The West New York Public School District Technology Plan ...The West New York Public School District. Technology Plan. 2016-2019. Central Office Administration. Clara Brito Herrera,

The West New York Public School District

Technology Plan

2016-2019

Central Office Administration

Clara Brito Herrera, Superintendent Anastasia Olivero, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

Robert Sanchez, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Sixto Cardenas, Director of Human Resources Beverly Lazzara, Director of Special Services

Jorge Acosta, Administrator Supervisor of Educational Programs Dean Austin, School Business Administrator

Trustees of the West New York Board of Education

Adam Parkinson, President Damarys Gonzalez, Vice President

Silvio Acosta, Trustee Jonathan Castaneda, Trustee

Matthew Cheng, Trustee Dennise Mejia, Trustee David Morel, Trustee

Lorena Portillo, Trustee Steven Rodas, Trustee

The District Technology Planning Committee

Adam Parkinson Francisco Barquin Mercedes Estevez Allan Roth Gisell Grullon Michelle Madariaga Amy Cardenas Jennifer Rodriguez Patrick Gagliardi Anastasia Olivero Jesus Fernandez Rachel Klansky Anita Kober Jorge Acosta Robert Sanchez Anthony Staropoli Jorge Perez Barrios Ron Grosinger Beverly Lazzara Lissette Martinez Scott Wohlrab Bibiana Prada Lorenzo Correa Wilson Carvajal Christian Cardenas Madely Miqueli Xiomara Vera Clara Brito Herrera Margaret Diakos Yoerys Fraga Dean Austin Maria Leon Yonarkis Estevez Edel Gonzalez Marta Rodriguez Yvette Miranda

Technology Plan creation date: 11/30/16

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Stakeholders……………………………………………………………………………3

Executive Summary & Vision Statement…………………………………………… 5

Technology Overview………………………………………………………………… 6

Needs Assessment…………………………………………………………………...12

Professional Development Strategies……………………………………………....15

Three-Year GoaIs……………………………………………………………………..19

Three-Year Implementation and Strategies Table………………………………...20

Evaluation Plan………………………………………………………………………..23

Funding Plan…………………………………………………………………………..25 Appendix A…………………………………………………………………………….26

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STAKEHOLDERS TITLE NAME SIGNATURE

Board President Adam Parkinson

Administrative Assistant to the Director of Special Services

Allan Roth

Elementary Teacher Amy Cardenas

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

Anastasia Olivero

Master Teacher of Technology Anita Kober

Special Education Teacher Anthony Staropoli

Directory of Special Services Beverly Lazzara

Media Specialist Bibiana Prada

Elementary Principal Christian Cardenas

Superintendent Clara Brito Herrera

Business Administrator Dean Austin

Network Administrator Edel Gonzalez

Science Supervisor Francisco Barquin

Statistician Master Teacher Gisell Grullon

G & T Teacher Jennifer Rodriguez

High School Technology Teacher Jesus Fernandez

Administrative Supervisor of Education Programs

Jorge Acosta

High School ESL Teacher Jorge Perez Barrios

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Computer Teacher Lissette Martinez

District Data Analyst Lorenzo Correa

World Language and Bilingual/ESL 7-12 Supervisor

Madely Miqueli

Special Education Teacher Margaret Diakos

Computer Teacher Maria Leon

Computer Teacher Marta Rodriguez

Elementary Teacher Mercedes Estevez

High School English Teacher Michelle Madariaga

Middle School Principal Patrick Gagliardi

Elementary Teacher Rachel Klansky

Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services

Robert Sanchez

High School Technology Teacher Ron Grosinger

High School Principal Scott Wohlrab

IT Support Specialist Wilson Carvajal

Elementary Teacher Xiomara Vera

IT Support Specialist Yoerys Fraga

Chief Technology Officer Yonarkis Estevez

World Language and Bilingual/ESL K-6 Supervisor

Yvette Miranda

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION/DISTRICT’S MISSION STATEMENT The West New York Board of Education supports the belief that free public education for all children is a cornerstone of a democratic society that values the worth and dignity of each individual. The primary goal of this Board of Education shall be to offer each child in this district the educational opportunity that will enable him/her to function politically, economically, and socially in that democratic society. The Board of Education pledges its commitment to the mission statement’s ongoing implementation: “Maximizing all students’ potential for success in an ever-changing world” through a rigorous curriculum that:

• Focuses on the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the Common Cores

• Fosters a safe and secure digital learning environment • Maintains high expectations for pupil academic and social-emotional

development • Builds qualities of character and social competencies in pupils to make

positive contributions in their communities and world.” • Ensure all students are college and career ready

It is the expectation of this school district that all pupils achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the Common Cores at all grade levels.

VISION STATEMENT

Students, parents and educators will use communication and information technologies to ensure mastery of 21st century skills, including communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, through a lens which engages all students in a creative and imaginative digital culture.

