Buchanan County Public Schools - images.pcmac.orgimages.pcmac.org/.../Documents/...2016-2018_Final.docx · Web viewBuchanan County Public Schools is comprised of four high schools

Buchanan County Public Schools

Educational Technology Plan

2016-2018

http://www.buc.k12.va.usBuchanan County Public Schools Educational Technology Plan 2014 - 2016 Page 1

Table of Contents

Executive Summary………………………………………..…………………………………...…3

Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………….6

Connection to Vision and Mission…………………………………………………………….......7

The Planning Process……………………………………………………………………………...8

Stakeholders…………...………………………………………………………………..……...….9

Evaluation Process and Update Cycle…………………………………………………………...10

Current Status of Technology……………………………………………………………...….....11

Partnerships……………………………………………………………………………………....17

Computer Inventory………………………………………………………………………….......19

Needs Assessment Process………………………………………………………………………20

Conclusion of Needs Assessment…………………………………………………………...…...22

Vision, Mission, and Goals…………………………………………………….………...……....23

Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Evaluation Strategies……...………………………………...24

Appendix I: Timetable and Budget……………………………………………….……...……...18

Appendix II: Acceptable Use Policy……………………………………….……………………19

Appendix III: Internet Safety Program…………………………………………………...…..…20

Buchanan County Public Schools Educational Technology Plan 2016-2018 Page 2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Sound planning is required to ensure that the academic achievement of every student in the Buchanan County Public School System is enhanced through the use of technology. A technology plan just like a student is a work in progress. It must be flexible because technology is constantly advancing. This plan is intended to address the needs of the school system with regard to technology as a lifelong learning tool. The better the integration of technology into the instructional program, the better students will be prepared to fully participate in the global community that utilizes information technology.

The members of the Technology Committee share a mission and vision for students. The goal of this plan is to provide a strong technology environment, coordinated with effective professional development on the integration of technology into the learning process, administrative support, and instructional support. The Committee has completed a needs assessment in order to ascertain where our system is in relationship to where we want to go. The Committee will continue to evaluate progress and needs and examine emerging technology in order to make informed decisions concerning the selection and purchase of appropriate hardware and software.

Ongoing training opportunities will be provided for personnel in the use of technology applications and the incorporation of technology into the instructional process throughout the curriculum so teachers can more actively engage students. These training opportunities will include but are not limited to the following: workshops, in-services during school hours, in-services outside school hours, classes, and conferences. One individual at each school will serve as an on-site instructional technologist. They will share their skills and knowledge at their home school through personal interaction and at the division level through the division web pages and training opportunities. On-site technologists will aide in providing timely and adequate support to personnel.

Wireless connections to the wide area network and the internet will be provided and/or extended to remaining classrooms and offices. Updated computers will be provided for all schools to ensure that the division maintains or exceeds the target goals set by the DOE. The current operating system will be maintained ensuring that virus protection and internet filtering software for all servers and computers is appropriate. Upgraded packet shaping devices will be installed to control network traffic from our LANs to the internet.

Additional personnel hired in the IT Department, and ongoing training will be provided for personnel to enable them to stay up-to-date on emerging technology.


Goals and Objectives

Goal 1: Provide a safe, flexible, and effective learning environment for all students.

• Objective 1.1: Deliver appropriate and challenging curricula through face-to-face,blended, and virtual learning environments.

• Objective 1.2: Provide the technical and human infrastructure necessary to support real, blended, and virtual learning environments.

• Objective 1.3: Provide high-quality professional development to help educators create,maintain, and work in a variety of learner-centered environments.

Goal 2: Engage students in meaningful curricular content through the purposeful and effective use of technology.

• Objective 2.1: Facilitate the development or use and delivery of innovative professional development that promotes collaboration.

• Objective 2.2: Actualize the ability of technology to individualize learning and provide

equitable opportunities for all learners.

Goal 3: Afford students with opportunities to apply technology effectively to gain knowledge, develop skills, and distribute artifacts that reflect their understanding.

• Objective 3.1: Provide and support professional development that increases the capacity of teachers to design and facilitate meaningful learning experiences, thereby encouraging students to create, problem-solve, communicate, collaborate, and use real-world skills by applying technology purposefully.

• Objective 3.2: Ensure that students, teachers, and administrators are ICT literate.

• Objective 3.3: Implement technology-based formative assessments that produce further

growth in content knowledge and skills development.

Goal 4: Provide students with access to authentic and appropriate tools to gain knowledge,develop skills, extend capabilities, and create and disseminate artifacts that demonstrate their understanding.

• Objective 4.1: Provide resources and support to ensure that every student has access to a personal computing device.

• Objective 4.2: Provide technical and pedagogical support to ensure that students,


teachers, and administrators can effectively access and use technology tools.

• Objective 4.3: Identify and disseminate information and resources that assist educators in selecting authentic and appropriate tools for all grade levels and curricular areas.

Goal 5: Use technology to support a culture of data-driven decision making that relies on data to evaluate and improve teaching and learning.

• Objective 5.1: Use data to inform and adjust technical, pedagogical, and financialsupport.

• Objective 5.2: Provide support to help teachers disaggregate, interpret, and use data toplan, improve, and differentiate instruction.

• Objective 5.3: Promote the use of technology to inform the design and implementation of next-generation standardized assessments.


INTRODUCTION

Buchanan County, nestled in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, is a relatively isolated rural community and the home of the Appalachian School of Law, the Appalachian College of Pharmacy, and the Breaks Interstate Park. Buchanan County’s economic base evolved from predominantly logging activity to a dependence upon the coal mining industry. The economy of Buchanan County has suffered greatly due to the decline in the coal industry. Buchanan County Public Schools is comprised of four high schools (three 8-12 and one 9-12), four elementary/middle schools (three PK-7 and one PK-8), one elementary school (PK-5), and a career, technology, & higher learning center.

Our high school curriculum consists of course offerings in the four core academic areas, technology and career classes, dual enrollment and advanced placement courses, and fine and practical arts. Virtual courses offered through Virtual Virginia, Linwood Holton Governor’s School, and Apex Learning are available for students seeking courses not taught in local schools.

In the early 1990’s, Buchanan County Public Schools began developing a division-wide technology plan to establish the vision, goals, and objectives of our technology program. The plan has grown to meet the changing needs of the school division as technological advancements and needs have changed The focus has shifted from building an adequate infrastructure to accommodate online testing and the needs of business classes to school-wide use of technology through the integrating of technology into the instructional process. Currently a strong network infrastructure is in place and we are turning our attention to assisting students in making the leap from computer user to creative, problem solvers.

The current plan focuses on technology integration with the goal of improving studentacquisition of the skills they will need to participate fully in the global community of the 21st century. Students can now be producers of information rather than just consumers. With these new opportunities come new challenges as the division seeks ways to facilitate increased learning opportunities while maintaining security and safety. Meetings were held to devise a strategic action plan based on the goals and objectives of the Virginia Educational Technology Plan. The plan was then reviewed by the Division Technology Committee and submitted to the School Board for approval. The School Board approved the plan on September 6, 2016. It is available online at the Buchanan County Public Schools website at www.buc.k12.va.us.


CONNECTIONS TO VISION AND MISSION

The mission and vision for Buchanan County Public Schools recognizes the desire of the division to provide an opportunity for all students to achieve maximum growth Buchanan County Public Schools acknowledges the role of technology in the process of equipping students with the skills needed for postsecondary education and/or the workforce. Technology is valued as an essential tool in providing the most creative, interactive educational experience for students. In developing the technology plan for 2016-2018, the stakeholders considered the skills essential for success in the 21st century and the best methods of instruction needed for the students to acquire these skills. The vision, mission, goals, objectives, and strategies of the technology plan will be re-visited annually to ensure that students are receiving a quality education using the most current technological tools available.


THE PLANNING PROCESS

Buchanan County Public Schools’ Educational Technology Plan is modeled after the Educational Technology Plan for Virginia 2010-2015 and incorporates ideas from the 2011-2014 Educational Technology Plan, the current status of technology, and strategies to accomplish future goals. The plan has been updated according the state’s current addendum.

The development of a comprehensive plan requires many people working together cooperatively. Stakeholders were involved in the planning process through meetings, telephone conversations, and electronic correspondence. Needs assessment surveys were completed for each individual school. Building principals were asked to complete a list of all technology requests/repairs. Central Office Administrative staff and school principals met throughout the 2009-2010 school year to review virtual programs that were available. A representative from each school from each curricular area (Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Technology, Title I, Special Education, and Business) was chosen to attend an informational meeting at Athe Central Office. Representatives were asked to go back to their schools and meet with colleagues in their department. The results from meetings held at the department level were brought to another meeting at the Central Office. Each representative presented the needs, concerns, and suggestion proposed at his/her school for discussion by the group at large. The needs, concerns, and suggestions were compiled, tabulated, and shared with Central Office Administrative personnel. Based on the information collected sections of the Technology Plan Addendum for 2016-2018 were developed.

An update of the current status of technology along with needs assessment of hardware, staff, and infrastructure were conducted. This information was used to revise strategies to meet the goals and objectives established in the state plan. The Acceptable Use Agreements for students and staff were updated and approved by the School Board in June 2014. A draft of the plan was posted on the division website and stakeholders from the division and community were invited to review the plan and submit feedback. Once finalized, the plan was presented to the School Board and received approval on September 6, 2016.

The technology planning process is a cycle of inputs, planning strategies, implementation, and formal evaluations. The results of the formal evaluations are the impetus for the cycle to begin anew.

The current Buchanan County Public Schools’ Educational Technology Plan Addendum 2016-2018 is available on the division website:http://www.buc.k12.va.us.

