Augusta County Schools Educational Technology Plan for 2011 … · 2011-05-23 · Augusta County...

Augusta County Schools Education Technology Plan for 2011-2014

Augusta County Schools

Educational Technology Plan for 2011-2014 www.augusta.k12.va.us/EdTechPlan


Table of Contents

Table of Contents Executive Summary Process

Summary of Connections to Mission, Vision, and Goals Summary of the Work Summary of the Evaluation Process and Planned Update Cycle Conclusions from Needs Assessment

Actions State Goals and Objectives with Local Strategies and Measures

Goal 1: Provide a safe, flexible, and effective learning environment for all students Goal 2: Engage students in meaningful curricular content through the purposeful and effective use of technology. Goal 3: Afford students with opportunities to apply technology effectively to gain knowledge, develop skills, and create and distribute artifacts that reflect their understandings. Goal 4: Provide students with access to authentic and appropriate tools to gain knowledge, develop skills, extend capabilities, and create and disseminate artifacts that demonstrate their understandings. Goal 5: Use technology to support a culture of data-driven decision making that relies upon data to evaluate and improve teaching and learning.

Appendices Appendix 1: Budget Appendix 2: Division AUP Appendix 3: Summary of Internet Safety Program for 2008-2010


1

Executive Summary

The 2010 National Education Technology Plan, “Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology” calls on states and local education agencies to harness the power of technology to transform teaching and learning. The national plan “recognizes that technology is at the core of virtually every aspect of our daily lives and work, and we must leverage it to provide engaging and powerful learning experiences and content, as well as resources and assessments that measure student achievement in more complete, authentic, and meaningful ways.” (Executive Summary, p. 7, http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/netp2010-execsumm.pdf, retrieved April 5, 2011) The 2011-2014 Augusta County Education Technology Plan was written in the spirit of the national plan and was driven by our mission to empower the 21st century learner. As we developed our vision and prepared our plan we were mindful that students entering school often leave behind a world filled with technology; technology that provides them access to information and media-rich learning opportunities that are not always available in the classroom. Our division plan is modeled after the 2010-2015 Educational Technology Plan for Virginia and is designed to foster instruction that focuses on 21st century skills. Like the state plan, our plan is designed around five goals that address factors recognized to support effective technology use:

1. Appropriately and adequately designed environment 2. Meaningful engagement 3. Purposeful application of tools for learning 4. Use of authentic technology tools to extend learning capabilities 5. Authentic and intelligent assessments

Our plan highlights local strategies and measures that are aligned to these five goals and to our own local priorities as defined by our needs assessment.

● Improve ITC Literacy, including knowledge and application of Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship, among all stakeholders.

● Offer additional online learning opportunities for students and staff. ● Explore and implement access to mobile devices as learning tools. ● Restore funding for a systematic replacement cycle of existing technology and the

deployment of new technologies. ● Continue evaluating technology tools that maximize use and minimize cost. ● Increase staff awareness of technology resources and uses that are more student-

centered.


2

Process

Summary of Connections to Mission, Vision, and Goals The Augusta County Schools Educational Technology Plan for 2011-2014 is modeled after the 2010-2015 Educational Technology Plan for Virginia and is aligned to Augusta County’s philosophy and educational goals as outlined in the Administrative Policy Manual and the Comprehensive Plan. The Augusta County Public Schools are committed to the following educational goals as expressed in the Comprehensive Plan:

1. Develop competence in the basic learning skills; 2. Develop the intellectual skills of rational thought and creativity; 3. Acquire knowledge and process skills of science and technology; 4. Acquire broad knowledge and understanding of the humanities;

5. Progress on the basis of achievement; 6. Graduate from high school and qualify for further education and/or

employment; 7. Develop personal standards of ethical behavior and moral choice;

8. Participate in society as a responsible family member and citizen; 9. Develop a positive and realistic concept of self and others; 10. Acquire an appreciation for and sensitivity to people of diverse ethnic and

racial groups;

11. Practice sound habits of personal health and physical fitness; 12. Enhance and protect the quality of the environment; 13. Develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes regarding the arts; and 14. Acquire a basic understanding and appreciation of democracy and the free

enterprise system.


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The Comprehensive Plan for Augusta County Public Schools further outlines specific goals required by the state’s Standards of Quality. The technology component of the plan lists the goal and objectives specific to the division’s technology planning process. Goal 7.0: To increase technology opportunities for students, teachers and staff

Objective 7.1: Assess annually the technology needs of each school and Central Office.

Objective 7.2: Provide a division technology plan consistent with the state plan.

Objective 7.3: Provide in-service opportunities for teachers and staff in the area of technology.

Objective 7.4: Integrate technology into the curricula. Objective 7.5: Automate and network Technology Center with

classrooms in the accordance with the Augusta County Public School Network Internet Account.

Objective 7.6: Ensure that each graduate has the technology skills to successfully compete in the employment market expected in the 21st century.

