STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY PLAN

Transcription

1 STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY PLAN Approved: February 1, 2016

2 Table of Contents Introduction Vision and Mission Statement The DESE Local Technology Plan Guidelines Strategic Planning and Budgeting Goals Technology and Networking Infrastructure Goals Professional Development and Curriculum Integration Goals Hardware, Software Service and Support Goals Facilities and Bring Your Own Device Goals Budget - FY2016 Technology Bond Requests

3 Introduction To better prepare our students for college and career, the purpose of the strategic technology plan for the Westfield Public Schools (WPS) is to provide a vision and roadmap for the use and integration of technology in our schools to enhance teaching and learning, and assist the school district in achieving other strategic goals. This plan is an active document that will be evaluated constantly and adjusted as technology, budget, student needs and the strategic goals of the school districts shift from year to year. While the plan is a three-year plan, it will be assessed on an annual basis and modified as needed. Westfield is a city that is committed to its children, and values and respects its educational system. We currently have one early education center, seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, and one technological high school. Student enrollment in grades Pre K to 12 is over 5,800. The Westfield Public School vision for learning with technology is based upon and aligned with the vision, theory of action, and strategic objectives of Westfield Public Schools. Vision Westfield Public Schools will collaborate with families to provide a rigorous 21 st century program that promotes continuous academic, emotional and social growth and enables students to achieve personal success in order to become self-sufficient global citizens. Theory of Action If we design and implement a rigorous 21 st century instructional program aligned with staff development for all staff, then our students will achieve a high level of success as evidenced by multiple measures. Strategic Objectives 1. Develop district instructional practices that promote both student engagement and content delivery to meet the needs of all learners. 2. Increase offerings in Professional Development (PD) programs with an additional focus on differentiating content to meet the learning needs of all students. 3. Impact Positive School Climates for optimal learning and positive staff morale. 4. Develop systematic practices that both identify student learning needs and align appropriate interventions. 5. Cultivate the 2-way partnership with families. Inform and collaborate to enhance student success.

4 For the purposes of creating the strategic technology plan, a Westfield Public Schools technology advisory committee was formed. The representatives from the Westfield Public Schools Technology Committee are: Dr. Suzanne Scallion, Superintendent Marc Vocca, Data and Assessment Specialist Mary Claire Manning, Principal Highland School Kathleen M. O Donnell, Principal Southampton Road School Ramon Diaz, Vice-Chairman of the School Committee Ronald Rix, Director of Technology and Business Services Vision for Technology in the Westfield Public Schools The vision for the Westfield Public Schools Technology Plan is to create a technology rich teaching and learning environment that encourages collaboration, communication, innovation, and achieves academic and professional proficiency for all students and teachers respectively. We believe students and teachers should be able to use technology to: Enhance teaching and learning to meet the learning needs and styles of all students Engage in learning anytime, anyplace, by connecting the classrooms with world-wide resources Procure, research, organize, and share information Think critically and solve problems Innovate and create new ideas Expression that is effective and creative Collaborate with other students and teachers anywhere in the world Mission Statement Westfield Public Schools are committed to the belief that all students will be successful learners and will be prepared to function as citizens, workers and consumers in a technological society. We believe technology will enhance the quality and scope of teaching and learning all stakeholders will receive equitable access to technology technology will be integrated across curricula to maximize effective and meaningful instruction through the expanded use of digital media, assistive technologies and universally designed instruction, diverse learners will have access to the curriculum, including those with learning, communication, and physical challenges administrators, staff, and students will be provided with the appropriate tools, instruction and methodology to fully integrate technology in the education process

5 technology resources will be evaluated, assessed, and upgraded continually to ensure maximum opportunity for all learners to be competitive in a technological world through technology all learners will have the opportunity to reach their full potential and lead productive lives as contributors to society Through this strategic plan, the district intends to build a technology environment that is equitable, collaborative, and accessible everywhere. WPS will aligning its infrastructure, data systems, hardware, software, training and curriculum with the sole purpose of increasing student achievement and closing learning gaps across the district. Technology is not the only tool, but it is a critical tool that needs to be used proficiently in order for students to graduate from Westfield Public Schools with the skills to succeed in college and in an increasingly competitive global workforce. In order to align our technology with that of other districts in the commonwealth, WPS has adopted the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education local technology plan guidelines as the benchmark to create a roadmap to achieve our vision of technology use in the district. In addition to the guidelines as the benchmark for the creation of the strategic goals, they are also organized by the five components of our technology environment which include: Budgeting Technology and Network Infrastructure Professional Development and Curriculum Integration Hardware, Software Services, and System Support Facilities and Bring Your Own Device In order to achieve our vision for technology in the schools, we need to carefully consider the interrelationship of each component listed above. We must strategically plan for each piece as all parts of the environment rely on each other for overall success. For example, without a strong network infrastructure, use and deployment of district hardware and software will not be successful. Without equitable access to up to date hardware, technology integration and student use becomes difficult. Without ongoing professional development, technology integration into the curriculum doesn t exist. The DESE Local Technology Plan Guidelines The Massachusetts Local Technology Guidelines are designed to assist districts in developing a purposeful long-range technology plan. Below is a matrix as to where the Westfield Public Schools fall under each benchmark and if there is a strategic goal in this plan that will meet that benchmark.

