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Technology Plan Submission Form School Years 2006-2009
Table of Contents
Current District Demographics
1 District Executive Summary The Blevins Public Schools consists of four schools: Blevins Elementary, Blevins High, Emmet Elementary, and Emmet High Schools. The total district enrollment is approximately 750 in grades K-12, with approximately 460 students on the Blevins campus and approximately 290 students on the Emmet campus. Both Blevins Schools are located at 5954 Arkansas State Highway 29 North in Blevins, Arkansas 71825, in Hempstead County. Both Emmet Schools are located at 501 Hazel Street, Emmet, Arkansas 71835 in Nevada County. There have been no significant changes in the demographics of any of the schools independently, however, the Emmet Public Schools annexed administratively to the Blevins Public Schools on July 1, 2004. The two former school districts and now school campuses are approximately 22 mile apart if traveled by paved highways. The technology challenges of the district are bringing on campus additional computers in strategic locations, building a computer lab for Emmet campus, targeting weaknesses of teacher technology abilities with specific training, broadening the distance learning lab use, and branching out into other areas of technology as new developments are available.
2 Technology Committee
The Committee met upon occasion to determine processes, to delineate responsibilities, to review previous plans, to research pertinent technology plan information from other similar districts, and to assimilate the district plan. Information for the plan was derived from the Southwest Educational Cooperative, the persons on the committee and from references obtained from similar school districts that made their plans available to the committee. The committee was designed so as to access as many teachers, students, parents and the community as possible. The committee will meet at least twice per year following the implementation of the plan for maintenance purposes. The plan will be communicated to the staff members by emailing a copy of the plan to each member. The plan will be communicated to the school board by a special presentation for adoption. The plan will be available at all administrative offices for examination by the general public. The plan will be linked to the school’s website.
3 Vision and Mission Statements
Mission Statement To integrate a ppropriate technological applications in the Blevins Public Schools District, in order to enhance opportunities for student learning and achievement and in order to prepare students for an every changing world.
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Current Technology Assessment A. Curriculum Integration The Blevins Public Schools presently has two computer labs accessible to elementary and high school students. The district also has two vocational business labs that provide high school students access and training on various software programs. The elementary computers have software programs that target fundamental reading, writing, and mathematics skills development as well as access to the Internet for class and individual projects. The computers also have software to determine the progress each student makes on reading available library books through Accelerated Reader and Reading Counts. Both the elementary and high school labs have Plato software, which tutors and measures students on several levels of literacy and mathematics. The high school lab is used to deliver Spanish curriculum through the Virtual High School program. There are three portable computer laptop labs that have wireless access to the Internet and also have numerous software programs such as Power Point, Microsoft Windows, Excel and Access. Students use the labs for research and presentations in high school courses as well as fundamental skill development. The district has three "Smart Boards" that are used primarily for classroom teacher presentations. given that the district is small in population and rural in setting, the use of two Distance Learning Labs has delivered concurrent college curriculum to the campuses as well as higher level courses offered by the state and colleges/universities. The Blevins High School has received an EAST (Environmental And Spacial Technology) lab, which provides excellent technology in terms of hardware and software and the hands-on training of approximately 40 students in the program. The EAST students develop a project that is presented at the state EAST Convention. This project is community focused and developed with the input of several community patrons. A weakness is that the availability of more students computers would improve these noted programs. The Emmet High School offers a course entitle ORACLE, which prepares students for on-the-job technical training upon graduation. B. Professional Development Describe the process your district uses for assessing the technology professional development needs of teachers, administrators, and non-certified staff. If your district measures the implementation level of technology in the classroom, include a sample of the tool that is used. Briefly describe technology professional development activities that have been offered to teachers. Describe the method(s) the district uses to determine the effectiveness of the professional development activities. The district assesses the need of teachers by addressing this area on each teacher ’s professional development plan as well as requiring all staff members to respond to an 5 online survey available for measuring where the staff is currently and where the staff needs to proceed regarding technology. Each year the Southwest Educational Cooperative provides several opportunities for staff development for teachers, instructional aides, administrators and other staff members. Al staff members have a registration process to attend these various training opportunities funded by the district. These opportunities are directed by the staff members’ professional development plans as well as state laws regarding staff development and technology both in number of hours and areas of focus. The district invites specific technology trainers to provide needs that are broad in nature and address several staff members’ needs such as video streaming accessible through the Arkansas Educational Television Network, training for the use of the Smart Boards available for classroom instruction, training for the use of digital cameras for classroom instruction, training for the use of a range of handheld calculators, and training for receiving and transmitting distance learning instruction. A limited number of teachers attend the annual Hot Springs School District Technology Institute for advanced training. All teachers are trained to use Grade Quick for the purpose of parent notice of student performance and connection to the state’s APSCAN records. Professional development will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and once a year to modify the plan to meet the needs of the staff. A list of staff and training hours related to technology will be maintained by each building. The staff will be surveyed annually to track progress in the development of skills and the use of new technologies. Technical request for services will be monitored to make sure that needs are met adequately.