RESOURCES

Educational Technology Plan for Virginia: 2010-15 http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/technology/edtech_plan/plan.pdf Educational Technology


Plan for Virginia: 2010-15 Executive Summary http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/technology/edtech_plan/executive_summary.pdf

STAKEHOLDERS

Buchanan County Public Schools’ Educational Technology plan is modeled after the Educational Technology Plan for Virginia 2011-2015 and incorporates ideas from previous plans. The plan serves as a template with information on the status of current technology use and future goals for the use and implementation of technology in the school system. The plan will be updated at least annually or as is needed.

The development of a two year technology plan requires information from many individuals. This information came in the form of ideas, suggestions, surveys, requests and desires. These were collected from students, parents, community members, teachers, administrators, and central office personnel. This two year plan was formulated from that information. A copy of the plan is posted on Buchanan County website at http://www.buc.k12.va.us.

Technology Stakeholders

Sherry Fletcher, Elementary Supervisor, Special Education SupervisorKaren Taylor, Secondary Supervisor

Melinda Skeens, Technology SupervisorJerry Coleman, District Instructional Technology Resource Teacher

Brandon Thomas, Senior Network AdministratorCasey Rose, Technology Specialist

Maretta Lester , Elementary PrincipalRick Goodman, High School PrincipalCammy Reece. Guidance CounselorKayla Cantrell, Technology TeacherDwight Lester , Technology Teacher

Kathy Blankenship, ParentHeath Harrison, School Board Member, Parent


http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/technology/edtech_plan/executive_summary.pdf

EVALUATION PROCESS AND UPDATE CYCLE

Buchanan County Public Schools’ Educational Technology Plan will be annually reviewed, evaluated, and revised, if necessary. Twenty-first century learning and the technology that supports it are rapidly changing and will need to be updated as changes occur. Buchanan County’s teachers and students must be able to adapt to these changes in order to become life-long learners and workers in a global community.

Annual Cycle

Conduct a needs assessment at the end of the school year.

Review Mission, Vision, Goals, Objectives, and Evaluation Strategies

Note progress made on each Evaluation Strategy. (Completed, In Progress, No Progress)

Review timetable and update technology budget for the year.

Review the Acceptable Use Policy and Addenda and make changes if needed.

Review Internet Safety curriculum and summarize activities.

Create an addendum of projects completed and updates to the plan.

Meet face-to-face or electronically with stakeholders to discuss progress and review updates of the plan.

Report progress made/changes needed to the School Board.

Report to Virginia Department of Education.

Triennially:

Update the timetable and budget for goals, objectives, strategies, and evaluation strategies.

Buchanan County Public Schools Educational Technology Plan 2016-2018Page 10

CURRENT STATUS

All administrators know that technology can be a highly effective instructional tool. They have all participated in training in using the Power School Student Information Management System and division email. Most administrators have attended workshops or taken classes in using technology applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point. Technological skill level and awareness of emerging technological advances differs from school to school.

Teachers are also aware that technology can be a highly effective instructional tool. Very few are still hesitant to break away from customary teaching because they do not feel comfortable using technology in the instructional process.

The division has provided on site courses for technology instructors to complete the coursework required to receive an endorsement in technology.

Students are eager to try any and all technological equipment. Most are not intimidated by technology and are excited to try work on a computer that they would not want to complete with paper and pencil. Access and exposure to technology at home varies greatly.

Our curriculum includes technological skills for each grade level. Plans are to continue to incorporate greater internet safety awareness and information. An internet safety plan has been developed and is being implemented.

All teachers and administrators have been trained in the eight Educational Technology Standards required for licensure or licensure renewal as prescribed by the Virginia Department of Education. Some sessions included the following:

o Sending and receiving emailo Navigation and searching the interneto Downloading and uploading of fileso Word Processing, Spreadsheet, and Database useo Using Power School Student Accounting Softwareo Using Interactive Whiteboards and other computer peripherals

All staff members are provided with division e-mail accounts.

Teachers and administrators regularly participate in professional development training.

Technology personnel are employed at all schools except Russell Prater.


The school system’s Technology Department consists of 2 full time technicians and 1 technology supervisor to service and maintain all the computers, servers, switches and other related technologies.

Buchanan County Public Schools maintains a division website containing information for students, personnel, and the general public.

Each school in the Buchanan County Public School System has a website that is maintained by on-site personnel.

Classrooms and computer labs have available age-appropriate software applications to support the Virginia Standards of Learning. This includes the following: Interactive Achievement, Microsoft Office applications, Accelerated Reader, Study Island, and IXL Math.

Schools make use programs through Test Nav to help students prepare for SOL tests.

STAR Reading, PALS, and NWEA Map Testing are available as a diagnostic tool to elementary schools to provide data with which to modify instruction.

Technology applications used include, but are not limited to, Microsoft Office applications, scientific probe ware, graphing calculators, streaming video, Internet research, card catalog, photo-journalism applications, computer programming, SOL preparation and testing, webpage creation, vocational applications, and other educational software.

Title I Reading and Math labs are equipped with extensive computer resources and appropriate software.

Buchanan County Schools uses Educational Information Management System (EIMS), an online program to assist in the management of student information concerning SOL testing.

Student Management Information data is maintained in Power School student information system (SIS) in electronic format for attendance, discipline, grade management, and academic achievement.

All schools participate fully in on-line SOL testing.

All 10 schools in the district have updated electrical wiring and sufficient electrical outlets for the Administrative Offices, Media Centers and Computer labs to supply computers and other electrical devices.

All 10 schools have sufficient electrical wiring and electrical outlets in all spaces including individual classrooms.


The central office has sufficient electrical wiring and electrical outlets in each office space for computers, computer peripherals and other necessary electrical devices.

All schools have updated Category 5e network cabling throughout the building and updated wiring closets with switches except J.M. Bevins Elementary which has wireless access throughout the building and Category 5e network cabling in the technology labs, Title I labs, libraries, and administrative offices.

All schools except J.M. Bevins Elementary have a fiber optic backbone that connects the wiring closets in the building.

All schools except J.M. Bevins Elementary have at least 5 network connections in each classroom.

The central office has updated Category 5e network cabling and switching infrastructure.

All 4 high schools have H.323 video conferencing installation through Tandbergs and Google Classroom which can be used for video conferencing, meetings, and distance learning classes for students and teachers.

Students from all four high schools can participate in the Internet-based A. Linwood Holton Virtual Governor's School, Elite Learning and Virtual Virginia classes. Middle school students can participate in some Virtual Virginia classes.

All schools have wired computer labs:o 2 lab 2 schoolso 3 labs 2 schoolso 4 labs 2 schoolso 5 labs 1 schoolo 6 labs 1 schoolo 7labs 1schoolo 9labs 1 school

All schools exceed the ratio of 1:5 multimedia internet ready computers.

Replacement of lab computers follows a three-year to five-year schedule.

All multimedia internet ready computers use Windows 7.

All networks are running use Windows 2003Servers, Windows 2008 Servers or Windows 2012 Servers.

All wide area and internet computers and servers have up-to-date Virus Scan software.

All wide area network and internet computers have content filtering software.


All schools have at least one Scantron to speed the process of grading and to perform items analysis to direct instruction.

Internet access to the division is 100 Mb, and is provided to all 10 schools and the Central Office. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) for all schools except Twin Valley High is Bristol Virginia Utilities. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) for Twin Valley High is Time Warner Cable..

Internet to schools is at least 10 Mb provided by Bristol Virginia utilities and Time Warner Cable.

Internet access is filtered using a Watch Guard web filter.

All elementary, middle school, and secondary libraries have computers connected to the Internet.

Libraries make use of online reference material.

All libraries except Twin Valley Elementary/Middle School use Sagebrush Systems Athena software for automated card catalogues, check-in, check-out, and inventory. Twin Valley Elementary/Middle School uses Destiny software.

All libraries have computers networked to laser printers.

Approximately 2332 laptop and desktop computers are available in the division.

All buildings are wired with Category-five cable with a minimum of five connections in all classrooms except for J.M. Bevins which has wireless internet in all classrooms. Riverview Elementary Middle School has a wireless network throughout the building. All other schools have a wireless network in the administrative areas and in some classrooms.

All building level LAN's are connected in a Wide Area Network.

A Watch Guard Firebox M5600 Firewall is used for network protection and intrusion detection.

Gmail is used as the email server and provides spam filtering and virus protection and preserves all emails in order to achieve legal and regulatory compliance needs.

A Norton Backup Exec is used for Data Backup for Critical Systems, providing a full local data backup that is combined with a storage subscription to replicate data offsite.


All schools have IP based security/surveillance systems with recording and replaying capability. All schools except Council High and BCTCC have a security system in place at the front entrance to allow access to the building during the day.

Building-wide wireless Internet access is available in three schools and the Central Office Complex.

Benchmark testing and data disaggregation are used by teachers and administrators to monitor student progress and assist in making data-driven decisions about the instructional program.

Technology Support personnel contribute to the integration and use of technology by classroom teachers.

Each high school has PASCO Probeware.

Grundy High School, Twin Valley Elementary/Middle School, and Riverview Elementary/Middle School have student response systems.

All high schools have flip cameras.

All schools have document cameras.

All schools have interactive white boards.

All schools have DVD players and digital cameras.

Buchanan County Career, Technology & Higher Learning Center has been equipped with course specific software.

The curriculum in the business departments of all high schools has been revised and upgraded to focus on information technology. Equipment in each department has been upgraded to support the revised curriculum.

All four high schools have Certiport testing Software for CTE credentialing testing.

IC3 certification is offered at the Buchanan County Career and Technical Center. Some BCCTC classes prepare students for state board exams or state certifications.

PALS (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening), the state-provided on-line screening tool for Virginia’s Early Intervention Reading Initiative (EIRI) is used to reduce the number of children with reading problems by detecting those problems early and providing research-based, small-group intervention. By screening K-3 students with PALS, participating school divisions identify struggling readers and receive incentive funds for intervention.


