DELANCO SCHOOLS
TECHNOLOGY PLAN
II.
Executive
Summary
Delanco Schools
III.
Technology
Overview
A. Technology
1.
I. Telecommunications
A. AVAYA IP Office 3.2 telecommunications and inter-office/classroom communications system.
II. Computers
A. Classrooms (16)
B. Offices (5)
C. Computer Lab (25)
D. Servers (3)
E. Library (3)
III. Printers
A. Network Printers (3)
B. Classrooms (4)
C. Offices (2)
IV. Computer network CAT 5e/6 and Fiber Optic Switches (7)
V. Smart Boards (2)
VI. Computer Network
hardware Firewall;
VII. Scanners (2)
VIII. Software
A. Microsoft
1. Windows 2000 Network Operating System (1)
2. Windows NT, 95, 98, 2000, XP Home, and XP Pro (numerous)
3. Office XP for Students and Teachers (50 Licenses)
4. Office Pro 2003 (50 Licenses)
5. Works
5. Office 2000 for Apple Mac
7. FrontPage 2002 (1)
B. Symantec Enterprise Anti-Virus (50 Licenses)
4
I. Telecommunications
A. AVAYA IP Office 3.2 telecommunications and inter-office/classroom communications system.
II. Computers
A. Classrooms (46)
B. Offices (9)
C. Computer Lab (22)
D. Servers (5)
III. Printers
A. Network Printers (3)
B. Classrooms (13)
C. Offices (3)
IV. Computer network CAT 5e/6 and Fiber Optic Switches (7)
V. Smart Boards (7)
VI. Computer Network
hardware Firewall;
VII. Scanners (5)
VIII. Software
A. Microsoft
1. Windows 2003 Network Operating System (1)
2. Windows 95, 98, 2000, XP Home, and XP Pro Operating System (numerous)
3.
4. Office XP for Students and Teachers (50 Licenses)
5. Office Pro 2003 (50 Licenses)
6. Office XP (50 Licenses)
7. Office 2000 for Apple Mac
B. Symantec Enterprise Anti-Virus (50 Licenses)
C. Renaissance Place/STAR on-line network reading program.
D. Edmark Riverdeep Student Management System.
2. The technology needed to improve student academic achievement through 2010 include the following:
Eighty personal computers in the district network
Fifteen smartboards
Nine networked printers
Ten laptop computers
Fiber connection between the two schools
Ten scanners
Video distribution system at each school
Ceiling mounted video system
One 48 port switch
One 24 port switch
Digital telephone system in classrooms and offices with voicemail
for all staff
5
Software for Curricular/Filtering Suppport
Scholastic Keys
Smart Ideas Mapping
Synchron Eyes
Encarta Premium
Symantec Anti-Virus
Jump Start Advanced
Mighty Math
Where
in the
Forensics
Story Book Weaver
Flying Colors
Walnut St. School
Synchron Eyes
Encarta Premium
Interactive Math Toolbox
Type to Learn
Mavis Beacon
Mighty Math Astro
Bill Nye Science Pack
Where in the World is Carmen
Tools for Teachers
Secure School
3. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES
Students with disabilities have special challenges and may need assistive technology in order to more fully participate in their classrooms, homes, communities and workplaces. Through the use of assistive technology and services these students will have the opportunity to become more independent and self-reliant.
The Board of Education expects each IEP team to include in their deliberations the use of assistive technology devices and services to aid students with disabilities. The Board also directs that students who qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act be provided with assistive technology devices and services when deemed necessary.
"Assistive technology device" means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability.
"Assistive technology service" means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of assistive technology devices.
The Board encourages the faculty to develop the appropriate skills necessary to effectively access, analyze, evaluate, and utilize assistive technology resources and assistive technology services.
The Board designates the Technology Coordinator and the Child Study Team Manager as the administrator(s) responsible for initiating, implementing, and enforcing this policy and its accompanying guidelines as they apply to the use of assistive technology and services in the District.