C. Equitable use of Technology
Computer labs are available at both the Blevins Schools along with one portable laptop lab. The Emmet Schools have access to two portable computer labs and have applied to the Arkansas Department of Facilities and Transportation for a regular, set aside computer lab for the next funding cycle. The vocational labs, one at both schools, are used for dual purposes and allow computer time for students throughout the full day. There are several stand alone computers accessible to the students throughout all schools available in classrooms and libraries. Handicapped students who have limited mobility are assisted with instructional aides and have, upon need noted in their individual education plans, been provided special equipment and/or personal computers for various classroom needs. Funds for special needs are funded by local and federal sources. All technology staff are supportive of any and all special assistive and accessible technologies and are trained upon any known, perceived, or anticipated needs. Blevins Schools presently have three computer labs that each has twenty-five workstations and 6 one teacher station. Each station is Internet connected and has access to curriculum software in a variety of areas. Twenty-six new computers have been purchased to retrofit the elementary lab’s Macintosh computers with IBM compatible computers. All software will be changed as well. Each of the forty-five teachers has an Internet connected computer at his/her desk. Each lab and personal computer has access to a connected printer. There are two Internet connected student use computers in the library media center. Blevins Schools has three lap top computers for teacher use. Blevins Schools has two LCD projectors and two television set adapters that are used for classroom teaching. All elementary and secondary classrooms have television sets connected to Channel One and the local television cable. Math and science teachers and students have access to personal calculators including simple arithmetic and graphic calculators. Vocational classrooms have one Smart board that is used in instruction. Blevins School has a lap top word processor for students who are writing skills handicapped as well as two computers on rolling carts that students use for similar purposes. There are several seventeen-inch monitors that assist the students who are vision impaired. Each computer lab has a handicap accessible computer table.
D. Current Technology Inventory and Narrative
Technology Inventory
Technology is inventoried by the Technology Coordinator who keeps an Excel spreadsheet for each building. The spreadsheet list the type of computer, operating system, processor speed, memory and hard drive capacity.We have 111 Windows XP computers, 100 Windows 98 computers, 3 Windows 2000 computers, and 1 Windows 95 computer for a total of 215 computer workstations. We have 2 Novell 6.5 servers, 1 Windows NT server , 1 Windows 2003 server, and 1 Linux server.We have 38 inkjet printers, 13 b/w laser printers, 4 color laser printers, 7 multipurpose printers, 3 dot-matrix printers, and 1 plotter. There are 47 rooms wired with Cat-5 wire and 3 rooms wired with co-ax for a total of 50 rooms with internet access. The high school building, the Fine Arts building and the Gym have wireless access. There are 2 T1 lines, 9 phone lines, 22 phones, and 3 fax machines. There is 1 network system running Novell 6.5
There is 1 satellite system with 16 rooms with TV’s connected the system. There are 25 TV’s with VCR’s.
Software products include Plato, Accelerated Reader, Star Reader, Microsoft Office, and Microtype Pro typing software.
