RSU1 District Technology Plan
RSU1's District Technology Plan - DRAFT
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Community and Parental Involvement
Involve a broad representation of the school community in the planning process. Include a description of how the technology will be used effectively to promote community and parental involvement and increase communication with parents, including a description of how parents will be informed about the technology and its proper use.
Regional School Unit #1 recognizes that community involvement is vital to the development and support of technology use in education. As such, the technology plan will reflect the values and needs of the residents of Arrowsic, Bath, Phippsburg, West Bath and Woolwich.
Opportunities for community involvement in planning include the following:
- The District Technology Committee, which is composed of teachers, administrators, community members and parents, meets regularly during the year to review computer technology issues throughout RSU#1. This committee provides guidance to the planning of technology initiatives, technology related policies and guidelines, and associated professional development. The District Technology Committee will review and make changes to the District Technology Plan on an annual basis. This regular review and amendment process will help to develop a plan that reflects the changing values and needs of the community; that responds to the requirements and recommendations of the State Department of Education; and that meets the needs of students and faculty.
- Annually, the District Technology Committee will present for review the District Technology Plan, new technology initiatives, challenges to implementation, and other classroom technology related topics to the RSU #1 Board of Directors.
- Periodically, but at least twice each year, the Technology Director will present to the RSU1 Administrative team an update on the priorities and initiatives of the District Technology Committee.
- Additional efforts will continue to be made to engage the community and RSU#1 in dialogue around the subject of safe and effective computer technology use in education. These efforts have included meeting with the Parent Teacher Student Associations, articles in local newspapers and school newsletters, committee work, and participation in online discussions through forums and blogs.
Opportunities for increasing parental involvement and communication:
- Classroom and school newsletters will be published and updated regularly on school websites, as well as sent to parents and community members via email.
- Student work will be published on school websites.
- The student information system Infinite Campus (IC) will serve as a portal for parents to gather information about their child's educational experience in RSU#1
- School websites will be linked to relevant community, local and global websites offering resources of value to RSU1 families and community.
- Technology staff and building administrators will participate in Open House and parent nights, and will offer an evening MLTI program to introduce parents to technology resources, best practices, safe computing practices, and to answer parent questions.
- Curriculum support will be provided to families via teacher web sites, blogs, wikis and other Web 2.0 tools.
Description of how parents will be informed about technology and its proper use:
- The RSU1 Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), Student Computer and Internet Policy, and Permission to Publish on the Web form will be distributed to each student to be read at home with parents and returned to school with a signature.
- These forms will also be available in the Student Handbook and on each school's website.
- The MLTI parent nights and subsequent make-up sessions will provide parents the opportunity to learn about technology resources available in RSU1, and its proper use.
Action Steps:
- Continue District Technology Committee meetings, in person and through online forums.
- Meet with the Board of Directors concerning various technology updates.
- Meet with PTSA/SAGs organizations as needed.
- Work with local media to obtain coverage of exemplary educational efforts that demonstrate effective technology use.
- Continue to use the Infinite Campus parent portal to enhance communication with students and parents.
- Expand the use of social networking tools such as Twitter, Facebook, Moodle, blogs and other emerging social networking sites.
- Expand the use of SchoolMessenger; a broadcast voice, email, text, and social media distribution system to engage the RSU1 community.
Vision
Establish a vision statement linking the tools of technology with areas such as curriculum content, instructional practices, professional development strategies, and enhanced services. (If you have already established a school or district-wide vision statement you may use it rather than establishing a separate statement, so as long as it encompasses the requirements above.
Technology opens doors to the world for seamless access to learning, critical thinking, research, and communication to meet the emerging opportunities of the 21st century.
Goals
Articulate specific goals, aligned with the Maine Learning Results, and Common Core, for using advanced technology to improve student academic achievement.
Regional School Unit #1 will work to create a sophisticated learning environment, comprised of technically literate faculty and students. RSU1 will work to become a place where people are excited by what they can do with technology; where the learning experiences and functions are the source of conversation and energy, not the computers and associated devices themselves.
