East Jordan Public Schools

Technology Plan

http://www.ejps.org/techplan.htm

Effective: 7/1/2005 to 6/30/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

East Jordan Public Schools

PO Box 399

East Jordan, MI 49727

(231) 536-0053

School Code = 15060

Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Person:

Christopher G. Nelson

Director of Technology

PO Box 399

East Jordan, MI 49727

PHONE: (231) 536-0053 Ext. 5492

FAX: (231) 536-3536

nelsonc@ejps.org


East Jordan Public Schools

Technology Plan

 

Adopted June 2005

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Introduction:

Mission Statement............................................................... 2

District Demographics......................................................... 2

Curriculum:

Curriculum Integration......................................................... 4

Student Achievement........................................................... 6

Technology Delivery........................................................... 7

Parental Communications & Community Relations............... 8

Collaboration...................................................................... 9

Professional Development:

Strategies............................................................................ 10

Supporting Resources......................................................... 10

Infrastructure, Hardware, Technical Support, and Software:

Infrastructure Needs/Technical Specification, and Design..... 11

Increase Access.................................................................. 11

Funding and Budget

Budget and Timetable.......................................................... 12                        

Coordination of Resources.................................................. 12

Monitoring and Evaluation

Evaluation........................................................................... 13

Acceptable Use Policy........................................................ 13

APPENDICES  

APPENDIX A.................................................................... 14

APPENDIX B..................................................................... 16

APPENDIX C.................................................................... 17

APPENDIX D.................................................................... 18

APPENDIX E..................................................................... 19


Introduction

 

Mission Statement

 

It is the mission of East Jordan Public Schools, in partnership with families and community, is to enable individuals to develop academic and social skills, strength of character and creativity necessary to become successful family members, citizens, and workers, by providing a safe, nurturing, and intellectually stimulating environment in an ever-changing society.

 

District Information

 

East Jordan Public Schools consists of three buildings; A Kindergarten to 5th grade Elementary School, a 6th grade to 8th grade Middle School, and a 9th grade to 12th grade High School.  The Elementary School consists of 32 full time teachers and 564 students, 51% of which qualify for free or reduced lunch.  The Middle School consists of 17 full time teachers and  283 students, 39% of which qualify for free or reduced lunch.  The High School consists of 24 full time teachers and  376 students, 27% of which qualify for free or reduced lunch.

 

Vision and Goals:

 

 Vision: 

 

To provide a learning environment where technology is utilized to promote success and support the curriculum, to reinforce prior learning, to increase productivity, and to encourage creativity and problem solving.  To provide teachers with the skills and tools needed to integrate technology effectively into the curriculum, and provide continuous support to ensure that the technology is being used to its maximum potential in the classroom.  To provide parents and students access to the latest technology to increase student learning and promote parent communication.

 

Goals:  (These are all supported by our School Improvement Plans and our Strategic Plan)

 

For every student, regardless of economic level, race, geographic location, special needs or learning challenges, to be immersed in the sights, sounds, and languages of other countries; visit virtual museums anywhere in the world, take classes online with classmates around the state or country, use electronic communications anytime or anywhere and have access to the most advanced technology in all subject areas.

 

For every teacher to use voicemail, email, and internet resources on a daily basis to communicate with parents, students, and colleagues what is happening instructionally in their classrooms.  Providing every teacher a web-based communication tool where they can post home work assignments, attendance and online grades, lesson plans, and links to a variety of online resources for parent and student access.  Making available technology hardware and software that will improve their instructional strategies and increase student learning is a must.  Providing every teacher the ability to meet continuing education needs through classes with colleges and universities right within their own school buildings.  Developing ongoing staff development training in current and emerging technology.

 

For every parent, provide a variety of tools so that they can communicate with their child's teacher via voicemail, email, or threaded web discussion.  Providing a web based parent portal where they can view attendance, discipline, and report card information that is up to date online anytime and anywhere.  Also, through this parent portal, allow them to view the events and activities of each school building, pay for hot lunches, books, and other related items online in the convenience of their homes.