Current assistive technology application software packages installed on various computers around the district are:
· Microsoft Accessibility Wizard
· Microsoft Narrator
· Microsoft Magnifier
· Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard
· Premier AT E-Text Reader
· Premier AT Talking Calculator
· Premier AT Talking Checkbook
· Premier AT Talking Dictionary
· Premier AT Talking Word Processor
· Text to Audio
· Premier Universal Reader
In accordance with:
*
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997
* Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973
* Assistive Technology Act (P.L. 105 – 394) 1998
Other Assistive Technology Resources
http://www.gpat.org/Resources%20Main.htm
http://www.wati.org/?pageLoad=content/services/at/index.php
http://www.wati.org/Curriculum/curriculum.html
The New Jersey Department of Education – Office of Special Education: http://www.nj.gov/njded/specialed/
The district has a Web Site published on the Internet. The web site is accessible to anyone with a computer and internet connection. All stakeholders, including users with handicaps and disabilities are able to access the web site.
5.
Because of the technical issues involved in connecting
Hardware Retirement
It is
recognized that technology hardware has a 'normal' useful life. In an effort to reduce maintenance calls and
maintain a quality environment for students, the life cycles for computers and
related hardware is based on five (5) years.
The district will budget for repairs (not replacement cost) based on a
five (5) year life cycles. In cases
where it is not economically feasible to repair equipment less than five (5)
years old, the equipment will not be repaired.
The district will budget for labor costs when
repairing equipment between five (5) and six (6) years of age. Equipment older than six years can be
repaired (if economically feasible), but calls for parts and labor will be paid for on a time and material basis.
Equipment more then six (6) years old will be considered obsolete and be budgeted for replacement.
Software
Retirement
The Technology Coordinator will develop a system that will track software from purchase to retirement. When software has been determined not to meet educational or administrative needs, the software will be deleted from all computers and any master disks/CDs and manuals will be destroyed.
Removal/Disposal
of Hardware and Software
All hardware with software, including operating systems that are scheduled for removal from service, will have the hard disk drive disabled by the Technology coordinator. The district cannot sell through bid or give away any computer hardware with application or operating system software installed on it, unless the software and hardware were purchased as a single unit (operation system/application software was pre-installed as part of the hardware purchase). No software disks/CDs or manuals can be sold or given away. All master disks/CDs, backup disks and manuals will be treated as retired software or re-installed on another district asset. All hardware components will be disposed of in a state environmentally approved disposal site.
B. Cyber Safety
1. The
Delanco Township
SecureSchool
is an Internet hardware/software appliance to combine Internet filtering, proxy
server service, firewall, and several other functions. This keeps students out of sites like “myspace” and keeps them from evading filtering by blocking
use of outside proxy filters. SecureSchool
filters use by multiple methods of filtering, including: URL and domain
filtering, content phrase filtering, PICS filtering, MIME filtering, file
extension filtering, inside and outside proxy blocking.
The SecureSchool appliance becomes
the connection between our network and the internet, filtering and monitoring
all internet traffic.
All students, parents, staff, and
users of the district computers are required to read and sign the district
Acceptable Use Policy. This document explains
acceptable usage of the hardware and software and how to report any problems.
Internet
& Technology Acceptable Use Policy
The
The Internet, along with
communication devices such as phones, facsimile machines, and interactive fiber
optic/copper cable transmission, offer the possibility of participating in
learning experiences with people and/or resources distant from the traditional
school setting. As a learning tool, a technology resource is similar to a book,
video, magazine or any other information source. Making Internet, World Wide Web, and
electronic mail access available to staff and students carries with it the
possibility that an individual might encounter information that could be
interpreted as inappropriate and of potential harm. In addition, use of such
technology carries the risk of exposing the user to possible exploitation by
others on the network. The school district
will actively focus on providing the individual user the understanding and
skills needed to use all technology resources in ways appropriate to
educational needs and personal safety.