Technology in education has moved beyond the purchase of devices and their basic use, towards a richer discussion about the possibilities such resources provide. Technology is presenting more interesting and rewarding experiences. Such a learning environment, a community of people teaching and learning, in which the technology enhances and improves the effectiveness, the richness of education, would represent the successful integration of technology into curriculum, and into the fabric of everyday life. In addition, RSU1 schools strive to meet the Road map of the 21st Century Teacher. We are moving from enhancement to transformation.
In order to fully support all technical equipment and users, the current Technology staffing model must be improved. Currently, there are 5 full-time Technology employees to support the entire district, which is comprised of 8 schools and the central office. Technology needs are increasing and changing as the resources become more capable, and the use of the technology more sophisticated. So too, must the the staffing and suport models evolve to meet the needs of students and staff if technology is going to be used effectively throughout the district. Specifically, RSU1 needs to address the technology integration needs at the elementary grade levels, as well as those of the middle and high school grade levels. Technology purchases and the associated support should be designed to meet the needs of the curriculum and Common Core.
Technical support and technology integration refer to two very different needs. This has become clearer as the use of technology has expanded beyond basic communication, administrative tasks, research and presentation in the classroom.
If Technology Integration positions are created during the next funding year, these persons would work closely building administrators, the Director of Technology Support, and the Director of Curriculum and Staff Development. Regular duties would include: planning district wide staff development opportunites, implementing school based professional development plans, and working with staff on an as needed basis. These positions would not be a direct instruction position but rather a district level planning position.
This person will develop a set of technology curriculum goals for all grade levels, and provide guidance and support to teachers as they make a coordinated effort to integrate technology effectively. The Technology Integrator should be someone who is, or has been, a teacher, and who is a technology enthusiast.
Goal 1: Create an environment in which technology enhances the learning opportunities for and academic achievement of students (Teaching and Learning).
Action Steps:
- Hire two full time technology integrators to:
- Assist in aligning technology with the Maine Learning Results.
- Provide faculty and staff with examples of technology use that are effective.
- Identify opportunities to improve communication and delivery of lessons using advanced technologies.
- Provide carefully crafted staff development and student training in information literacy skills.
- Replace end-of-life infrastructure with appropriate network infrastructure to support current technology needs.
- Standardize on one laptop platform for all teachers and align software compatibility throughout the district
- Provide the supporting instructional equipment within each classroom that is necessary academic achievement
- Ensure that we have adequate CIS to provide the support needed for all staff and students
Goal 2: Expand and upgrade the network infrastructure and classroom equipment in order to meet the changing needs of teaching and learning (Network).
Action Steps:
- Ensure network reliability by providing adequate support staff and by replacing end-of-life network equipment
- Participate in MSLN 3 expansion
- Allocate funds to support implementation of MSLN 3, if needed
- Implement network assessment strategies (provided by CBE) over the next two years
- Replace all computers on a 4-year cycle
- Provide access to instructional equipment for each classroom (e.g digital projector, interactive whiteboard, video cameras, document cameras, etc.
Goal 3: Increase parent and community involvement by improving communication with families and the greater RSU1 community (Community).
Actions Steps:
- Expand electronic communication with parents and community members through the use of email, online forums and blogs.
- Implement Infinite Campus community portal for parent access to student records.
- Review and revise the school and district web pages.
- Provide family information literacy nights in conjunction with the MLTI laptop deployment
- Investigate the feasibility of establishing internet access for all RSU1 community members
- Partner with local adult literacy providers to support the employability of the community.
Identify Necessary Technology
Include a technology assessment. Gather information about technology currently in use so that what will be needed to meet new goals can be determined. (Include a list of the equipment and telecommunication services that are that are necessary to reach the goals).
Systems Overview:
Regional School Unit #1 continues to work to improve the underlying technical infrastructure. The revision of technology procedures, standardization of equipment and software, and careful acquisition of products and services are allowing RSU1 to improve the computing environment. With adequate funding, these steps will enable expansion of the capabilities of the classroom and computer environments, and create an atmosphere of technologically sophisticated teaching and learning.
Continual improvement of the Local Area Network (LAN) at each building occurs each year. Network equipment is replaced with new and more advanced equipment. New servers have allowed for greater storage capacity and increased security. All users authenticate to the network with specific rights. User groups have been created to allow the sharing of files and network resources among staff with similar authorities and privileges.
