Mathews County Public Schools Mathews, Virginia

TECHNOLOGY PLAN Six-Year Plan September 2003

David J. Holleran, Ed.D. Division Superintendent Georg T. Kidd, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent William T. Vrooman Technology Coordinator

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.

MISSION STATEMENTS ..............................................................................2

II.

VISION FOR TECHNOLOGY.......................................................................2

III.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................3

IV.

STATUS OF TECHNOLOGY........................................................................4

V.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS (1998 - 2003) ...........................................................6

VI.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................7

VII.

A.

Staff Development.......................................................................................7

B.

Infrastructure..............................................................................................8

C.

Equipment...................................................................................................8

D.

Curriculum and Technology Link ..............................................................9

E.

Community Coordination ...........................................................................9

ELEMENTS FOR TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENT .................................10

VIII. GOALS AND STRATEGIES .........................................................................12 IX.

TRAINING PLAN FOR EDUCATORS.........................................................19

X.

MEASURING AND UPDATING THE PLAN ..............................................20

XI.

FISCAL ANALYSIS .......................................................................................20

XII.

TECHNOLOGY STAKEHOLDERS..............................................................21 A.

Division Technology Steering Committee ..................................................21

B.

School Technology Committees .................................................................21

C.

Educational and Vendor Partners..............................................................22

XIII. REFERENCES ................................................................................................23 XIV. ATTACHMENTS............................................................................................24 Acceptable Computer Use Policy .......................................................................25 Software License Compliance Guidelines ..........................................................28 Training Plan for Virginia Standards of Technology.........................................29

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I.

MISSION STATEMENTS

School Division The mission of the Mathews County Public School system is to provide educational programs to meet the identified needs of all students in a learning environment that will instill academic achievement, develop a positive outlook, and foster respect for individual differences.

Technology The School Board of Mathews County Public Schools, working in partnership with school administrators, faculty, staff, community, educational institutions and vendor partners will provide students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to use technology effectively. Every student will have the opportunity to: • Utilize software and other media to meet or exceed State standards • Become a proficient and critical consumer of information • Become an independent learner

II. VISION FOR TECHNOLOGY We envision that the use of instructional technology will become second nature to our students, administrators, teachers and staff. We look to a classroom of the future, that will give teachers the capability of improving instruction dramatically by accessing a variety of resources through telecommunications and interactive video. Learning will become more exciting and self-motivating because of immediate access to information. Training and development will become project based so that skills learned in each training session are used on an ongoing basis. This training approach will insure that administrators, teachers, and staff meet or exceed Federal, State and Local standards. Providing training during the regular school day and during special administrative retreats instead of before and after school will become the norm and will increase involvement and acceptance of new technologies. High-speed access between the Division Schools, School Board Office, Federal, State and Local Agencies will be mandatory. This connectivity will improve teaching and learning across the curriculum and facilitate integration of emerging technologies.

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III.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Mathews County Public Schools has aligned its technology plan and the associated local goals with the Educational Technology Plan For Virginia: 2003-09. It provides a unified and consistent approach to technology development and helps promote state-wide goals. The Plan is intended to give administrators, teachers, staff, students and the community a guide to technology implementation and use in the district. School divisions face an enormous challenge in trying to meet Federal, State and Local requirements. No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), Standards of Learning (SOL) and difficulty securing additional local funding are just a few examples. The Mathews County Public Schools Technology Plan takes a methodical, well organized approach to addressing these challenges. The Mathews County Technology Plan contains aligned adaptations to the five components of the Educational Technology Plan For Virginia: 2003-09. Integration: It focuses on the appropriate use of specific technologies as highly effective tools in facilitating learning across all levels of cognitive inquiry and development. Professional development: It covers pre-service and in-service training on Virginia Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel (TSIP), Technology Standards For School Administrators (TSSA) and district level standards for Para-Professionals and Office Staff. Connectivity: It outlines how to develop and maintain high speed network access to local, state and worldwide educational resources over current and future infrastructure "highways." Educational applications: It includes administrative, instructional and assessment applications that will support teaching and learning and are compatible with current and future infrastructure "highways." Accountability: It demonstrates a commitment to assess the broad range of Instructional Technology (IT) and its value to teaching and learning environments, data management and decision support functions. Mathews County Public Schools has addressed each of the five components and supplied goals and associated strategies. The goals for each component were derived by aligning the division's current status and needs assessment with the representative actions for school divisions outlined in the Educational Technology Plan For Virginia: 2003-09. The strategies are intended to be broad enough to encompass a multiple number of elements for technology improvement cited by division technology committees. Next to

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each strategy is an implementation reference time and assignment of primary responsibility. In addition to the plan components, accomplishments from previous plans are outlined in order to keep past decisions in perspective and to facilitate building on technology already in use. The needs assessment and technology improvement elements sections come from a wide range of stakeholders. This is the mechanism the division uses to provide input from everyone that is involved in the planning process. Public education success is dependent on our progress in revitalizing schools. Administrator, teacher, staff and student access to new training, learning and assessment software, as well as timely infrastructure updates, are all required for the effective integration of technology into the curriculum. Through its technology plan, Mathews County Public Schools will continue their "Tradition of Excellence."

IV.