EMMET CAMPUS There is 1 Distance Learning Lab. The Emmet School has 136 computers. There are 31 desktop computers with P.4 CPUs, 40 desktop computers with P.3 CPUs, 3 desktop computers with P.2 CPUs, and the remaining desktop 7 computers have P.1 CPUs or less. Emmet School has 3 mobile wireless laptop carts. One cart has 20 Celeron R laptop computers with windows XP. One cart has 16 Celeron R laptop computers with Windows XP. Emmet also has a mobile science laptop cart with 10 Mac G-4 iBook computers. Emmet School has 40 printers. 31 rooms are wired for the internet. The Emmet school network consists of 2 servers. The main server is located in the Main Office. This server has Novell 6.5 software to handle the network traffic. Two T-1 lines come in to the router in the Main Office. The other server is located in the New Elementary Building and is the Impac Lab server for Elementary. Fiber Connections go to each building except for the Gymnasium. There are media converters for the fiber optic lines in each building. Wiring goes from the main switch to each classroom. Classrooms with more than one computer have either a switch or a network hub. Each laptop cart has a wireless access point mounted on the cart and each laptop has a wireless card to connect to the access point. The software for Emmet School is as follows: All P-4 desktop computers have Windows XP All P-3 or less desktop computers have Windows 98 with a few still using Windows 95 The laptop carts using Windows use Windows XP. The Mac cart uses Mac OS-X 10.3.7 The laptop carts using Windows all have Microsoft Office XP. Most of the desktops have either Microsoft Office XP or Office 2003. All the Elementary Computers have Learning Expedition and Reading Counts. Library computers also have Reading Counts. Individual stand a lone programs have been purchased for several teachers including programs for reading, math, social studies, and science.
Technology Infrastructure, Management, and Support
We have seven building connected by fiber optics. In each building are switches that connect Cat-5 wiring to the rooms. One building still has 3 rooms with co-ax wiring. The High School, Fine Arts building, the Gym, and the superintendent’ s office have wireless access. The internet connected computer-to-student ratio is 1 to 2.1. Our technology platform is 100% PC. We run AVG antivirus software. We use the state e-mail filter for SPAM and viruses. We also use the state internet content filter. We have a 20-computer wireless mobile lab that students use to take classes from the Virtual High School. Students also use these laptops for research from the internet and for typing research papers. At present the technology coordinator manages the computer and network intrastructure. Training for staff include the Hot Springs Technology Institute and Educational Co-op workshops. The Emmet School Video Conferencing Lab is currently being used for teaching Comp I and II in conjunction with the University of Arkansas at Hope. The equipment includes three 55" Mitsubishi monitors, two wave cameras, an ELMO EV-400AF Document Camera, an Audio Science Ceiling Mount Boundary Microphone, and the necessary hardware. One of our T-1 lines is designated for the video streaming for this lab. When the lab is not being used, this T-1 line helps increase our bandwidth capabilities and Internet speed for the rest of the local network. *See attachment "Inventory Summary" for each school.
8 Needs Assessment
Staff Technology Survey 2005 The type of survey used was an online questionnaire entitled "Arkansas Cooperative Technology Survey 2005" The total personnel who took the survey was 71. Of this number, 68% were teachers, 13% were paraprofessionals, 7% were administrators, and the remaining 12% were listed as others. The choices to mark beneath each question were Not all all, Minimally, Confidently, and Able to teach others. Some results that should be noted for future staff development reference are as follows: About half are not able to use presentation software such as PowerPoint. Nearly 86% are not able to create their own Web pages. About 35% are not able to calculate students’ grades usi ng an electronic grade book or spreadsheet.About 40% are not able to create charts and graphs of numerical data using a spreadsheet. 10% are not able to search the World Wide Web for resources. About 31% are not able to capture images using a digital came ra or scanner and transfer them to a computer.About 30% are not able to apply multiple strategies to troubleshoot a computer that is not working properly. 4% are not able to save and access files on their computer. 31% are not able to save and access file s on the school network.13% do not feel comfortable in choosing technology resources such as calculators, data collection probes, videos, educational software, or the Web to support instruction. 24% are not able to arrange for equal use of technology reso urces for all students.19% are not able to use technology resources in learning activities that are interdisciplinary. 20% are not able to plan lessons that effectively integrate technology. 62% are not able to refer to the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students when planning lessons that integrate software and Web-based resources.51% are not able to enable students to analyze original work created through technology integrated lessons.23% are not able to plan for classroom managemen t when students are to use technology resources.17% are not able to evaluate classroom management when students use technology resources in classroom activities. 16% are not able to use instructional strategies such as whole group, collaborative, individu alized, and learner centered for grouping students for project work.19% are not able to select technology resources that align with the state standards. 31% are not able to provide opportunities for students to access school and community resources that p rovide technological and/or discipline specific expertise.9 14% are not able to use tools such as rubrics, checklists, journals for self- and peer-assessment in critiquing student work. 32% are not able to teach students strategies to assess the quality of information they gather via the Web and/or other technologies.17% are not able to encourage students with technology interests to share their expertise with their peers. 