Algebra Readiness Diagnostic Test (ARDT) grant funds are available to prepare middle school students to take Algebra.

The school division has adopted hardware and equipment standards and primarily functions as a Windows based PC division.

As computers are replaced in technology labs, the older computers are placed in classrooms and those no longer operational are recycled.

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PARTNERSHIPS

Southwest Virginia Center for Higher Education


Southwest Virginia Center for Higher Education has an on-going relationship with the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech through the Higher Education center. The Higher Education Center brings professional development opportunities in the area of technology in the schools of Buchanan County.

Southwest Virginia Community College Southwest Virginia Community College has a long-standing relationship with Buchanan County. SVCC offers technology related classes in the evenings in the Buchanan County School System. Dual enrollment and dual credit classes are available to high school students through SVCC.

University of Virginia’s College at Wise The school division has an on-going relationship with the University of Virginia, and, through UVA-Wise, offers professional development opportunities in the area of technology in the schools of Buchanan County.

Emory and Henry College The school division participates with Emory and Henry College in improving math instruction in elementary and middle schools.

Blue Ridge Public Television The Buchanan County School division is served by Blue Ridge Public Television. In recent years, Blue Ridge Public Television has provided staff development opportunities, access to United Streaming Video and NovaNET Online Curriculum, and a regional forum for collaboration among those concerned with educational technology in southwest Virginia.

A. Linwood Holton Virtual Governor’s School The school division participates in the A. Linwood Holton Virtual Governor’s School. High school students are able to enroll in coursework with students in other divisions.

Blue Ridge West Consortium The school division has participated in activities and projects made possible by the Blue Ridge West Consortium.

Virginia Department of Education The Virginia Department of Education provides many professional development opportunities for Buchanan County Educators, including regional Technology Splash Conference, the annual Educational Technology Leadership Conference, and numerous technology integration workshops and classes.

Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC) The Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC) at Virginia Tech provides training at no cost for teachers and recommendations of adaptive technologies for students with unique needs.

Computer Inventory

Compiled Inventory as of 2016


School #ComputersElementary SchoolsJ.M. Bevins Elementary School 127Russell Prater Elementary School 102Elementary/Middle SchoolsCouncil Elementary/Middle School 202Hurley Elementary/Middle School 293Riverview Elementary/Middle School 467Twin Valley Elementary/Middle School 269Secondary SchoolsBuchanan County Technology and Career Center 118Council High School 151Grundy High School 211Hurley High School 154Twin Valley High School 189Total 2283

NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESS


Needs assessments are conducted through both formal and informal means. Some of the data collected comes from the formal assessments but the use of less formal avenues allows for all types of requests to be dealt with properly.

Formal Assessments Technology personnel at each school are asked to express their needs as part of the technology planning process. Requests include hardware items, software, equipment, training, and support. Individuals who have been designated representatives for building level personnel are responsible for soliciting needs, concerns, and suggestions from their peers. Results are discussed, compiled, tabulated, and prioritized for inclusion in the technology plan. Building principals are asked at the end of each school year to submit an e-mail containing the needs for their building. Results from this process are used in the budget building process.

Informal Assessments Principals are given an opportunity at monthly meetings to discuss any technology needs of their building. High school business lab representatives meet quarterly to discuss needs, concerns, and suggestions. Administrators, teachers, and other staff members never hesitate to e-mail or call technology personnel at the Central Office to discuss needs, concerns, and suggestions.

Multi-Router Traffic GrapherMulti-Router Traffic Grapher, an open-source software, is used to monitor bandwidthusage. Statistics show that Internet use at all 11 schools and the Central Office is rapidly increasing. As more and more teachers are integrating the use of the internet in their instruction, the load on the system has increased.

StaffingStaffing is driven by need. Increases in the amount of hardware in the school division, the number of repair requests, additional technology initiatives, and the requests for the instructional assistance of ITRTs have lead to a need for additional staff when the budget will allow. As trained teachers, ITRTs could design lessons to be taught, integrate technology, model strategies, train personnel to use hardware and software, research technologies, help with software problems, collaborate with teachers, and conduct professional development. Technology support staff are currently assisting teachers.Computer technicians and network administrators provide technical support for the district infrastructure. Technical support and maintenance is constant and on-going. Onsite support is provided to each school as repair requests are received. All repair/requests and needs are handled as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Training Professional development opportunities are essential to support administrators and teachers. Regardless of the changes in technology there will always be a need to learn how to integrate technology, model new strategies, collaborate with teachers, use hardware and software, design web sites, etc. The survey of training needs showed training requests in the areas that follow: Integration of Technology, Smart Boards, Microsoft Office 2007 and 2010, Elmo Document Cameras, Power School, Power Teacher, and Emerging Technologies.

Infrastructure


Buchanan County continues to strive to implement fiber or 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps Ethernet in every school. By establishing requirements for programs such as online testing and distance learning, Buchanan County Public Schools continues to increase its levels of access and improve the overall infrastructure.

Both of Buchanan County’s elementary schools and Riverview Elementary/Middle School have school-wide wireless, and the Central Office Complex offices have wireless access throughout. The administrative offices and some classrooms at all other schools have wireless access.

CONCLUSIONS OF NEEDS ASSESSMENT


The assessment of equipment and support needs of the school division showed that increasing the bandwidth is still a need at some schools in the school district. A second request was for the addition of wireless access. We are in the process of extending the wireless networks in our schools. If wireless access can be implemented, other emerging technologies such as handheld devices could be provided. Wireless would also allow for easier use of laptops by teachers. Traditional equipment that is needed for each classroom includes mounted Smart Boards with a projector and laptop. Teachers are also asking for a document camera to be added to their equipment being placed in the classrooms. A daily concern is Internet access vs. safety, security and remaining CIPA compliant. There is a CIPA complaint proxy filter in place that tends to frustrate some teachers and students. The filtering system secures our school district and protects our children but hinders the use of sites for downloading educational video. An online course for all eight grades in digital literacy and responsibility has been added to our curriculum.Support is also a key component in this needs assessment. Instructional and technical support prepares teachers and students to be ready to access and use both traditional and emerging technologies and is essential to the technological future of Buchanan County Public Schools. The school division must provide the equipment, bandwidth, access, and support needed by teachers and students while also protecting them from the challenges of the Internet. The school division will have to constantly re-evaluate and order the technological and educational needs of teachers and students, so they can become learners and users of 21st century equipment and applications. We must provide dependable infrastructure, bandwidth, hardware, and software, as we strive to assist students to meet the SOL standards. Our student must be able to achieve SOL standards so that schools make Adequate Yearly progress.

VISION, MISSION, AND GOALS


VISIONThe Buchanan County Public School System recognizes the importance of the role of technology in the process of equipping students with the skills needed to function in the ever changing world of today. The learning process of students today has evolved from the exposure of pictures, sketches, and the written word in books and magazines to the same items placed on a television screen, computer monitor, or projected onto a screen in the form of electronic information. Students today are not limited to the information found in books, magazines, and newspapers locally, but to a world-wide information network which is readily obtainable.

In order to achieve the vision of the Buchanan County Public School System “Our Children, Our Future, Our Responsibility” the district is committed to providing a technology rich learning environment that will offer its students not only access to the world wide information network but also the training and experiences that will enable them to use this information to achieve their maximum development. Therefore, teachers must have sufficient technology training and resources required for true integration to take place, and funding must be available to provide both training and resources.

MISSIONThe Buchanan County School Board realizes the ever increasing challenge of living in the world today and thus seeks to inspire between educators and the community such united efforts as will secure for every child the fullest development in academic, vocational, physical, and social education. Therefore, it is the mission of the Buchanan County School System to provide equal opportunity for all students to achieve maximum growth in order to become responsible and productive members of an ever-changing society.

GOALS

Provide a safe, flexible, and effective learning environment for all students.

Engage students in meaningful curricular content through the purposeful andeffective use of technology.

Afford students with opportunities to apply technology effectively to gainknowledge, develop skills, and create and distribute artifacts that reflect theirunderstandings.

Provide students with access to authentic and appropriate tools to gainknowledge, develop skills, and create and disseminate artifacts thatdemonstrate their understandings.

Use technology to support a culture of data-driven decision making that reliesupon data to evaluate and improve teaching and learning.

APPROPRIATELY AND ADEQUATELY DESIGNED ENVIRONMENT


The Educational Technology Plan for Virginia, 2010-2015 states that a “dynamic, flexible, andauthentic environment” is essential to student learning in the 21st century. While the twentieth century learning environment was defined and bound by walls, desks, and a chalkboard, the learning environment of the twentieth first century includes not only physical environments outside of the school but also the virtual world. Having accepted the possibilities and limitations of technology, students are more prepared than ever to take charge of their own learning. Students may have access to learning environments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. Teachers and students must continue to build upon a foundational level of hardware, software, and other technologies that support state Standards of Learning and content curriculum. There must be equity of access for all students. A strong technology infrastructure must be in place, and it must be flexible to not only allow integration of innovations but also encourage students and teachers to take advantage of changing technologies. Instructional and technical support must be provided and teachers must receive quality staff development to ensure that technology is used effectively throughout the curricular continuum.

Goal 1: Provide a safe, flexible, and effective learning environment for all students

Objective 1.1: Deliver appropriate and challenging curricula through face-to-face, blended, and virtual learning environments.

Strategy 1.1.1: Expand course offerings for students through Virtual Virginia, Linwood Holton Governor’s School, Apex Learning, and an additional virtual learning program for grades K-12.

Evaluation Strategy: Analyze the frequency counts of courses taken and the different types of courses offered through Virtual Virginia, Linwood Holton Governor’s School, Apex Learning, and an additional virtual learning program for grades K-12 as evidenced in state reporting.

Strategy 1.1.2: Expand course offerings for students through dual enrollment and dual credit through higher education partnerships.

