a firm commitment to provide the resources and training needed for
professional development and the use of technology.
Further training and
professional development will be based on initiatives from the Coordinator of Data
Management and Analysis in conjunction with updates from CDA, E-metrics,
Frameworks, and other data sources. Business practices, the latest
research, and on-site visitations, where applicable, will be reviewed and
considered in response to all district technology initiatives. Teacher surveys,
parent and community member input will be used to determine technology needs
and shape professional development.
Monitoring
The
Technology Committee meets every quarter to review the status of the plan as
well as ongoing and needed training initiatives. Building-level
technology meetings will be conducted by principals to assess and prioritize
training needs. The district Technology Committee works with the building
principals to assess training needs and the impact of programs and technology
initiatives. Teachers evaluate programs, and reflect on training sessions
to gauge the impact and plan follow-up sessions. The overall plan
for technology training is approved and coordinated by the assistant
superintendents based on feedback and proposals submitted by the Technology
Committee, building principals Technology Manager, Coordinator of Data
Management Analysis, coaches and support personnel.
Teaches will take part in both district and state-level surveys to gauge
technology use and needs. The Technology Committee will review goals
annually, and, working with the administrative team, budget manager, teacher
leaders and community representatives, determine both priorities and budget
requests and allocations.
Goals will be assessed annually and reported in a summary to the superintendent
and board of school directors.
Evaluation
Building principals collect data and verify the proper and on-going use of technology through both formal and informal observations. Data collection on the use of technology and its impact on student achievement are collected as required through the CFF grants. In addition, we use walk-through instruments to gather data on teacher practices and the use of technology. Using this data as well as teacher feedback from training sessions, surveys, and department meetings, along with student assessment results, the administrative team gauges the effectiveness of technology implementation. Likewise, future training is determined to meet teacher and curricular needs. The district Technology Committee reviews all data and input in order to assess the current status of the plan, to recommend adjustments, and to maintain efforts.
Achievement of goals will be based on input from all stakeholders, analyzed and reported by the district Technology Committee. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be used to assess achievements and to re-establish future initiatives and priorities designed to achieve plan goals in relation to the larger scope of district programs, goals, directives, challenges and needs. The Technology Committee with input from all stakeholders — the administrative team, technology staff, teacher-leaders, students, parents and community leaders -- will provide an annual report to the superintendent and board of school directors apprising them of the progress with the plan, revisions, and budget requirements.