I.  Curriculum

 

A.  Curriculum Integration

 

Goals:

 

Provide a full range of technology based learning experiences for all students that are integrated with all subject areas.

 

Provide systematic, ongoing staff development activities that are aligned with the MET and ISTE Standards.  Professional development programs will be based on a survey of staff needs with the emphasis being placed on using advanced technology integration in all curriculum areas.

 

Integrate K-12 technology standards and benchmarks into existing curricular content.

 

Provide a web-based parent and student portal (CenterPoint) where they can view “real-time” information regarding attendance, discipline, report card information and any other school related information.  This portal would allow teachers, administrators, parents and students access to technology in the convenience of their homes, libraries, workplaces, etc. that would be related to the teaching and learning that is taking place in their classrooms.

 

Implement a database system (Concert Inform), that will allow all staff members to make data driven decisions in regards to instruction.

 

Continue to use SuccessMaker as a technological tool to deliver instruction in the areas of math and reading and use the data when making instructional decisions at the classroom and individual level.

 

Strategies:

 

Clear expectations will be adopted to measure student outcomes related to learning in the use and application of technology.

 

Their will be an increase in the use of on-line courses and self paced learning activities.

 

A staff survey will be developed based on MET and ISTE standards.

 

The surveys will be reviewed and training developed consistent with the priority needs identified.  Survey results will be shared with the Campus Technology Committee, District Wide Technology Committee, Curriculum task force, and Administrative Team.

 

Where applicable, staff will incorporate technology objectives based on the standards in their professional growth plans.

 

Staff will be provided training opportunities to use online communication tools, (Email) Intranet, Electronic Forms, and Internet resources.

 

Classroom teachers will have the opportunity to attend trainings or other activities that will enhance skills necessary to integrate technology and align it with classroom curriculum.

 

A trainer of trainers model will be maintained to provide support for basic software and hardware problems.

 

Additional multimedia equipment will be purchased to assist students in the production of classroom assignments and projects.

 

A team will be established to research and review computer based video and video streaming and other emerging technologies.

 

Assistive technology needs will be identified through the IEP process and adaptive device will be procured to assure equal access to all instructional content areas.

 

Special Education will increase the availability of adaptive technology to enhance student learning.

 

The East Jordan Public Schools webpage and the parent portal for CenterPoint as well as other electronic means will be utilized for the distribution of information.

 

All assigned staff will demonstrate proficiency in use of the CenterPoint and Concert Inform database systems.

 

Database management systems (Concert Inform) will be maintained for student tracking and reporting and will be accessible to Administrators and Staff when appropriate.

 

Identifying and promoting curricula and teaching strategies through technology integration:

 

Students will demonstrate the ability to make informed choices among a range of technology systems, resources, and services.

 

Students will demonstrate the use of electronic communication systems for effectively transmitting personal and professional information and communication.

 

Students will demonstrate the ability to investigate and apply expert systems, tools for research, information analysis, problem solving and decision making in all content areas.  

 

Students will routinely use online information resources to meet the needs for collaboration, research, publications, communications and productivity. 

 

Staff members will demonstrate the effective use of integrating technology into the curriculum through the use of Quiz Builder (Concert Inform) and Skills Tracking.

 

Staff members will demonstrate the ability to use the assessment data to impact their instructional practices in the classroom to promote increased student learning.

 

Staff members will be expected to post grades, homework assignments, and communicate regularly with parents via the web based system called CenterPoint.

 

Learning communities will be established to promote the use of advanced technology and discuss best instructional practices.

 

B.  Student Achievement

 

Description: 

 

K-12 staff members will use the assessment and skills tracking information through the web based product Concert Inform for information on how to better utilize technology into all curricular areas.

 

K-6 staff members will use the program called SuccessMaker to track student progress in the areas of math and reading and use this information to guide instruction.

6-8 staff members will use Scholastic Reading online program to assess reading abilities of their students.

 

6-8 staff members will use Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint in all curricular areas.

 

K-5 staff members will be familiar with the MET and ISTE standards in order to integrate technology effectively in their instructional practices.