24% are not able to encourage students with technology interests to share their expertise with teachers and other adults in the learning community. 13% are not able to develop instructional plans based on results from assessment measures. Only 10% are not able to select learning strategies based on results from assessment measures. 31% are not able to use technology tools such as electronic grade book software, spreadsheets, data bases, on-line forms, a personal digital device to collect student performance data for instructional planning.31% are not able to use technology tools such as above to analyze student performance data. 49% are not able to use technology tools for school improvement initiatives and encourage parent and community involvement.31% are not able to use email and/or other forms of electronic communication to facilitate communication with parents/guardians. 29% are not able to revi ew new/emerging technologies with respect to the potential capabilities and limitations.24% are not able to examine new/emerging technologies with respect to the potential they lend to life long learning. 16% are not able to evaluate the potential of new/ emerging technologies to meet personal needs.16% are not able to evaluate the potential of new/emerging technologies for addressing professional or work-related needs. 37% are not able to participate in technology-based collaboration such as on-line collaborative curriculum projects, forums, newsgroups, list serves for personal professional growth.17% are not able to model the guidelines of the districts’ acceptable use policy when using technology and information with students. 16% are not able to model the guidelines of the districts’ acceptable use policy when using technology and information with colleagues.Only 7% are not able to enforce classroom procedures that guide students’ safe and healthy use of technology. 17% are not able to implement classr oom procedures that comply with legal responsibilities for students requiring assistive technologies.20% are not able to implement classroom procedures that comply with professional responsibilities for students requiring assistive technologies. 19% are n ot able to advocate for equal access to technology for all students in the school.31% are not able to advocate for home access to technology for all students. Only 11% are not able to implement school/district procedures that protect the privacy of studen t data and information.10 STAFF DEVELOPMENT: Blevins High School Training for staff on the Grade Quick program so that they will align with the APSCAN program. This is to be done in 2006-2007. Teachers attended a Math Investigations workshop which covered use ofcalculators in the classroom. The students are presently using the TI15’s in the classroom. Teachers plan to attend the workshop again when offered. This was done the summer of 2005. Goals, Objectives and Strategies for Technology
Blevins High School Technology Goals
Technology Goal: Provide adequate infrastructure (including server) to support staff and student network needs. Evaluation: Access to internet and servers from all locations. Less down time due to hardware problems. Sharing of software between all schools. Teachers and students have sufficient resources to do what they are trying to do (within reason). Hardware and network problems will be recorded and used for evaluation of network and servers. Technology Committee members will be consulted for existing problems.
Technology Goal: Provide one computer capable of research, administrative productivity, and multimedia presentations in each classroom, with appropriate presentation equipment and a Smart Board. Evaluation: A computer with presentation equipment in each classroom. Students/teachers will use the internet and presentations as part of their learning experience. Students/teachers will create and present multimedia presentations. Students will enhance their technology skills along with math and language skills through the use of the Smart Board.
Technology Goal: Provide resources necessary to provide students with classes not available at BHS and provide college credit for those wanting it. Evaluation: Distance learning, concurrent credit, and/or Advanced Placement (AP) classes will be scheduled and student records will show success.
Technology Goal: Keep current software licenses and versions to increase productivity and communications. Evaluation: Improving communications between faculty, students, parents and business partners. Increasing staff productivity. Continuing use of current media automation software by 11 students and teachers in the media center. Teachers will use gradebook software so that parents and students can check current progress and assignments in a timely fashion. Teachers will access student data from their classroom workstation and determine appropriate interventions for raising student scores in reading and math in a timely manner. Teachers will keep curriculum updated, referencing the curriculum as needed, and making recommendations for changes in software as needed. Students in grades 2 through 9 will be evaluated three times a year with Performance series testing conducted by the Southwest Arkansas Educational Cooperative, and the results will be used to focus each classroom’s curriculum.
Technology Goal: Provide additional computers or update existing computers as needed. Evaluation: No lost productivity/class time due to hardware failure. No staff/student frustration due to poor hardware performance. Hardware capable of running the software that needs to be loaded.
Technology Goal: Update Math and Science equipment as needed. Evaluation: Equipment being used in the math/science classrooms. Students will use equipment when needed. Students advance in the areas of critical thinking, problem solving and computation.