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TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW The District’s technology infrastructure is composed of 13 sites. Within these sites Memorial High School (MHS) acts as our Network Operations Center (NOC). Thirteen locations are connected in a ring topology utilizing a 20 Gigabit (GB) private fiber Wide Area Network (WAN). The NOC at MHS supports a 1GB connection to the Internet. The district is evaluating the 10GB capacity for possible expansion in the near future to better support digital learning and online assessments. There is a Main Distribution Frame (MDF) that feeds 8 Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDF) via a gigabit fiber backbone. The MDF and all IDFs are equipped with a mixture of 10/100/1000 Ethernet Cisco switches that are 10GB capable and truncate down to the classrooms and labs. Our goal is to complete all switching infrastructure upgrades to accommodate 1GB connectivity to the desktop and 10GB between the MDF and IDF’s. All instructional areas have a minimum of five Cat 5 or Cat 6 data drops to facilitate network connectivity. All of our satellite buildings have individual MDFs, as well as IDF infrastructure utilizing a mixture of 10/100/1000 Ethernet Cisco switches that are 10GB capable connecting to a 1 GB fiber optic backbone, which is being upgraded to 10GB. The classrooms and labs in all schools are set up similarly to MHS. The WAN serves as the data transport facility for our voice, data, video, and security networks. We have a fully integrated Voice over IP Cisco phone system which is also integrated with our RightFax facsimile solution. This Unified Communications platform allows for communicating with each other and with students/parents. The district contracts with outside consultants for technical support for our voice and data needs beyond our district’s in-house capabilities. Telecommunications services are from, Sunesys, Data Network Solutions, Crosstar Networks, and Cisco. From Sunesys, the district is utilizing the private fiber network. This fiber network is designed in a ring topology, which gives the district additional redundancy to ensure the continuity of data transmission. Our dial tone and toll services are provided by Data Network Solutions and Crosstar Networks. The fiber network is used to transport voice calls from the respective buildings to the NOC at MHS. The calls are then processed through the Cisco system and completed out of the district over 2 SIP trunks from Data Network Solutions (DNS). Incoming calls are routed via Direct Inward Dial (DID) numbers from DNS as well as station trunks. POTS lines are used for 911, back-up, elevator, burglar alarm, fire alarm and miscellaneous fax lines. The district currently has a Cisco based wireless network in all schools facilitating the use of wireless technology. Every instructional space in the district has a dedicated access point which supports up to 50 concurrent connections.

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The district is currently evaluating upgrading our existing wireless access points via and add-on module which would allow us to support the 802.11ac standard. Supporting the new wireless standard would facilitate faster wireless connectivity for wireless clients. All access points are managed by two Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers located at MHS. Security for wireless clients is provided by two Microsoft based radius servers. We have five centralized servers located in MHS that facilitate the district’s connectivity to our Student Information System (SIS) PowerSchool. The district maintains a contract with NCS Pearson for technical support for PowerSchool. The use of PowerSchool, which is a completely web based solution, allows for all student records to be accessible to the faculty, staff, students and parents via the Internet. The district has a payroll/personnel system, (EDGE) for administrative purposes. This system is used by central office to manage the district’s finance, payroll and human resource needs. WinSnap is used for administration and control of the free and reduced lunch application process. The Information Systems Department uses SchoolDude for work orders and asset management. The technology department uses NJTRAx 2.0 to identify technology readiness and digital learning needs for all schools. The NJTRAx 2.0 database is updated on a quarterly basis. The District currently uses Blackboard Connect as its community outreach and mass notification system. Blackboard is currently being evaluated for the implementation of a district app and social media manager. Large network printers are housed in every main office, media center, and computer lab in each school building. Classrooms are supported with small black and white laser jet printers. All District printers are managed through a Managed Print Services contract through Stewart Business Systems. The use of print management software (PaperCut) is currently being evaluated to better manage printer and copier resources. The technology department currently maintains 3,500 computers and laptops, 2000 Chromebooks, 300 iPads, and about 400 Interactive Boards (Promethean) that are used by students, faculty and support staff. The District has a detailed plan to expand its technology inventory and services through 2019. The main focus will be in areas that will maximize student academic achievement through digital learning and readiness for online assessments. The West New York School District will continue to fulfill its commitment to technology by maintaining and upgrading their district-wide technology infrastructure of data, voice, and video networking to every classroom, educational support areas and administrative offices. This will empower our staff, administration, and students to evolve with technology. The West New York School District has adopted G Suite (Formerly Google Apps for Education) as our standard software suite.