STATUS OF TECHNOLOGY

Mathews County Public Schools has succeeded in meeting over 90% of the goals outlined in past technology plans. Administrators, teachers, para-professionals and staff have been provided a wide variety of training opportunities. Summer institutes, workshops, planning retreats and mini-courses have been delivered through the division’s collaboration with Rappahannock Community College (RCC) as well as many other educational and vendor partners. Student and employee access to computers, learning software, and Internet resources have become key elements of the school division's technology strategy. All of these efforts have been designed to meet state technology requirements, curriculum alignment, Standards of Learning, Six-Year Improvement, and Division Focus Areas. Surveys continue to identify specific technology needs among students and teachers. A greater number have a home computer capable of connecting to the Internet. Student access to the Internet at home has shown the greatest increase primarily due to large price reductions in computers and related technologies. Technology classes taught at school will continue to provide students and parents with information they can use to make home computer and software purchases. Computer Based Training (CBT) programs have become increasingly important as textbook companies move their curriculum to electronic media. The school division has added a new wireless computer lab at Lee-Jackson Elementary School, which includes a skill-building CBT program for reading and math. Thomas Hunter Middle School already uses one of its two labs as an open lab with a math, reading, geography and remediation CBT programs available. An additional lab at Mathews High School has

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been installed and includes several CBT programs designed to facilitate Standards of Learning (SOL) success. To date, all schools have been wired with high-speed category 5 and 6 cabling and dual mode 100baseT-fiber hub backbones. Computer labs at all schools meet the standard of having Pentium III networked multimedia computers All classrooms have 2-4 network multimedia computers. All school classrooms have at least a 20" color television with video tape player/recorder connected to a cable and Prime Star system. All three division schools are connected to a Wide Area Network (WAN) T1/Wireless system. Classrooms, labs and libraries are provided Internet content through two firewall proxy systems. All school offices and classrooms have telephones connected to a voice mail system that is accessible from outside their school buildings. All faculty and staff are provided with E-mail accounts. There are more than 50 software titles in the District. Major division software includes: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Advantage Learning Computer Curriculum Corporation Claris Works, Edutest Inspiration IE 6.0 Intergrade Pro Follett Micro-Budget Microsoft Office Microsoft Works Network Associates Nova Net Pearson Plato Symantec Web Security World Book SASIXP

Ongoing evaluation of software determines educational and productivity merit before upgrades or additional purchases are made. The division technology focus will continue to include: a) Administrator, teacher, paraprofessional and staff software training in components that are relevant to classroom SOL implementation, instruction and management; b) Purchase and upgrades of CBT programs designed to provide student SOL success; c) Network upgrade and integration

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of Student Information, Library Automation and Computer Lab software; and d) purchase of a comprehensive data analysis and management tool.

V. ACCOMPLISHMENTS (1998 - 2003) • Reorganized technology committees at the division and school levels • Purchased two T1 lines to increase Internet access speed • Hired an 11 month Instructional Technologist • Hired a 12 month Technology Repair Specialist • Contracted a part-time assistive technologist • Hired a lab teacher assistant at Lee-Jackson and Thomas Hunter Schools • Funded one student summer technology assistant • Installed a wireless link from Lee-Jackson/Thomas Hunter to the High School • Expanded Internet access over all school LANs • Established division and school websites • Established mandatory teacher training for technology standards • Completed a faculty and student Internet review at each school • Revised the acceptable use policies for computers and networks • Revised software license compliance procedure • Revised take home laptop and computer policy • Upgraded Anti-Virus and Internet filtering software • Purchased web based subscriptions to LightSpan, Nova Net and World Book • Purchased software for local programs such as ISAEP/GED • Utilized free ePAT, Course Technologies and web based software programs • Purchased new reading software in each grade level at Lee-Jackson • Purchase assistive technology related software for all schools • Equipped the Community Auditorium with sound, light, projector and camera systems • Developed closed circuit school news programs and PowerPoint shows • Created a new computer lab at all three schools

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• Installed wireless laptops in all libraries, electronic classroom, and one computer lab • Achieved SOL infrastructure certification for the High School and Middle School • Purchased eight Dell Power Edge Servers • Purchased 10 HP Switches • Upgraded all office computers • Purchased digital cameras and scanners for all schools • Purchased new Y2K Student Information and Library Automation Software • Provided at least two networked multimedia computers to each classroom • Installed high-speed fiber hubs to connect Lee-Jackson to Thomas Hunter • Purchased new phone and intercom systems for all three schools • Purchased 8 multimedia projectors for libraries and computer labs

VI.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT

During August, November and March of each year, the division technology committee, school technology committees and stakeholders meet to discuss technology implementation, use and future needs. Questionnaires and surveys are used to determine what training and staff development are needed to support teaching and learning using technology as well as current and future equipment needs. Administrators, teachers and media specialists play a key role in this process. Information from these meetings is used by the division technology steering committee to determine which goals still need to be addressed or modified and if new goals need to be created. The School Board continues to be an aggressive supporter of technology, but it is expected that schools will receive less than 30% of the total projected technology cost from local sources. Projected costs are based on replacement cycles and include 15% for new equipment and technology. Funding from Federal, State and grants will ultimately determine if and when the following needs are met.

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A. Staff Development 1. Apply for grants related to administrative and staff development with special focus on all competitive components of the No Child Left Behind initiative 2. Participate in Educational Consortiums such as Four Rivers, WHRO and utilize free workshops offered by DOE and other educational partners 3. Coordinate training to achieve technology standards for all administrators, teachers and staff 4. Continue to use the RCC model to test and train new teachers so that the 100% technology certification level is maintained 5. Establish a recurring training model and continue to implement train-the-trainer programs in all departments 6. Use Advantage Learning, Computer Curriculum Corporation, EduTest and other CBA programs to establish benchmarks in student performance 7. Use Inspiration, Light Span, Nova Net, Plato, Tests For Higher Standards (TFHS) and other computer-based curriculum programs to enhance student performance

B. Infrastructure 1. Provide DS3-45mb bandwidth speeds to the Division gateway 2. Update Wide Area Network 3. Create an electronic video conferencing classroom at each school 4. Purchase cell phone walkie-talkies for transportation and all administrators 5. Install new televisions and distribution system in Thomas Hunter classrooms 6. Install new network wiring and power in all Thomas Hunter classrooms 7. Purchase computer workstation furniture for all classrooms and offices

