The North East ISD technology plan provides a blueprint for the implementation of improved instruction, with the primary focus of student education. The four goals are based on the four key areas of the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology. The first goal is to improve academic achievement through technology integration. Strategies for reaching this goal include the integration of graphing and science calculators, probe-based lessons, adherence to the AUP policy, increased keyboard awareness in elementary grades, and instructional specialist support. There are also strategies for GIS capabilities in secondary schools, professional development, access to technology for community members, infrastructure development, ceiling mounted projectors in all learning environments, accessibility to technology data, and access to online databases and streaming videos. To obtain this goal, the district also provides a technology lesson database. The second goal is to increase the amount of educators who can integrate technology into their curriculum by providing the educators with high quality professional development. There are specific professional development strategies for this goal. Some of these include training on technology teaching strategies, technology standards, goal setting, use of the A-train management system, and web conferencing. Planning, budgeting, and funding to increase the support of technology into curriculum is the third goal for my district. The strategies include complete access to technology for all stakeholders, increase of technical support response time, a developed technology plan that is focused on student success, a firm infrastructure, convenient access to e-mail at all times, and web page coordinators. The community will also have access to the parent portal where they can get current information about grades, attendance, and even students lunch purchases. The district will also provide community education programs, StaR Chart reflections, and evaluation of software and hardware packages. The fourth goal of this plan is to increase support and access to new technologies through a comprehensive upgrade plan. This is supported by the use of wireless laptops, wireless networks, and classroom computers with internet, Netware upgrades, and telecommunication maintenance. All high schools will be equipped with security cameras, computer and software inventory will be centralized, SPAM and viruses will be filtered, and there will be an increase storage capacity on networks.
The budget for technology professional development in the NEISD school district is $1,846,621.00. This is for the 2008-2011 school years. Staff will be able to participate in on going, high quality, and intensive development to further the use of effective technology. Through the use of Atrain, staff will be able increase their quality of learning and apply it to use while teaching in the classrooms. Teacher, along with educational staff and campus administrators are responsible for coordinating the trainings.
In the NEISD school district, student learning and services are assessed in a variety of ways. For example, the hardware is monitored through the Controlled Resources Management System, software is monitored through ZenWorks and other services are monitored through the Computer Service Center Work Order System. According to the data, there seems to be a sufficient budget to support the non-discount elements of the plan. NEISD evaluates this process by working with the Educational Technology Steering Committee. Teacher, administrators, parents, community members, and central office staff members sit on this committee. The method for evaluation consists of several factors. A few of these are to evaluate surveys to identify areas of need, determine campus goals, monitor the amount and success of professional development, and monitor the integration of technology into the curriculum. As these areas are being monitored, the committee will have the ability to make corrections as they arise.
Resource
Middleton, R. (2008, April 15). North east isd technology plan for e-rate year 11. Retrieved November 27, 2010, from http://www.neisd.net/techplan/NEISD%20ePlan%202008-2011.pdf
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