TECHNOLOGY+PLAN

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TECHNOLOGY PLAN PAGE
"Thou shalt not fear new technology, nor pretend that you know what it does." (from the Web somewhere) Getting Started: To get started, click on the 'edit' link above to add content to this page. You and other contributors can also comment on pages using the 'discussion' link at the top of every page. help section.

I have used optical character recognition to turn the printed technology plan to the text below. This process was less than perfect, but I fixed much of it. The tables in the plan didn't scan. Fix as you see the need.

I suggest you copy this page and paste it into a word processor. Rewrite the section you want and paste your suggested paragraph below the original. Write REVISION at the start of your paragraph and give it a number. If you think the plan needs a new section, put paste it where you think it should go and label it NEW SECTION. (If you have better suggestion, change the above and we will do it. I tried pasting in different colored text and couldn't get it to work.)

__Technology Plan__
//COMMENT: I believe we are missing some vital information to update the technology plan. I believe we need an updated inventory of hardware, software, media, etc. on this campus. Also, I believe it is important that technology starts with the teachers. If teachers don't "buy in" like the plan says, they are very unlikely to use technology in their classroom. Finally, the school must have technology readily available to teachers to use for their classrooms.//~Jeremy .... //__REPLY: Absolutely agree and have said it since last year. We did the survey last year, Jason has it in Excel format. Teachers must be required to use email and increase our use of it just to get teachers accustomed to using a computer for communication. It's a small first step. My note below says more. I wish we discussed the IM thing in Tech Comm so there's no misunderstandings.... Steve__//

//COMMENTARY: First and foremost, a Technology Plan should explain how it will BE USED TO excite and motivate students to actually want to learn; THEREBY IMPROVING SCORES AND REDUCING DROPOUT RATES. HOW WILL WE CHANGE THE CLASSROOM FROM TEACHER-ORIENTED TO STUDENT-ORIENTED? OUR DUTY IS TO PROVIDE (the 80% that don't go to college or finish college) STUDENTS WITH THE ABILITY TO BE PROBLEM SOLVERS, TEAM WORKERS, SATISFY EMPLOYERS" NEEDS….I HAVE MORE…..STEVE **ADDED: Just maybe, more students will want to go to college if they experience exciting learning in a modern classroom with relevent problems and the use of outside information. They need to learn to like to learn.**//
 * (Introduction)**

A school that connects technology and learning will be successful through proper technology planning. It is essential for a school to have a solid technology plan if it is to expect students, teachers, and administrators to use technology to support student learning and improve student achievement. Technology planning takes into consideration the vision and mission of the site as they pertain to student outcome goals. Technology planning establishes who will use technology and how it will be used. The plan provides for extensive professional development for teachers and other staff, including administrators. The strong technology plan enhances communications to parents and community members, as well as throughout the site and district among staff. The strong technology plan is visionary and inclusive, and benefits students as learners and users of technology, and involves staff with instructional tools and resources of great value. The outcomes of developing and implementing a technology plan for Twentynine Palms High School will be increased and enhanced student and teacher use of technology, improved efficiency for the administration and management of the site, and improved communications to parents and the community at large.

Revision Recommendation 1 (Add below here) //Comment: I like the broad concept, keeping in mind that technology is more than just computers. The problem with this district is that they do not properly fund technology. ~Jeremy//

Revision Recommendation 2 (Add below here)

//**Establishing a Technology Committee**//

The principal should assume the role of technology leader, and establishing a technology committee can be done through the school governance governance mechanism. Twentynine Palms High School is a Level II Site Based Management School, and a technology committee should be established with a representative on the council. The technology committee should include members of all stakeholder populations including:
 * Teachers
 * Parents
 * Students
 * Classified personnel
 * District technology committee
 * Community business leaders
 * Local colleges
 * Other community members who can lend expertise to the process, i.e., military communications personnel.

The committee should meet bi-weekly during the planning stages, then adjust meeting times accordingly to be more or less frequent as needed during the implementation and monitoring phases.

//QUESTION: Has this been past practice? Do we have others on our committee?//


 * Technology Planning Activities**

Site Based Management Council reviews plan. Site Based Management Council re-establishes technology committee.

The principal assumes leadership role, and invites members of stakeholder populations to serve on the committee.

Committee creates needs assessment and inventory instruments. Committee establishes goals.

Library technician provides printout of technology inventory.

Committee determines school wide technology needs as they pertain to instruction, hardware, software, and professional development. //REVISION: Should we add media to this list?//

Technology committee refines plan that outlines vision, mission, outcomes, hardware and software needs, professional development, and budget and finances to implement plan.