Evaluation Strategy: Document the types and quantity of instruction and describe the extent to which these partnerships are delivering appropriate and challenging curricula.

Strategy 1.1.3: Provide division wide access to Web-based content, tools, and collaborative spaces.

Evaluation Strategy: Document the frequency of access to Web-based content, tools, and collaborative spaces.

Strategy 1.1.4: Leverage higher education partnerships to assist schools in instructional design.


Evaluation Strategy: Document how the number and types of higher education partnerships differ from previous years.

Evaluation Strategy: Document the professional development program attendance and perceived quality.

Objective 1.2: Provide the technical and human infrastructure necessary to support real, blended, and virtual learning environments.

Strategy 1.2.1: Provide resources and support for one instructional technology resource teacher (ITRT) to serve as technology specialists per 1,000 students to assist teachers in integrating technology into teaching and learning and to support staff and student use of technology.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe the ratio of ITRTs to students in Buchanan County Public Schools.

Strategy 1.2.2: Fund network administrator and technician positions equivalent to oneper 1,000 students to provide timely and effective support and ensure that technology and infrastructure is operational, secure, and properly maintained.

Evaluation Strategy: Maintain records in online technology service requestdatabase.

Strategy 1.2.3: Increase bandwidth between individual schools to provide sufficient resources for future online curricula.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe the extent of implementation.

Strategy 1.2.4: Facilitate the implementation of wireless access in classrooms.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe the extent to which wireless access has been implemented.

Strategy 1.2.5: Continually evaluate, install, and upgrade network-capable hardware and appropriate software.

Evaluation Strategy: Document network hardware and software upgrades.

Objective 1.3: Provide high-quality professional development to help educators create, maintain, and work in a variety of learner-centered environments.

Strategy 1.3.1: Provide local technology professional development to instructional personnel on the effective integration of technology.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe and document professional development opportunities.


Strategy 1.3.2: Participate in pilot projects to help educators better understand the impact of new and emerging technologies on the learning environment and develop strategies to integrate them effectively into schools.

Evaluation Strategy: Document the number, types, locations, and scope/extent of the pilot projects.

Strategy 1.3.3 Facilitate the development of a division-wide professional development plan based on the identified instructional needs.

Evaluation Strategy: Document the efforts to develop a division-wide professional development plan.

MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT


Keeping students actively engaged students is a crucial element of the learning process. The learning process must be designed to capture the students’ attention and make learning authentic and relevant to the individual child’s daily life. Twenty first century learners must beprepared to work collaboratively and communicate successfully through the use of Internet resources and Web 2.0 tools which provide opportunities to collaborate beyond their classroom, school, or even state. Through the use of a universal design for learning, learning can be made accessible for all students, regardless of their background, learning needs, or learning preferences. The Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST, 2010) promotes universal design for learning (UDL) as a framework for designing curricula that enables all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. UDL provides rich supports for learning and reduces barriers to the curriculum while maintaining high achievement standards for all byproviding multiple representations of content material, allowing students multiple opportunities for demonstrating mastery, and creating multiple options for learner engagement. Technology provides ways to accomplish these goals by allowing for individual students learning styles and making learning personal.


Objective 2.1: Support innovative professional development practices that promote strategic growth for all educators and collaboration with other educators and content experts.

Strategy 2.1.1: Facilitate the development or use and delivery of innovative professional development that promotes collaboration.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe the development of professional development opportunities and document participation.

Strategy 2.1.2: Facilitate the development and delivery of professional development opportunities that focus on effective technology use in specific core curricular areas as guided by user needs.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe the development of professional development opportunities for curricular areas and document participation.

Strategy 2.1.3: Continue implementation of a mentoring program for new teachers to encourage high quality teaching and leadership.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe how the mentoring program fosters collegiality, collaboration, and reflective practice.

Objective 2.2: Actualize the ability of technology to individualize learning and provide equitable opportunities for all learners.

Strategy 2.2.1: Provide staff and students reasonable access to Internet-connected devices.


Evaluation Strategy: Document levels of access to internet-connected devices.

Strategy 2.2.2: Identify and distribute information and resources to assist schools in evaluating the interactive and universal design features of hardware, software, and Internet sites.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe the purchasing process for technology resources and maintain software and online subscription database.

Strategy 2.2.3: Identify and disseminate information and resources to assist schools in developing and maintaining personal learning plans for all students.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe ways the division assists schools in developing personal learning plans for students.

Objective 2.3: Facilitate the implementation of high-quality Internet safety programs in schools.

Strategy 2.3.1: Provide ongoing education to students, teachers, and parents on internet safety.

Evaluation Strategy: Document participation in internet safety training.

Strategy 2.3.2: Maintain an up-to-date Acceptable Use Policy for all network users.

Evaluation Strategy: Provide date of AUP was last updated.

Strategy 2.3.3: Monitor the implementation of Internet safety policies and programs.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe monitoring methods.

PURPOSEFUL APPLICATION OF TOOLS FOR LEARNING


One challenging but critical issue that must be addressed is how to prepare teachers to apply technology in the learning process when the half-life of the ever-expanding realm of technology is often measured in weeks rather than years, and the stream of new information grows exponentially. Teachers must be engaged in professional development to learn the capabilities of existing technology and to explore new and emerging technology in order to use a teaching model dedicated to teaching critical thinking skills, encouraging creativity, and relating learning to meaningful, real-world situations. Students must be able to apply tools not only for content acquisition but also to develop strong 21st century skills. They must be able to choose the most applicable tool to support their learning and creative expression. Therefore the professional development must be delivered in the form of an ongoing, well-planned, and empowering program aligned to the school's curriculum goals, designed with built-in evaluation, and sustained by adequate support.

Goal 3: Afford students with opportunities to apply technology effectively to gain knowledge, develop skills, and create and distribute artifacts that reflect their understandings.

Objective 3.1: Provide and support professional development that increases the capacity of teachers to design and facilitate meaningful learning experiences, thereby encouraging students to create, problem solve, communicate, collaborate, and use real-world skills by applying technology purposefully.

Strategy 3.1.1: Provide local technology staff development for instructional personnel on the effective integration of technology.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe and document professional development opportunities.

Strategy 3.1.2: Identify Internet resources and software that support the SOLs and encourage creativity, collaboration, and problem solving.

Evaluation Strategy: Document and describe available resources.

Strategy 3.1.3: Promote the safe and responsible use of social media.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe the division’s efforts to promote safe and responsible use of social media.

Strategy 3.1.4: Utilize the state’s guidelines to develop and evaluate technology policies that effectively balance instructional innovation with safety and security.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe the procedures that the school division uses to develop and evaluate technology policies.

Objective 3.2: Ensure that students, teachers, and administrators are ICT literate.


Strategy 3.2.1: Utilize the state’s guidelines to ensure that schools can effectively assess and report ICT literacy.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe the procedures that the division uses to develop and evaluate technology policies.

Strategy 3.2.2: Support teacher participation in becoming ICT literate and provide technical assistance as needed.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe the support efforts with regard to helping schools find resources to assess ICT literacy.

Strategy 3.2.3: Assess student technology skills annually through grade level technologybenchmarks and project-based assessment in Grades K- 8.

Evaluation Strategy: Maintain records of student progress in meeting benchmarks.

Objective 3.3: Implement technology-based formative assessments that produce further growth in content knowledge and skills development.

Strategy 3.3.1: Provide training and support to help teachers use a variety of technology based assessments.

Evaluation Strategy: Document training and support provided concerning technology based assessments.

USE OF AUTHENTIC TECHNOLOGY TOOLS


A repertoire of tools is useless unless the user knows which tool is most appropriate for any particular situation. Web-based applications allow teachers to locate instructional resources correlated to the SOL standards and to communicate with parents, students, and peers. In order to determine which technology best suits any task, teachers must evaluate available technology resources based upon the targeted learners and the desired outcome. Students have opportunities to engage in authentic learning environments with real-life tools, similar to those they may encounter in the 21st century workforce.

Goal 4: Provide students with access to authentic and appropriate tools to gain knowledge, develop skills, extend capabilities, and create and disseminate artifacts that demonstrate their understandings.

Objective 4.1: Provide resources and support to ensure that every student has access to a personal computing device.

Strategy 4.1.1: Provide for networked multimedia computers, supporting technologies, and peripherals to support learning and address the needs of individual learners.

Evaluation Strategy: Document the frequency of personal computing device distribution and customization to support learning.

Strategy 4.1.2: Provide opportunities for students to learn and apply ICT skills.

Evaluation Strategy: Document student progress in meeting technology benchmarks.

Objective 4.2: Provide technical and pedagogical support to ensure that students, teachers, and administrators can effectively access and use technology tools.

Strategy 4.2.1: Provide and support high-quality professional development to assist educators in evaluating and integrating technology tools in ways that foster effective student use.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe professional development opportunities and document participation.

Strategy 4.2.2: Provide ongoing support to assist teachers in effectively integrating a variety of technology-based tools into teaching and learning.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe the types of ongoing support and how they assist educators in evaluating and integrating technology tools in ways that benefit student learning.

Strategy 4.2.3: Provide timely and effective technical support to ensure that all tools and the network that supports them are installed and maintained properly

. Evaluation Strategy: Describe the extent to which technical support is timely and effective with regard to technology installation and maintenance.


Objective 4.3: Identify and disseminate information and resources that assist educators in selecting authentic and appropriate tools for all grade levels and curricular areas.

Strategy 4.3.1: Identify and communicate teaching and learning resources that effectively support the SOL’s and promote creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Evaluation Strategy: Document resources available to students and staff.

Strategy 4.3.2: Review hardware and software for applicability and effectiveness.

Evaluation Strategy: Maintain hardware and software.

Strategy 4.3.3: Coordinate the purchase of hardware and software through instructional supervisors.

Evaluation Strategy: Maintain hardware and software inventory.