As part of the technology planning process, Augusta County Schools Technology Committee developed a mission and vision consistent with the division’s philosophy and goals and the Instructional mission and vision of Augusta County Public Schools. Mission: Empowering the 21st Century Learner Vision: We will equip children with cognitive, technical and social skills enabling them to use technology to create, innovate and communicate; to advance their own learning and develop sophisticated thinking habits and skills; to use technology responsibly and ethically; and to develop a lifelong ability to solve problems and access, integrate, manage, evaluate, and create information. The actions outlined below are locally developed strategies designed to achieve the state’s goals and objectives. These strategies are consistent with the committee’s mission and vision and are aligned with the division’s philosophy and goals.


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Summary of the Work The Augusta County Schools Technology Committee is tasked with the creation, revision and evaluation of the division’s technology plan. The committee consists of teachers, building and central office administrators, technology staff and school board members. The committee’s planning process involved the creation of three subcommittees, each designed to review the state’s latest technology plan and suggest revisions to the division’s technology plan. Each of the subcommittees had broad representation including teachers, administrators and staff, but each was tasked with viewing the plan from a specific role; Administration, Infrastructure, and Instruction. Each subcommittee and the division’s Technology Committee used a combination of in-person meetings and Google Docs to work on the plan.

Activity Primary Contact(s) Timeline

Develop needs assessment surveys for students, teachers, administrators, and parents

Technology Committee January 2010

Conduct needs assessment surveys through division’s website

Supervisor of Instructional Technology

March 2010

Develop a vision and process for technology planning

Technology Committee May 2010

Develop local strategies and measures for each of the state’s goals and objectives

Technology Committee and planning subcommittees

Fall 2010

Review local strategies and measures for alignment to division’s philosophy, goals and benchmarks

Technology Committee February 2011

Receive and review a draft of the division technology plan

School Board, Technology Committee

March 30, 2011

Present technology plan to the School Board

School Board April 2011

Submit approved technology plan to Virginia Department of Education

Supervisor of Instructional Technology

May 30, 2011


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Summary of the Evaluation Process and Planned Update Cycle The Augusta County Technology Committee, in an annual report to the division’s superintendent, will evaluate the Augusta County Educational Technology Plan for 2011-2014. Annual evaluation of the plan will be run in conjunction with the needs assessment called for in Objective 7.1 of the Comprehensive Plan. The plan will be revised on a three-year cycle, matching the state’s request for updated budget projections. During the first two years of the plan, data will be collected from schools and other departments in the division to evaluate progress toward the listed strategies. During the third year of the plan, the technology plan and process will be reviewed and revised as necessary.

Conclusions from Needs Assessment In the spring of 2010, a series of surveys were conducted by the Augusta County Technology Committee through the division’s website. These surveys were modeled after the Speak-Up surveys conducted by Project Tomorrow and were designed to better understand the existing state of our division with regard to technology as well as the belief structure and wishes of our stakeholders. Separate surveys were provided to teachers, administrators, parents and community members, and students. The student surveys were further divided by grade bands; 3-5, 6-8, 9-12. The surveys indicated that the use of technology by administrators, teachers and students is strong both in and out of school and that the variety of uses for technology in our classrooms is increasing. Additionally, most stakeholders believe that our division is doing a good job of preparing our students for the technology skills of the 21st Century. The results of these surveys, along with other data sources like the budget, were reviewed by the Technology Committee to develop the following recommendations:

● Improve ITC Literacy, including knowledge and application of Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship, among all stakeholders.

● Offer additional online learning opportunities for students and staff. ● Explore and implement access to mobile devices as learning tools. ● Restore funding for a systematic replacement cycle of existing technology and

the deployment of new technologies. ● Continue evaluating technology tools that maximize use and minimize cost. ● Increase staff awareness of technology resources and uses that are more

student-centered.


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Actions

State Goals and Objectives with Local Strategies and Measures

Goal 1: Provide a safe, flexible, and effective learning environment for all students

Objective 1: Deliver appropriate and challenging curricula through face-to-face, blended, and virtual learning environments.

Strategies Measures

1. Continue to offer students the opportunity to participate in Virtual Virginia.

Number of Virtual Virginia courses offered that are not traditionally offered in the school Number of students participating in Virtual Virginia coursework

2. Continue to offer online courses to students in need of enrichment and credit recovery.

Number of credits recovered through the online coursework

3. Explore opportunities to offer virtual courses and to build online communities that support face-to-face instruction (hybrid courses).

● Explore course management systems (CMS) and hosting options to provide access to online learning platforms.

● Provide training to administrators, teachers and staff on the use of CMS.

● Implement CMS as part of hybrid learning experience.

Selection of CMS Number of courses implementing hybrid learning environment

4. Provide access and instructional support for media-based curriculum material through technology.

Increase in the use of virtual and blended learning environments Participation rates in media-based services such as Discovery Streaming, IXL, etc.


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Objective 2: Provide the technical and human infrastructure necessary to support real, blended, and virtual learning environments.