The LAN assists in the effort to move away from the mindset of the computer on their desk being, “my computer.” Instead, users store all mission critical data on the local file server. In this way, no matter which machine is being used, students and faculty will have access to their data. When computers need repair, this allows for the removal and replacement of the failed computer with a similar workstation. This system helps to reduce downtime and improves end-user satisfaction.
The Wide Area Network (WAN) between schools in RSU1 is insufficient. Schools located in Bath are connected through a WAN provided by the local cable company. Former School Union 47 schools are connected to the Bath WAN through permanent VPN connections. Speeds provided through the VPN connection are inadequate for the centralization of network services. It is the goal of RSU1 to provide a strong, reliable WAN in the coming years. Local funding has prohibited the installation of an all encompassing WAN.
A strong WAN will allow for centralized administration of the network, and distribution of network services and applications. Adding and editing user profiles, monitoring network traffic, and making changes in configuration can often be accomplished from the Computer Information Services office. The WAN needs to be improved through the widening of throughput between locations. The WAN remains a weakness. The local cable Internet service is not sufficiently stable or robust enough for fully centralized administration, or for centralized hosting of applications.
Computer Information Services Office:
The CIS office is located at Morse High School/Bath Regional Career and Technical Center.
Network Servers:
Each school in RSU1 has at least one local file server (Novell and Apple) to provide reliable data storage, print, name, web, DHCP, LDAP, authentication, and time services. These servers vary between location. Schools in Bath are outfitted with RAID level five to protect against downtime due to hardware failure, and are being backed up to a central backup server at BRVC on a nightly basis. Outlying schools are outfitted with one Apple X-Serve, and one IP Cop firewall. The X-Serve provides file services, print services, and web services. The IP Cop provides firewall and DHCP services.
Former SU47 schools back up local files to an external hard drive. Bath schools back up to a Windows 2003 Storage Server with a current capacity of 4.5 Terabytes for holding 15 business days worth of backups from all servers from schools located in Bath. Daily "disk" backups run Monday thru Friday starting at 10:00 PM. Weekly backups of Tuesday's and Friday's disk backups occur on Saturdays and placed on a LTO4 tape that can hold 800/1600GB (native/compressed) of data. Weekly backups are kept for 4-5 weeks before recycling occurs. Monthly backups occur on the last Saturday of each month and are held for 12 months before being recycled. Annual backups occur in June and July of each year and are held indefinitely.
RSU1 has partnered with Novell in their School Licensing Agreement (SLA). This annually renewable contract provides network licensing for all students, faculty, and administration. Participation in the SLA allows the use of the network operating system, receipt of all upgrades released during the term of the contract, and provides support resources to Computer Information Services (CIS).
Infrastructure:
CIS continues to review the cabling and connectivity equipment at each school location to determine where data throughput is being constricted. All hubs and 10 Mbps switches have been or are being replaced with 10/100Mbps switching equipment, with 1 Gbps between all data closets. Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches have been installed in all data closets at both middle schools (Bath Middle School and Woolwich Central School) and all data closets at Morse & BRCTC. PoE switches provide both data and power to low power devices like WAP's (Wireless Access Points). Standardization on the Hewlett Packard line of switches has been successful, offering improved capability, excellent technical support and lifetime warranty on most hardware. Standardization has allowed the use of network traffic reporting software to identify patterns in the stream of data. This information, along with information obtained through the use of a network analyzer, enables CIS to fine tune load balancing, aid in troubleshooting, and improve the efficiency of network traffic. CIS is also working on a mesh network at Morse/BRCTC and the Bath Middle School. A mesh network creates a LAN with better fault tolerance by creating redundant connections between data closets and increasing throughput.
During the summer/fall of 2009, 802.11n WAPs and PoE switches were installed at the Bath Middle School, Woolwich Central School, Morse High School and Bath Regional Career and Technical Center as part of an MLTI systems upgrade. Expansion of wireless networks at other RSU1 schools will occur during the 2009/10 school year.