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C. Equipment 1. Purchase high speed color printers for offices, labs, and classrooms 2. Maintain and upgrade network switches and routers 3. Continue computer replacement cycle 4. Replace 4 administrative file servers 5. Purchase 60 computers for new computer labs 6. Purchase 120 computers for teacher administration use 7. Purchase 250 computers to replace older classroom computers

D. Curriculum and Technology Link 1. Select software that establishes a clear correlation to the Virginia Standards of Learning 2. Provide educators with support and timely in-service opportunities to make curriculum and technology components work together in the delivery of instruction 3. Become a distance learning site of Old Dominion University and Rappahannock Community College and participate in future distance learning initiatives from other sources 4. Align the technology plan with the Division Focus Areas E. Community Coordination 1. Establish a working plan for school and county government coordination in the development of a county-wide learning network 2. Communicate school information and educational content via the Internet using software programs such as Pearson's Concert and Plato's Learning Community 3. Continue the relationship with regional 2 and 4 year colleges to promote educational programs to students, teachers and the general public 4. Provide technology consultation to area daycare centers and youth centers that promotes a unified learning environment

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VII.

ELEMENTS FOR TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENT

1. Develop staff training programs that are hands on and provide instruction in areas that will be used by the participant on a regular basis 2. Offer more individualized staff development training on one program at a time 3. Use distance learning technology to provide specialized training and courses 4. Continue to standardize upgrades so that the division retains a consistent version of operating system, word processing, spread sheet, data base, presentation and browser software 5. Review instructional software purchases to determine if they align with state and local student learning standards 6. Include, as a budgetary priority, a technology specialist (at each school) who would be responsible for routine hardware and software issues as well as support the computer labs and library 7. Set annual target goals for grant fund acquisition at each school 8. Review the expenditures for equipment and repair each year and determine if leasing is a viable option 9. Maintain a replacement program where computers in the libraries and labs are replaced every 3 years and cycled to the classrooms before they become obsolete 10. Review bulk purchasing of computer supplies such as ink cartridges and paper 11. Move the Computer Lab at Lee-Jackson to a larger room and convert the current Computer Lab into an electronic classroom 12. Provide one laptop computer, printer and scanner to every division teacher 13. Remove and dispose of all out of date technology in a timely manner 14. Continue the student peer-training program whereby students are trained by a technology or media specialist to use a variety of software programs and are given the opportunity to teach their peers when they return to the classroom 15. Acquire an electronic encyclopedia that meets the K-2 grade level skills 16. Provide an electronic grading solution that meets the needs of K-12 teachers

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17. Provide advanced training in Office 2000 software with an emphasis on projects that meet the state Standards of Learning and build a technology link to the curriculum 18. Continue to create "mini" labs in core subject areas 19. Evaluate student technology based courses and ensure they complement courses at the High School 20. Establish a wide variety of computer-based learning programs that support independent study courses for college credit 21. Develop grant and fundraising strategies to meet technology budgetary needs 22. Purchase more presentation projection systems so that instructors can develop and use multimedia content to support learning standards 23. Implement a web based version of the student curriculum and information system 24. Participate in one of the networking training programs offered by Microsoft 25. Establish a student club devoted to web page creation and maintenance

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VIII. GOALS AND STRATEGIES Integration GOAL 1:

Improve teaching and learning through the appropriate use of technology.

Strategies:

1. Division technology coordinator and instructional technologist will participate in curriculum planning at the division, department and school levels. (Ongoing--- Technology Coordinator and Instructional Technologist) 2. The division technology steering committee will evaluate current teaching methods and determine which computer based programs might enhance or replace specific components of instruction. (2005-06 __ Technology Steering Committee) 3. Reduce the number of redundant teaching and learning activities that use a time consuming mix of manual and automated methods. (Ongoing---Principals) 4. Fund a full-time adaptive and assistive technology specialist to serve special needs, and remediation students. (2006-07 __ School Board) 5. Include an instructional technology use component in all teacher evaluations and observations. (2003 __ Principals) 6. Annually review all Federal, State, and Local program plans that directly impact curriculum and education. (Ongoing--Technology Committees)

GOAL 2:

Enhance Goal and Strategy alignment between division departments and educational partners.

Strategies:

1. Maintain a technology steering committee that consist of top level administrators and program leaders.(Ongoing __ Assistant Superintendent) 2. Provide direct links to technology in each component of the division level focus areas. (2005-Ongoing __ Superintendent) 3. Include technology representative as a part of all program plan development teams. (2004-06 __ Principals and Program Directors) 4. Continually evaluate student technology and vocational High School credit courses to determine if they can be taught at Thomas Hunter Middle School, local businesses, or online. (Ongoing __ Vocational Director and School Guidance)

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5. Develop additional programs with colleges and universities that provide students post-secondary credit through online learning or off-site instruction. (Ongoing __ School Guidance) 6. Review matching PTA, local library board, local day care centers, and Boys and Girls Club strategies in division technology planning. (2004-06___ Technology Steering Committee) 7. Ask vendor partners to provide a list of initiatives that other school divisions our size use to enhance teaching and learning. (Ongoing---all curriculum and network vendors)

Professional Development and Support Programs GOAL 1:

Identify and use adequate funding resources for technology literacy among Administrators, Teachers and Staff.