//QUESTION: English teachers (Eva and Cynthia) could correct some of this information. Is it written correctly?//

Committee presents plan to Site Based Management Council and School Site Council for comments; makes adjustments to plan.

Technology plan is presented to the district superintendent. Implementation phase begins.


 * Technology Implementation Phase 2006-2007**

Secure funding; make purchases. Begin professional development activities to support plan. Monitor and evaluate implementation. Revise and refine plan as needed.

//Vision Statement//

//It is the vision of Twentynine Palms High School that all students will receive a standards-based curriculum that is enhanced by technology; that technology will be available for students of all ability levels; that all members of the school population will become active and competent members of a computer-using culture; and that technology will serve to increase parent and community involvement through improved and broader communications.// //Mission Statement//

//It is the mission of Twentynine Palms High School to provide technology to all students and staff members to enhance instruction and student achievement, to improve communications between stakeholders, and that the management of the site will enjoy increased efficiency as the direct result of access to new and improved technology.//

//Establish a technology committee that will assess the technology needs and inventories of the site, and design a plan that will address the site hardware and software needs.// //keeping.//
 * Provide technology to all students and staff members**
 * //Provide every regular classroom with six student workstations, and one teacher workstation.//
 * //Upgrade or replace existing administrative hardware.//
 * //Upgrade or replace existing computers **in** three computer labs.//
 * //Provide the physical education area with handheld portable computers for record//
 * //Upgrade or replace existing computers in common areas including the staff work room and the library.//

//QUESTION: Does anyone know if the computer to student ratio has changed? Do we have a current inventory on campus? How many classrooms have six computers? How many computers are Windows 2000 or older? Do we have mac's? I believe we need all of this information to make effective changes to the technology plan. ~Jeremy//

//of required and elective courses.// //Students and teachers use the Internet to access offsite instructional sources.//
 * Enhancement of instruction and student achievement**
 * //Place presentation hardware into each classroom.//
 * //Students use the Internet to conduct research as required by standard components//
 * //Provide staff development opportunities to teachers and paraprofessionals for using technology as an instructional tool.//
 * //Provide staff development to teachers **in** accessing data that can be used in establishing learning goals for students and to drive instruction.//
 * //Explore making a technology component a: requirement of all courses.//

//QUESTION: Again, how many classrooms have presentation capabilities?// //COMMENT: I believe that all students should be required to take at least one semester of a Basic Computer Applications Course in high school. ~Jeremy//


 * Improve communication among stakeholders**
 * //Teachers to use email//
 * //Teachers to post homework, lessons, and other pertinent course information on the school website far access by students and parents.//
 * //Students receive user accounts to access individual grades, to use computers in classrooms and common areas, to save and retrieve files, to use email to communicate with students, teachers.//

//REVISION: Teachers will use email and the district instant messenger program.//

//Teachers will use the ABI to post classroom attendance and grades online.//


 * Increased efficiency in site management**


 * //Provide the administrative staff with handheld computers to use in conducting staff observations.//
 * //Improve the efficiency of attendance reporting by having teachers report attendance on-line.//
 * //Improve the efficiency of grade reporting by having teachers report and record grades on-line.//
 * //Purchases and site warehouse inventories to be managed using computer software.//
 * //Upgrade the phone system to include voice mail capabilities.//

//Comment: Should we add daily to attendance and weekly to the grading sections?// //Use software to maintain a current inventory of all hardware, software, and media.//

//**Communicating the Plan to Stakeholders**//

The technology plan will be presented to the following stakeholders in the order listed for discussion. The Technology Committee will take recommendations under consideration and encourage stakeholders to add their comments and ideas to the plan.

1. Site Based Management Council - agenda item 2. Faculty and Staff - faculty meetings 3. Students - through discussions facilitated by teachers in classrooms 4. Parents - informational meeting; publications 5. Business community - presentation to the Chamber of Commerce b. Community - open forum 7. School Site Council - agenda //item// for discussion and approval 8. The school district - presentation to the superintendent, and others 9. The school board - agenda presentation item

The following communications vehicles will be utilized in communicating the plan to achieve buy-in:


 * //The Pawprint// newsletter
 * //Wildcat Tracks// school newspaper
 * //__[|www.29high.org]__ school// website
 * //The Desert Trail// community newspaper
 * The high school daily bulletin
 * The Marine Corp base publications
 * Open forum announced in the local newspaper and as a Public Service Announcement on the local radio station