Messaging:
GroupWise is a comprehensive email and personal scheduling/productivity tool that has been deployed for use by all teachers and administrators in RSU1. The software package is provided by Novell as part of the SLA. The GroupWise suite of products includes tools for sending and receiving email, a personal calendar, group scheduling, personal and shared contact databases, and collaborative solutions such as threaded discussions and shared file locations. An end-user may access GroupWise from any computer on the network, PC or Macintosh, or from any computer with an Internet connection.
An instant messaging server is in use. It allows staff to send instant messages and join/create chat rooms for group sessions. RSU1 users use a variety of instant messaging clients including GroupWise Messenger, Skype, iChat, etc.,. Internet Topics:
In order to receive funding from state and federal sources, it is required that RSU1 comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
Firewall/filter services are provided by IP Cop and SonicWall ISP grade appliances. Both provides firewall, Virtual Private Networking and filtering. The local firewalls protect the computer network from unauthorized users, and provide filtering by maintaining a database of sites on the Internet. Through the use of a review process, RSU1 has the ability to allow access to blocked Internet addresses if the content is deemed appropriate.
In order to maintain compliance with CIPA, RSU1 periodically reviews the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Parent and community involvement is encouraged through open communication through phone, e-mail, and revision meetings if necessary.
RSU1 has implemented internet informational session provided by SARL of the Mid-coast area. Two sessions were offered during the fall of 2008 to interested parents and community members. Continued sessions will be offered each school year.
Video Conferencing - Distance Learning:
RSU1 is a participant in the federal RUS grant. The RUS project provides opportunities for students, teachers and community members to participate in video conferencing sessions. These session include virutal class offerings from other schools, and meetings. This program is currently being installed in some RSU1 schools.
HelpDesk:
The HelpDesk procedure continues to evolve. RSU1 deployed an online helpdesk solution, Spiceworks. Spiceworks allows for an online HelpDesk and asset management system. The software has been installed on is currently being used by all RSu1 teachers and staff.
iTeams, teams of students to help with end user issues, are being deployed at Bath Middle School, Woolwich Central School, and Morse High School.
Bath Regional Career and Technical Center offers a computer program, Computer Technologies. Students in this program are introduced to hardware, software, operating systems, peripherals, and basic networking as they work toward industry certification as A+ Technicians. As part of the Computer Technologies program, students work on the district HelpDesk, responding to requests from teachers and administrators at MHS and BRCTC. Community issues are also resolved by Computer Technologies students when it is appropriate.
Inventory Tracking:
Part of the Spiceworks Helpdesk software is asset management. Spiceworks allows for a web-based asset management system for all CIS employees to view and update. This system tracks all network based equipment. A Microsoft Access database and Filemaker Pro databases track other equipment. This equipment is entered manually. Computer AntiVirus Protection:
Computer anti-virus efforts are consistent across the network. Sophos Anti Virus protects both workstations and servers from virus infection. Centralized administration of SAV allows for behind the scenes updates with minimal interruption to the end user.
Additionally, M+ Guardian filters e-mail from viruses, spam, and junk mail. M+ Guardian scans all incoming and outgoing email and identifies messages as SPAM if they meet certain criteria. M+ Guardian allows end users to manage their own White and Black lists, and is accessible from any computer with internet access.
Virus outbreaks have been minimalized with the current security software.
Classroom Technologies:
RSU1 provides classroom teachers with improved access to technology,including student laptops in both middle and high school,but the demand is outpacing availability. As teachers integrate technology into their curriculum more fully, RSU1 will need to purchase additional materials to support teachers and students. Specific technology resources should be identified as part of the process of curriculum design and adaptation, with funding made available as it is possible.
Morse High School Alumni have consistently aided in the purchase of classroom equipment (wireless networks, interactive whiteboards, LCD projectors).
Cellular Telephone Services:
Cellular phone services facilitate communication between teachers, administrators and parents. Often the cellular phones are used in emergency situations to notify parents of early dismissal and busing issues. Cellular phones are also used on field trips to maintain reliable communication between school administrators and the teachers and students on the trip. Cellular phones are used in schools during periods of electrical power outages as well.
Needs Assessment:
- The Wide Area Network continues to be a major need for RSU1. In addition to the WAN, RSU1 is in the process of having a comprehensive network evaluation performed. This evaluation will help RSU1 address needs regarding the WAN, network equipment replacement cycle, and the overall health of servers and network equipment.