AUTHENTIC AND INTELLIGENT ASSESSMENTS


Since the introduction of No Child Left Behind greater emphasis has been placed on accountability. School districts, administrators, and teachers are held accountable for students’ performance. Technology is an extremely important tool school divisions can use to expedite the collection, analysis, and communication of data in order to improve the instructional process. Technology affords teachers greater access to student data analysis that can be used to differentiate instruction to meet the individual needs of diverse learners. School divisions as well as individual schools must use data to make informed decisions concerning instructionalprograms and practices.

Goal 5: Use technology to support a culture of data-driven decision making that relies upon data to evaluate and improve teaching and learning.

Objective 5.1: Use data to inform and adjust technical, pedagogical, and financial support.

Strategy 5.1.1: Use data to inform strategic plans and purchases.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe how the division uses data to inform strategic plans and purchases.

Strategy 5.1.2: Conduct an annual survey and provide the division with an annual technology status report.

Evaluation Strategy: Document when, where, and how the survey is conducted.

Evaluation Strategy: Document the dissemination of survey results.

Strategy 5.1.3: Maintain an online technology service request database.

Evaluation Strategy: Document service request database.

Objective 5.2: Provide support to help teachers disaggregate, interpret, and use data to plan, improve, and differentiate instruction.

Strategy 5.2.1: Provide training and support to help ITRTs interpret data and assist teachers in using technology effectively to address data-supported needs.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe the types of professional development offered.

Strategy 5.2.2: Provide training and support to help teachers interpret data and use technology effectively to support data driven needs.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe the types of the professional development offered and document attendance.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe the use of benchmark testing to evaluate and improve classroom instruction.


Evaluation Strategy: Describe and document the use of Algebra readiness diagnostic testing to evaluate and improve classroom math instruction.

Objective 5.3: Promote the use of technology to inform the design and implementation of next-generation standardized assessments.


Evaluation Strategy: Describe and document training and support.

Strategy 5.3.2: Describe participation in pilot programs that support technology-based assessments.

Evaluation Strategy: Describe the number, types, locations, and extent of pilot programs.

Buchanan CountyBuchanan County Public Schools Educational Technology Plan 2016-2018Page 33

Public Schools

APPENDIX ITIMETABLE AND BUDGET


2014-2016


TIMETABLE

Objective Strategies Timeline Assessment Responsible Person

Objective 1.1: Deliver appropriate and challenging curricula through face-to-face, blended, and virtual learning environments.

Strategy 1.1.1: Expand course offerings for students through Virtual Virginia, Linwood Holton Governor’s School, EverFi, Apex Learning, and an additional virtual learning program for grades K-12.

Ongoing Analyze frequency count of courses offered and taken

Central Office StaffSchool AdministratorsTeachers/Library Media SpecialistsGuidance Counselors

Strategy 1.1.2: Expand course offerings for students through dual enrollment and dual credit through higher education partnerships.

Ongoing Document types and quantity of instruction

Central Office StaffSchool AdministratorsTeachers/Library Media SpecialistsGuidance Counselors

Strategy 1.1.3: Provide division wide access to Web-based content, tools, and collaborative spaces.

Ongoing Document the frequency of access to web based content tools

Central Office StaffSchool AdministratorsTeachers/Library Media Specialists ITRT’sGuidance Counselors

Strategy 1.1.4: Leverage higher education partnerships to assist schools in instructional design.

Ongoing Document how the number of partnershipschanges

Central Office StaffSchool Administrators

Buchanan County Public Schools Educational Technology Plan 2014 - 2016Page 36

ENVIRONMENT

Goal 1: Provide a safe, flexible, and effective learning environment for all students.

Objective 1.2: Provide the technical and human infrastructure necessary to support real, blended, and virtual learning environments.

Strategy 1.2.1: Provide resources and support for one instructional technology resource teacher (ITRT) to serve as technology specialists per 1,000 students to assist teachers in integrating technology into teaching and learning and to support staff and student use of technology.

Ongoing Ratio of ITRT’s to students Central Office Staff

Technology Department

Strategy 1.2.2: Fund network administrator and technician positions equivalent to one per 1,000 students to provide timely and effective support and ensure that technology and infrastructure is operational, secure, and properly maintained.

Ongoing Maintain records of technology service requests

Central Office Staff

Strategy 1.2.3: Increase bandwidth between individual schools to provide sufficient resources for future online curricula.

2013-2016 Bandwidth Increases Central Office StaffTechnology Staff

Strategy 1.2.4: Facilitate the implementation of wireless access in classrooms.

2013-2016 Describe extent to which Wireless Access has been implemented

Central Office Staff Technology Staff

Strategy 1.2.5: Continually evaluate, install, and upgrade network-capable hardware and appropriate software.

Ongoing Document network hardware and software upgrades

Central Office StaffTechnology StaffAdministratorsITRT’s


Objective 1.3: Provide high-quality professional development to help educators create, maintain, and work in a variety of learner-centered environments.

Strategy 1.3.1: Provide local technology professional development to instructional personnel on the effective integration of technology.

Ongoing Document the number of professional development opportunities and attendance

Central Office StaffSchool AdministratorsTechnology StaffITRT’s

Strategy 1.3.2: Participate in pilot projects to help educators better understand the impact of new and emerging technologies on the learning environment and develop strategies to integrate them effectively into schools.

Ongoing Document the number, types, locations, scope, and extent of pilot projects

Central Office StaffSchool AdministratorsTeachersITRT’s

Strategy 1.3.3 Facilitate the development of a division-wide professional development plan based on the identified instructional needs.

Ongoing Document the efforts to develop a Division-wide professional development plan

Central Office StaffSchool AdministratorsTeachers



Objective 2.1: Support innovative professional development practices that promote strategic growth for all educators and collaboration with other educators and content experts.

Strategy 2.1.1: Facilitate the development or use and delivery of innovative professional development that promotes collaboration.

Ongoing Number of professional development opportunities and attendance

Central Office StaffSchool AdministratorsTechnology StaffITRT’sTeachers

Strategy 2.1.2: Facilitate the development and delivery of professional development opportunities that focus on effective technology use in specific core curricular areas as guided by user needs.

Ongoing Number of professional development opportunities for curricular areas and attendance

Central Office StaffSchool AdministratorsTechnology StaffITRT’s Teachers

Strategy 2.1.3: Continue implementation of a mentoring program for new teachers to encourage high quality teaching and leadership.

Ongoing Describe how the program fosters collegiality, collaboration, and reflective practice

Central Office StaffSchool Administrators


ENGAGEMENT


Objective 2.2: Actualize the ability of technology to individualize learning and provide equitable opportunities for all learners.

Strategy 2.2.1: Provide staff and students reasonable access to Internet-connected devices.

Ongoing Document levels of access to internet connected devices

Central Office StaffSchool AdministratorsTechnology Staff

Strategy 2.2.2: Identify and distribute information and resources to assist schools in evaluating the interactive and universal design features of hardware, software, and Internet sites.

Ongoing Describe the purchasing policies and maintain software and online subscription database

Central Office StaffSchool AdministratorsTechnology StaffITRT’s

Strategy 2.2.3: Identify and disseminate information and resources to assist schools in developing and maintaining personal learning plans for all students

Ongoing Describe ways the division assists school in developing personal learning plans for students

Central Office StaffSchool AdministratorsTechnology StaffGuidance Counselors

Objective 2.3: Facilitate the implementation of high-quality Internet safety programs in schools

Strategy 2.3.1: Provide ongoing education to students, teachers, and parents on internet safety

Annually Document participation Central Office StaffSchool AdministratorsTechnology Staff ITRT’sTeachers (Computer Lab)

Strategy 2.3.2: Maintain an up-to-date Acceptable Use Policy for all network users.

Biannually Provide date AUP was last updated

Technology StaffTechnology Committee

Strategy 2.3.3: Monitor the implementation of Internet safety policies and programs

AnnuallyOngoing

Describe monitoring methods

Technology StaffSchool AdministratorsITRTTeachers (Computer Lab)



Objective 3.1: Provide and support professional development that increases the capacity of teachers to design and facilitate meaningful learning experiences, thereby encouraging students to create, problem solve, communicate, collaborate, and use real-world skills by applying technology purposefully.

Strategy 3.1.1: Provide local technology staff development for instructional personnel on the effective integration of technology.

Annually Describe and document professional development opportunities

Technology StaffSchool AdministratorsITRT’sClassroom teacher

Strategy 3.1.2: Identify Internet resources and software that support the SOLs and encourage creativity, collaboration, and problem solving.

Ongoing Document and describe available resources

Technology StaffSchool AdministratorITRT’s Classroom teacher

Strategy 3.1.3: Promote the safe and responsible use of social media

Ongoing Describe the division’s efforts to promote safe and responsible use of social media

Technology StaffSchool AdministratorITRT’sClassroom teacher

Strategy 3.1.4: Utilize the state’s guidelines to develop and evaluate technology policies that effectively balance instructional innovation with safety and security.

Ongoing Describe the procedures that the school division uses to develop and evaluate technology policies

Central Office StaffTechnology StaffSchool AdministratorITRT’s Teachers


APPLICATION

Goal 3: Afford students with opportunities to apply technology effectively to gain knowledge, develop skills, and create and distribute artifacts that reflect their understandings.

Objective 3.2: Ensure that students, teachers, and administrators are ICT literate

Strategy 3.2.1: Utilize the state’s guidelines to ensure that schools can effectively assess and report ICT literacy.

Annually Describe the procedures that the division uses to develop and evaluate technology policies

Central Office StaffTechnology StaffSchool Administrator

Strategy 3.2.2: Support teacher participation in becoming ICT literate and provide technical assistance as needed.