 

K-12 staff members will document their use of integrating technology into their classrooms in some electronic form.

 

K-12 staff members will be expected to use the Quiz tool online program to create assessments to monitor student learning.

 

K-12 staff members will be expected to communicate regularly with parents and students by using the web based parent portal CenterPoint.

 

K-12 staff members will be expected to post grades, assignments, and other events related to student learning through CenterPoint.

 

Timeline:

 

(SEE APPENDIX A)

 

C.  Technology Delivery

 

Current uses:

 

Teachers are engaging in online courses to increase their knowledge of how to improve student learning.

 

Teachers are using United Streaming in their classrooms to enhance their instruction.

 

Teachers are using web based resources for enhancing their instruction in their classrooms.

 

Teachers are developing their own web pages for their classrooms.

 

Teachers are using Email to communicate regularly with their colleagues, administration, and parents.

 

Teachers are using various multimedia devices in their classrooms to enhance instruction.

 

Future uses:

 

Teachers will be posting homework assignments, grades, lesson plans, and other related activities connected to student learning by using CenterPoint.

 

Teachers will be creating online quizzes and engage in Skills Tracking through the use of Concert Inform.

 

Teachers will continue to use online resources for coursework and distance learning opportunities.

 

Students will be using distance learning and online courses to enhance their learning.

 

Students will be using Email and other electronic sources to communicate with teachers.

 

D. Parental Communications & Community Relations

 

Technology Plan Dissemination:

 

The Technology plan will be distributed to the public via:  East Jordan Public Schools website, and notification of access to a “hard” copy in each building.

 

Communicating with Parents:

 

Access to East Jordan Public Schools website

 

Implementing a parent portal through the use of a web based product called CenterPoint, which will include information on attendance, discipline, grades, homework assignments, calendar of events, public announcements, resources for improving student learning, hot lunch accounts, etc.

 

Implementing an automatic Email notification system to parents in which they can track the things indicated above.

 

Promoting the creation of classroom web pages so that parents can see more in-depth what is going on in the classrooms.

 

Representation from the Community:

 

Parents and other community members will serve on the Technology Committee to plan and evaluate the Technology Plan.

 

Parents and other community members will serve on the Strategic Planning Committee to plan and evaluate the Technology Plan.

 

Parents and other community members will serve on the School Improvement Teams to plan and evaluate the Technology Plan.

 

E.  Collaboration

 

East Jordan Public Schools currently offers fee-based community ed classes in our facility.  Classes ranging from “intro to computers” to advanced database design are taught here and organized by the districts career tech director.

 

Plans for the future development in this area are to expand the offerings of classes, and increase the times of the year with classes are offered.


II.  Professional Development

 

F.  Professional Development

 

Strategies:

 

Staff development plan to improve student learning through the use of technology:

 

(SEE APPENDIX B)

 

G.  Supporting Resources

 

Acceptable use policies

 

Online network resources of manuals for software, use of WebMax, CenterPoint, Concert Inform, interactive websites, and all trainings will be available.

 

Access to REMC through WebMax

 

Access to United Streaming

 

Access to school web site

 

Subscription to brain pop

 

Access to Charlevoix Emmet Intermediate School District website

 

Access to free online courses and professional development opportunities

 

Access to all network files from home via Citrix

 

Access to CenterPoint via Internet

 

Access to various teaching resources that are connected to state standards

 

Opportunities to attend technology training sponsored by the Charlevoix Emmet Intermediate School District

 


III.  Infrastructure, Hardware, Technical Support, and Software

 

H:  Infrastructure Needs/Technical Specification, and Design

 