Each school year the Technology Coordinator will be responsible for
sending a letter home to parents/guardians informing them of this policy and
allowing them to return a form that will restrict their child from using
Internet access while at school. The
district can provide no guarantee that students restricted from Internet access
won’t gain access to the Internet and makes no warranties of any kind for the
service it is providing. Use of any
information obtained via technology resources and the Internet is at the user's
own risk.
Staff
Responsibilities
• Help students develop
the skills needed to discriminate among information sources, to identify
information appropriate to age and developmental levels and to evaluate and use
information to meet educational goals.
• Supervise and/or
monitor students using the Internet and report violations of the policy
consistent with existing discipline reporting procedures. Take an active role
in ensuring students and their parents are aware of the individual student's
responsibility to use technology resources in an ethical and educational
manner.
• Utilize the technology
resources and Internet for professional purposes consistent with this and other
relevant policies.
• Utilize the available
technology to enhance communications with colleagues, parents, and community.
Student
Responsibilities
• Demonstrate basic
skills in computer use.
• Demonstrate
understanding of this policy.
• Do not disclose
personal or family information to anyone on the Internet such as phone numbers,
credit card numbers, passwords, or home addresses.
• Do not arrange for a
face-to-face meeting with strangers and never respond to abusive or suggestive
messages. Report all such instances to a teacher or principal.
Computer Network
Guidelines
• Use of the district's technology
resources must be in support of education and research consistent with
educational objectives of the district.
• Comply with all rules
and laws regarding access and copying of information as prescribed by Federal,
State or local law and Internet providers.
• Be polite and
appropriate. Adhere to all standards of
courtesy, etiquette and existing school board policies (Library Materials
Selection Adoption, Discipline, Harassment/Violence, etc.) as they may be
interpreted to apply to technology resources.
• Help maintain security
of district technology resources by following this policy and maintaining
secrecy of all passwords. All known
breaches of security must be reported to an appropriate staff member, teacher,
principal or Technology Coordinator.
• Be aware that network
files and electronic mail are not guaranteed to be private.
• Do not permit others
to use your network account without your direct supervision.
Unacceptable Uses
Unacceptable uses
include, but are NOT limited to:
• Providing unauthorized
or inappropriate access to district technology resources or data bases,
including so-called “hacking” or “cracking” of district or non-district
technology resources.
• Any attempt to harm or
destroy data of other users or other networks connected to the Internet.
• Distribution or
collection of obscene, abusive, threatening or terrorist materials.
• Unauthorized use of
school resources for a commercial, illegal or profit-making enterprise.
• Knowingly wasting
technology resources.
• Unauthorized printing
of materials.
• Physical abuse of
equipment.
• Using the technology
resources in ways, which violate school policies and behavior standards
including inappropriate games and other forms of entertainment.
• Engaging in any
inappropriate or offensive harassment or use of derogatory items on the
Internet.
• Degrading or
disrupting equipment system performance.
• Installing
unauthorized software on school computers in violation of the district’s
Hardware & Software Copyright Management Policy.
• Using district access
for private or personal use or gain.
Accountability
Accountability regarding
the use or misuse of technology learning tools will be addressed through all
other current relevant policies that guide staff and student expectations and
behavior. The use of technology
resources and Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate or
unauthorized use will result in disciplinary action, including but not limited
to the termination of those privileges.
Compliance with
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
The Children’s Internet
Protection Act of 2000 requires that school districts take measures that
protect children accessing the Internet.
These measures are necessary for the district to receive E-rate, ESEA (Title
I, II, III, and VI), and LSTA funding.
__________________________________________
Sign Your Name
_______________________________________________
Print Your Name
________________________
Date
_____________________________________________________
Request to
Restrict Internet Access
As the parent or
guardian of this student, I am requesting that the school district restrict my
child from using the Internet while at school. I understand the district can
provide no guarantee that students restricted from Internet access won’t gain
access to the Internet. I recognize it
is impossible for the school to restrict access to all potentially
inappropriate materials, and I will not hold the district responsible for
materials acquired on the school’s network.