Ongoing Describe the support efforts with regard to helping schools find resources to assess ICT literacy

Central Office StaffTechnology StaffSchool AdministratorITRT’s

Strategy 3.2.3: Assess student technology skills annually through grade level technologybenchmarks and project-based assessment in Grades K- 8.

Annually Maintain records of student progress in meeting benchmarks

School AdministratorITRT’sTeacher (Computer Lab)

Objective 3.3: Implement technology-based formative assessments that produce further growth in content knowledge and skills development.


Ongoing Document training and support provided concerning technology based assessments




Objective 4.1: Provide resources and support to ensure that every student has access to a personal computing device.

Strategy 4.1.1: Provide for networked multimedia computers, supporting technologies, and peripherals to support learning and address the needs of individual learners.

Ongoing Document the frequency of personal computing device distribution and customization to support learning

Central Office StaffTechnology Staff

Strategy 4.1.2: Provide opportunities for students to learn and apply ICT skills.

Ongoing Document student progress in meeting technology benchmarks

School AdministratorITRT’sTeachers

Objective 4.2: Provide technical and pedagogical support to ensure that students, teachers, and administrators can effectively access and use technology tools.

Strategy 4.2.1: Provide and support high-quality professional development to assist educators in evaluating and integrating technology tools in ways that foster effective student use.

Ongoing Describe professional development opportunities and document participation


Strategy 4.2.2: Provide ongoing support to assist teachers in effectively integrating a variety of technology-based tools into teaching and learning.

Ongoing Describe the types of ongoing support

Technology StaffSchool AdministratorITRT’s


TOOLS

Goal 4: Provide students with access to authentic and appropriate tools to gain knowledge, develop skills, extend capabilities, and create and disseminate artifacts that demonstrate their understandings.

Strategy 4.2.3: Provide timely and effective technical support to ensure that all tools and the network that supports them are installed and maintained properly

Ongoing Describe the extent to which technical support is timely and effective with regard to technology installation and maintenance

Technology StaffITRT’s

Objective 4.3: Identify and disseminate information and resources that assist educators in selecting authentic and appropriate tools for all grade levels and curricular areas.

Strategy 4.3.1: Identify and communicate teaching and learning resources that effectively support the SOL’s and promote creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Ongoing Document resources available to students and staff


Strategy 4.3.2: Review hardware and software for applicability and effectiveness.

Ongoing Maintain hardware and software


Strategy 4.3.3: Coordinate the purchase of hardware and software through instructional supervisors.

Ongoing Maintain hardware and software inventory




Objective 5.1: Use data to inform and adjust technical, pedagogical, and financial support.

Strategy 5.1.1: Use data to inform strategic plans and purchases.

Ongoing Describe how the division uses data to inform strategic plans and purchases


Strategy 5.1.2: Conduct an annual survey and provide the division with an annual technology status report.

Annually Document when, where, and how the survey is conducted and document the dissemination of survey results


Strategy 5.1.3: Maintain an online technology service request database.

Ongoing Document service request database

Technology Staff

Objective 5.2: Provide support to help teachers disaggregate, interpret, and use data to plan, improve, and differentiate

Strategy 5.2.1: Provide training and support to help ITRTs interpret data and assist teachers in using technology effectively to address data-supported needs.

Ongoing Describe the types of professional development offered



RESULTS

Goal 5: Use technology to support a culture of data-driven decision making that relies upon data to evaluate and improve teaching and learning.

instruction. Strategy 5.2.2: Provide training and support to help teachers interpret data and use technology effectively to support data driven needs.

Ongoing Describe the types of professional development offered and document attendance, describe the use of benchmark testing to evaluate and improve classroom instruction and describe and document the use of Algebra readiness diagnostic testing to evaluate and improve classroom math instruction

Central Office StaffSchool Administrator

Objective 5.3: Promote the use of technology to inform the design and implementation of next-generation standardized assessments.


Ongoing Describe and document training and support

Central Office StaffSchool Administrator

Strategy 5.3.2: Describe participation in pilot programs that support technology-based assessments.

Annually Describe the number, types, locations, and extent of pilot programs

Central Office StaffTechnology StaffSchool Administrator


TECHNOLOGY BUDGET

ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGETEDCATEGORY 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017

Salaries 371,386.91 450,732.52 359,518.83 407,068.00 Benefits 193,838.01 232,363.24 155,360.82 187,358.00 Purchased Services 20,816.48 108,296.49 28,942.72 100,351.00 Telecommucations 282,015.68 335,183.45 175,853.42 486,626.00 Travel - - - 500.00 Mateials & Supplies 234.74 1,074.00 - 10,500.00 Software/On-line - - 15,848.00 1,000.00 Replacement 6,316.60 - - 58,800.00 Capital Outlay - 496,566.63 73,620.64 295,000.00 TOTALS 874,608.42 1,624,216.33 809,144.43 1,547,203.00

Buchanan County Public Schools Educational Technology Plan 2014 - 2016Page 47

Buchanan County Public Schools© 5/13 VSBA


APPENDIX IIACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

(Updated Spring 2016)


2016-2018


File: GAB-R/I IBEA-R

ACCEPTABLE COMPUTER SYSTEM USE

. All use of the Buchanan County School Division's computer system shall be consistent with the School Board's goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. The term computer system includes, but is not limited to, hardware, software, data, communication lines and devices, terminals, printers, CD-ROM devices, tape or flash drives, servers, mainframe and personal computers, tablets, cellular phones, smart phones, the internet and any other internal or external network.

JComputer System Use-Terms and Conditions:

1. Acceptable Use. Access to the Division's computer system shall be (1) for the purposes of education or research and be consistent with the educational objectives of the Division or (2) for legitimate school business.

2. Privilege. The use of the Division's computer system is a privilege, not a right.

3. Unacceptable Use. Each user is responsible for his or her actions on the computer system. Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to:• using the network for any illegal or unauthorized activity, including violation

of copyright or contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any federal, state, or local law.

• sending, receiving, viewing or downloading illegal material via the computer system.

• unauthorized downloading of software.• using the computer system for private financial or commercial purposes.• wastefully using resources, such as file space.• gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities.• posting material created by another without his or her consent.• submitting, posting, publishing, or displaying any obscene, profane,

threatening, illegal, or other inappropriate material.• using the computer system while access privileges are suspended or

revoked.• vandalizing the computer system, including destroying data by creating or

spreading viruses or by other means.• intimidating, harassing, bullying, or coercing others.• threatening illegal or immoral acts.

4. Network Etiquette. Each user is expected to abide by generally accepted rules of etiquette, including the following:• be polite.• users shall not forge, intercept or interfere with electronic mail messages .


• use appropriate language. The use of obscene, lewd, profane, lascivious, threatening or disrespectful language is prohibited.


File: GAB-R/IIBEA-R

Adopted:

Legal Refs: 18 U.S.C. §§ 1460, 2256.47 u.s.c. § 254.

Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, §§ 18.2-372, 18.2-374.1: 1, 18.2-390,22.1-70.2 and 22.1-78.

Guidelines and Resources for Internet Safety in Schools, Virginia Department of Education (Second Edition October 2007)

Cross Refs: GCPDJFC JFC-R

Professional Staff Discipline Student ConductStandards of Student Conduct

MEIANIE L HIBBIITS

Buchanan County Public SchoolsSCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS:

Division 'S1Jperintendent David Thornbury, Chairman

E-Mail: [email protected]

Carolyn Dillow, Clerk

"Our Children, Our Future, Our Responsibility"

Angelia McClanahan, Vice Chairman

Earl Ball Heath Harrison

Scotty Owens Tim Prater Dennis

Vandyke

File: IIBEA-E LETTER TO PARENTS:

ACCEPTABLE COMPUTER SYSTEM USE

Dear Parent/Guardian:

The Buchanan County School Board offers your student the use of electronic communications through the Buchanan County School Division's computer system. Your student will be able to communicate with other schools, colleges, organizations and individuals around the world through the internet and other electronic information systems/networks.

Part of the School Division's responsibility in preparing students for the 21st century is to provide them access to the tools they will be using as adults. The internet will be one of these tools. Through the Division's computer system your student will have access to databases, libraries and computer services from all over the world. We accept the responsibility of teaching your student about his/her role as a "network" citizen and the code of ethics involved with this new community.

With this educational opportunity also comes responsibility on the part of your student. It is important that you and your student read the enclosed division policy, administrative regulation and agreement form and discuss these requirements. The Division takes precautions to prevent access to inappropriate material. However, it is impossible to control access to all material and a user may access inappropriate material.

In order for your student to take advantage of this educational opportunity, your authorization is needed. Attached to this letter are the Acceptable Computer System Use Policy GAB/IIBEA and Regulation GAB-R/IIBEA-R and the Acceptable Computer System Use Agreement GAB-E/IIBEA-E2 which both you and your student must sign before your child may use the computer system. Please review these materials carefully with your student before signing the required agreement.

Sincerely,

Melanie Hibbitts Division

Superintendent

P.O.Box 833, Grundy, Virginia 24614 Phone: 276-935-4551 Fax: 276-935- 7150 www .buc.kl2.va.us

----------

File: IIBEA-E2/GAB-

E1 ACCEPTABLE COMPUTER SYSTEM USE AGREEMENT

Each employee must sign this Agreement as a condition for using the School Division's computer system. Each student and his or her parent/guardian must sign this Agreement before being permitted to use the School Division's computer system. Read this Agreement carefully before signing.

Prior to signing this Agreement, read Policy GAB/IIBEA and Regulation GAB R/IIBEA-R, Acceptable Computer System Use. If you have any questions about this policy or regulation, contact your supervisor or your student's principal.

Iunderstand and agree to abide by the School Division's Acceptable Computer System Use Policy and Regulation. Iunderstand that the School Division may access, monitor, and archive my use of the computer system, including my use of the internet, e-mail and downloaded material, without prior notice to me. Ifurther understand that should I violate the Acceptable Use Policy or Regulation, my computer system privileges may be revoked and disciplinary action and/or legal action may be taken against me.