Technology Goal: Provide continuing in-service so that staff can make effective use of technology to increase student learning and provide training for students where applicable. Evaluation: Teachers using technology to enhance learning in the classroom. All staff using technology to increase productivity and improve record keeping. Staff will use technology, such as web pages, to communicate with students and parents. Administrators will keep records of in-services offered and those who attended. Technology Goals for Blevins Elementary
Technology Goal : Provide adequate infrastructure (including server) to support staff and students network needs.Evaluation: Access to internet and servers from all locations. Less down time due to hardware problems. Sharing of software between all schools. Teachers and students have sufficient resources to do what they are trying to do (within reason). Hardware and network problems will be recorded and used for evaluation of network and servers. Technology Committee members will be consulted for existing problems. Technology Goal : Provide one computer capable of research, administrative productivity, and multimedia presentations for each building with appropriate presentation equipment.Evaluation: A computer with presentation equipment in each building. Students/teachers using the internet and presentations as part of their learning experience. Students/teachers creating and presenting multimedia presentations. Technology Goal : Provide continuing in-service so that staff can make effective use of technology to increase student learning and provide training for students where applicable.12 Evaluation: Teachers using technology to enhance learning in the classroom. All staff using technology to increase productivity and improve record keeping. Superintendent will keep records of in-services offered and those who attended. Technology Goal : Keep current software licenses and versions to increase productivity and communications.Evaluation: Improving communications between faculty, students, parents and business partners. Increasing staff productivity. Continuing use of software by staff and students. Teachers using grade book software so that parents and students can check current progress and assignments in a timely fashion. Teachers will access student data from their classroom workstation and determine appropriate interventions for raising student scores in reading and math in a timely manner. Students will be using software in the computer lab for remediation of math or reading skills not mastered on grade level. Students will use software to increase science, spelling, and writing skills. Teachers will keep curriculum updated and reference the curriculum as needed. Students in grades 2 through 9 will be evaluated three times a year with Performance series testing conducted by the Southwest Educational Cooperative and the results will be used to focus each classrooms curriculum. Technology Goal : Provide additional computers or update existing computers as needed.Evaluation: No lost productivity/class time due to hardware failure. No staff/student frustration due to poor hardware performance. Hardware capable of running the software that needs to be loaded.
Technology Goal : Provide laptop computers for student/teacher checkoutEvaluation: Laptops will be used on a regular basis as reported by the checkout reports. Students will increase their math skills and language Technology Goal : Provide Smart Board set-ups for teacher checkout.Evaluation: Teachers will use the Smart Board on a monthly basis as reported by the checkout reports. Students will enhance their technology skills along with math and language skills through the use of the Smart Board.
Technology Goal: Provide Smart Boards, computers and projectors for use within the Literacy and Math Labs.Evaluation: Teachers will use the Smart Boards on a weekly basis within the Literacy and Math Labs. Students will enhance their math and language skills through the use of the Smart Board technology.
EMMET HIGH SCHOOL--TECHNOLOGY GOALS The following technology goals have been determined through ACSIP, On-Line Technology Survey, and Parental input: 1. Continue the use of Lexile Placement Testing to see what level students best read on and then continue the "Reading Counts" Program to enhance student’s Reading Comprehension. TIMELINE: In Place – continue and evaluate in 2006-07 2. Develop, as a link, using the school or district web page, a place where parents can access their child’s academic progress, as well as up to date assignments or needs. TIMELINE: Development 2006-07 – In place 2007-08 3.Develop and implement a Computer Lab dedicated for the purpose of enabling students to use 13 individually for work projects and then as a class, where teachers can bring their students in to work on Benchmark Reviews (Release Items and Practice Assessments), ACT enhancement, Virtual Science Lab Projects, and enhance student’s basic technology knowledge. TIMELINE: Develop 2006-07 In place – 2007 or 2008
4. Proficient use of calculators by all students to be utilized in Math and Science Classes. TIMELINE: 2005-06 5. Use of on line assessment tools such as PSAT, ACT, and Kuder Vocational Assessment. The PSAT & ACT will be available to all upper level students and the Kuder will be required for all 8th Grade students in order to help prepare their CAP (Career Action Plan) TIMELINE: Kuder in place 2004-05 OTHERS: 2006-07 6. The advancement use of technology as a tool for learning through Distance Learning. Increase courses available to students for regular classes, AP classes, and Concurrent Classes. This will be accomplished through the local educational coop and Arkansas Math and Science School. TIMELINE: Begin- 2005-06 Enhance each year through 2006-2009 STAFF DEVELOPMENT NEEDS: 1. Training of staff and the implementation of GRADE QUICK Program that will be in alignment with APSCAN. TIMELINE: 2006-07 2. Have available "live feed" through the local educational coop, local higher ed campus, and the Arkansas Department of Education certain workshops and informational broadcasts. TIMELINE: 2007-08 EMMET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL- TECHNOLOGY GOALSAfter reviewing the ACSIP plan, parent input and online survey performed by the SWAEC, these are the areas covered. Using the lexile test leveling system the teachers will continue to use the reading counts computer program to allow students to read a text and then take a test to evaluate the comprehension that the student will demonstrate for the book read. In place now and continue to be used and monitored. Develop a computer lab so that students can have access, as a class, to the UofA norms computerized materials. These programs are to help students increase their abilities to reach proficient or advanced on the benchmark exam. These are not in place at the time but are being worked on. 14 The use of calculators in the math classes are being ut ilized to helpIncrease their abilities so that they can reach higher goals on the benchmark. In place now and will continue to be used and monitored. Classes have access to the computerized material, Learning Expedition. This program is used on all grade levels and allows the student to progress at his or her own rate, through the different levels of learning, for all areas. These are in place now and will continue to be used and monitored.