Student Name (Please
print): _____________________________________
Date:
_________________________
Parent/Guardian (Please
print): _____________________________________________
Signature (Please sign): ___________________________________________________
III. C. Needs Assessment
Do you have a computer at home ? ____________ Where is computer
located?________________ Do you have your own computer or is it shared with
family members? _____________________
If yes, what do you use your computer for? (circle all that apply)
Games E mail Instant Messaging Shopping
Research Typing Surfing the internet
School related assignments Multimedia (pictures/ music/ video/ U tube)
Other:________________
How often are you on the computer each day? ___________
How many days a week are you on the computer? ________
Do you have a myspace account or something similar? _______________
What is your favorite…… e mail account____________________ instant messaging
account _______________________ blog account ____________________
Not including the computer quarter classes and elective, have you used the computer lab this year?
Yes or No
How would you rate your comfort level on the computer on a scale of 1 to 10? ________
(1 being no idea what you are doing and 10 being you consider yourself a
computer genius)
What kinds of technology are being used in your classes at school? (circle all that apply)
TV VCR/ DVD Computer Power point Smart board
Overhead Projector LCD projector
Educational software (math programs, grammar programs, Kid Pix, etc.)
Other ________________________
Have you ever been assigned a project in which you were required to use the
computer? ____________________
If yes, what did you have to do? _______________________________
What suggestions do you have for improving our school’s use of technology?
_________________________________________________
DELANCO SCHOOLS
Technology Survey
Dear Teachers,
We would like to get
a grasp of where your needs are as far as technology in the classroom. When you have the chance, please complete
this and return to Bobbie or Maureen as soon as possible.
Do you have an e mail account with the school? (@delanco.com) __________
Do you use it on a daily basis? ___________ If not, why?____________
Have you used it to contact parents? ____________
How comfortable would you be if our school communication was done via e-mail?
____________ / If uncomfortable, what are your concerns?
____________________________________
How often do you use the computer in your classroom? ____________________
What do you use the computer in your classroom for? _______________________
Have you had the chance to take any of your classes to the computer lab this year? ______ If yes, what did you do there? ________________________________
If not, do you have any plans to for this year? What are they? ________________
What type of training would you be interested in? Circle all that apply.
Smart board Power point Web page design E-mail
Excel Web quests Research Access
Finding lessons plans/ teacher resources Word
Other_____________________________
When would you be most likely to attend training?
Before school --7:30 to 8:15
After school -- 3:15 to 4:00
Lunch --12:30 to 12:50 a couple days a week
Other _________________________
DON’T FORGET THE BACK
On a scale of 1-10, rate your comfort level using the computer: ________
1 being very uncomfortable and 10 being totally confident!!
What would you consider your computer skills: (Circle one)
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
(see the attached descriptions of “beginner” and “intermediate” if unsure)
What computer related issues are you encountering in your classroom?
__________________________________________________
Do you have any suggestions? concerns? observations? Related to our technology that you would like to share?
___________________________________________________
Thank you for responding. I thought it would be helpful to know what we can do as we plan what we would like to be able to do.
Needs Assessment
a. Informational surveys were distributed to both students and staff (see attached)
Current integration of technology in school includes the following:
*Classes are utilizing computer lab to conduct research for a class. For example, all students completed a Black History Month project in which they conducted an internet search to compile research. They then used Word to type reports and to add pictures to final report.
Students are also assigned science related topics in which to research.
*Teachers are requiring students to use word processing for essays and
they are required to revise and edit their work.
*Science teacher presents information using both Smartboard and
Power point presentations.
*Math teacher utilizes computers (she has two) in her
room supplemental instruction using educational software. She uses
school math applications and Web based applications.