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Through this cloud based platform, collaboration and access to district resources is now accessible beyond the classroom walls. The G Suite and the Microsoft Office suite are used not only in all administrative offices, but also taught to students as part of the computer education curriculum. Additional subject-specific software is purchased departmentally throughout the district. A concerted effort is made to only adopt new textbooks that are digital or contain a software and/or web-based component. All educational software purchases in the district must be approved by the Chief Technology Officer and the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Additionally, several district wide web-based subscriptions are used for language arts reinforcement and video streaming. The West New York School District utilizes Barracuda Networks for multiple services. These services include web filtering, spam and virus firewalls, email archiving, backup and disaster recovery. The Barracuda Web Filter is ideally suited to help public schools and libraries enforce CIPA policies in an easy and cost-effective manner. The Barracuda Web Filter provides all of the following in order to meet CIPA compliance:

• Content filtering database of millions of URLs broken into 95 categories for targeted content filter policies.

• Safe Search features to block the media caches of popular search engines. • Identification of where threats are coming from, both externally and internally. • URL block and allow lists • File type blocking • Prevention of keystroke logging and personal information theft • Monitoring of web traffic for virus and spyware downloads • Inspection of network traffic for spyware infection activity • Instant message blocking • Client lockdown features to prevent system hacking and hijacking • Examination of inbound and outbound spyware and web surfing activity • Prevention of new spyware infections • Clean up detected infections from Windows desktop computers through the

Barracuda Spyware Removal Tool • Blocking applications which can be dangerous to minors • Blocking hacked, hijacked, or otherwise compromised systems

Maintenance of our voice and data systems is an ongoing process, which will continue over the next several years. We have a yearly review of emergency and back-up procedures for the voice and data services. We employ constant monitoring of all devices on the network via network monitoring software. We have warranties and/or support contracts on all of our servers, switches, and routers, which will be renewed yearly.

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We continually monitor our software for updates, licensing needs and globally implement the necessary changes. We have basic maintenance support contracts through our vendors for our technology as follows:

• High level network support • Router support • Telecommunications support • SmartNet support

We plan to expand on those maintenance contracts over the next several years as our use of technology increases. Technology maintenance is achieved in several ways at the West New York School District. Sunesys maintains our Wide Area Network and all associated WAN equipment. Being primarily a Windows environment, an in-house Microsoft Windows Update Server (WSUS) has been implemented. This server keeps all of our servers, desktop workstations, and wireless workstations with the latest Microsoft patches and security fixes. We use Vipre Enterprise to filter viruses, adware, and spyware. We will continue our regular updating and maintenance of that service. In addition, our firewall provides additional layers of protection by providing gateway antivirus, website reputation defense, intrusion prevention services (IPS), Advance Persistent Threat (ATP) and Data Loss prevention services (DLP). This allows the district to implement multi layered and security focused protections for patrons of our network. All of these services require licenses, which we maintain and renew yearly. This maintenance ensures and enforces existing security policies that prevent loss of data, compromised systems, etc. All computers and laptops in school labs and media centers are re-imaged on a yearly basis or as needed to facilitate new software and curricular needs. Physical maintenance of all networked devices is also done yearly or as needed. All hardware purchases are from state contracted vendors and have a three-year support contracts that include parts and labor. Site and district licenses are sought that have multi-year upgrades and staff training stipulations. We have greatly expanded our telecommunications services over the past three years and are continuing to do so. We have expanded our use of Voice over IP telephony (VoIP), and have implemented a more detailed plan to identify 911emergencies. We have integrated our voice mail system with our email so that our faculty and staff can communicate more efficiently with students and parents. The district employs an in-house Information Systems Department consisting of a Chief Technology Officer, Network Administrator, Student Information System Specialist, an Administrative Assistant, and 8 IT Support Specialists. This department manages the day-to-day maintenance of the data, voice, video and security networks including all hardware and software. The technical support received by this department is exemplary.

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The services needed are completed in a timely fashion ensuring a continuous flow of instruction to our students.Within each school building, the school-based computer teachers and the classroom teachers receive technical support from the school IT Support Specialist assigned to their respective building. The WAN bandwidth is the foundation for a number of technology upgrades. Our schools are now sharing resources, such as streaming educational videos via Safari Montage and engaging in video conferencing via Google Hangouts and Skype. We are assessing the bandwidth demand from the increased use of these services, and we expect to increase the bandwidth to the Internet accordingly. The district’s current goal is to completely consolidate our server infrastructure into our NOC at Memorial High School. This task will be accomplished by migration our existing data center from standalone Microsoft Windows Hyper-V servers to Nutanix based hyper-converged infrastructure cluster utilizing Hyper-v as the underlying hypervisor. This new technology will allow us to share compute, virtualization and storage into a resilient, software-defined solution with rich machine intelligence. Additionally, the Nutanix cluster will facilitate ease of maintenance, reduction in hardware and cooling requirements, and can be scaled out to meet the district’s future infrastructure needs without overhauling the existing infrastructure. We have implemented School Interoperability Framework (SIF) giving us the ability to integrate dissimilar databases and exchange common data among them. As an example, the ability to exchange common data alleviates our staff members from populating the same student information into different databases. The information is inputted once in our SIS and SIF will populate the other databases accordingly. This helps to alleviate input errors and provide a fast and reliable homogenous data environment. We have been moving aggressively to deploy a higher standard of security in the district by installing intelligent camera systems and a card access system. Most of these are stand-alone systems, but the district is evaluating a centralized surveillance platform. Our school district will continue enhancing its communication between all students, staff, parent(s) and/or guardian(s), and community members by maintaining and upgrading its website at www.wnyschools.net. This website will continue to serve as a communication link for the community, students, and staff by maintaining updated educational information. Additionally, Blackboard Connect is being used as a mass notification service for parents, students, staff, and other community members. Multiple social media outlets and a district app are also being evaluated.