- Standardization on one computing platform is desired. With MLTI, RSU1 has 1200 student and staff Apple MacBook laptops. One platform/laptop will allow for a common computing experience for all teachers and students. It will also create a common environment for computer trouble shooting.
- RSU1 is in the process of contracting all printing repair. A comprehensive printer support proposal has been received and is being considered for the next budget year.
- We need more classroom equipment to support the laptop initiative, such as LCDs in every room, interactive whiteboards, document cameras, etc.,.
- Expansion of 1:1 program to include sixth grade students.
Collaboration with Adult Literacy Providers
Describe how the program will be developed, where applicable, in collaboration with adult literacy service providers.
Regional School Unit #1's Adult Education program (http://www.bath.maineadulted.org) is a vital and active member of the community. The Adult Education program offers courses in four different areas, all of which integrate technology, to some degree:
- Business and skills training
- College transitions
- GED and high school completion
- Literacy and personal enrichment courses
Adult education courses that specifically target computer literacy include:
- Computers for Absolute Beginners
- Introduction to Microsoft Word
- Conquering Computers for Seniors.
- Web 2.0 tools and social networking applications
Literacy and Computer Literacy course offerings for the community include:
- The Adult Basic Education (A.B.E. 101.05 and 102.05 ) program at no charge to area residents. This course offering is designed to help people with basic reading, writing and math skills, and meets in small supportive groups.
As part of RSU#1's commitment to literacy, and in keeping with the stated goal of the Maine Association of Vocational Education Administrators to improve student literacy in Career and Technical Education, the Bath Regional Career and Technical Center is taking the following steps:
- Annual pre and post screening of all enrolled vocational students to assess basic reading, writing and math literacy.
- Allocation of resources for staff development and best practices discussions around literacy.
- Expansion of the Applied Academics program to one full time teaching position to better support student literacy achievement.
- Development and implementation of Applied Academics instructor has been in place for three years.
Additionally, RSU1 seeks to develop and implement an articulate plan to integrate training opportunities for acquiring reading and computer literacy skills. Over the course of the next three years, the RSU1 District Technology Committee will take continuous steps to coordinate the many community organizations who provide these valuable services by creating an RSU1 online repository/database. The organizations to be considered include: Tri-County Literacy Volunteers, Patten Free Library, Totman Library, local colleges and universities, Burgess Computer, Bath Skate Park, Maine Hosting and Fairpoint Communications.
Strategies for Improving Academic Achievement and Teacher Effectiveness
Describe how funds, specifically Ed Tech funds where applicable, will be used to improve academic achievement, including the technology literacy of all students attending schools served by the SAULEA; and describe how funds expended will improve the capacity of all teachers in schools served by the SAULEA to integrate technology effectively into curriculum and instruction.
RSU1 uses a combination of local and educational technology funds to provide instruction to improve the technical capabilities of faculty and staff. Professional development opportunities are available during in-service days, Late Start Wednesdays, summer technology seminars, and at various times throughout the school year. Faculty and staff are also encouraged to attend various technology conferences.
The integration of technology into curriculum has been encouraged and the faculty have responded with sincere effort and willingness. While not specifically required by professional development, certification, or evaluations, the skills of faculty have improved markedly as technology systems and resources have improved. Moving forward, a set of computer literacy skills for faculty and staff will be developed, with a time line for attainment recommended.
RSU1 has identified the need for at least two district wide technology integration specialist. This position will be funded with local and ed tech funds.
Action Steps:
- Perform an annual survey of staff to determine areas of need for computer literacy training.
- A technology goal will be included in each teacher's annual set of goals.
- Perform an annual survey of students to determine areas of need for computer literacy training.
- Define computer literacy skills recommended for faculty and staff.
- Offer regular (weekly, monthly, etc.,.) technology learning opportunities centrally or locally at each school.
- Create a process for teachers to demonstrate growth in computer skills through the annual review process.
Integration of Technology with Curricula, Instruction and Assessment
Describe how technology (including software and electronically delivered learning materials) will be integrated into curricula, instruction, and assessment and include a time line for this integration.
The effective integration of technology to enhance the educational experience of students is a priority. Work on this is ongoing, and will continue to be so, as more resources become available, and the faculty becomes more technical literate.