Student/Employee Signature ----------- Date _

I have read this Agreement and Policy GAB/IIBEA and Regulation GAB-R/IIBEA

R. Iunderstand that access to the computer system is intended for educational purposes and the Buchanan County School Division has taken precautions to eliminate inappropriate material. Ialso recognize, however, that it is impossible for the School Division to restrict access to all inappropriate material and Iwill not hold the School Division responsible for information acquired on the computer system. Ihave discussed the terms of this agreement, policy, and regulation with my student.

I grant permission for my student to use the computer system in accordance with Buchanan County School Division's policies and regulations and for the School Division to issue an account for my student.

Parent/Guardian Signature Date --------

Parent/Guardian Name(Please Print)

© 5/13 VSBA BUCHANAN COUNTYPUBLIC SCHOOLS

Phone: 276-935-4551 Fax: 276-935-7150 www.buc.k12.va.usP.O. Box 833, Grundy, Virginia 24614

/

Student Gmail PolicyBuchanan County Public Schools provides high school students with a Google email account. This account gives students access to Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Calendar because Google Apps provides email and collaboration abilities for students the following guidelines for use have been established for all students.

Guidelines for use

We provide documents that address use, misuse, and consequences related to the Google Apps tools (and all other technology services).

• Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) - This document covers how technology is and is not to be used in our educational setting. Parents and students both sign this document to indicate they have read and agree to the policies. A blank copy of the AUP is available on our website for reference.

• Studenr Gmail Guidelines - This document goes into more specifics concerning what is and is not allowed with email usage.

Parents and students are encouraged to review these two documents as needed. They can be found on our technology website at: http://www.buc.kl 2.va.us

Limits on email senders and recipients

The Gmail accounts provided to our students are only for use within the school district. This is to provide another way for students to communicate with their teachers, and for students to collaborate together on group projects. The following limits are set on email use:

• HS can email HS students and HS staff.• HS students cannot email anyone outside of the Buchanan County Public Schools domain.

Students email cannot be forwarded to non-school personal accounts.• HS students cannot receive email from outside of the domain. (buchanancountyschools.com)

Because no email can come in from outside of the school district, students will not receive spam, unsolicited messages, or anything inappropriate from the outside world. Also, students cannot send messages to people who are not staff or students in our district.

Monitoring and filtering of email

Email that is sent within our district is monitored and filtered based upon content.

• All student email passes through Google's Message Security system.• R ules/filters are set up to monitor student email for profanity, harassment, and other

inappropriate content.

Student emai l that is identified as inappropriate wi ll be blocked from delivery, and i nstead will be sent to the school administration for review.

'Buchanan County Public Schools

"Our Children, Our Future, Our Responsibility"

Phone: 276-935-4551 Fax: 276-935-7150 www.buc.k12.va.usP.O. Box 833, Grundy, Virginia 24614

Student Gmail Policy ( continued)

Parent access to student email

Student email accounts use the following pattern:

• The student's username and email is: first name.lastname

@buchanancountyschools.com Example:

[email protected]

• Their password is: bcps followed by their student ID Number

Example: bcps 12345

If a parent does not have their student's ID number, this information can be provided by the main office of each school building.

School email can be accessed from the Buchanan County Public Schools' District website: www.buc.kl 2.va.us,

Buchanan County Public Schools Educational Technology Plan Addendum 2016 – 2018

Buchanan County Public Schools"Our Children, Our Future, Our Responsibility"

Page 2


APPENDIX IIISUMMARY OF INTERNET SAFETY

PROGRAM


2014-2016Buchanan County Public Schools Educational Technology Plan Addendum 2016-2018 Page 48

Internet Safety Summary

Internet Safety has become an important part of the Buchanan County Public Schools’ curriculum. The Internet is one tool educators use to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. Students, whether at home or at school, have access to an abundance of information and educational resources along with the opportunity of collaborating with other students around the world. Unfortunately, students may at times be exposed to inappropriate content and people with undesirable intentions. While there are advantages and disadvantages of the Internet, the BCPS feel that the advantages overshadow the disadvantages. Therefore, it is crucial for educators to provide a safe environment and teach students ways to protect themselves while on the Internet. The Buchanan County Public School Division created and implemented an Acceptable Use Policy to help make students and educators aware that everything on the Internet is not as it seemsThe Virginia General Assembly passed legislation in 2006 requiring school divisions to integrate a component of Internet safety within the instructional program. During the 2007-2008 school year, Buchanan County Public School established an Internet safety program to ensure compliance with VA. Code§ 22.1-70.2. During the 2013-2014 Buchanan County Public Schools also implemented the online Ignition (Digital Literacy and Responsibility) class for all eighth grade students.

Internet Safety Curriculum Implementation

2007-2008

Add a comprehensive Internet safety component to AUP Provide district-wide and school based Internet Safety staff development Evaluate security and intrusion tools, email filtering detection system and Anti-virus

methods solutions Install and maintain packet shaping devices to control network traffic from LANs to the

Internet Develop an Internet Safety curriculum that includes lesson plans, activities and internet

resources Evaluate student awareness of Internet Safety Post Internet Safety resources on both the division and school Web page Notify all Buchanan County residents and various agency leaders of available Internet

Safety resources posted on the school website for distribution in the community. Prepare press release and deliver to local newspaper office. Make materials on Internet Safety available at various community places Understand and sign BCPS Acceptable Use Policy

Buchanan County Public Schools Educational Technology Plan Addendum 2016-2018 Page 49

Conduct an annual survey of students, faculty, community stakeholders to measure impact and effectiveness of the Internet Safety Program

Conduct an annual survey of students and teachers for input in revising Internet Safety curriculum

Attended regional and state-wide training sponsored by the Blue Ridge West Technology Consortium

2008-2009

Requested that principals report on all Internet Safety activities and instruction that took place during the year.

Added Internet Safety Web Sites to the Division’s Web page. Provided each school with an Internet Safety binder that included Internet Safety Posters,

Lesson Plans on Internet Safety, Internet Safety Interactive Web sites, the AUP, Buchanan County Public School Computer Technology SOL Checklist for grades K-8, and Internet Safety Brochures.

ITRTs trained teachers on material found in the Internet Safety binder Sent Internet Safety brochures home with students. Updated Internet Safety webpage Post rules for safe Internet use in computer labs, libraries, and near computers in

classrooms Conduct work sessions for key instructional leaders on incorporating Internet Safety into

the curriculum Attended regional and state-wide training sponsored by the Blue Ridge West Technology

Consortium Collect data on the number of infractions on security and safety breaches

2009-2010

Requested that principals report on all Internet Safety activities and instruction that took place during the year

Sent Internet Safety brochures home with students. Updated Internet Safety webpage Provided Internet Safety tips in School newsletters Offered Internet Safety tips during Open House, PTA meetings, School Board meeting,

adult education classes and community events Conduct work sessions by grade levels, departments, or individually for teachers needing

help incorporating Internet Safety into the curriculum


Attended regional and state-wide training sponsored by the Blue Ridge West Technology Consortium

Collect data on the number of infractions on security and safety breaches

2011-2013

Requested that principals report on all Internet Safety activities and instruction that took place during the year

Sent Internet Safety brochures home with students. Updated Internet Safety webpage Provided Internet Safety tips in School newsletters Offered Internet Safety tips during Open House, PTA meetings, adult education classes

and community events Conduct work sessions by grade levels, departments, or individually for teachers needing

help incorporating Internet Safety into the curriculum Collect data on the number of infractions on security and safety breaches Implement the Ignition (Digital Literacy and Responsibility class) provided by EverFi for

all eighth graders to complete and receive certificates as part of their curriculum.

2013-Future

Update Internet Safety webpage Offer Internet Safety sessions for parents, students and members of the community

during PTA meetings and Open House Increase community outreach through brochures, newsletters, and bookmarks Increase the distribution of brochures, bookmarks, and newsletters to parents by means of

parent/teacher conferences, and take home materials Continue updating the Internet Safety curriculum to include the most current information

available Continue collecting data on the number of infractions on security and safety breaches Continue to Offer Internet Safety tips during Open House, PTA meetings, School Board

meeting, adult education classes and community events Continue Updating the Internet Safety webpage Attend regional and state-wide training sponsored by the VDOE Implement the Ignition (Digital Literacy and Responsibility class) provided by EverFi for

all eighth graders to complete and receive certificates as part of their curriculum.


Design and Evaluation

Buchanan County Public School’s Internet Safety Committee will meet annually to review, evaluate, and revise the Internet Safety curriculum and policies based on their effectiveness and impact on all stakeholders. Each school will be responsible for providing documentation of implementation and evaluations of Internet safety lessons and activities. Advances in Internet Safety equipment, software, security, professional development, and curriculum will be monitored by the Internet Safety Committee.

All schools will document their implementation of the Internet Safety curriculum by writing a report to be submitted to the Central Office and Technology Department addressing the following:

Length of time Internet Safety is taught in the classroom

Internet Safety topics being discussed by grade level

Types of Internet Safety literature disseminated, grade levels being targeted for materials to be disseminated, and programs being offered at Open House, PTA, PTO, Math Night, Science Night etc.

Types and length of professional development activities involving Internet safety training

Types of programs offered by the ITRT

The Technology Staff will schedule a meeting of the Internet Safety Committee to review the information so that revisions and suggestions can be made. Needs and concerns will be discussed thoroughly. A report of the findings will be presented to the Central Office. Decisions on whether the county is headed in the right direction when it comes to Internet Safety will be determined. Educators, using available tools, will continue to provide a safe environment and teach students ways to protect themselves while on the Internet.



Educational Technology PlanAddendum

2016-2018http://www.buc.k12.va.us


The following document serves as an update to the Buchanan County Public Schools Educational Technology Plan and provides details regarding the implementation of goals and objectives for the time period of 2016-2018.