Strategies Measures

1. Meet or exceed the Standards of Quality staffing requirements.

Number of ITRTs and Technicians meets or exceeds the state's SOQ staffing guidelines

2. Ensure that all virtual coursework is accessible to students regardless of technology access outside of school.

Number of partnerships and programs developed to provide access.

3. Provide resources and support to assist teachers in integrating technology into teaching and learning.

● Provide access to ITRTs at all schools to assist with planning, lesson and content creation, co-teaching and modeling.

● Provide access to Assistive Technology Specialists (ATS) at all schools to assist with planning, lesson and content creation, co-teaching and modeling.

● Maintain existing partnerships and develop new ones that provide access to equipment, digital content, and other technology integration resources.

Number of schools served by each ITRT Number of students served by Assistive Technology Specialists Number of partnerships

4. Evaluate current infrastructure to meet or exceed future generation standards including wireless access throughout all schools.

Results of infrastructure assessment


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Objective 3: Provide high-quality professional development to help educators create, maintain, and work in a variety of learner-centered environments.

Strategies Measures

1. Continue to use Instructional Technology Resource Teachers (ITRTs), Assistive Technology Specialists, and Instructional Coaches to provide professional development that incorporates the integration of technology.

Percentage of teachers served by professional development offerings

2. Continue to support County and local professional development.

Attendance surveys will indicate growing participation in professional development related to the development of learner center environments


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Goal 2: Engage students in meaningful curricular content through the purposeful and effective use of technology.

Objective 1: Support innovative professional development practices that promote strategic growth for all educators and collaboration with other educators, content experts, and students.

Strategies Measures

1. Continue to provide teachers and administrators with the opportunity to participate in local, regional, state and national conferences focused on the integration of technology.

● Continue to participate in SVTC's locally hosted NTTI conference

● Continue to send educators to state and national conferences focused on technology integration such as NECC, VSTE, and ETLC.

● Encourage participation in virtual conferences hosted by FETC or CRSTE

Number of educators participating in local, state and national conferences hosted in either face-to-face or virtual venues

2. Provide access to webinars focused on technology use by all members of the faculty and staff.

Number of teachers participating in webinars


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Objective 2: Actualize the ability of technology to individualize learning and provide equitable opportunities for all learners.

Strategies Measures

1. Identify, develop, disseminate, and maintain Instructional Technology resources (ROS, RTIm Direct, IXL, RAZ Kids, etc.) to support teaching and learning.

Individual metrics will be determined for resources upon implementation.

2. Ensure that the county continues to provide widespread internet access.

Needs assessment indicates that schools and educational units have sufficient and appropriate Internet access

3. Provide in-service to educators that highlights new electronic devices and possible educational uses for the 21st century student with disabilities.

Increasingly students with disabilities will have access to technologies that support their full participation in the curriculum

4. Provide wireless access throughout all school buildings.

Instructional personnel are provided with devices that will access the web through the local intranet Students have access to instructional resources through wireless networking

Objective 3: Facilitate the implementation of high-quality Internet safety programs in schools.

Strategies Measures

1. Provide resources and support for parents, teachers, ITRTs, Media Specialists, and administrators for the implementation of a high quality Internet Safety program.

Availability and use metrics of Internet Safety program and resources

2. Provide leadership and assist staff in regulating our student's school-time usage of the computer networks.

Monitors of internet usage of students indicates a reduction of the percentage of inappropriate use of the internet


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Goal 3: Afford students with opportunities to apply technology effectively to gain knowledge, develop skills, and create and distribute artifacts that reflect their understandings.

Objective 1: Provide and support professional development that increases the capacity of teachers to design and facilitate meaningful learning experiences, thereby encouraging students to create, problem-solve, communicate, collaborate, and use real-world skills by applying technology purposefully.

Strategies Measures

1. Develop and provide access to workshops and courses that support the integration of technology into teaching and learning.

● Provide a menu of technology-oriented workshops, from which educators may choose based on interest and skill level.

● Continue to offer coursework through local colleges and universities that support the integrations of technology into teaching.

Attendance surveys will indicate growing participation in professional development related to the development of learner center environments Number of participants in courses

2. Participate in SVTC's NETS*T and NTTI programs.

Number of teachers participating in NTTI annually. Number of teachers earning NETS*T certification.


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Objective 2: Ensure that students, teachers, and administrators are ICT literate.

Strategies Measures

1. Implement revised Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel.

● Develop and implement revised Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel (TSIP) based on Virginia's ICT literacy skills.

● Implement an online system for assessing TSIP.

Percentage of teachers who have met the revised TSIP

2. Implement revised Technology Standards for Students.

● Develop and implement revised Technology Standards for Students based on Virginia's ICT literacy skills.

● Develop and distribute lessons and instructional resources designed to meet SOL content standards and updated technology standards.

Percentage of students assessed as ICT literate Number of lessons and resources made available

3. Implement an updated assessment to determine the ICT literacy of 8th graders.

Percentage of students assessed as ICT literate

4. Provide resources through multiple applications to our teachers and administrators to ensure students will be able to communicate effectively and have the necessary skills to enter the 21st Century workplace.