Strategies:

1. All funding requests will include a fully funded training component. (2007 __ School Board) 2. Use funding sources from State Bond Sales, Title VI, Title II, Title I, NCLB and other entitlements to support technology and teaching programs. (Ongoing __ Technology Coordinator and Federal Programs Coordinator) 3. Take advantage of free or low cost training offered by the Department of Education (DOE), Virginia Satellite Education Network (VSEN), Virginia Initiative for Technology and Administrative Leadership (VITAL), Public Television Stations, and Grant based programs. (Ongoing __ All Departments) 4. Fund a feasibility study to validate the assumption that a district level grant writer will make-up funding lost from other sources. (2006 __ School Board)

GOAL 2:

Establish and strengthen partnerships for identifying and delivering effective technology training to administrators, teachers and staff in order to help students achieve high academic standards.

Strategies:

1. Select training and development opportunities from Educational Partners like Four Rivers (4REC), Virginia Initiative for Technology and Administrative Leadership (VITAL), and WHRO (CII), that are a good match for the Division. (Ongoing __ Assistant Superintendent)

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2. Provide on-site leadership academies that include presentations and workshops developed by the Department of Education, Local Collages and Universities, model Schools, and online learning resources with proven techniques for developing technology literacy. (Ongoing __ Assistant Superintendent and Principals) 3. Require all vendors to include follow-up training as part of their quotes. (2005 __ All Department Leaders and partner vendors) 4. Become a frequent consumer of material from organizations like The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) with a special focus toward Futures In Education projects. ( 2004-09 __ All Department Leaders) GOAL 3:

Hire, develop, and retain high quality site based technology resource staff and teachers.

Strategies:

1. Fund a full time technology resource staff member for each school. (2008 __ School Board) 2. Create a job specific list of technology related questions to be included in all new employee interviews. (2005 __ Technology Steering Committee) 3. Enhance the Train the Trainer program by providing individualized advanced instruction and certification to technology resource staff and teachers in all software programs used District Wide. (2006- ongoing __ Instructional Technologist and Technology Coordinator) 4. Structure employee recognition programs that highlight completion of courses, workshops and other activities which promote an understanding of instructional technology. (Ongoing __ Superintendent, Principals, Department Leaders)

Connectivity GOAL 1:

Provide access to integrated instructional and administrative applications and services across interconnected high-speed networks.

Strategies:

1. Provide funding for a 45mb or greater Internet connection speed through a T-3 Telco connection or a leased wireless connection through WHRO tower contract. (2006-08 __ School Board, WHRO and E-Rate Coordinator)

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2. Increase LAN network speed to 1000mb, replace CAT 5 cable with fiber optic cable, and install 100mb wireless access points where applicable. (2004-07 __ Technology Repair Specialist, Vendor Partners, Technology Coordinator) 3. Fund and replace existing PBX phone systems at all sites with a central phone company integrated digital switch or a central office local site (county or school) digital IP switch. (2007-09 __ County Administrator, Superintendent, Technology Coordinator, Vendor Partner ) 4. Fund and Update cell phones to a digital network plan and include standard features such as voice mail and caller ID. (2004-05 __ School Board, Technology Coordinator, Vendor Partner.) GOAL 2:

Ensure adequate support for reliable computer and network operations.

Strategies:

1. Establish a $45,000 budgetary line for computer network infrastructure maintenance, repair and support contracts with vendor partners. (2005-06 __ Financial Officer, Superintendent and School Board) 2. Fund and Implement a 3-4 year computer replacement and 4-6 year network infrastructure replacement cycle. (2007 __ School Board, Technology Coordinator, Technology Repair Specialist and Vendor Partners.) 3. Develop online tracking of computer and network problems in order to accurately measure and predict support needs. (2006 __ Technology Repair Specialist.) 4. Utilize more ASP Web solutions that run and store information on Vendor Partner Web Sites in order to reduce the need for extensive onsite network support. (Ongoing __ Department Leaders and Technology Coordinator.)

Goal 3:

Maintain decision-making strategies that provide cost effective procurement with provisions to incorporate emerging technologies where appropriate.

Strategies:

1. Utilize a multi-vendor continual quote update strategy to purchase relatively new equipment at close-out pricing. (2004 __ Technology Coordinator) 2. Review the E-Rate program rules on a quarterly basis to plan for changes that impact funding and new technologies approved for funding. (Ongoing __ Technology Coordinator)

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3. Identify technology purchases (such as printer and paper supplies) made at the department and school levels that should be made at the District level in order to receive quantity purchasing discounts. (Ongoing __ Technology Committees and Principals) 4. Require Vendor partners that present new projects to update their reference list of school divisions to also include types of services performed, installation dates, and phone numbers. (2006 __ Technology Coordinator and Vendor Partners) GOAL 4:

Update hardware and procedures for network security, filtering, and disaster recovery.

Strategies:

1. Upgrade switch network and wiring with a solution that can manage each network computer node individually, provide intrusion detection, and display easy to understand graphical information. (2004-05 __ Technology Repair Specialist and Technology Coordinator) 2. Install two new IAS proxy servers capable of host management, intrusion detection, filtering and port utilization management. (2004-05 __ Technology Repair Specialist and Technology Coordinator) 3. Use off-site storage of critical data such as Payroll Information, Student Information, and Assessment Data. (Ongoing __ Technology Coordinator) 4. Outline steps that will be taken when division employees repeatedly violate AUP policies such as logging-off when not in the classroom or office, allowing students and guests to use their administrative computer and loading programs without permission (2004 __ Technology Committee, Superintendent and School Board)

Educational Applications GOAL 1:

Improve teaching and learning through the appropriate use of network-accessible educational applications.

Strategies:

1. Expand use of Plato online learning software to include "Plato Link." (2005 __ Principals, Instructional Technologist, Assistant Superintendent) 2. Implement Components of Pearson's "Concert" online Educational Community software. (2006-08 __ Superintendent,

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Assist Superintendent, Principals, Technology Coordinator, Instructional Technologist, and PTA's) 3. Update site based CCC with WAN version of Success Maker Enterprise. (2005-07 __ Technology Coordinator) 4. Install the free "Moodle" course management system and provide workshops on its use. (2004-ongoing __ Technology Coordinator and Instructional Technologist) GOAL 2:

Participate in Web-based administration, assessment and instruction programs.