Teachers throughout RSU1 work with technology on a daily basis. Teachers have developed new methods of instruction, communication, and assessment. Teachers using Web 2.0 tools offer a vibrant, dynamic learning environment for students. These efforts have been facilitated at the middle and high school levels by MLTI and one to one computing for grades 7-12 and through the acquisition of laptop carts, LCD projectors, and other content specific technologies.
However, at the elementary level, there has not been a coordinated, systemic effort to support teachers in using technology for their core curriculum delivery. Technology integration varies greatly by building, depending on available hardware, staffing and professional development opportunities. It is the hope of the technology committee that integration position(s) will be funded within the time line of this three year plan.
Listed below are samples of current integration efforts.
Current Efforts:
- The Morse High School Science Department and BRCTC staff and students continue to collaborate on interdepartmental projects involving AutoCAD. Chemistry classes have been designing three dimensional compounds in Auto-CAD, Physic classes have been drafting trebuchets in Auto-CAD and then constructing them. Physical sciences are mapping electrical circuits through Auto-CAD. Autodesk, the producers of Auto-CAD recognized Morse/BRVC for their tremendous efforts with Auto-CAD. They were interested to see how Auto-CAD was integrated into non-vocational academic classes.
- Bath Middle School teachers are in the process of becoming paperless. Noteshare and Studywiz are used by teachers on a daily basis to integrate the MLTI laptops and associated programs into the curriculum.
- RSU1 has offered MLTI staff development opportunities at the middle school level. These sessions showcased various programs contained on the MLTI software image.
- Lexia is used at the elementary and middle school levels. Teacher use continues to progress each year. Infrastructure issues have made the use of this program difficult. These issues are being addressed.
- 18 PLATO online learning software licenses have been purchased and used at Morse High School and Bath Middle School. Online learning has opened up doors for students that would otherwise be unavailable.
- Accelerated Reader continues to be used at at the elementary and middle grade levels. It is an interactive reading assessment program.
- Rubicon Atlas curriculum mapping software is being implemented district wide. Bath Schools piloted this program during the 07/08 school year. Additional licenses are being are being purchased to allow for the introduction of online mapping software to all teachers and staff.
- Various Scholastic programs (READ 180, System 44, and Read About) have been implemented at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
- NWEA Measures of Academic Progress assessments were given to all students in grades 5-9 three times a year in the 2009-2010 school year.
- Web 2.0 tools, such as blogs, wikis, and podcasts are used by a number of elementary, middle, and high school teachers across the district to engage learners
All RSU1 teachers use a computer, the Internet, and learning software on a daily basis. Many teachers are currently in the augmentation stage of the “Technological Levels of Use” where classroom technology is used as a direct tool with some functional improvement in instruction. It is the hope of the Technology Committee that teachers will continue to transform their instructional methods with the aid of current technology.
Action Steps:
- The Director of Curriculum and the Design Team will continue to include a review of technology integration in future planning for curriculum, instruction and assessment.
- Continue to attempt to fund a Technology Integrator district wide.
- Provide ongoing staff development opportunities to model effective technology integration.
- Assess current curriculum to determine where technology can enhance or improve academic achievement.
- Insert technology into common assignments found within curriculum frameworks.
- Expand 1-to-1 laptops to grade 6.
Technology Type, Cost, and Coordination with Funding Source
Develop a step-by-step action plan, with time line, that includes goals, activities, required hardware and software, costs, and funding sources. Describe the type and costs of technology to be acquired and how it fits within the current structure (use the list developed in the technology assessment in # 4, above.). Designate sources of funding, specifically Ed Tech funds, E-Rate funds, and coordination with funds from other Federal programs, and state and local sources , that support technology acquisition and integration. (The example below is available as an( Excel document for an optional template).
Please see comprehensive worksheet with technology type, cost, and funding source.
Worksheet will identify/justify operational costs based on district technology plan.
Funding sources needed to support the plan:
- Ed tech funds
- E-Rate
- Title 2d
- Title 1
- Local Funding
- Federal grants
Supporting Resources
Describe the supporting resources such as services, software, other electronically delivered learning materials, and print resources that will be acquired to ensure successful and effective uses of technology.