Principals will note in observations that teachers increasingly use electronic, web-based and intranet-based forms of communication with and between students.


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Objective 3: Implement technology-based formative assessments that produce further growth in content knowledge and skills development.

Strategies Measures

Provide vehicles through which teachers may implement formative assessments to determine student understanding of essential concepts on an individual and group basis and which can promote the quick adjustments in instruction.

The reports-on-line system will be monitored and usage will increase annually. surveys of teachers will be conducted to evaluate the continued effective use of the system.

Goal 4: Provide students with access to authentic and appropriate tools to gain knowledge, develop skills, extend capabilities, and create and disseminate artifacts that demonstrate their understandings.

Objective 1: Provide resources and support to ensure that every student has access to a personal computing device.

Strategies Measures

1. Develop an existing technological hardware replacement cycle of 3 years to ensure that every student has access to the latest technologies.

Completion of 3 year replacement cycle

2. Continue to provide a standard software build and support that ensures students and staff successful integration of technology.

Needs assessment indicates that software build provides sufficient and appropriate access to software tools


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Objective 2: Provide technical and pedagogical support to ensure that students, teachers, and administrators can effectively access and use technology tools.

Strategies Measures

1. Meet or exceed the Standards of Quality staffing requirements for ITRTs and technicians.

Number of ITRTs and technicians meets or exceeds the state's SOQ staffing guidelines

2. Continue to provide assistance for teachers by the use of a network based Help-Desk system and face-to-face support.

Use and completion metrics pulled from help desk system.

Objective 3: Identify and disseminate information and resources that assist educators in selecting authentic and appropriate tools for all grade levels and curricular areas.

Strategies Measures

1. Choose and implement a web-based curriculum and lesson sharing vehicle for use by county teachers.

Implementation of an appropriate system Number of instructional resources provided Number of instructional resources accessed


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Goal 5: Use technology to support a culture of data-driven decision making that relies upon data to evaluate and improve teaching and learning.

Objective 1: Use data to inform and adjust technical, pedagogical, and financial support.

Strategies Measures

1. Provide an online tool through which teachers may use formative assessments to determine student understanding and can quickly adjust instruction to meet individual students needs.

Number of assessments administered through the system. Needs assessment survey indicating appropriateness of existing tool.

2. Provide counselors with the tools needed to monitor students’ progress, interests and aptitudes in order to properly guide their decision making.

Required state timelines for the development of student academic and career plans are met

Objective 2: Provide support to help teachers disaggregate, interpret, and use data to plan, improve, and differentiate instruction.

Strategies Measures

1. Use Reports Online System (ROS) and other instructional data sources to disaggregate and interpret data to plan, improve and differentiate instruction.

Use metrics from Reports Online System and other tools used for disaggregation

2. Provide secure access to historical SOL pass rate information and category results data through a password-enabled division webpage.

Supervisor for Assessment will report annually at administrative camp and to the School Board such longitudinal data and will provide information on accessing the information through the division web page


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Objective 3: Promote the use of technology to inform the design and implementation of next- generation standardized assessments.

Strategies Measures

1. Work with vendors to implement product improvements related to next generation standardized assessments.

Successful implementation of features

2. Ensure that equipment exists and remains functional to effectively utilize Reports Online System.

Needs assessment indicates that existing computer systems meet recommended requirements

3. Promote the use of technology to inform the design and implementation of next- generation standardized assessments.

Number of workshops offered and number of participants attending Number of assessments administered through available tools using technology enhanced items.


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Appendices

Appendix 1: Budget

Funding 2010-2011 Revised

2011-2012 Approved

2012-2013 & 2013-2014 Estimated

1380 - Technology Services

$2,202,126 $2,490,608 $2,490,608

2190 - Data Processing (SIS) $326,126 $319,999 $319,999

1380 - Technology Services - Non-personnel Expenditure Summary

Budget Lines 2010-2011 Revised

2011-2012 Approved

2012-2013 Estimated

2013-2014 Estimated

2700 - Workers Compensation $2,870 $3,015 $3,015 $3,015

2800 - Tuition & Testing $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000

3300 - Maintenance Services $2,200 $2,200 $2,200 $2,200

5400 - Internet Connection $567,000 $540,000 $540,000 $540,000

6001 - Supplies $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 $4,000

6040 - Software $144,430 $383,065 $383,065* $383,065*

6050 - Tech Hardware $10,000 $65,000 $65,000* $65,000*

6060 - Tech Infrastructure $0 $30,000 $30,000* $30,000*

Total $732,500 $1,029,280 $1,029,280* $1,029,280* * Values for budget lines 6040, 6050, & 6060 in 2012-13 and 2013-14 are based on 2011-12 values. While these specific values may vary, present budget projections suggest that the total budget will remain consistent.