http://www.wnyschools.net/

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The West New York School District utilizes a variety of assistive software throughout its schools. Programs such as Co-Writer and Write Out Loud are used in an LLD class and the Bridges Center in Memorial High School, Middle School and elsewhere as per student’s Individualized Education Programs. This software supports students who need assistance in writing. Through Reading A-Z the special education teachers K-6 are able to assess students using running records and benchmark books and use supplementary reading program that provide direct and explicit instructional strategies for teaching phonological awareness and phonics, vocabulary, comprehension and fluency through an on-line leveled book library. Various programs are used throughout the district for web mapping for pre writing activities. Other software programs are utilized for specific students to address individual needs. When appropriate, adaptive keyboards and laptops are used to meet student needs within their schools. The district’s autism program and PSD classes utilizes iPads to enhance learning through various apps to provide visuals and auditory feedback, supplemental academic activities, and social/play skills. Currently students utilize iPads as an alternative communication device. Also, there are students who utilize picture exchange communication systems (PECS) which the educational staff develop using the software program Boardmaker. To enhance speech-language services, the speech-language specialists also use iPads and apps to assist students with reinforcing skill development in the areas of articulation, phonology, vocabulary, expressive and receptive language skills. Interactive white boards are utilized throughout the district’s schools. The special education teachers and speech-language specialists use these boards to create a dynamic environment which allows students to actively participate in their learning. Using a VGA cable, the staff can connect the iPads to utilize apps with small and large groups. The Promethean Boards have provided an integrated solution that provides the ability to bring together formative assessments, resources, and dynamic lesson development and delivery tools. In-district and out-of-district students that have hearing impairments are provided FM systems for use in their classes, when appropriate. Students with visual impairments who qualify for CBVI services are given equipment by this state agency to be utilized in the classrooms to access their educational program. Assistive technology is also provided to students whose IEP’s require the usage of assistive technology and adaptive equipment. The district’s Department of Special Services uses Public Consulting Group Easy IEP for their Student Data Base and to generate IEPs, 504 plans and log services for SEMI. Hibster software is designed for collection, organization and modification of the HIB incident reports as required by State Law. Hibster digitally manages the HIB incident report process, auto generates required documentation and manages the I&RS Intervention System.

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NEEDS ASSESSMENT

The West New York School District is committed to ensuring the effective use and integration of technology within our schools in its efforts to benefit all students as they become 21st century global and digital citizens of the world. The creation of a digital learning environment, grounded in state and national standards for learning, robust technology, collaboration , communication and creativity, shall forge our District forward in systemic transformation. Effective implementation in this manner will improve student academic achievement, digital literacy, and insure that all students are college and career ready. One way to begin to develop this transformation is based on responses from NJTRAx Digital Learning surveys and technology plan meetings of all of the District’s stakeholders. The West New York District Technology Committee has utilized the NJTRAx system to provide information on the District’s digital learning readiness. These results have contributed to the decision making process in technology and curriculum and instructional planning for digital learning. These are our findings. Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Assessment The West New York School District continues to make great strides in integrating technology across the curriculum. In collaboration with the Hudson County Curriculum Consortium, our District has written, and rewritten several times over, curriculum which is standards and Universal Design for Learning based. The infusion of technology is found throughout each individual content curriculum as evident in the responses of the surveys. Teachers, students, and parents surveyed believe that students do have opportunities to collaborate with peers, and create original deliverables as an outcome. Through Project Based Learning, Units without Textbooks, STEAM multi-disciplinary teaching and learning strategies, our students have opportunities to work with their peers and critically evaluate their work. Our Global Connections Program encourages collaboration and communication among our Gifted and Talented Students to creatively work together on projects and learning across the world. Most teachers and parents felt that critical thinking skills and higher order thinking skills were being addressed. This has been a focus for the District for some time now. Teachers and students felt that there are pockets of a lack of enough hardware to accommodate every student throughout the day. Therefore, we will continue to work towards a 1:1 initiative. Also, a sense of ample time was not always available to plan, prepare and complete projects and explore and research a topic. The WNY Middle School is currently piloting block scheduling. If successful, other schools will be encouraged to follow.