RSU1 will require these and other supporting resources (services, software, print resources, and other electronically delivered learning materials) in order to successfully implement the District Technology Plan. The supporting resources are likely to change as the District Technology Plan is continually revised.
Action Steps:
- Participation in the Novell School Licensing Agreement.
- Printing support contract
- SOPHOS Anti-Virus subscription.
- SonicWall support and filtering subscription.
- Infinite Campus participation
- CompuGuard annual support agreement.
- M+Guardian Spam/AntiVirus support agreement.
- COMCAST contract for WAN in Bath.
- US Cellular phone service
- Continued participation in Maine School and Library Network (MSLN)
- Read 180
- Plato
- System 44
- NWEA
- LCD Projectors
- Align library catalog systems across the district
- Train staff in Tandberg video conferencing equipment use
- Expand use of interactive whiteboards
Steps to Increase Accessibility
Describe the steps being taken to ensure that all students and teachers have increased access to technology. The description must include how Ed Tech funds, if applicable, will be used to help students in high-poverty and high-needs schools, or in schools identified for improvement or corrective action under Section 1116 of Title I; and how the steps taken will ensure that teachers are prepared to integrate technology effectively into curricula and instruction.
Regional School Unit #1 is constantly working to improve access to computers and technology resources throughout the district. New computer acquisition, redeployment of older computers, network infrastructure upgrades, and participation in the Maine Learning Technology Initiative are allowing for better access to technology in all RSU1 classrooms.
All primary student and staff computers within RSU1 are 4 years or younger. Once a computer reaches age 4, it is evaluated for future use as a terminal to supplement access to computers in classrooms and common areas.
The RSU1 has been actively refining it's digital learning environments through improved websites, blogging, StudyWiz, Moodle, NWEA, online AP course offerings, and video conferencing through TANDBERG.
Morse High School, Bath Middle School, Woolwich Central School, and Bath Regional Career and Technical Center participate in the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). Participation in this initiative has allowed RSU1 to realize 1 to 1 computer for grades 7 to 12. It is the desire of the district to outfit each classroom teachers with a similar Apple laptop.
Action Steps:
- Continue to upgrade the network infrastructure at all schools.
- Continue to upgrade wireless networks at Fisher-Mitchell Elementary School, Dike Newell Elementary School, West Bath School, and Phippsburg Elementary School.
- Continue to replace all teacher computers at the end of the 4 year life cycle. Replace network equipment on a 6 to 8 year life cycle and or as needed.
- Redeploy end of life computers as workstations where deemed necessary.
- Continue to participate in the MLTI program.
- Standardize on one laptop platform (Apple laptop). Equip each teacher with a similar device.
- Continue to train and encourage online accessibility for teachers and students.
Promotion of Various Curricula and Teaching Strategies that Integrate Technology
Describe how various curricula and teaching strategies that integrate technology effectively into the general curriculum and instruction will be identified and promoted based on a review of relevant research, and promoted to leading to improvements in student academic achievement.
RSU1 will select technologies and strategies appropriate to promote effective technology as part of a continuing improvement process. Staff and faculty will be informed of effective and innovative examples of technology use, and will be encouraged to adopt such examples, or develop their own methods, in accordance with emerging educational research.
Action Steps:
- Creation of a technology design team.
- Maintain current knowledge on best practices in instructional technology through school visits, workshops, conferences, reading, online research, etc.
- Data review of student achievement to identify content areas in need of improvement
- Engagement survey for students in terms of connectivity and interest in content – this would include questions about frequency and in-depth use of technology to gather baseline information (pre & post assessments)
- Each teacher will be required to have an annual, measurable technology goal
- At the high school level, departmental and inter-departmental planning time should have an element of technology discussed, with an outcome of common integrated technology in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
- Section in the library/teacher’s room/common area for technology resources for education
- RSU #1 website to promote current technology events in classrooms: a link to a web site posted, a multimedia project, an imovie, student work, etc - Celebrating what’s happening in classrooms-technology spotlight of the week
- Create an online space for sharing of technology integration ideas (wiki, blog, website).
- Create a Model Classroom program to showcase effective technology use in education by providing resources, training and planning time to teachers who volunteer to participate.