The district consists of 3 buildings.  An Elementary School (ES), Middle School (MS), and a High School (HS).  Each building is fully wired with  a mixture of CAT5 and CAT6 cabling.  There are 12 pairs of fiber connecting the HS to the ES and 12 pairs of fiber connecting the HS to the MS.  Within the ES there are 3 IDF’s that are linked by fiber to the ES MDF.  In the MS there is only a single fiber IDF.  In this HS there are 2 IDF’s linked by fiber to the HS MDF.  The District MDF has a 3COM 4050 core switch.  All IDF’s throughout the district are equipped with 3COM Superstack III switches and linked by a minimum of 1GB to the district MDF core switch.  The District has 8 production servers.  1 UNIX, 2 Microsoft Windows Server 200x, and 5 Netware boxes.  3 non-production servers that are all Linux systems ranging from SuSE Enterprise to the Linux k12TSP (k12LTSP).  The District has a wireless environment in the HS media center.  This is an area where we would like to expand our technology.  We would like to have each media center completely wireless and also our district auditorium, conference rooms, and cafeterias.  This is a vision of technology that we would like to see put in place at EJPS.  The District employees 2 full time employees in the IT department, a District Director of Technology and a Desktop Technician, along with several High School interns.  In addition to the wireless environment we will need to acquire update servers and disk to disk backup equipment in the near future to continue our high level access to technology that our students currently enjoy.  A current timeline for equipment acquisition and changeover is structured so that the District will purchase 100 PC’s per year and will fit into a 7-year changeover cycle for our nearly 800 PC’s.  Salvaging the year 8 PC’s into low priority areas that need access to technology.

 

I.  Increase Access

 

The plan to increase access to technology centers on integrating and creating new wireless points throughout each building.  Each conference room, cafeteria, and media center will be equipped with wireless access for greater access of data.

 

By implementing our new Centerpoint SIS we will be increasing access to teachers, parents, and students.  Information such as grades, attendance, and lunch account balance will be available wherever they have access to the internet.  This needs to be followed up with statistical tracking of parents that are utilizing the system


IV.  Funding and Budget

 

J.  Budget and Timetable

 

(SEE APPENDIX C)

 

K.  Coordination of Resources

 

EJPS will apply for USF funding for reinvestment in technology.  The typical life cycle of a mainstream PC will last for 7 years under current replacement guidelines and possibly longer.  Funding for PC replacement in addition to USF funding, if awarded, will be derived from the General Fund, a Vocational Technology Millage, and several other grant sources as they are available.  Using this methodology we will be able to achieve our 7-year life expectancy of PC’s without being forced to extend the time table.

 


V.  Monitoring and Evaluation

 

L.  Evaluation

 

The general process that the district will use to evaluate the extent to which activities are effective in integrating technology into the curricula and instruction will include a collaborative effort between the administrators, teachers and the technology committee.  This will include reviewing curriculum maps to make a generalization of how much technology is being utilized in each course by each teacher.  It would also include the establishment of learning communities that would allow teachers to work in teams to discuss best practices that integrate technology into their classrooms.

 

(SEE APPENDIX D)

 

M.  Acceptable Use Policy

 

(SEE APPENDIX E)


APPENDIX A

 

Activity

Timeline

Clear expectations will be adopted to measure student outcomes related to learning in the use and application of technology.

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

A staff survey will be developed based on MET and ISTE standards

June 2005 - Ongoing

The surveys will be reviewed and training developed consistent with the priority needs identified.  Survey results will be shared with the Campus Technology Committee, District Wide Technology Committee, Curriculum task force, and Administrative Team.

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

Staff will be provided training opportunities to use online communication tools, (Email) Intranet, Electronic Forms, and Internet resources.

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

Additional multimedia equipment will be purchased to assist students in the production of classroom assignments and projects.

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

A team will be established to research and review computer based video and video streaming and other emerging technologies.

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

Assistive technology needs will be identified through the IEP process and adaptive device will be procured to assure equal access to all instructional content areas.

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

Special Education will increase the availability of adaptive technology to enhance student learning.

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

The East Jordan Public Schools webpage and the parent portal for CenterPoint as well as other electronic means will be utilized for the distribution of information.

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

All assigned staff will demonstrate proficiency in use of the CenterPoint and Concert Inform database systems.

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

Database management systems (Concert Inform) will be maintained for student tracking and reporting and will be accessible to Administrators and Staff when appropriate.

Staff members will demonstrate the effective use of integrating technology into the curriculum through the use of Quiz Builder (Concert Inform) and Skills Tracking.