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Currently common planning time is available to all staff for grades 7 – 12. Beginning September 2017, all elementary schools will be implementing common planning time. Policy will also be addressed to begin to explore social media options availability in the classroom. Availability for home access for students, which both students and parents found as an area of need, will be investigated. Both students and teachers are beginning to infuse Standard 8.x concepts within their lessons. This has become more evident in the STEAM Units of Study, the Units without Textbooks, Alternative Fuels Academy, coding classes, robotics courses, and most classrooms where purposeful analysis of steps in a process is used to accomplish a task or project. These concepts are also evident in our Alternative Fuels Academy at Memorial High School and our emerging Maker Spaces throughout our other schools. Coding classes at all schools also support these concepts. Our Summer Enrichment Program also integrates standard 8.x by allowing students to learn how to critically understand a variety of topics through a multi-disciplinary approach to learning. Pedagogy The District is completely immersed in the G Suite for Education. Both students and parents surveyed, as well as teachers, felt that students do have opportunities to learn from one another, from the teacher, and from resources available within and outside the school. Google Classroom and similar applications have made this type of learning environment available. We are currently researching ways to expand on this learning environment. The flipped classrooms at the middle school, the high school, and the pilot program at Public School One are currently being evaluated and considered for expansion. Our belief and vision is that strong 21st century skills, which incorporate Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity will prepare students for participation in a global society. Assessment Multiple measures of assessment are used by teachers which demonstrate student learning. Digital media, Chromebooks, iPads, desktops, MACs, and various applications are used within the district. Authentic learning opportunities are provided across curriculum. At the secondary level, many teacher-made assessments are given on line which simulate PARCC like testing. Moving forward, digital portfolios will become additional tools for assessment. As multiple measures become utilized, a focus has already taken place at the Pre-K and Kindergarten levels with the implementation of NJ KEA GOLD. This allows for age and developmentally appropriate assessments to occur daily of student growth in the areas of social and emotional development, cognitive, language arts literacy, and mathematics. Project Based Learning activities are evident in both curriculum and classroom application.

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Based on district needs, a master teacher of technology services all schools by offering professional development training opportunities for teachers, supervisors, administrators, and students. The master teacher also offers to coach teachers who need assistance with integrating technology into lessons. In addition, every school in the district has the minimum of two computer labs that are available for the integration of instruction and technology, as well as another lab that individual teachers can use for classroom instruction. Mobile device carts are available in every school for teachers to use in their classroom when integrating technology. Because prior surveys indicated a need for professional development in fundamental technology skills, past professional development for teachers focused on the use of available software applications. The district’s staff not only met but also exceeded the goals from the 2013-2016 West New York Technology Plan. The district continues to provide the administrators and staff with an array of professional development opportunities in technology based on teacher and administrator needs. Other professional development offerings this year included:

• Safari Montage • PowerSchool for administrators • PowerTeacher • OnCourse • EasyIEP • Destiny • Interactive Promethean board training • Effective technology integration • iPad training • My Learning Plan Teacher Management System • My Learning Inc./STRONGE Management System for Leaders

Other than professional development, the district supports technology integration through release time for staff to learn new skills and practice existing ones. Content supervisors share information about websites that teachers can use in class. Staff from the Information Systems Department visit classrooms not only to troubleshoot hardware problems, but also to offer assistance and guidance. The district master teacher of technology is available for professional development training on an as needed basis and turn-keys workshops to groups and/or individuals. The district will continue with professional development activities with the ultimate goal that integration of technology will become a natural part of learning. The district will focus on technology integration into all written curricula, and evaluate technology integration.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

The Professional Development Coordinator regulates all professional development for the district, including assessment of needs and scheduling of workshops. Funding for professional development is supported by local funds, state and federal grants. The district is committed to providing the best professional development possible for all staff including teachers, administrators and support staff. Our professional development plan is comprehensive. Professional development in the area of technology is a critical component of this technology plan. The beliefs and guiding principles that form our vision of professional development emphasize the enhancement of student learning. Professional development enables staff to become lifelong learners as they continue to improve their content knowledge and it improves the ability of teachers to understand the needs and modify instruction to meet those needs. Professional development is ongoing and based on current research and available data on student achievement. Professional development reflects the emergence of new instructional technologies related to engineering, design and computational thinking (programming) as it relates to the NJ Student Learning Standards for Technology 8.2. Students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 will experience opportunities to explore technology as it relates to engineering and design via cross-curricular STEAM approaches. As students progress through the elementary grades, they will experience design challenges requiring them to implement problem solving strategies, collaboration and creativity. A partnership with Stevens Institute of Technology has afforded the district the opportunity to train teachers in engineering, design, and STEAM approaches. This initiative currently targets grades 1-4 and will continue to grow to include grades 5 and 6. Additionally, training and free resources provided by Code.org target Standards 8.2 providing teachers the tools to create experiences in computational thinking and robotics. For the 2016-2019 school years, the district plans to continue the professional development offerings for all teachers, administrators and support staff by providing opportunities for job-embedded networking, collaboration and ongoing professional dialogue with colleagues that supports technology integration and infusion. The West New York School District plans to further increase students’ accessibility to technology. To continue to decrease the digital divide, the district will prepare the students for the 21st century by continuing to increase the amount of interactive boards/learner response systems and tablets.