Strategies:

1. Continue the district commitment of assisting in field trials and taking all SOL's, and similar assessments online. (Ongoing __ Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Technology Coordinator) 2. Track the progress of the DOE data warehouse project and make the required module purchases to facilitate online access to data by district administrators, teachers, and parents. (2004ongoing __ Technology Coordinator and Superintendent) 3. Provide district level library and research automation with "at home" access to division resources using Follett "Destiny." (2007 __ Media Specialists and Technology Coordinator)

GOAL 3:

Offer professional and para-professional digital learning opportunities.

Strategies:

1. Leverage district partnership with local colleges and universities to offer online courses that meet teacher and teacher assistant certification required by NCLB. (Ongoing __ Assistant Superintendent) 2. Use the 4REC consortium summer institutes, Marco Polo, AOL@School and other resources to develop lesson plans aligned to State standards (Ongoing __ Principals and teachers) 3. Utilize digital television learning opportunities provided by federal, state and public television networks. (Ongoing __ Principals, Instructional Technologists) 4. Provide CEU's for online learning. (Ongoing __ Assistant Superintendent)

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Accountability GOAL 1:

Assess the types of Information Technology (IT) that add value to teaching and learning environments.

Strategies:

1. Purchase data analysis tools to compare Pearson Learning, Plato Learning, Advantage Learning and other district wide program assessment data to State Standardized testing data. (2006 __ Technology Coordinator and Assistant Superintendent) 2. Use TAGLIT results, classroom observations, summer institute follow-ups, and online utilization graphs to measure IT use in the classroom and at home. (2004-ongoing __ Principals) 3. Provide yearly online surveys to students and teachers that asks them to identify and rate specific IT implementations that have been accepted and are useful. (2005 __ Department Leaders, Students Teachers and Technology Coordinator)

GOAL 2:

Ensure district-wide technology literacy.

Strategies:

1. Require all new teachers to demonstrate Technology Standard For Instructional Personnel (TSIP) using the RCC curriculum which 100% of current teachers have passed. (Ongoing __ Assistant Superintendent) 2. Provide summer technology institutes for Teacher Assistants and Office personnel in intermediate Microsoft Office. (2006 __ Department Leaders and Principals) 3. Offer one hour "after school" mini-courses for students, teachers, administrators and staff designed to cover specific aspects of district and school level software. (Ongoing __ Instructional Technologist)

GOAL 3:

Establish achievement benchmarks related to technology use.

Strategies:

1. Use annual yearly progress, fully accredited status, and graduation and promotion data as a measure of district-wide technology goal progress. (Ongoing __ Assistant Superintendent and Principals) 2. Track student recovery and remediation efforts as they relate to specialized software such as Read and Write Out Loud, Star Reading, Star Math, Nova Net, Success Maker, Larson's Middle School Math, and Inspiration. (2005-Ongoing __ Principals)

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3. Review achievement, alignment, correlation and usage graphs already available in district programs like Success Maker, Nova Net, LightSpan, United Streaming and Advantage Learning. (Ongoing __ Principals and Teachers)

IX. TRAINING PLAN FOR EDUCATORS The division has set a goal that technology standards will be obtained by administrators, teachers and staff. The scope of this training varies by department and group and is often software-specific. To accomplish this, Mathews County Public Schools will: • Retain local partner RCC to develop technology training plans for teachers and staff that include pre and post assessment instruments • Use funds obtained from the NCLB grant and other sources to provide mandatory training during the spring and summer o Provide a flexible schedule with at least three opportunities per year to take the desired course o Make use of other methods of instruction including live interactive satellite and Internet classes • Implement a train-the-trainer program to reduce training cost incurred when using outside vendors for training o Train the technology specialists at each school on network procedures as well as computer hardware and software trouble-shooting • Ensure all personnel attain required technology competencies • Remind staff members to include the Standards of Learning for Technology in their lesson plans • Encourage teachers and administrators to attend conferences and seminars outside Mathews County to keep up-to-date on regional and national trends • Emphasize training related to linking the Internet with classroom lesson plans

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X. MEASURING AND UPDATING THE PLAN Mathews County Schools will use a variety of techniques for measuring and updating the plan during its duration from September 2003 to September 2009: • Employ surveys on technology use and self-assessment instruments to measure technology plan progress and validate purchase decisions; present results to the School Board during the budgetary process in the spring • Use the measures found in the accountability component of the plan as benchmarks for success • Hold Division Technology Committee meetings in November, March and August each year with additional meetings scheduled as needed; devote the spring meeting to updating and evaluating the Plan and keep detailed minutes •

Hold the School Technology Committees prior to the division meeting and submit detailed minutes; devote the last spring meeting to requests for the upcoming year and recommended changes to the Plan

• Record technology purchases in a format that meets state requirements; chart and review repair and maintenance records for trends

XI. FISCAL ANALYSIS The local technology contribution for funding years 2004–2009 will remain at $65,000.00 each year due to major construction projects and debt service taken on by the county government. It is anticipated that the State contribution will continue at $128,000.00 each year. Federal and grant sources fluctuate between $25,000.00 and $37,000.00 depending on E-Rate, Title II, and Vocational education programs. Goals and strategies were designed to be incremental or partially implemented based on funding from State and Federal sources. Currently, the division technology steering committee makes funding decisions for the new school year in its June meeting based on the elements for technology improvement, strategies and funding.