- Continue to research best practices among educators for the effective integration of technology into curriculum.
- Continue to schedule technology workshops during in service days.
- Implement "Web Wednesday" professional development strategy at each school.
- Work with building administrators to encourage the use or classroom technology on a regular basis.
Professional Development
Describe how ongoing, sustained professional development for teachers, principals, administrators, and school library media personnel will be provided to further the effective use of technology in the classroom and or library media center.
The effective use of technology in education requires a strong commitment to professional development. Investment in training creates faculty that are confident in their technical abilities and motivated to continually improve upon the work that they perform. It is never enough to simply purchase equipment; RSU1 must balance the acquisition of computers with training, complementary classroom resources, and technical support.
Computer related professional development for faculty falls into two categories: the development of technical skills with particular hardware and software, and the integration of technology into lesson plans in order to enhance learning.
Professional development opportunities include the following:
- Annual survey of staff technology skills and interests to ascertain professional development needs and priorities
- Regularly scheduled, locally developed and delivered professional development sessions, including:
- MacBook 101 Seminars
- Mac and Windows applications training
- Web 2.0 tools training
- Classroom website development training
- Late Start Wednesdays (LSW) dedicated to technology training once a month
In order to implement a local professional development program, two Technology Integration Specialists will be hired to serve as district coordinator.
Additionally, funds will be provided for off site professional development. Staff will be encouraged to attend technology conferences (both online and in person), to visit technology-curriculum innovative classrooms throughout our district and Maine, and to enroll in local university technology-curriculum courses and on-line university sponsored courses.
Innovative Delivery Strategies
Describe how the development and use of innovative strategies for the delivery of specialized or rigorous courses and curricula through the use of technology, including distance-learning technologies, will be encouraged, particularly in areas that would not otherwise have access to such courses or curricula due to geographical distances or insufficient resources.
It is a goal of RSU1 to offer high speed internet access to all cities/towns within the school region.
Teachers are continually adopting new content delivery methods to connect with students.
RSU1 is always exploring non-traditional delivery strategies through:
- The development and use of innovative strategies for the delivery of specialized or rigorous courses and curricula through the use of technology, including distance-learning technologies, will be encouraged by:
- Support of teachers willing to share their use of innovative strategies within the school, district and state level
- Support of teachers willing to develop innovative strategies
- Providing assistance in grant writing for opportunities involving the development and use of innovative strategies for and with students
- Providing opportunities/support for teachers to collaborate with other teachers, non-teaching technology users/Bowdoin College students/staff in developing innovative teaching/delivery strategies
- Support of teachers/Bowdoin College education staff/students in setting up research and/or duplicating research opportunities to ensure that innovative technology-curriculum strategies are best practices
- Providing research materials from mulitiple sources such as education and research journals, on-line research for teaching staff to review and discuss to provide support for innovative strategies
- Encourage teacher, library media specialist, technology ed tech/coordinator collaboration to support best practices in innovative strategies
- Collaboration with the public libraries in RSU1 communities to provide access and programming
- Use the Tanberg Distance Learning Labs to access learning opportunities outside the district.
- Explore the connections that can be made with the local cable company by students/staff/community in both cable company expertise and financial assistance.
Accountability Measures
Describe the process and accountability measures which will be used to evaluate the extent to which the plan activities are effective in integrating technology into curriculum and instruction, increasing the ability of teachers to teach, and enabling students to reach Maine’s Learning Results.
The effectiveness of the District Technology Plan and the attainment of the goals will be evaluated on an annual basis using a combination of methods.
Action Steps:
- Quarterly joint meetings of the District Technology Committee to discuss technology integration, curriculum alignment and technology needs.
- Survey first year students during their time at Morse High School using the MLTI laptops to determine growth in computer/information literacy.
- Exit survey of seniors to determine the overall effectiveness of technology resources to meet the needs of students over the course of their high school careers.
- Pre and post school year survey of faculty concerning technical literacy.
- Pre and post school year survey of all students concering technical literacy.
- Computer Information Services personnel will review technical competencies and challenges encountered during the year.
- Inventory and licensing audit of technology resources.
- Annual revision of the District Technology Plan.