15 Policies and Procedures ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY BLEVINS SCHOOL COMPUTER LAB COMPUTER USE CONTRACT The following is in addition to the computer use guidelines stated in the current Blevins High School Handbook under "Blevins School District Internet Use Agreement." Students must also realize what is acceptable in the Computer Lab may or may not be acceptable in other classrooms. I, , agree to follow the regulations listed below while using the computers in the computer lab, the local network (including local electronic mail--E-mail), and its access to the Internet (includes Internet E-mail which is referred to as P-mail), and all other technology belonging to the Blevins Public Schools. I will respect and use with care all the technological resources that I choose to utilize. I also understand that I am not to remove any CD-ROMs or other resources from the computer lab nor will I be allowed to bring outside computer resources into the lab (i.e., personal diskettes or CDs). I promise to treat the equipment with respect--not to hit, tamper or make marks on any of it with any type of object, pencil, pen, or marker--erasable or not. Equipment does include all furnishings in the computer lab. I will at all times use technology in a moral and ethical manner. I understand that this means E-mail and P-mail will NOT be used to disrespect my fellow students, faculty or others. I also understand while using the Internet that it is my responsibility to notify the teacher and IMMEDIATELY exit any site containing inappropriate material. Inappropriate material includes but is not limited to pornography, violence, profanity, etc., or anything deemed inappropriate by the supervising teacher or school administrators. If I do not immediately notify my teacher and am discovered using any site containing inappropriate material, I understand I will be subject to suspension and will lose credit for course work during the suspension period. I will keep my account password private, and I will log off the network after I have personally logged in. I understand that all activity using my personal account is my responsibility. I understand that using outside e-mail, chat rooms, joining news groups, or subscribing to a listserv is prohibited. I understand downloading of ANY material or software is STRICTLY PROHIBITED and FORBIDDEN in the computer lab. I also understand I will not be allowed to use any material or software in the computer lab that has been downloaded elsewhere. I understand that NO playing of computer games is permitted in the computer lab without the expressed permission of the teacher. I also understand these games will be limited strictly to those provided by the teacher. Furthermore, I understand no games will be played or downloaded from the Internet. I also understand the playing of personal music CDS and any music that may be downloaded from the Internet is prohibited.
I understand that ALL activity on the Internet in the computer lab will only be allowed with the monitoring of a Blevins High School teacher. If a teacher is not in the room, I understand I am NOT to use the Internet or P-mail. I also understand that failure to follow any of the above rules or those listed in the Blevins High School Handbook regarding Internet usage may result in the loss of computer privileges and/or disciplinary action through the office. There will be only one offense allowed and Internet, P-mail, and local E-mail privileges will be revoked. The first offense will be the last offense.
Student Signature: Grade: Date:
I have read the regulations for computer use in the computer lab at Blevins High School, and I give permission for my child to open an account on the system.