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Local Strategies (Detailed)

Goal 1: Provide a safe, flexible, and effective learning environment for all students

Objective 1: Deliver appropriate and challenging curricula through face-to-face, blended, and virtual learning environments.

Strategies Primary Contacts

Timeline Funding

1. Continue to offer students the opportunity to participate in Virtual Virginia.

Principals, Guidance Counselors, Instructional Supervisors

Ongoing Local

2. Continue to offer online courses to students in need of enrichment and credit recovery.

Principals, Guidance Counselors, Instructional Supervisors

Ongoing Local

3. Explore opportunities to offer virtual courses and to build online communities that support face-to-face instruction (hybrid courses).

● Explore course management systems (CMS) and hosting options to provide access to online learning platforms.

● Provide training to administrators, teachers and staff on the use of CMS.

● Implement CMS as part of hybrid learning experience.

Instructional Technology Supervisor

2011 – 2012 (CMS selection) Ongoing

Local

4. Provide access to and instructional support for media-based curriculum material through technology.

Instructional Technology Supervisor, Technology Coordinator

Ongoing Local


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Objective 2: Provide the technical and human infrastructure necessary to support real, blended, and virtual learning environments.


Timeline Funding

1. Meet or exceed the Standards of Quality staffing requirements.

Assistant Superintendent of Personnel

Ongoing State, Local

2. Ensure that all virtual coursework is accessible to students regardless of technology access outside of school.

Director of Instruction Principals

Ongoing State, Local Grant

3. Provide resources and support to assist teachers in integrating technology into teaching and learning.

● Provide access to ITRTs at all schools to assist with planning, lesson and content creation, co-teaching and modeling.

● Provide access to Assistive Technology Specialists (ATS) at all schools to assist with planning, lesson and content creation, co-teaching and modeling.

● Maintain existing partnerships and develop new ones that provide access to equipment, digital content, and other technology integration resources.

Instructional Technology Supervisor Director of Pupil Services Director of Instruction

Ongoing

Local

4. Evaluate current infrastructure to meet or exceed future generation standards including wireless access throughout all schools.

Technology Coordinator



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Objective 3: Provide high-quality professional development to help educators create, maintain, and work in a variety of learner-centered environments.


Timeline Funding

1. Continue to use Instructional Technology Resource Teachers (ITRTs), Assistive Technology Specialists, and Instructional Coaches to provide professional development that incorporates the integration of technology.


Ongoing Local

2. Continue to support County and local professional development.

Instructional Technology Supervisor, Principals

Ongoing Local


21

Goal 2: Engage students in meaningful curricular content through the purposeful and effective use of technology.

Objective 1: Support innovative professional development practices that promote strategic growth for all educators and collaboration with other educators, content experts, and students.

Strategies

Primary Contacts

Timeline Funding

1. Continue to provide teachers and administrators with the opportunity to participate in local, regional, state and national conferences focused on the integration of technology.

● Continue to participate in SVTC's locally hosted NTTI conference

● Continue to send educators to state and national conferences focused on technology integration such as NECC, VSTE, and ETLC.

● Encourage participation in virtual conferences hosted by FETC or CRSTE

Instructional Technology Supervisor Principals

Ongoing Local Grant (Title IID and others)

2. Provide access to webinars focused on technology use by all members of the faculty and staff.




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Objective 2: Actualize the ability of technology to individualize learning and provide equitable opportunities for all learners.


Timeline Funding

1. Identify, develop, disseminate, and maintain Instructional Technology resources (ROS, RTIm Direct, IXL, RAZ Kids, etc.) to support teaching and learning.

Instructional Supervisors Director of Pupil Services Principals

Ongoing Local

2. Ensure that the county continues to provide widespread internet access.



3. Provide in-service to educators that highlights new electronic devices and possible educational uses for the 21st century student with disabilities.

Assistive Technology Teachers

Ongoing Federal, Local Grant

4. Provide wireless access throughout all school buildings.




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Objective 3: Facilitate the implementation of high-quality Internet safety programs in schools.


Timeline Funding

1. Provide resources and support for parents, teachers, ITRTs, Media Specialists, and administrators for the implementation of a high quality Internet Safety program.


Ongoing Local

2. Provide leadership and assist staff in regulating our student's school-time usage of the computer networks.


Ongoing Local


24

Goal 3: Afford students with opportunities to apply technology effectively to gain knowledge, develop skills, and create and distribute artifacts that reflect their understandings.

Objective 1: Provide and support professional development that increases the capacity of teachers to design and facilitate meaningful learning experiences, thereby encouraging students to create, problem-solve, communicate, collaborate, and use real-world skills by applying technology purposefully.


Timeline Funding

1. Develop and provide access to workshops and courses that support the integration of technology into teaching and learning.

● Provide a menu of technology-oriented workshops, from which educators may choose based on interest and skill level.

● Continue to offer coursework through local colleges and universities that support the integrations of technology into teaching.

Instructional Technology Supervisor Instructional Supervisors Principals

Ongoing Local

2. Participate in SVTC's NETS*T and NTTI programs.




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Objective 2: Ensure that students, teachers, and administrators are ICT literate.