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XII. TECHNOLOGY STAKEHOLDERS A. Division Technology Steering Committee Georg T. Kidd, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent Lynne Forrester Special Education & Federal Programs Dino Papas Principal Donna Power Principal Mike Comer Assistant Principal Mary Ellen Naglieri Educational Technologist Waldo Ramirez Technology Repair Specialist Raymond Hunley County Commissioner of the Revenue Kirby Moughon Student Eric Stevens Student William T. Vrooman Technology Coordinator B. School Technology Committees Mathews High School Technology Committee Mike Comer Neena Wright Dennis Whitcomb Jeffrey A. Bohn David A. Shuber Phillip Sanderson

Assistant Principal Media Specialist Business Teacher English Teacher Band and Choral Teacher Mathematics Teacher

Thomas Hunter Middle School Technology Committee Dino Papas John Carpenter Ginger Shuber Phillip Sadler Joy Albertson Linda Morris James Hutcheson Linda Horsley Debbie McLaughlin

Principal Guidance Officer Media Specialist Computer Lab Teacher Computer Lab Instructor Grade 5 Teacher Grade 8 Teacher Grade 7 Teacher Grade 6 Teacher

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Lee-Jackson Elementary School Technology Committee Donna Power Joy Drummond Suzanne Melin Delores Bloomfield Nancy Welch Jackie Morgan LaDonna Collins Edith Turner

Principal Grade K Teacher Grade 1 Teacher Grade 2 Teacher Grade 3 Teacher Grade 4 Teacher Media Specialist Computer Lab Instructor

C. Educational and Vendor Partners Four Rivers Educational Consortium Rappahannock Community College Old Dominion University Christopher Newport University The College of William & Mary WHRO Radio and Television Electronic Systems Communication Specialists DataNetworks Plato Learning Pearson Learning Advantage Learning Mathews Boys & Girls Club Cindy Richardson

Technology Integration Consortium Professional Workforce Development Teacher Education (online) Teacher Education (online) Administrator Education Collaborative Activities Software Application Training Systems Integrator Systems Integrator Administrative and Learning Software Administrative and Learning Software Administrative and Learning Software Local Resource Link Special Education Consultant

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XIII. REFERENCES Brooks-Young, S. (2002). Making technology standards work for you. 1st ed. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education. Davis, H. (2004). Technology and teacher retention. Threshold, 2(1), 26-29. D'Orio, W. (2004). Open season. District Administration, 40(4), 30-35. Feist, L. (2003). Removing barriers to professional development. T.H.E Journal, 30(11), 30-36. Fickes, M. (2003). Teacher connections. School Planning & Management, 42(12), 26-27. Keane, J. (2002). Teacher vs. computer, where educators stand in the technology revolution. T.H.E. Journal, 30(1), 38-40. Mathews County Public Schools, (2001). Standards of quality six-year improvement plan. Mathews, VA: Author. Reed, R. (2003). Streaming technology improves student achievement. T.H.E. Journal, 30(7), 14-20. Riverside Publishing, (2004). Education Assessment Catalog. Itasca, IL: Houghton Mifflin. U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, (2002). Revitalizing Special Education for Children and Their Families. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Virginia Department of Education. (1996). Six-year Educational technology plan for Virginia. Richmond, VA: Author. Virginia Department of Education. (2003). 2003-09 Educational technology plan for Virginia. Richmond, VA: Author.

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XIV. ATTACHMENTS

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MATHEWS COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACCEPTABLE COMPUTER USE POLICY All use of the Mathews County School Division’s computer system shall be consistent with the School Board’s goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. The term computer system includes hardware, software, data, communication lines and devices, terminals, printers, CD-ROM devices, tape drives, servers, mainframe and personal computers, the Internet and any other internal or external network. Computer System Use-Terms and Conditions: Acceptable Use. Access to the Division’s computer system shall be (1) for the purposes of education or research and be consistent with the educational objectives of the Division or (2) for legitimate school business. 2. Privilege: The use of the Division’s computer system is a privilege, not a right. 3. Unacceptable Use: Each user is responsible for his or her actions on the computer system. Prohibited conduct includes: -using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any federal, state or local law. -sending, receiving, viewing or downloading illegal material via the computer system. -unauthorized downloading of software. -downloading copyrighted material for unauthorized use. -using the computer system for private financial or commercial gain. -wastefully using resources, such as file space. -gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities. -posting material authorized or created by another without his or her consent. -using the computer system for commercial or private advertising. -submitting, posting, publishing or displaying any obscene, profane, threatening, illegal or other inappropriate material. -using the computer system while access privileges are suspended or revoked. -vandalizing the computer system, including destroying data by creating or spreading viruses or by other means. 4. Network Etiquette: Each user is expected to abide by generally accepted rules of etiquette, including the following: -Be polite. -Users shall not forge, intercept or interfere with electronic mail messages. -Use appropriate language. The use of obscene, lewd, profane, threatening or disrespectful language is prohibited. -Users shall not post personal contact information about themselves or others. -Users shall respect the computer system’s resource limits. -Users shall not post chain letters or download large files. -Users shall not use the computer system to disrupt others. -Users shall not read, modify or delete data owned by others.