Parent Signature: Date: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SCHOOL USE ONLY Student Login Name: Password: page 16Technology Infrastructure, Management, and Support Technology Inventory
Technology is inventor ied by the Technology Coordinator who keeps an Excel spreadsheet for each building. The spreadsheet list the type of computer, operating system, processor speed, memory and hard drive capacity.We have 111 Windows XP computers, 100 Windows 98 computers, 3 Windows 2000 computers, and 1 Windows 95 computer for a total of 215 computer workstations. We have 2 Novell 6.5 servers, 1 Windows NT server, 1 Windows 2003 server, and 1 Linux server.We have 38 inkjet printers, 13 b/w laser printers, 4 color laser printers, 7 multipurpose printers, 3 dot-matrix printers, and 1 plotter. There are 47 rooms wired with Cat-5 wire and 3 rooms wired with co-ax for a total of 50 rooms with internet access. The high school building, the Fine Arts building and the Gym have wireless access. There are 2 T1 lines, 9 phone lines, 22 phones, and 3 fax machines. There is 1 network system running Novell 6.5
There is 1 satellite system with 16 rooms with TV’s connected the system. There are 25 TV’s with VCR’s.
Software products include Plato, Accelerated Reader, Star Reader, Microsoft Office, and Microtype Pro typing software.
There is 1 Distance Learning Lab.
Technology Infrastructure, Management, and Support
We have seven building connected by fiber optics. In each building are switches that connect Cat-5 wiring to the rooms. One building still has 3 rooms with co-ax wiring. The High School, Fine Arts building, the Gym, and the superintendent’ s office have wireless access. The internet connected computer-to-student ratio is 1 to 2.1. Our technology platform is 100% PC. We run AVG antivirus software. We use the state e-mail filter for SPAM and viruses. We also use the state internet content filter. We have a 20-computer wireless mobile lab that students use to take classes from the Virtual High School. Students also use these laptops for research from the internet and for typing research papers. At present the technology coordinator manages the computer and network intrastructure. Training for staff include the Hot Springs Technology Institute and Educational Co-op workshops.
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Staff Development and Training The District will provide a minimum of six hours of staff development per year per teacher. This training will be targeted toward the individual teacher’s specific needs so as to address their individual improvement plan. The staff survey of needs indicates that there is a wide range of needs when addressing the technology levels of teachers. When appropriate, the District will provide large group settings so as to reach a broad spectrum of staff members. Following staff development on each targeted area, a questionnaire and presenter observation will verify the staff member’s skill level as a measurement of whether the staff member reached an acceptable level of competency regarding the targeted area. The state benchmark exams are a measurement of the skill level of students regarding the frameworks in numerous areas of the curriculum. All technology staff development will be focused on improving the skill levels of all students through improved classroom instruction using the various technologies available to the teachers. The administration will continue to receive staff development in the area of using data from test results primarily with E-Guide. The administration will continue to receive staff development in the student records software known as APSCN. Specific targets identified by the survey are:
The District has obtained two Distance Learning Labs which has generated a need for most all the staff to become confident in using. The District has obtained four "Smart Boards" with the intent in obtaining more, either similar or the same. All staff will be trained to use this technology in classroom instruction. The District has obtained a new key telephone system at the Emmet campus. All Emmet personnel will be trained in the use of the system to improve communications to parents. The District has obtained two new digital copiers. All staff will be trained to use these machines. 18 The use of calculators, some simple adding machines and some sophisticated graphing calculators, continues to increase during instruction. All staff will be trained to use all types of machines.