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

Staff members will demonstrate the ability to use the assessment data to impact their instructional practices in the classroom to promote increased student learning.

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

Staff members will be expected to post grades, homework assignments, and communicate regularly with parents via the web based system called CenterPoint.

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

All students will demonstrate the ability to make informed choices among a range of technology systems, resources, and services.

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

All students will demonstrate the use of electronic communication systems for effectively transmitting personal and professional information and communication.

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

All students will demonstrate the ability to investigate and apply expert systems, tools for research, information analysis, problem solving and decision making in all content areas.  

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

All students will routinely use online information resources to meet the needs for collaboration, research, publications, communications and productivity. 

 

June 2005 - Ongoing

a.                    


APPENDIX B

 

Professional Development Topic

Timeline

CenterPoint Training:  Trainer of Trainers

June 2005 - Ongoing

CenterPoint Training:  Advance School Administration

June 2005 - Ongoing

CenterPoint Training:  Scheduler

June 2005 - Ongoing

CenterPoint Training:  School Administration

June 2005 - Ongoing

Concert Inform Training: 

 

CenterPoint Training:  Attendance

June 2005 - Ongoing

CenterPoint Training:  Discipline

June 2005 - Ongoing

CenterPoint Training:  Grading

June 2005 - Ongoing

CenterPoint Training:  Posting homework assignments

June 2005 - Ongoing

CenterPoint Training:  Posting dates of events via a calendar

June 2005 - Ongoing

Creating online quizzes for assessment purposes

June 2005 - Ongoing

Using data to guide instruction

June 2005 - Ongoing

Using United Streaming to enhance instruction

June 2005 - Ongoing

Using learning group reports in CCC to guide instruction

June 2005 - Ongoing

Using PowerPoint for enhancing classroom instruction

June 2005 - Ongoing

Using PowerPoint for student projects

June 2005 - Ongoing

Using Plasma TV’s, DVD’s, and Internet Resources to enhance instruction

June 2005 - Ongoing

Using multi-media carts to enhance instruction

June 2005 - Ongoing

Awareness of State and National Standards for technology and the impact they have on classroom instruction

June 2005 - Ongoing

Using the State and National Standards to create lessons, units, projects, and instructional materials to enhance instruction

June 2005 - Ongoing

Learning Communities to discuss successful uses of technology integration for all subjects

June 2005 - Ongoing

WebMax training to access technology resources to enhance instruction and student learning

June 2005 - Ongoing

Internet Resources aligned to state standards

June 2005 - Ongoing

CD Rom and various software applications to enhance instruction and student learning

June 2005 - Ongoing


APPENDIX C

 

EAST JORDAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

TENTATIVE TECHNOLOGY BUDGET

2005-2008

 

Technology Need

Budget

2005-06

Budget

2006-07

Budget

2007-08

TOTAL

Internal Wiring

$3,000

$3,100

$3,200

$9300

District PC Replacement

$45,000

$47,000

$48,500

$140,500

Consumables

$5,000

$5,200

$5,400

$15,600

Technology Support

$118,053

$121,600

$125,300

$364,953

Printers

$2,000

$2,100

$2,200

$6,300

Teacher Training

$3,000

$3,100

$3,200

$9,300

Software Upgrades

$25,000

$8,000

$8,300

$41,300

Miscellaneous Needs

$2,500

$2,600

$2,700

$7,800

Totals

$203,553

$192,700

$198,800

$595,053

 


APPENDIX D

 

 

Measure

 

 

Frequency

 

Person(s) Responsible

 

 

Strategies to identify unmet goals

All teachers will engage in Curriculum Mapping in order to record and document integration of technology

Ongoing

All Staff

Individual meetings to address the lack of integrating technology into instruction and curricula

Data Analysis of SuccessMaker scores

Teachers – Daily basis

Director of Curriculum – every two months

All Staff

 

Director of Curriculum

Team meetings with the Director of Curriculum to discuss general implications of the data

 

Individual meetings with teachers who are not effectively using this technology to increase student achievement in the area of math and reading

Establish Learning Communities to discuss best practices of integrating technology

A minimum of 4 times a year to meet

All Staff

All Administration

Pair up with others who have been successful to share ideas, resources, best practices, etc.