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Students will be exposed to appropriate technology and activities in preparation for the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC). Based upon the results of a completed needs assessment survey, the West New York School District realizes the need to continue high-quality, sustained professional development on infusing technology into the curriculum. The Master Teacher of Technology and outside consultants will continue to provide professional development activities for all staff to receive technology integration coaching and mentoring on a variety of topics including, but not limited to:

• Power School • Power Teacher • Safari Montage • Blackboard Engage • Interactive boards/Learner Response Systems • Tablets • My Learning Plan/STRONGE Management System for Leaders • Digital Videography • G Suite • Flipped Classroom • Skype in the Classroom/Google Hang Out • Authentic Performance Assessments • Multimedia Presentations

Training will be expanded to teachers, administrators, and each school’s Data Analysis Task Force to effectively analyze student data so that instructional units can be completed addressing the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and the Common Cores. An increased focus on research and data analysis will provide actionable data and research solutions to improve learning. The West New York School District will continue to offer its website as a means of communication between the home, the school, and the district. The website includes the curriculum portal, the parent portal, classroom teacher websites, school news, calendar of events and much more. The Gifted and Talented Program in the elementary schools will continue the Global Connections Program initiative providing students with global outreach. Students will have the opportunity to connect with our partner school Colegio Montedeva in Gijon, Spain via Skype in the Classroom. This initiative allows for intercultural exchange and collaboration on an international scale. Video conferencing, peer-to-peer discussions, deployment of educational content, and teacher professional development are at the heart of the program. Global Connections will be expanding to include Memorial High School via interdisciplinary units of study created by West New York and Montedeva teachers.

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Digital photography and videography projects presently in place in the Middle School will be expanded to the elementary schools. The Middle School G&T Program will continue to offer and expand on the aforementioned projects. The West New York Schools district understands the importance of creativity and innovation as it relates to digital learning. Through Rutgers University’s Center for Mathematics, Science and Computer Technology, media specialists, technology teachers, and gifted and talented teachers will be trained in the implementation of Makerspaces. Currently, students in the Middle School are participating in Makerspaces. Learning Commons in libraries and media centers will be created district-wide. These Learning Commons will be a center of innovation, creation, and exploration. In new Makerspaces, students will experience hands-on activities that connect to the standards while utilizing 3D printers, augmented reality, video production, coding, and robotics to express themselves and demonstrate learning. Training for Kindergarten teachers participating in New Jersey Kindergarten Entry Assessment (NJKEA) will continue in Kindergarten Implementation Guidelines and Teaching Strategies GOLD. Professional development is designed to instruct teachers on the use of GOLD to support best practices during the Kindergarten year. This authentic, ongoing assessment of children will allow teachers to plan appropriate early childhood learning experiences in the areas of Social/ Emotional, Language, Cognitive, Literacy, and Mathematics.

There are many professional opportunities and resources available for the Information Systems Department in West New York. The primary form of training is accomplished via Computer Based Training (CBT) from Pluralsight. Pluralsight is a cloud based subscription service with access to a vast library of IT courses from top vendors including: Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, CompTIA and Citrix. This library of courses is available to each member of the department 24/7 and helps them achieve certifications in most areas of Information Technology. The technical staff regularly attends conferences and seminars with vendors such as Microsoft, Dell, Cisco, Nortel and other third party vendors to ensure they are informed of the latest technologies available in the industry. Webinars are also used as a means for training the technical staff in West New York, but is primarily used for training personnel in managing our Student Information System.

Additionally, professional development is provided by specific vendors to systems such as media management, card access control, closed circuit television, inventory management and help desk ticket management systems. The members of the Information Systems Department also have resources available to them through various subscriptions to technical magazines and journals.

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The Carl Perkins Grant is used by Memorial High School’s Business Education Department to purchase new equipment for student use, professional training for the Business Education staff and administration, and to purchase industry-recognized certification tests for Microsoft Office Specialist for students qualifying to take this on-line examination. Teachers and staff providing educational services to classified students have been trained in the use of EasyIEP, the Special Education Student Data Base. Through PCG Education, on-line trainings for how to use EasyIEP are offered and staff can participate when needed. On an as needed basis, teachers and staff are trained on augmentative communication systems and assistive technology. Trainings on using software programs, such as Write Out Loud, Clicker, and Read Out Loud and usage of iPads occur when the need arises. The district will continue to provide sustained trainings through job embedded professional development and workshops for the above mentioned programs. Based upon district needs and IEP driven services, professional development opportunities will continue to be offered to support and expand these initiatives. To ensure a learner-centered blended environment that is powered by teacher needs, the district will host Edcamp Urban in March 2017. Edcamp Urban is a new professional development user-generated conference commonly referred to as an “unconference". The format offers every educator the opportunity to be a presenter in his/her area of expertise and attend sessions which are value to them. This model will be explored to expand in-district professional development offerings at monthly PLS sessions. The West New York School District also enjoys a partnership with the Hudson County Professional Development Consortium and allows teachers to attend technology workshops that address their individual needs. The district continually assesses the need for professional development opportunities through the review of achievement results, feedback from committees, and Professional Learning Communities. By analyzing these items a clearer picture of emerging needs is developed and included in future professional development activities. As courses and programs require new software or technologies, the district will respond with workshops to support them.