Technology Budget A. Technology Infrastructure Replacing coax cable with Cat-5 service for more dependable service. The purchase and installation of a hub is needed for a new computer lab. Twenty new computers will be purchased for classroom instruction annually. Local Funds: $20000 State Funds: $0 Fed Funds: $45000 B. Telecommunications Services The thirteen phone lines and thirteen cellular systems used by the school are eighty per cent reimbursed by E-rate funds. These figures could change with additional lines or changes in fees by CenturyTel. Local Funds: $6000 State Funds: $30000 Fed Funds: $32000 C. Maintenance and Upgrades Both PLATO and IMPAC have maintenance fees for the presently used software. Older computers will likely require upgraded memory as new software is added. Computers that have gone beyond the warranty will need occasional repairs. Local Funds: $9000 State Funds: $15000 Fed Funds: $0 D. Software Additional software for curriculum as well as administrative needs will be purchased. This includes APSCN and/or other state maintained software. Local Funds: $3000 State Funds: $0 Fed Funds: $3000 E. Professional Development Forty-five teachers, ten instructional aides, three administrators, and four clerical staff will receive annual training. Some of this training is by in-house staff, some by the educational cooperative, some by the vendors, some by the state, and some by special arrangements. This includes the cost for the training as well as the staff salaries. Local Funds: $15000 State Funds: $15000 Fed Funds:$ 0 F. Distance Learning Distance learning has thus far only been through the Virtual High School project. Plans are for a distance learning lab in the 2004-2005 school term when additional course offerings are required by the Arkansas Board of Education. Local Funds: $21000 State Funds: $21000 Fed Funds: $21000 G. Technical SupportBlevins Schools has an on-staff part time Technical Coordinator. The portion of his salary is prorated for tech support. Local Funds: $9000 State Funds: $21000 Fed Funds: $0 Supplies and Materials Supplies and materials include ink cartridges and paper for printers, mouse pads, special photo paper, clear overhead projector sheets, power strips, patch cords, etc.Local Funds: $6000 State Funds: $9000 Fed Funds: $0 *See budget attachment
19 BUDGET SUMMARY Technology Budget Sources of Funds for Technology Sources of revenue: Local tax revenue received annually at a rate of 31.3 mills, Arkansas State revenues based upon approximately $4600 per child, and federal revenues based upon grants and Schools and Libraries Universal Service funds. Regular District Budget. The district will assess the annual budget of revenues and balances each year and commit any funds available to the purchase of additional hardware, software, training, and infrastructure needs. Grants. The district will actively apply for grants available for partial and complete funding of hardware, software, training, and infrastructure needs. Entitlements. The district will make available funds within entitlement grants in each fiscal year. Business/Community Partners. The district will actively seek partners for funding from local, county, regional, state and national sources. E-rate Discounts. The district will continue to apply annually for e-rate discounts for any/all services it qualifies for. The district will seek outside assistance to ensure it is applying for all available e-rate funds. Fund Allocations to Fund Technology Priorities and Existing Programs. Given that the district must meet minimum expenditures in assorted categories, the district will commit sufficient funds to make technology an apparent priority from remaining sources of funding. All existing programs will be reviewed for possible funding for technology needs.
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Implementation Plan Action Timeline Technology Goal : Administrators will model and ensure that staff has time and resources to gain knowledge and develop skills necessary for the effective use of instructional technologies
Technology Goal : Curriculum will focus on the Arkansas Department of Education Curriculum Frameworks for each discipline.
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21 Technology Goal : The district will link the use of technology tools to student performance thus connecting students and assessment expectations of high performing schools.
Technology Goal : All teachers will have continuing opportunities to acquire additional knowledge and skills needed to teach challenging subject matter and to use emerging new methods, forms of assessment, and technologies.
22 Technology Goal : The district will have an infrastructure consistent with acceptable standards and will facilitate networking, productivity, research, and educational tasks by partnering with available resources.
Technology Goal : Appropriate training will be available for all classified staff.
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Technology Goal : The district will actively involve members of the community in its technology planning and development.
Technology Goal : All students regardless of handicapping condition will have access to technology on campus.
24 Plan Evaluation Page 25
Evaluation: The Technology Committee will review the activities during regular committee meetings. The administration will monitor the initiative for adjustments. Teachers will be surveyed for an understanding of their perceived abilities before and after training. The classroom teachers will monitor students as to whether mastery of the technology skills has been accomplished. Post in-service training evaluations will be taken for cooperative training sessions. Principals will collect data as to the frequency of technology used in the classrooms by the teachers. Teachers will keep data regarding the frequency of use by students
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DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY STATEMENT OF ASSURANCES
School District __Blevins Public Schools__________________________________________
The LEA, in accordance with the Arkansas Department of Education policies and procedures, by submitting this local technology plan, hereby assures that:
The LEA is an equal opportunity employee and shall perform to all affirmative action and other applicable requirements; accordingly, the applicant does not discriminate nor permit discrimination in its operations or employment practices against any person or group of persons on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, handicap or sex in any manner prohibited by law. Further, the applicant agrees to comply with the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The LEA agrees that the Arkansas Department of Education, or any of its duly authorized representatives, at any time during the terms of this technology plan, shall have access to, and the right to audit examine any pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of grantee related to this plan.
The LEA certifies that they have not been barred from contracting or otherwise doing business with the State or Federal Governments.
This plan, and all matters or issues collateral to it, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Arkansas.
This plan has been reviewed and approved by the District Technology Committee, the District Superintendent, and the approved by the School Board.
============================================================= District Technology Coordinator/Contact:
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