Timeline Funding

1. Implement revised Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel.

● Develop and implement revised Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel (TSIP) based on Virginia's ICT literacy skills.

● Implement an online system for assessing TSIP.

Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Director of Instruction Instructional Technology Supervisor

Ongoing Local

2. Implement revised Technology Standards for Students.

● Develop and implement revised Technology Standards for Students based on Virginia's ICT literacy skills.

● Develop and distribute lessons and instructional resources designed to meet SOL content standards and updated technology standards.

Director of Instruction Instructional Technology Supervisor

Ongoing Local

3. Implement an updated assessment to determine the ICT literacy of 8th graders.


Ongoing Local

4. Provide resources through multiple applications to our teachers and administrators to ensure students will be able to communicate effectively and have the necessary skills to enter the 21st Century workplace.

Technology Coordinator Instructional Technology Supervisor

Ongoing Local


26

Objective 3: Implement technology-based formative assessments that produce further growth in content knowledge and skills development.


Timeline Funding

Provide vehicles through which teachers may implement formative assessments to determine student understanding of essential concepts on an individual and group basis and which can promote the quick adjustments in instruction.

Supervisor of Assessment Instructional Technology Supervisor

Ongoing Local

Goal 4: Provide students with access to authentic and appropriate tools to gain knowledge, develop skills, extend capabilities, and create and disseminate artifacts that demonstrate their understandings.

Objective 1: Provide resources and support to ensure that every student has access to a personal computing device.


Timeline Funding

1. Develop an existing technological hardware replacement cycle of 3 years to ensure that every student has access to the latest technologies.



2. Continue to provide a standard software build and support that ensures students and staff successful integration of technology.

Technology Coordinator Instructional Technology Supervisor



27

Objective 2: Provide technical and pedagogical support to ensure that students, teachers, and administrators can effectively access and use technology tools.


Timeline Funding

1. Meet or exceed the Standards of Quality staffing requirements for ITRTs and technicians.

Assistant Superintendent of Personnel


2. Continue to provide assistance for teachers by the use of a network based Help-Desk system and face-to-face support.


Ongoing Local

Objective 3: Identify and disseminate information and resources that assist educators in selecting authentic and appropriate tools for all grade levels and curricular areas.


Timeline Funding

1. Choose and implement a web-based curriculum and lesson sharing vehicle for use by county teachers.

Director of Instruction Instructional Technology Supervisor

Ongoing Local


28

Goal 5: Use technology to support a culture of data-driven decision making that relies upon data to evaluate and improve teaching and learning.

Objective 1: Use data to inform and adjust technical, pedagogical, and financial support.


Timeline Funding

1. Provide an online tool through which teachers may use formative assessments to determine student understanding and can quickly adjust instruction to meet individual students needs.


Ongoing Local

2. Provide counselors with the tools needed to monitor students’ progress, interests and aptitudes in order to properly guide their decision-making.

Supervisor of Guidance

Ongoing Local

Objective 2: Provide support to help teachers disaggregate, interpret, and use data to plan, improve, and differentiate instruction.


Timeline Funding

1. Use Reports Online System (ROS) and other instructional data sources to disaggregate and interpret data to plan, improve and differentiate instruction.

Supervisor of Assessment Instructional Supervisors

Ongoing Local

2. Provide secure access to historical SOL pass rate information and category results data through a password-enabled division webpage.

Supervisor of Assessment

Ongoing Local


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Objective 3: Promote the use of technology to inform the design and implementation of next- generation standardized assessments.


Timeline Funding

1. Work with vendors to implement product improvements related to next generation standardized assessments.


Ongoing 2011-2012 (6-12 Technology Enhanced Items) 2012-2013 (3-5 Technology Enhanced Items)

Local

2. Ensure that equipment exists and remains functional to effectively utilize Reports Online System.


Ongoing Local

3. Promote the use of technology to inform the design and implementation of next- generation standardized assessments.


Ongoing 2011-2012 (6-12 Technology Enhanced Items) 2012-2013 (3-5 Technology Enhanced Items)

Local


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Appendix 2: Division AUP Taken from Regulation 8.530.1 from Augusta County Public Schools Administrative Manual

TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR USE OF AUGUSTA COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS NETWORK