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5. Liability: The School Board makes no warranties for the computer system it provides. The School Board shall not be responsible for any damages to the user from use of the computer system, including loss of data, non-delivery or missed delivery of information, or service interruptions. The School Division denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the computer system. The user agrees to indemnify the School Board for any losses, costs or damages incurred by the School Board relating to or arising out of any violation of these procedures. 6. Security: Computer system security is a high priority for the school division. If any user identifies a security problem, the user shall notify the building principal or system administrator immediately. All users shall keep their passwords confidential and shall follow computer virus protection procedures. 7. Vandalism: Intentional destruction of any part of the computer system through creating or downloading computer viruses or by any other means is prohibited. 8. Charges: The School Division assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees as a result of using the computer system, including telephone or long-distance charges. 9. Electronic Mail: The School Division’s electronic mail system is owned and controlled by the School Division. The School Division may provide electronic mail to aid students and staff in fulfilling their duties and as an education tool. Electronic mail is not private and may be monitored and accessed by the School Division. Unauthorized access to an electronic mail account by any student or employee is prohibited. Users shall be held personally liable for the content of any electronic message they create. Downloading any file attached to an electronic message is prohibited unless the user is certain of that message’s authenticity and the nature of the file. 10. Enforcement: This procedure and the policy it supports shall be enforced by monitoring information on the School Division’s computer system. To protect students, software may also be installed on the computer system that blocks obscene/illegal material as well as material that may be harmful to juveniles. Any violation of these regulations shall result in loss of computer system privileges and may also result in appropriate disciplinary action, as determined by School Board policy, or legal action.

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Acceptable Computer Use Form File: IIBEA-E2 ACCEPTABLE COMPUTER SYSTEM USE AGREEMENT Each employee must sign this Agreement as a condition for using the School Division’s computer system. Each student and his or her parent/guardian must sign this Agreement before being granted use of the School Division’s computer system. Read this Agreement carefully before signing. Prior to signing this Agreement, read Policy and Regulation IIBEA, Acceptable Computer System Use. If you have any questions about this policy or regulation, contact your supervisor or your student’s principal. I understand and agree to abide by the School Division’s Acceptable Computer System Use Policy and Regulation. I understand that the School Division may access and monitor my use of the computer system, including my use of the Internet, e-mail and downloaded material, without prior notice to me. I further understand that should I violate the Acceptable Use Policy or Regulation, my computer system privileges may be revoked and disciplinary action and/or legal action may be taken against me.

Student/Employee Signature _______________________________________ Date ___________________ I have read this Agreement and Policy and Regulation IIBEA. I understand that access to the computer system is intended for educational purposes and the Mathews County School Division has taken precautions to eliminate inappropriate material. I also recognize, however, that it is impossible for the School Division to restrict access to all inappropriate material and I will not hold the School Division responsible for information acquired on the computer system. I have discussed the terms of this agreement, policy and regulation with my student. I grant permission for my student to use the computer system and for the School Division to issue an account for my student. Parent/Guardian Signature ________________________________________Date ___________________ Parent/Guardian Name ___________________________________________(Please Print)

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Mathews County Public Schools Mathews, Virginia

Software License Compliance Guidelines The employees of Mathews County Public Schools must comply with all software license agreements. This is not an easy task, since there are differences in the way each software vendor structures the license agreement. Most of the current software used in the school division is "single use." A single use license is to be installed on only one computer or to be used by only one person on as many computers as they want. The potential of a serious license violation exists if we try to bend the second part of this license statement. Keep in mind that some products do not even allow the second part. Of course, the premise is that the single user cannot use more than one computer at the same time. In our school system, almost all of the computers are multiple user computers. Therefore the software that is licensed to a "single user" cannot be loaded on more than one computer without purchasing additional licenses. If a school employee other than the designated Media/Technology specialist gives you software or loads software on your computer, you must keep the original disk and license number for that software on school property. If a parent or student wants to donate software, they must give you the original disks and license numbers to keep. Mathews County Public Schools must be able to verify license compliance for every software title loaded on every computer. If you have a computer in your classroom or office, you should have the original disks and license numbers for all the software on the computer. The disks and licenses should be kept in a specific location in your classroom or office and should be readily available upon request. In some cases, e.g. ClarisWorks, Microsoft Works, and Norton, etc. the school division has purchased multiple-user or site licenses and you are not required to have these in your room. Please check your computer and software. If you think that you need to delete programs because you do not have the proper documentation for them, check with your media specialist first to determine if the school or school division has purchased a multi-user license. It may be software that others would also like to use and arrangements can be made to purchase the necessary copies or site license. Although it is difficult to consistently comply with license agreements, Mathews County Public Schools must require compliance and by issuing this statement, will not be responsible if individual employees are determined to be using software illegally.

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Training Plan for Virginia Standards of Technology Consortium Partners: Mathews County Public Schools & Rappahannock Community College Proposed Activities: A six hour Pre-Test review and one hour Pre-Test will be provided. 30 hours of instruction dealing with technology strategies, tools and measurable outcomes will be scheduled as needed for new teachers and any other teachers that have not meet the technology standards. The training will be provided by Rappahannock Community College on-site at Mathews County Public Schools. Intended Results: The Mathews County School Division intends that classroom teachers will be knowledgeable in the use and application of technology within the classroom. This will include the use of technology to enhance instruction, access all components of the curriculum, and to monitor/assess student progress. The training objective is to give teachers the necessary knowledge and tools to become proficient in the use of the PC and Microsoft Windows 2000 and Office 2000 software. Description of Training: Training will be offered as non-credit courses delivered by Rappahannock Community College instructors. The training will take the form of hands-on classroom instruction using the PC platform. Instruction will take place in a computer lab with a computer for each participant utilizing Microsoft Windows 2000 and Office 2000 software. Introduction to Microsoft Windows 2000 – Course Description: This course will cover the fundamentals of the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system, the file manager, keyboard, and mouse. File structure and management as well as multitasking using Windows 2000 will be explored during this 3-hour session. New features in Windows 2000 will be demonstrated. Practicum: Each teacher will be required to successfully complete an exercise whereby he or she will create a folder, copy files, delete a file, view files and folders, rename files and folders, determine disk space, and defrag a disk. Each teacher will gain proficiency in keeping documentation and records stored and filed for efficient retrieval on the PC hard drive and disk. Intermediate Microsoft Word 2000 – Course Description: The elements of the basic word processing application will be covered during a 6 hour block of training in Microsoft Word 2000. Mail merge, creation of templates, use of auto text and auto format, macros, and advanced formatting procedures will be taught to facilitate administrative tasks associated with teaching. Each participant will explore various customized formats.