Sign up sheets for the computer labs

Monthly

Administrators

Media Center Specialist

Informal conversations or setting teachers up with a mentor that clearly is successful in this area

Check out sheets for multi-media carts, projectors, digital cameras, etc.

Monthly

Administrators

Media Center Specialist

Informal conversations or setting teachers up with a mentor that clearly is successful in this area

A common area that teachers will post the different ways that they are integrating technology into classrooms

Ongoing

All Staff

Friendly reminders to please post these activities

Display of projects, units, etc. that demonstrate the use of technology

Ongoing

All Staff

Encourage and allow teachers time to display these in a visible location


APPENDIX E

 

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR EAST JORDAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

 

We believe that the East Jordan Public Schools computer technology has actively pursued making technology available to our students, which has increased access to learning opportunities.  We believe that through these learning opportunities, this technology will enhance students’ ability to access information from distant sources, increase their ability to communicate and share information with individuals or groups of other students, and significantly expand their knowledge base.  The districts technological tools enhance life long learning, and thus, require proper and ethical use.  Students must understand and practice proper and ethical use of all available technologies, including the network system, and all resources associated with the Internet.

 

CONDITIONS AND RULES FOR USE OF THE INTERNET AND THE NETWORK:

1.      Acceptable Use – The purpose of the Internet is to improve communications in support of research and education by providing access to resources and an opportunity to work with others.

2.      Monitoring – The district has the right to monitor students at any time in order to determine if there has been inappropriate use of the Internet.

3.      Electronic Mail and Chat Rooms – These are to be used for educational purposes only, and students must have direct teacher supervision and permission at all times.  All users are expected to follow these rules:

a)      Be polite.  Do not get abusive in your messages to others.

b)      Use appropriate language.  Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.

c)      Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private.  People who operate the system do have access to all mail.  Messages relating illegal activities will be reported to the authorities and may result in the loss of privileges, and or criminal actions.

4.      Privilege – Use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right.  Inappropriate use, including any violation of these conditions and rules, may result in cancellation of the privilege.

5.      Controversial Material – Students may encounter material that is controversial, inappropriate or offensive.  It is the user’s responsibility to inform the teacher/supervisor of these situations, and not attempt to access such material.

6.      Network Security – Students must never allow others to use their password.  Students should frequently change their passwords to ensure their files are safe and secure.  Any attempt to log on to the Network under another persons account is strictly prohibited.

7.      Vandalism – Any attempt to harm, modify, or destroy data of another user, or actions that might damage the technology equipment, is not acceptable and will result in suspended privileges.

 

 

GENERAL CONDITIONS AND RULES FOR PROPER CLASSROOM, LAB, AND MEDIA CENTER PROCEDURES:

1.      Supervision:  Students are not allowed to use any computers or technology equipment without the supervision of an adult or a high school aide.

2.      Sign-in Procedures:  Students must sign-in their first and last name, the date, and the time on and off each time they log on to the network.

3.      Printing Procedures:  Students may only print when given permission, or if the material is directly related to a specific classroom project or assignment.  Students must always get permission first before printing anything in color.

4.      Work Stations:  Students are responsible for keeping their workspace clean.

5.      Downloaded files:  Students are allowed to download only files that are directly related to a specific classroom project or assignment.  It is also encouraged that these files be deleted upon completion of the project or assignment so as to not overload the server.

6.      Changing the settings on the computer:  Students are not to modify or change the setup of the computer.  This includes, but is not limited to, adding wallpaper, changing the screen settings, and changing the mouse setting.

7.      If in doubt, don’t:  If you are unsure of the appropriate use of the equipment, always check with a teacher or the adult in charge.

 

CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING THE ABOVE CONDITIONS AND RULES:

If students violate any of these conditions and rules, they are subject to appropriate teacher/supervisor consequences, or take the necessary legal action, to be determined by the particular situation or violation.