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THREE-YEAR GOALS For 2016-2019, the West New York School District will strive to complete the following goals: Goal 1— The West New York School District will utilize technology to enhance curriculum, deliver instruction via the New Jersey Learning Standards, and make students active participants in the educational process. Through updated and aligned Curriculum Learning Standards, models of student centered pedagogy, and authentic assessment, West New York Classrooms will become hubs for innovation. Goal 2—The West New York School District will continue to fulfill their commitment to technology by maintaining and upgrading their district-wide technology infrastructure of data, voice, access control and video surveillance to every district location. Through updated infrastructure, security and safety training for all, the District will ensure commitment to a robust Digital Learning Environment. Goal 3— The West New York School District will strive to implement a 1:1 initiative. Supporting personalized learning and professional development will foster an environment which will empower a culture of digital innovation for all stakeholders.

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THREE-YEAR IMPLEMENTATION AND STRATEGIES TABLE 2016- 2019)

IMPLEMENTATION ACTIVITY TABLE

. CATEGORY ACTIVITY TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY EVALUATION 1. District Inclusion of technology

within each school’s yearly budget

Yearly School principal Budget review by Cabinet

2. District Inclusion of technology within the district’s budget

Yearly Cabinet Budget review by Cabinet

3. District District Technology Plan review and update

Yearly District Technology Planning Committee

Agendas and attendance sheets

4. District Acceptance of updated Technology Plan

Nov,Yearly District Technology Planning Committee

Board of Education Resolution

5. District Posting and hiring of technology teachers

Ongoing Director of Human Resources


6. District Posting and hiring of Information Systems Department employees

Ongoing Director of Human Resources


7. District Maintain Student Information Systems (PowerSchool)

Ongoing Chief Technology Officer and Student Information Systems Specialist

Information Systems Department

8. District NJ SMART Ongoing District Data Analyst Superintendent 9. District Grant management Ongoing District Supervisors and

Administrators Awarding of grants

10. Infrastructure Maintain existing WAN Ongoing Network Administrator Information Systems Department

11. Infrastructure Set standards for hardware purchases

Ongoing Chief Technology Officer

Board approval of purchase orders

12. Infrastructure Set standards for software purchases

Ongoing Chief Technology Officer and District Supervisors


13. Infrastructure Plan for network enhancement

Ongoing Chief Technology Officer and Network Administrator

Board approval of expansion plan

14. Infrastructure Maintain/expand existing telecommunications system


IS Department

15. Infrastructure Include in all new construction and renovations a plan for the highest level technology


Construction Specification Documents

21

16. Infrastructure Expand infrastructure to include community access to information

Ongoing Chief Technology Officer and Assistant Superintendent

District Web Site, Social Media, Blackboard Connect, PowerSchool

17. Infrastructure Maintain and upgrade wireless network to improve connectivity



18. Infrastructure Maintain and upgrade servers



19. Integration As per Board policy, review curriculum to appropriately infuse technology into the disciplines to support 21st century skills

Yearly Assistant Superintendent Board of Education Resolution

20. Integration Review of lesson plans to monitor integration activities

Ongoing Administrators and District Supervisors

Lesson plans

21. Integration Open access to computer labs & Media Centers


Open-access attendance logs and/or Google Calendar

22. Integration Professional development activities as per technology integration goals

Ongoing District Supervisors, Master Teacher of Technology and Professional Development Coordinator

Awarding of professional development hours

23. Integration Post Units of Study G Suite and OnCourse as a resource

Ongoing District Supervisors G Suite and OnCourse

24. Integration Encourage integration activities between computer specialists, media specialists, and classroom teachers


Lesson plans

25. Integration Utilize technology as a resource for instruction and assessment preparation

Ongoing Administrators, District Supervisors and Instructional Staff

Google Classroom and OnCourse

26. Integration Require technology component or digitize all new textbooks

Ongoing Assistant Superintendent Core program components and lesson plans

27. Integration Assess student technological proficiency

Yearly Administrators and Instructional Staff

Project Based Learning, Authentic Assessment and Portfolios

22

28. Integration Implement and maintain electronic student portfolios

Ongoing Principals and Instructional Staff

Portfolios

29. Professional Development

Plan staff training Ongoing Assistant Superintendent and Administrative Supervisor of Educational Programs