//Affective communication will reach all stakeholders. Presentation of the plan should be adapted to different audiences. A summary either in a PowerPoint format, handouts, or both should be provided that highlights the areas of interest for different stakeholders. For example, presentation of the technology plan to the faculty will explain and highlight how technology will be used to enhance instruction and improve student learning. Information for parents will explain how both parents and students will benefit from increased communications. While explaining the benefits of the technology plan to business and college representatives, the technology coordinator will highlight the fact that students having more exposure to using technology will help prepare them to enter the world of work or college.//

//How Technology Will **Support the Educational Vision of the Site**//

Technology will support the educational //vision// of the site and affect student learning by supporting the expected learning results of the high school in math and English/Language Arts (ELA), in addition to providing all students access to computer ­based, or computer assisted standards-based instruction by:

Assisting teachers in designing curriculum that integrates technology in accordance with acceptable instruction methods, learning styles, and curriculum frameworks and standards. Assisting teachers in integrating technology skills required in higher education and the workplace to ensure students have the same advantages as their peers in the global world. Assisting students in learning the ethical and legal uses of technology at school in and in real world settings. Developing assessment tools for measuring student progress in the use of technology within curricular areas.

//**The Advantages of a School Computer Network**//

There are many advantages to using networks in schools. Students can share files with other students. Teachers can access data and student files from any computer on campus. Networks allow for cost savings in disk storage, allowing users to store data on the server. The site can save money by purchasing site licenses for software, and upgrading software can be done through the network. Networks reduce the number of peripherals such as printers that are needed at a site. One printer can serve many computers. Staff can send print jobs to the copying machine in the faculty workroom over the network. The Internet is brought into the classrooms and facilities through the network. The library card catalog for all :libraries in the district is accessible to users because of a network. ` Staff can send email and increased communications between administrators and staff can result because of a network. Cost savings, increased efficiency, and student learning opportunities a11 are the result of a school using a network.

//**Planning the** Network//

The network at Twentynine Palms High School is in place and is well maintained by district information technology staff. The following is a description of the servers on which the site accounts are kept, and how they are used. It is imperative to note that although the network infrastructure is up-to-date, many classrooms needed upgrading as far as hardware //is// concerned.

//__Administrative__//

Administrative programs are installed, upgraded, and serviced at the district level. The site uses Aeries for student records, scheduling, generating grades, etc. The front office, attendance office, ASB Accounts Clerk, library, and counseling office all use the same server.

//__Student Accounts__//

Student user accounts should be established at the site level on the site server using assigned 8 digit student identification numbers. The ED numbers will be used to access individual files, grades, and course information. The students will use the same account number to check out books from the library, and pay fines and make purchases in the ASB Student Accounts office.

//__Teacher Accounts__//

Teacher accounts are established at the district level primarily for email. Although the county is the email and Internet service provider, the district information technology specialist manages the accounts. With the advent of district policy requiring all teachers to record attendance and grades on-line using the district database provided for such purposes, teacher accounts will be created and/or revised by the district IT staff..

//__Library Card Catalog__//

The library card catalog, along with the card catalog from the other school libraries in the district, is on the district server. The site library technician maintains inventory of technology and textbooks on the site server.

//__Classroom Hardware__// District purchasing standards require that all computers, monitors, and printers are purchased through a contracted vendor and meet specifications established by the district technology goals. Student and teacher computers will be multi-media computers with Internet access.

//Technology for Administrators and Administrative Services// The technology needs of the administration differ in some respects from those of the classroom teacher and students. Administrators need desktop workstations with software bundles to create documents, make spreadsheets and databases, and presentation software, as well as specialized software to access student accounts and to record classroom observations. The following table presents the administration technology

//**Classroom and Teacher Software**//

While all teachers and staff at the site should be using the same software for recording grades and attendance and word processing, several courses require specialized software. The following list presents the general and specialized software needs of the instructional staff:.


 * MS Office 2000 Professional on teacher workstations
 * All teachers will use the district determined Aeries Interface Browser to record attendance
 * All teachers will use Making the Grade grade book software, and post grades on­line using Making the Grade.
 * All teachers will have Internet connectivity
 * All staff will use email to communicate to staff and district personnel.
 * The newspaper and yearbook classes will use Adobe PageMaker 7.0 and upgrade to Adobe InDesign by 2007-2008 to meet publisher specifications.
 * The Special Education department will utilize specialized software to enhance reading of all students in the department; and provide specialized software for students with special modifications attached to their Individualized Learning Programs.
 * The library will continue to use Accelerated Reader (AR) software to provide AR tests to students.
 * The technology budget will attempt to purchase software that accompanies standards-based textbooks for all core courses.