High Schools within Buchanan County will receive technology infrastructure upgrades that will provide wireless Internet access. High schools will receive one portable computing device (Google Chromebook) per student. Teachers in high schools will receive a portable computing device (Google Chromebook). Principals in all schools will receive a portable computing device (Google Chromebook). Buchanan County has provided access to Google Apps for students and staff in order to better integrate technology in the classroom. These Google Apps include, but not limited to, Google Classroom, Google Docs, and Google Mail.

Teachers will be provided high-quality professional development opportunities. As of Spring 2016, a division level ITRT will be utilized to provide professional development within the district.

This document will provide information on current and future efforts to accomplish the goals of the Buchanan County Public Schools Technology Plan. This document does not provide a comprehensive picture of the state of technology integration in Buchanan County; it is only meant to provide information pertaining specifically to the time period 2016-2018.

This Addendum to the Technology Plan was presented and approved by the Buchanan County School Board on September 6, 2016.


Goals and Objectives

GOAL 1: PROVIDE A SAFE, FLEXIBLE, AND EFFECTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL STUDENTS.

Objective 1.1 Deliver appropriate and challenging curricula through face-to-face, blended, and virtual learning environments.

Objective 1.2 Provide the technical and human infrastructure necessary to support real, blended, and virtual learning environments.

Objective 1.3 Provide high-quality professional development to help educators create, maintain, and work in a variety of learner-centered environments.

Strategies Measures Timeline Responsible Person1. Expand course offerings for students

through Virtual Virginia, Linwood Holton Governor’s Schools, Apex learning, etc.

Analyze the frequency counts of courses taken and the different types of courses offered through Virtual Virginia, Linwood Holton Governor’s School, Apex Learning, etc. as evidenced in state reporting.

Ongoing Central Office Staff School

Administrators Guidance

Counselors Teachers Librarians

2. Expand course offerings for students through dual enrollment and dual credit through higher education partnerships.

Document the types and quantity of instruction.



Counselors Teachers Librarians

3. Expand current deployment of portable computing devices within all grade levels.

a. High School 1:1 (2016-2017)b. Middle School 2:1

Ratio of computers to students within schools.

OngoingHigh School–Fall 2016

Central Office Staff School

Administrators School Level ITRT


c. Elementary School 2:14. Provide resources and support for

ITRTs to serve as technology specialist to assist teachers in integrating technology into teaching and learning and to support staff and student use of technology.

a. One Division Level ITRT Specialist

b. School Level ITRT for each school to be trained by division level ITRT

Division Level ITRT Specialist Spring 16

Assign ITRT at each school.


Administrators School Level ITRT

5. Fund network administrator and technician position to provide timely and effective support and ensure that technology and infrastructure are operational, secure and properly maintained/updated.

Maintain records of technology service requests through Google Forms – Technology Request.

Assign technician and network administrator a school on a recurring day to visit and provide needed support.

Ongoing Central Office Staff

6. Upgrade infrastructure to accommodate the demands of virtual classrooms.

a. Increase bandwidth coreb. Increase bandwidth at each

school

Infrastructure assessment and testing results.

2016-2018 Central Office Staff

7. Facilitate the implementation of wireless access in classrooms.

Describe extent to which wireless access has been implemented.

High School – Fall 2016Elementary/Middle School – Spring 2018

Central Office Staff

8. Continually evaluate, install, and upgrade network-capable hardware and appropriate software.

Document network hardware and software upgrades.


Administrators ITRTs


9. Provide local technology professional development to instructional personnel on the effective integration of technology.

Document the number of professional development opportunities and attendance.




GOAL 2: ENGAGE STUDENTS IN MEANINGFUL CURRICULAR CONTENT THROUGH THE PURPOSEFUL AND EFFECTIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY.

Objective 2.1 Support innovative professional development practices that promote strategic growth for all educators and collaboration with other educators, content experts, and students.

Objective 2.2 Actualize the ability of technology to individualize learning and provide equitable opportunities for all learners.

Objective 2.3 Facilitate the implementation of high-quality Internet safety programs in schools.

Strategies Measures Timeline Responsible Person1. Continue to provide teacher and

administrators with opportunities to participate in events focused on integration of technology.

Number of professional development opportunities and attendance.

Ongoing Central Office Staff School Level ITRT

2. Provide staff and students reasonable access to Internet-connected devices.

Document levels of access to Internet connected devices.

Ongoing Central Office staff School


3. Regulate and monitor student usage of computer networks.

Monitor appropriate and inappropriate Internet usage.


Administrators ITRTs Teachers

4. Provide ongoing education to students, teachers, and parents on Internet safety.

Document participation. Annually Central Office Staff School


5. Maintain an up-to-date Acceptable Use Policy for all network users.

Provide date AUP was last updated.

Annually Central Office Staff Technology

Committee


GOAL 3: AFFORD STUDENTS WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO APPLY TECHNOLOGY EFFECTIVELY TO GAIN KNOWLEDGE, DEVELOP SKILLS, AND CREATE AND DISTRIBUTE ARTIFACTS THAT REFLECT THEIR UNDERSTANDINGS.

Objective 3.1 Provide and support professional development that increases the capacity of teachers to design and facilitate meaningful learning experiences, thereby encouraging students to create, problem-solve, communicate, collaborate, and use real-world skills by applying technology purposefully.

Objective 3.2 Ensure that students, teachers, and administrators are ICT literate.

Objective 3.3 Implement technology-based formative assessments that produce further growth in content knowledge and skills development.

Strategies Measures Timeline Responsible Person1. Encourage participation in Google

certification and demonstration of Google Apps for Education Skill Levels.

Number of ITRTs and teachers completing various levels of Google Certification and Google Apps for Education Skills Levels.



2. Provide local technology staff development for instructional personnel on the effective integration of technology.

Describe and document professional development opportunities.

Annually Central Office Staff School


3. Identify Internet resources and software that support the Virginia Standards of Learning and encourage creativity, collaboration, and problem solving.

Document and describe available resources.



4. Provide training and support to help teachers use a variety of technology-based assessments.

Document training and support provided.




5. Provide resources that will ensure students be able to communicate effectively and have the necessary skills to enter the 21st century workplace.

Use of electronic, web-based, and intranet-based forms of communication by students.


Administrators

6. Evaluation and improvement of available software as a service resources available at all grade levels.

Documentation of purchased services and usage for each resource.



7. Provide digital curriculum resources at:

a. Elementary Schoolb. Middle Schoolc. High School

Curriculum guides for each subject area available on website.

eBooks made available for High School courses when applicable.



GOAL 4: PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH ACCESS TO AUTHENTIC AND APPROPRIATE TOOLS TO GAIN KNOWLEDGE, DEVELOP SKILLS, EXTEND CAPABILITIES, AND CREATE AND DISSEMINATE ARTIFACTS THAT DEMONSTRATE THEIR UNDERSTANDINGS.


Objective 4.1 Provide resources and support to ensure that every student has access to a personal computing device.

Objective 4.2 Provide technical and pedagogical support to ensure that students, teachers, and administrators can effectively access and use technology tools.

Objective 4.3 Identify and disseminate information and resources that assist educators in selecting authentic and appropriate tools for all grade levels and curricular areas.

Strategies Measures Timeline Responsible Person1. 1:1 deployment of computing

devices with option to take devices home.

Number of portable computing devices that are sent home with students.

Grades 9-12 -Fall 2016Grades 6-8 Fall 2018.

Central Office Staff School

Administrators2. Develop existing technological

hardware replacement cycle of 4 years.

Completion of 4-year cycle. Ongoing

3. Implement a web-based curriculum and lesson sharing vehicle for use by county teachers .

a. Continue implementation of Google Classroom

b. Continue implementation of Comprehensive Instructional Program

Implementation of appropriate system.

Number of instructional resources provided and accessed.



4. Provide for networked multimedia computers, supporting technologies, and peripherals to support learning and address the needs of individual learners.

Document the frequency of person computing device distribution and customization to support learning


Administrators

5. Provide ongoing support to assist teachers in effectively integrating a variety of technology-based tools into teaching and learning.

Describe the ongoing types of support.




GOAL 5: USE TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT A CULTURE OF DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING THAT RELIES ON DATA TO EVALUATE AND IMPROVE TEACHING AND LEARNING.

Objective 5.1 Use data to inform and adjust technical, pedagogical, and financial support.

Objective 5.2 Provide support to help teachers disaggregate, interpret, and use data to plan, improve, and differentiate instruction.


Objective 5.3 Promote the use of technology to inform the design and implementation of next-generation standardized assessments.

Strategies Measures Timeline Responsible Person1. Conduct an annual technology

inventory and provide the division with an annual technology status report.

Inventory kept on file. Annually Central Office Staff School

Administrators ITRT Teachers

2. Provide an online tool, Interactive Achievement, through which teachers may use formative assessments to determine student understanding and adjust instruction to meet individual student need.

Number of assessments administered through the system.

Needs assessment survey indicating appropriateness of existing tools.


Administrators ITRT Teachers Instructional

Coaches3. Provide guidance counselors with

the tools and training needed effectively use PowerSchool to monitor student progress and aptitudes to guide decision making.

a. Continue use of PowerSchool, Student Information System.

Document training provided on implementation of PowerSchool.



Counselors

4. Provide training in using Interactive Achievement LDS to guide instruction to meet individual needs.

Monitor access of LDS program. Ongoing Central Office Staff School

Administrators5. Use of Interactive Achievement and

other instruction data sources to disaggregate and interpret data to plan, improve, and differentiate instruction

a. Introduction of two

Documentation of data discussions during grade level planning meetings.

Use metrics for Interactive Achievement.


Administrators Teachers Instructional

Coaches


Instructional Coaches in the Elementary and Middle School levels to assist teachers.