Prior evaluations and surveys


Staff needs assessment for technology instruction

Ongoing Assistant Superintendent Survey


Staff needs assessment for non-instructional technology

Ongoing Central Office Administration

Survey


Professional Day Opportunities for Technology


Yearly professional development logs


Enhance and maintain Job-embedded staff development


School-based plan


Enhance and maintain web site to include teacher-produced web pages

Ongoing Staff Teacher Web pages (OnCourse)


School based staff development

Ongoing School Based Professional Development Committee

Unified Plans


Administrative training in technology integration


PD Hours


Enhance and maintain the use of online grade books

Ongoing Assistant Superintendent Grade books, report cards, and progress reports


Plan staff training Ongoing Administrative Supervisor of Educational Programs

Prior evaluations and surveys


Training through Carl Perkins funding

Ongoing Carl Perkins Grant Coordinator

PD Hours


Software Training Ongoing Master Teacher of Technology/Consultants

PD Hours


Digital Videography/ Distance Learning

Ongoing Administrative Supervisor of Educational Programs

PD Hours

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EVALUATION PLAN

Educational Technology Plan Evaluation Narrative

Describe the process to regularly evaluate how...

a. Telecommunication services, hardware, software and other services are improving education.

Our technology goals will focus on the improvement of achievement; improvement of student attitude, enthusiasm, and engagement; richer classroom content; and the improvement of student retention and job placement. Evaluations to measure these goals and their successes will include careful analysis of assessments in all content areas and in particular, Technology Assessments, and their impact on achievement; use and implementation of a variety of programs and quarterly meetings of the District Technology Committee to ensure that all activities are being completed. The recommendations of the Committee will be analyzed to determine necessary actions needed to address mid-course or mid-implementation plan corrections.

b. Effective integration of technology is enabling students to meet challenging state academic standards.

The Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction will continue to review and monitor curriculum as per Board Policy to assure students are meeting challenging common core and state standards. Assessments in all content areas have been added to the curriculum and will ensure integration of technology through a variety of instructional practices. In preparation for the PARCC Assessment, district assessments will include technology. Results of assessments will drive instructional practices throughout the year and address necessary curriculum changes. Professional development will be provided through various job embedded opportunities.

24

c. The LEA is meeting the identified goals in the educational technology plan.

The evaluation of the technology plan is based on the completion of activities in the goals and action plans. The District Technology Committee will request a report from each of the responsible staff members listed in the implementation of goals and activities table. A meeting of the District Technology Committee will be held each year to review and discuss the levels of achievement of the district’s goals. The integration of technology will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of the integration activities in our three-year implementation activity table.

The West New York Technology Plan Committee will annually review the existing plan and recommend any mid-course corrections necessary based on new developments, opportunities and curriculum needs. This annual review will take place before submission of the E-Rate form 470.

25

ANNUAL FUNDING PLAN

ITEM OTHER FUNDING

DISTRICT FUNDING

SCHOOL-BASED

FUNDING

TOTAL

FUNDING

District Infrastructure $1,500,000 $1,500,000 PS# 1 $30,000 $30,000 PS# 2 $30,000 $30,000 PS# 3 $30,000 $30,000 PS# 4 $30,000 $30,000 PS# 5 $30,000 $30,000 PS# 6 $30,000 $30,000 Middle School $30,000 $30,000 Memorial HS $60,000 $60,000 Sub Total $1,500,000 $270,000 $1,770,000 Implementing 4-yr Financing Option $1,080,000

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Technology Plan components CHECKLIST

If the Future Ready District Level summary report was generated within the past year school year, include a copy of the district report with the Plan submission.

If the NJTRAx Digital Learning Surveys summary report was generated, include a copy for all identified schools.

This form may be used to ensure all components are addressed in the submitted document for review. Please address the areas below for each school that will be the focus for digital learning transformation over the next three years in the technology plan. County/District Code: Hudson/5670 School /Charter School/(DISTRICT NAME): West New York Public Schools NJTRAx PARCC Technology Readiness Rating: 9 NJTRAx Digital Learning Readiness Rating: 5.8

STEP YES NO 1. The District-level vision is included in the School-based

Plan. Pg 5

2. NJTRAx technology readiness system for this school was updated.

3. NJTRAx Digital Learning surveys for this school was completed, if applicable.

4. District S.M.A.R.T. Goals, Strategies, Objectives and Indicators that evaluate the completion and success of the goal(s), strategies, and objectives are included for this school.

Pg 19

5. The action plan identifies the person(s) responsible for ensuring goals, strategies and objectives are completed within the specified time frames.

Pg 20

6. The submitted plan addresses the task of reflecting on the results of the activities, and adjusting the plan accordingly for this school at targeted time intervals.

Pg 23

7. A budget is included that supports the activity plan. Pg 24

8. The plan for digital learning through the infusion of technology within instruction and/or the curriculum is clearly understood in the district.

9. The signed STAKEHOLDER ASSURANCE is included. Pg 3

APPENDIX A

http://futureready.org/about-the-effort/dashboard/

http://njdigitallearning.org/topics/getting-started/