*Student / personal Information system is also utilized
b. Teacher proficiency in the use of technology varies. 65% consider themselves proficient with a rating of 7 of 10 or higher. 4 teachers rated themselves a 2-3 of 10 in comfort and proficiency level.
c.
Current
educational environment and barriers
i. Our teachers seem resistant to using the computer lab without our
computer teacher there to assist. Teachers do not use the Apple
computers in their classrooms. They are hesitant to use them to check
e mail. Responses on survey indicate they do not have time to check
them and computers are too slow. The computer lab is available for
classes after 3rd period. The first three periods are used for computer
quarter classes.
ii. Students have minimum access to technology on a daily basis in
their learning environment.
iii. Teachers responded to survey questions requesting training in the following: powerpoint, excel, word, smartboard, e mail, web page design, teacher resources. They would like the training to be provided after school. According to the survey, teachers identified the following issues: computers in classrooms are too slow, equipment in classrooms is old and unreliable, and use of e mail requires too much time. Teachers hesitate taking classes to computer lab because of availability of lab isn’t same for their classes, and they need computer support when problems come up.
iv. Students responded to survey questions indicating they would like more access to computer lab. An overwhelming number of students indicated they thought too many sites were blocked on internet. 95% of our student population have computers at home and use them for a variety of purposes and consider themselves proficient in using them. Students all take a quarter course (9 weeks) in computers and a computer elective is available to students each quarter.
v. Teachers indicated that past professional development was helpful but there needed to be follow up. Until they use the programs on a more consistent basis they will not feel proficient.
vi. Past professional development for administrators in the areas of Microsoft Word, Excel and Windows operating system.
vii. Ongoing sustained professional development was provided for all staff in the areas of Microsoft Word, email use, online grading, using the internet for research and searching techniques.
viii. Ongoing sustained professional development was provided on an as needed basis as per administrator request with the assistance of the computer teacher.
ix. Administrators and the computer teacher have provided support for staff on an as needed basis. We also use an outside contractor, Networks and More, twice a month to provide support to all staff.
x. Professional development needs include training in effective ways to integrate technology using what is available on a more consistent basis. Teachers are included in two staff in service training sessions annually. In addition, staff is urged to attend a wide variety of out of district seminars including those provide by our local ETTC. No barriers have been identified, other than budgetary ones.
2. What District Needs to improve academic achievement:
*Ongoing, consistent training is needed for staff.
*Hardware / software to allow teachers to use Apple G3 and iMac in a
Windows emulated environment
*Video distribution to all classrooms and offices
*2 Computer networked black and white, high volume, low cost per print
Printers
*New (newer)IBM clone (Dell) with Windows XP Pro and Office 2003
XP
*3-4 systems per classroom
3. See #2: have been listed by order of importance
IV. THREE-YEAR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
A. History
The goals from the
2004-07 plan:
Telecommunications
Evaluation
Computers
Evaluation
Software
Evaluation
Internet Access
Evaluation
Distance Learning
Evaluation
Curriculum
Evaluation
Other Technology
Evaluation
Facilities
Evaluation
B. Goals and Objectives for
2007-2010
1.
Continued
Goals
Continue purchase of PC’s to ensure a minimum of 2 per classrooms district wide.
Purchase 10 laptop computers
Purchase 8 smartboards for classroom use
Incorporate the use of technology in classroom instruction
on a regular basis
Continue purchase of software based on student and
teacher needs to support academic achievement
2.
New Goals
1. Improve security of district’s network
2. Merge district’s two separate networks into one to improve efficiency and capability
3. Improve staff’s use of technology for student data
4. Expand classroom teachers’ use/integration of technology
3.
Objectives
for Goal 1:
Upgrade and update filtering software (2007-08)
Objectives for Goal 2:
Install a fiber connection between district’s two schools
(2007-08)
Objectives
for Goal 3:
Purchase and implement online grading program for all staff (2008-09)
Purchase and implement a student management software package (2009 – 2010)
Objectives for Goal 4:
Provide in-service training and scheduling opportunities for
strategies and methods of integrating technology in
classroom instruction (2007-10)
V. Three Year Implementation Activity Tables
See attached Table
A.