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Practicum: Each teacher will be required to choose the appropriate form for his grade/subject area and proceed to design and develop a lesson plan utilizing Microsoft Word. In addition, each teacher will compose a standard letter. Using the mail merge feature letters will be addressed to multiple parties. Emphasis will be on using the word processing tool for classroom application.

Intermediate Microsoft Excel 2000: Course Description: This 6-hour course will review the basics of the spreadsheet as a tool for storing, analyzing, manipulating, and presenting information. The study will include the graphing function of the spreadsheet and appropriate applications in the classroom. Editing, formulas and functions, formatting, and printing worksheets will be the focus of training. Practicum: Participants will design activities and/or lessons that incorporate the use of the spreadsheet for problem solving and critical thinking in a variety of educational settings. Educators will be able to utilize application in developing and maintaining internal records.

Intermediate Microsoft PowerPoint 2000: Course Description: Microsoft PowerPoint 2000 will be presented in a 6 hour block of training with the primary focus on development and use of multimedia presentations in the classroom. Each participant will learn the fundamentals of creating a presentation incorporating data and information from available CD-ROM and laser disk resources and the Internet. Practicum: Each participant will create and demonstrate a multimedia electronic slide show teaching lesson using wizards and inserting objects and data. The teacher will be proficient in the integration of technology in presentation of classroom curriculum.

Intermediate Microsoft Access 2000: Course Description: The purpose of this 6-hour course is to develop skills in the use of the database as a tool in the organization and management of information in the classroom. Participants will gain experience creating and maintaining tables, sorting records, queries, the form design wizard, and the report design wizard. Teachers will also explore using databases as tools to communicate content in the classroom and perform research. Practicum: Each teacher will be required to create a database suitable for classroom management and use. A form will be created to allow entry of data records. Database will be used to create several queries along with a number of reports. The teacher will be able to use database management skills in creating and using a variety of databases within the classroom.

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Course Link to the Virginia Standards of Technology for License Personnel 1. Operate computer system and utilize software. This includes storing, organizing, and retrieving files and troubleshooting general hardware and software problems. 2. Apply knowledge of terms associated with educational computing and technology. The following is a short list of terms: CD-ROMs, Disk Drive, Fields, Memory, Scanner, Spreadsheet, Hypermedia, Cursor, Formatting, Peripheral Device and Floppy Disk. 3. Apply productivity tools for professional use. Using the computer to keep student grades and writing letters to parents are some samples of this standard. 4. Use electronic technologies to access and exchange information. Use search engines on network or web to find information on a given topic. 5. Identify, locate evaluate, and use appropriate instructional technology-based resources (hardware and software) to support the Standards of Learning and other instructional objectives. You should know how to make plans for getting and using devices necessary for your students to satisfy SOLs in your content area. 6. Use technologies for data collection, information management, problem solving, decision making, communication, and presentations within the curriculum. You should develop and model skills in technology in order to offer students learning experiences. 7. Ability to plan and implement lessons and strategies that integrates technology to meet the diverse needs of learners in a variety of educational settings. You should be able to utilize technology to reach different types of learners and in different settings (one computer classroom, pod of four computers, computer lab). 8. You should be able to demonstrate knowledge of ethical and legal issues relating to the use of technology. You should know what is proper behavior on networks and the Internet. You need to follow the copyright laws. This chart is an overview of how SOL requirements will be covered.

SOL 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

WIN 2000 x x

x

Word 2000 x x x x x x

Excel 2000 x x x x x x

PowerPoint 2000 x x x x x x

Internet IE 6 x x x x x x x

Access 2000 x x x x x x x

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Pre-Test Assessment Tool Overview Step 1: Each participant will be given a floppy disk with a test file stored on it. Oral instructions will be given to insert disk into drive and open a specified file—TEST. The learner must open the test file for further instructions. SOL #1-4 Step 2: Upon successful completion of opening the file, the participant will complete a matching exercise on-line. SOL #1-6 Step 3: Participant will save the completed vocabulary section on the floppy disk under a new name. SOL #1-4 Step 4: Participant will open a PowerPoint presentation stored on the floppy disk. Insert clip-art from the clip-art gallery and format text. SOL # 1-4 Step 5: Participant will state two methods for incorporating the technology into his/her curriculum— Examples: Word--letters to parents, vocabulary words, and alphabet recognition. SOL #1-7 Step 6: Participant will state a legal and/or ethical issue relating to the Internet. SOL #8

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Sample Post-Test Objective Area Questionnaire

Place a check by the tasks you feel you have mastered as a result of training 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.

_Resize windows using buttons and resizing handles _Start programs using shortcuts and start menu _Create a new folder _Save a document under a new name and location _Store and retrieve information onto/from a floppy disk _Create a shortcut and place it on the desktop _Use My Computer to manage files _Use Windows Explorer to manage files _Create a letter to parents using Word _Open an existing document in Word, Excel, Access and PPT _Create a spreadsheet using formulas _Use Excel to compile and compute grades _Use Access to set up an address book _Create a report using Access _Understand database vocabulary—field, record, query, etc. _Create a PowerPoint presentation _Add animation, clip-art and transitions to a presentation _Perform basic desktop publishing tasks using Publisher _Enhance a newsletter, flyer using Publisher _Send and receive e-mail _Search the Internet and successfully locate useful information _Download a file from the Internet _Download pictures, sounds, etc. from the Internet and use them in Office program documents _Determine basic problems of the computer itself—missing toolbars, screen problems, lock ups, etc. _Install hardware and software