The site should purchase site licenses //for// MS Office and Making the Grade. The - site license purchase method allows for more licenses at a reduced rate. Specialized software will be purchased in small lab packs or on an individual basis.

//REVISION: Several teachers do not currently have MS office do they? Do all teachers have current Virus Protection and spyware protection? All computers with XP should have// [|**Windows** **Defender** - Spyware Protection for Free] //Change the Making the Grade grade book to the Aeries online grade book. ABI stands for Aeries Browser Interface.// //All staff will use the district instant messenger to communicate to staff and district personnel.// //Take Making the Grade off of the last bullet.//

//**Engaged Learning**//

The site, individual departments, and individual teachers should plan for using technology and the Internet to change teaching methods and strategies. While traditional methods of instruction are simple to plan, including technology will enhance instruction.

Strategies to include technology and the Internet include: covered in class.
 * Have students work collaboratively on activities.
 * Encourage students to learn through exploration.
 * Allow students to experience events in real-time.
 * Prepare PowerPoint presentations of daily lessons and lectures.
 * Use the Internet to access technology components of lessons in textbooks.
 * Conduct research on the Internet that is related to the learning strand being
 * Use the Internet to communicate with students in other schools
 * Share science lessons and results of labs with students at another school.
 * Use technology to monitor the weather.
 * Use the Internet for distance learning experiences such as visiting the Scripps Institute for Oceanography on-line.
 * Develop project-based investigative learning.
 * Use computer simulations to create real-life experiences such as building a house, conducting an experiment, or working in an office.

Students should be encouraged to use application software for word processing, creating charts and graphs, and creating multi-media presentations, as well as the Internet for a variety of activities. Teachers must provide the opportunity for students to use technology in classes, and set an example by making technology use a priority and a regular activity.

//**Equitable Access to Technology**//

Not all students have access to computers after school hours, and not all students are treated equally when it comes to the perception as to their ability or desire to use computers. It is unsafe to assume that all families can afford to have, or want to have, computers in their homes. Stereotyping suggests that female students are less interested in using technology than male students; and, that subgroup populations are less capable or interested in technology than other students. It is imperative that the school technology plan takes into consideration recommendations and strategies to increase access to technology to //all// students.


 * Recommendations**


 * The site technology plan includes technology use for //all// students.
 * Create curriculum that requires students to use technology.
 * Explore ways to involve parents in the use of technology.


 * Technology Use for All Students**

Working with community resources may provide links to computers outside of school. Curriculum should support technology use. Require a course in computer applications for graduation.
 * With proper planning, the school should be able to provide access to technology to all students. Many students do not have computers in their homes, and need to access computers in alternative places. Each classroom will have six computers for student use. The school media center should remain open after school for students who would like to use the computers.
 * The school should explore funding to keep a computer lab open after school and/or in the evenings.
 * The school should determine if student subgroups are less served by technology than the general population. Members of ethnic groups, socioeconomically disadvantaged students, special education students, and females may be underserved.
 * Expand technology beyond math and science.
 * Provide teachers with professional development in including technology in classroom lessons and activities.


 * Involving Parents**


 * Create a parent education program to ensure that the home environment does not contribute to stereotyping.
 * Offer technology training classes to parents in the evenings.
 * Secure discount prices for hardware, software, and Internet service for low income families.
 * Inform parents of after school and community computer resources.

//**Staff Development**//

Staff development is a major component of the successful technology plan. If a school sets a goal to increase the use of data to improve student performance, then the staff needs to be trained on accessing data. Programs such as EduSoft, and data links found on the California Department of Education website provide extensive information that teachers can access and use to improve and guide instruction. Staff development in the use of technology should include all staff members, including administrators. When administrators participate in staff development for technology, then technology becomes a priority for staff. Staff development activities range from those that are staff-wide to activities that are specialized by subject area and purpose. When planning training and activities, the staff development planner should make the training relevant to the needs of the staff. The first step to planning successful staff development in the use of technology is to survey the technology skills of the staff. Twentynine Palms High School participates in the CTAP technology skills assessment, and has met its goal of: surveying over 70% of staff. Although the CTAP assessment is used as required data for grants and government funding programs, it has never been used at the site to present the needs of the staff for the purpose of developing staff development. Staff development must meet the needs and skill levels of the staff, so the site must conduct its own assessment. A staff development program for technology training should include the following action steps:

1. Integrate staff development with other planning activities because it is imperative that staff is trained to meet the objectives of goals that are included in other site plans. The Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA), and the WASC Action Plan have staff development components. 2. - Survey the teachers' and administrators' current technology skills and //needs// for professional development. 3. Research professional development opportunities. 4. Develop clear goals and a specific implementation plan for providing professional development opportunities based on needs and on curriculum. 5. Establish benchmarks and a timeline for implementation of the activities. 6. Develop a process to monitor the effectiveness of the professional development activities. - Suggested Activities:

Interface Browser (attendance software) required by the district in 2006-2007. their pages on the school website. Provide professional development to teachers in accessing student data using EduSoft and other websites.
 * Present professional development to all staff in the use of using the Aeries
 * Present professional development to all staff in the use of district email.
 * Train //all// staff in uploading homework, lectures, and other course information to
 * Present direct instructional strategies using presentation software and hardware.
 * Train staff in basic maintenance and troubleshooting techniques.
 * Present staff development to each department in the use of the technology component of textbooks.
 * Provide examples of easy-to-recreate lessons using the Internet. Present instructional strategies the teachers can adapt to their traditional lessons, such as presenting lecture notes or outlines using PowerPoint.
 * Identify subject specific staff development needs and provide relevant training. Provide opportunities for staff to attend appropriate ability-level workshops sponsored by CTAP.
 * Provide opportunities for high ability level teachers to become trained to be trainers at the site.

Staff development must be followed up with additional training. One-time presentations of procedures, techniques, and strategies are no guarantee of success. When teachers receive follow-up training, one-on-one instruction, and additional support, they are more likely to demonstrate success in using technology. Without staff development in the use of technology, the plan will not meet its goals. Staff development needs to be planned //for// users at all ability levels on an on­going basis.

//**Securing Funding and Support**//

Acquiring funding for technology is a challenge that will be made easier by the commitment //of// stakeholders to support the site technology plan. The technology committee will explore all possible avenues to secure funding for implementation of the technology plan. The committee will use funds //from// the following resources and search for other funding opportunities:
 * Carl Perkins Vocational Education grant
 * Title VI Library Improvement funds
 * Site budget
 * School district general fund
 * Bond measure (Measure 0)
 * Donations from businesses
 * Parent and student fundraising

The site continues to receive Carl-Perkins funds that can be used to purchase technology for classes that are technology based, such as Video Production and Computer Applications. The committee will identify savings to the site that will come from increased use of email and less photocopying and request that those savings be put towards the technology plan. The site receives Title VI library improvement funds that may be used to purchase presentation hardware. The school district general fund provides funds to the site for the maintenance of technology, and the school district funds the infrastructure at the site. Measure 0 was recently passed by the voters of the Mooring Basin, and funds will become available to make improvements at school sites, including adding technology. Local businesses, parents, and students provide minimal financial support to the schools, so the committee should research corporate grants and gifts to support technology. The committee will also research additional technology grants from private and government sources.

//**Evaluating and Monitoring the Technology Plan**//

The technology plan should be evaluated according to the timeline and benchmarks set forth in the plan. The technology committee should:

1. Monitor the implementation steps and timelines contained in the plan. a. Monitoring the plan is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan. b. Monitoring allows the technology committee to make adjustments as needed. c. Monitoring the plan allows the committee to determine if the budget and funding are adequate and meeting the needs of the plan.

2. Evaluate whether the plan has had its intended effects on student achievement. a. Survey staff to determine if their technology skills have improved, or if they need additional support and training. b. Deter-nine if student outcomes have achieved established goals. ie. Examine student data, such as CST reading scores, API, and high school exit exams to determine any increase in student achievement. . c. Determine if teachers are using technology to enhance standards-based curriculum. d. Examine whether students and teachers are motivated to use technology.

3. Evaluate whether home-school communications have increased.

4. Determine how the results of the monitoring and evaluation process will be used.

Through monitoring and evaluating the technology plan, the success of the technology program's goals will be strengthened. As a part of the process, the technology committee should continue to hold regular meetings and use the evaluation and monitoring data to discover where the plan needs adjustments and where the plan shows its strengths and successes.

//**Summary**//

The technology plan for Twentynine Palms High School will support student achievement, the primary goal of the school. Teachers, staff, and administrators will benefit as well from updated technology and professional development in its use. The communications between home and school will be improved greatly with the implementation of the plan. Students in homes without computers may receive assistance in acquiring technology that will allow them to access the school, their own records, and course information. The technology plan provides solid professional development planning and goals, and strives to encourage teachers to use technology as a regular component of instruction. The plan seeks funding and resources to make the plan a reality, and relies on resources throughout the district to support the plan. With buy-in and commitment from the site, the parents and students, the school district, and the community at large, the Twentynine Palms High School Technology Plan will become a reality.