The teaching
staff received training and overview information on assistive technology from
our Technology Coordinator with the following software:
· Microsoft Accessibility Wizard
· Microsoft Narrator
· Microsoft Magnifier
· Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard
· Premier AT E-Text Reader
· Premier AT Talking Calculator
· Premier AT Talking Checkbook
· Premier AT Talking Dictionary
· Premier AT Talking Word Processor
· Text to Audio
· Premier Universal Reader
B.
Provide
Details of the process for meeting the NCLB
Requirements that all students be technologically
Literate by the end of grade eight.
Instruction in technology and use of computers begins in kindergarten with regular use of the computer lab. All classrooms have computers and internet access. Classroom teachers have access to brand new computer labs as well. Our Technology Coordinator is available as a resource to classroom teachers. Students in all grade levels have weekly instruction in the computer labs and media centers.
C.
Identify
specific telecommunications and information
Technologies and any other specific resources that are useful to reach
the stated goal.
Internet access to specific websites for staff to provide
information on technology integration in the classroom.
Telephones with voice mail for staff in all classrooms.
Smartboards for regular classroom instruction.
Video distribution system in labs
D.
Identify specific telecommunications and
information
Technologies and any other specific resources that are useful to reach
the stated goal.
Internet access to specific websites for staff to provide
information on technology integration in the classroom.
Telephones with voice mail for staff in all classrooms.
Smartboards for regular classroom instruction.
Video distribution system in labs
VI.
Funding Plan
See attached Tables
* Note: The 2007-08 funding plan is disproportionately higher than the 2008-10 plan because we will be using funds from our referendum project.
VII.
Professional
Development
A. Michael Livengood, Superintendent, is responsible for coordinating the professional development activities in this plan.
B. 1,2. All teachers have at least one computer in their classrooms with internet access and they also have access to our lab computers. In addition, staff has access to all software on our network. We have seven classrooms equipped with smartboards and laptop computers. Each administrator has a PC and access to network software.
3,4. Ongoing sustained professional development will be provided for all staff and administrators by our technology coordinator at in-service sessions and monthly faculty meetings. In addition, professional development in the use of technology will be provided through workshops, seminars, school visitations and graduate courses.
5. Professional Development Opportunities
Opportunities Include:
ETTC Workshops on Smartboard Use
Peer Coaching by Technology Coordinator –
Integrating Technology in Classrooms
Team Teaching in Labs
Private Company Workshops –
Variety of Technology Topics
6. Professional Development for Assistive Technology
Our Technology Coordinator trains and updates the
staff at monthly faculty meetings on our assistive
technology software. Our Child Study Team also
provides training for special education teachers in
the use of assistive technology.
C.
2007-2008 Professional Development Opportunities
Professional development opportunities for 2007-08 will
Include:
Smartboard Training
Integrating Technology in Classrooms
Use of PC’s, Windows and Microsoft Works
Use of Assistive Technology
Use of Online Grading and Student Data/
Records
Webpage Design
Use of Power Point
Other Training as Needed
The Technology Coordinator, Principal and Curriculum
Supervisor will provide peer coaching in classrooms
and labs.
D. Our financial resources include local funds, Title 1 and Title V funds. Staff will be provided release time for in and out of district training.
E. The professional development activities listed above will continue
Through 2010 for teachers, aides and administrators.
D.
Evaluation
Plan
1. Lesson plans and classroom observations will be reviewed to evaluate the integration of technology into curricula and instruction.
2. Teacher made tests, publishers’ assessments and state assessment results will be analyzed to evaluate our students achievement of state standards.
3. GEPA results and eighth grade student surveys will be used to evaluate students skill levels as they leave our district.