The Augusta County Public Schools Network was established to support research and education for the faculty, employees, students, and administrative staff of Augusta County as part of its curricular program. The “Network” includes all computer hardware or equipment owned or used by the Augusta County Public Schools, all peripherals, databases, files, software and applications owned or used by the Augusta County Public Schools, and all access by any user to any of the above, including remote access. The following guidelines have been established to make each user aware of the responsibilities that are an essential part of the privilege of access to the Network. If a user violates any of these provisions, the user’s account may be terminated, future access may be denied, and/or disciplinary action may occur (which may involve termination or expulsion and monetary charges to correct any damaged components of the Network or its system(s)). The student’s, parent’s, and employee’s signatures on the Agreement and Application for an Augusta County Public Schools Network Internet Account signify that the Agreement and Application are legally binding and affirm the parties who have signed have read the terms and conditions carefully and agree to adhere to these terms. No person who uses the Network has any right or expectation of privacy with respect to his or her use thereof. All data, email and other items composed, transmitted, received or retrieved via the Network are considered part of the official records of Augusta County Public Schools and are subject to monitoring and review. The Network and all files on this system, including files created by any user, are the property of Augusta County Public Schools, and the contents are subject to review for any reason. Unacceptable use of the Network may result in suspension or termination of access rights, and may also subject the user to discipline, including suspension or expulsion of students or suspension or termination of employees, by the Augusta County School Board. In appropriate circumstances, the School Board may report user activity to the police and/or the Commonwealth’s attorney and a user may be subject to criminal prosecution. Augusta County Public Schools will filter Internet content in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines and policy governing appropriate content for minors. Augusta County Public Schools may monitor the online activity of particular individuals. Further, Augusta County Public Schools requires all students to participate in an Internet safety program at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. ACCEPTABLE USE: 1. All use of the Network account must be in furtherance of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives and curriculum of Augusta County Public Schools. 2. All account users are responsible for all activities under their accounts. Users should not share their account information with anyone. Users shall log off the Network if they will be leaving equipment unattended for any period of time.


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3. Any Augusta County Public Schools Network user’s traffic that traverses another network may be subject to that Network’s Acceptable Use Poliy (AUP). 4. All users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette as spelled out in the division’s Internet safety program. 5. Security and appropriate use is the responsibility of all users. Users must notify a faculty member or an administrator of any irregularities in or inappropriate uses by others of the Network or any component thereof. 6. The components of the Network System remain at all times the property of the Augusta County Public Schools and may not be modified, altered, compromised, abused, or destroyed in any way. UNACCEPTABLE USE: 1. Any attempted or actual use of the Augusta County Public Schools Network for any purpose other than transacting Augusta County Public Schools business, such as for commercial or personal gain or for any non-school purpose, including but not limited to social networking, dating, issue or candidate advocacy is prohibited. 2. Any attempted or actual use of the Augusta County Public Schools Network for illegal, inappropriate, profane, vulgar, or obscene purposes or in support of such activity is prohibited. Actions prohibited under this section include but are not limited to gambling; creating, accessing, viewing or transmitting pornography or sexually explicit materials; intentional or reckless vandalizing of computer systems; introduction of viruses; corruption of files and resources installing any hardware, device, software or application not approved in advance; hacking or in any way violating the privacy of others; jeopardizing the health and/or safety of students; creating or transmitting libel; plagiarizing the work of others; creating a disruption of school activities; or engaging in any activity that is contrary to the goals, objectives and mission of Augusta County Public Schools. 3. The unauthorized or attempted unauthorized or illegal copying or downloading of documents, software, or other materials is prohibited, including but not limited to copyrighted works such as music and videos. 4. Creating, sending, knowingly receiving, viewing, storing, printing, or downloading material or attempting to do any of the foregoing via the Network that might reasonably be determined unlawful or inappropriate, including but not limited to vulgar, profane, obscene or pornographic materials, is prohibited. The Network, as well as the Internet, may not be used to make or disseminate hate mail, threats, personal attacks, defamatory statements, harassment, or discriminatory remarks; to violate any person’s rights of privacy; or to engage in similar conduct. Harassment or discrimination is means conduct that is intended or has the effect of identifying or affecting another person in an unfavorable way on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, national origin, or disability. 5. No user may access or attempt to access the Network (or the Internet) through any account or password but the one assigned to the user. Attempts to log onto the system as any other user, or otherwise gain unauthorized access to network resources or entities, could result in restrictions or cancellation of user privileges or disciplinary action.


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6. Students are not permitted to visit or participate in non- educational chat rooms, blogs or social networking sites. This does not preclude teachers from assigning students to participate in state or division approved educational sites that use these technologies. 7. Students are not permitted to use or access email accounts not provided by Augusta County Public Schools and shall not send or post instant messages, chain letters or anonymous emails or emails purporting to be from anyone other than the user who created the message. 8. Students are not permitted to download programs, software, games, etc. 9. Students and faculty shall not share or publicly display electronic media portraying other students or faculty members engaged in school-related activities generally defined as not being open to the paying or nonpaying public. This does not preclude faculty from posting authorized electronic media to the division’s website. Electronic Mail Electronic mail (email) is provided to the staff only in support of the instructional program and its support services. Acceptable use of email is based on common sense, common decency and civility as applied to all communications within the electronic environment. In addition to the acceptable and unacceptable uses listed above, the following unacceptable uses of email are specifically delineated:

• Sending harassing, abusive, or offensive material to or about others • Intercepting, altering, or disrupting electronic mail systems and /or messages • Introducing messages to email systems with the intent to cause network congestion

Electronic communications are protected by the same laws and policies and are subject to the same limitations as other types of media. When using or storing messages on the network, the user should consider both the personal ramifications and the impact on the school system should the messages be disclosed or released to other parties. Extreme caution should be used when committing confidential information to the network as its confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Messages sent to the wrong address could be used inappropriately, and the receiver could save the information indefinitely. From time to time, the administrators of the email system may review email logs and/or messages as a part of the standard maintenance and security schedule. Employees should not consider email as private and should recognize that email may be subject to public disclosure. TERMS AND LIMITATIONS: Any student or employee of the Augusta County School system may apply for a network account. The agreement and application form for an account by Augusta County students is provided in the student handbook. All students and parents will sign this AUP upon entrance to Augusta County Schools, and again in grades 6, and 9. Staff members will sign this agreement as part of their contracts or letters of agreement as appropriate. All users are subject to the terms of this document and may have their accounts terminated by the user’s home school, the Augusta County Public School Administrative Board, or the Augusta County School Board. The Augusta County Public Schools network is not intended to replace any commercial Internet access. The Augusta County Public Schools network makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or


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implied, for the service it is providing. Augusta County Public Schools will not be responsible for any damages suffered by any person using or obtaining any information through the Network. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or user error or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the network is at the user’s own risk. This AUP is in compliance with state and national telecommunication rules and regulations.


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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR USE OF AUGUSTA COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS NETWORK

DIRECTIONS: After reading the Terms and Conditions for Augusta County Public Schools Network, please read and fill out the appropriate portions of the following contract completely and legibly. The signature of a parent or guardian is required. Please return the contract to your teacher. This is a legally binding document and will be part of the student’s Scholastic Record folder.

STUDENT INFORMATION (Please Print) LAST NAME: __________________________ FIRST NAME: ________________________ Expected year of graduation from the 12th grade: _________ ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CONSENT FORM As a student enrolled in an Augusta County Public School, I have received, read, understand and will abide by the Guidelines for Acceptable Telecommunications and Internet Use. I understand that any violation of the Augusta County Public School policies or the Guidelines may result in my access to the Network being suspended and/or terminated and that disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken. I also acknowledge that Network access is a privilege as opposed to a right or entitlement and may be terminated at any time. ________________________________________ _____________________________________ Student’s Printed Name Student’s Signature Date ________________ PARENT OR GUARDIAN: As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Terms and Conditions for the Augusta County Public Schools Network. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes and that the administrators of the Augusta County Public Schools Network have taken available precautions to eliminate controversial material and to educate my child about Internet safety. However, I also recognize it is impossible for the Augusta County Public Schools Network to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold them responsible for materials accessed by my child’s use of the network. I accept responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use is not in a school setting. I hereby give my permission to issue an account for my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct. ________________________________________ _____________________________________ Parent or Guardian Name (Please print) Parent or Guardian Signature Work telephone number ________________ Home telephone number ________________ Date ________________


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Appendix 3: Summary of Internet Safety Program for 2008-2010 Upon recommendation of the division’s technology committee, Augusta County Schools adopted the i-Safe program to address the need for Internet Safety education for our students. We believed then, and now, that the program provides a well-articulated series of lessons and activities that acknowledge the developmental differences between early and late elementary-aged students, as well as middle and high school aged students. Additionally, the i-Safe program provides resources to use with parents and community members. At the elementary level, Internet Safety education is addressed through a combination of classroom teachers, media specialists and computer lab aides. At the middle school level, library media specialists, as well as computer and classroom teachers address Internet Safety education. In the high schools, the i-Safe education program has been integrated into the 9th grade English curriculum and is implemented by classroom teachers and media specialists. Each school has been asked to define an Internet Safety coordinator for the school and tasked with the implementation of the i-Safe program in a manner that suits that school’s schedule. Internet Safety education is not limited to students in Augusta County. During the last several years, guest speakers, including Joe Showker of Rockingham County, have been invited to provide additional insight to administrators and staff on the importance of Internet Safety. Schools provide information to parents, grandparents and other concerned community members through school-sponsored outreach activities and school newsletters. The outreach events have brought together a variety of stakeholders to share the importance of Internet Safety. The stakeholders include but are not limited to parents, law enforcement and information technology experts. During the 2008-2009 review, several areas continued to be identified as growth opportunities. First, teachers responsible for the implementation of the elementary component of the i-Safe program, especially those in the early elementary grades, are implementing additional materials that are more engaging for young children. The introduction of the Faux Paws materials several years ago highlighted a need for materials that could capture the interest of our youngest students and elementary Internet Safety Coordinators and ITRTs are actively finding and using new resources. Second, Internet Safety Coordinators at all levels are supplementing the existing i-Safe materials with as many current examples as possible to keep pace with the changes in cyberbullying, social media, and other issues of digital citizenship. Internet Safety coordinators are tasked with the review of new Internet Safety education materials during the 2010-2011 school year. This review looks to define a division-specific curriculum by denoting important topics at each grade level and providing access to a variety of resources that address those topics.

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