6 Benchmark 1: Commitment to a Clear Vision and Implementation Strategies Benchmark Is Westfield currently meeting the benchmark? Is there a strategic goal needed to meet the benchmark by 2018? 1.A. The district's technology plan contains a clearly stated and reasonable set of goals and implementation strategies that align with the district wide school improvement plan. The district is committed to achieving its vision by the end of the school year B. The district has a technology team with representatives from a variety of stakeholder groups, including school committee members, administrators, and teachers. The technology team has the full support of the school Superintendent to implement the plan. See attached Budgeting Goal 1 1.C.1 The district assesses the technology products and services that will be needed to improve teaching and learning. Budgeting Goal 1 1.C.2 The technology plan includes an assessment of the services and products that are currently being used and that the district plans to acquire. Budgeting Goal 1 1.D.1 The district recognizes that technology plays a critical role in achieving its goals. The district has a budget that will ensure the implementation of its long range technology plan. Budgeting Goal 2 1.D.2 The budget includes staffing, infrastructure, hardware, software applications, professional development, support, and contracted services. Budgeting Goal 2 1.D.3 The district seeks funding for technology programs from federal, state, and private resources, as well as from academic departments that are supported by technology. The district explores ways that technology can reduce costs and create efficiencies in other areas of the district budget. Budgeting Goal 2 1.D.4 For districts that plan to apply for E rate reimbursement, the technology plan specifies how the district will pay for the non discounted portion of their costs for the services procured through E rate.

7 1.E.1 The district routinely consults with technology staff before purchasing technologies items, to ensure that the items are appropriate, cost effective, and sustainable. 1.E.2 The district's technology plan includes an evaluation process that enables it to monitor its progress in achieving its goals and to make mid course corrections in response to new developments and opportunities as they arise. Budgeting Goal 2 Budgeting Goal 2 Benchmark 2: Technology Integration and Literacy Benchmark 2.A.1 Outside Teaching Time At least 90% of teachers use technology every day, including some of the following areas: research, lesson planning, organization, administrative tasks, communications, and collaboration. Teachers explore evolving technologies and share information about technology uses with their colleagues. 2.A.2 For Teaching and Learning At least 90% of teachers use technology appropriately with students every day to improve student learning of the curriculum. Activities include some of the following: research, multimedia, simulations, data analysis, communications, and collaboration. Teachers integrate evolving technologies that enhance student interest, inquiry, analysis, collaboration, and creativity. 2.B.1 At least 90% of eighth grade students show proficiency in all the Massachusetts Technology Literacy Standards and Expectations for grade eight. 2.C.1 The district has a district level technology d i r e c t o r /coordinator. 2.C.2 The district provides one FTE instructional technology specialist per instructional staff to coach and model. Is Westfield currently meeting the benchmark? Is there a strategic goal needed to meet this benchmark by 2018? and Curriculum Integration Goal 2 and Curriculum Integration Goal 2 Budgeting Goal 3

8 2.C.3 The district has staff specifically dedicated to data management and assessment. and Curriculum Integration Goal 2 Benchmark 3: Technology Professional Development Benchmark Is Westfield currently meeting the benchmark? Is there a strategic goal needed to meet this benchmark by 2018? 3.A. At the end of five years, at least 90% of district staff will have participated in high quality, ongoing professional development that includes emerging technology issues, technology skills, universal design, and research based models of technology integration. and Curriculum Integration Goal 1 3.B. Technology professional development is sustained and ongoing and includes coaching, modeling best practices, district based mentoring, study groups, and online professional development. and Curriculum Integration Goal 1 3.C. Professional development planning includes an assessment of district and teachers' needs. The assessment is based on the competencies listed in the Massachusetts Technology Self Assessment Tool. and Curriculum Integration Goal 1 3.D. Administrators and teachers consider their own needs for technology professional development. and Curriculum Integration Goal 1 Benchmark 4: Accessibility of Technology Benchmark Is Westfield currently meeting the benchmark? Is there a strategic goal needed to meet this benchmark by 2018? 4.A.1 By , the district has an average ratio of one high capacity, Internet connected computer for each student. (The Department will work with stakeholders on a regular basis to review and define high capacity computers.) See Hardware, Software, Services and Support Goal 1

9 4.A.2 The district provides students with emerging technologies appropriate to their grade level. 4.A.3 The district maximizes access to the general education curriculum for all students, including students with disabilities, using universal design principles and assistive technology devices. 4.A.4 The district has procurement policies for information and instructional technologies that ensure usability, equivalent access, interoperability and SIF compliance. See Facilities and BYOD Goal 1 See Facilities and BYOD Goal 1 4.A.5 The district provides technology rich classrooms, with access to devices such as digital projectors, electronic whiteboards, and student response systems. See Hardware, Software, Services and Support Goal 1 4.A.6 The district has established a computer replacement cycle of five years or less. 4.B.1 The district provides connectivity to the Internet for all computers in all classrooms in all schools, including wireless connectivity. See Technology and Network Infrastructure Goal 1 4.B.2 The district provides an external Internet connection to the Internet Service Provider (ISP) of 100 Mbps per 1,000 students/staff. Currently mps See Technology and Network Infrastructure Goal 1 4.B.3 The district provides bandwidth of at least 10/100/1 Gb to each classroom. At peak, the bandwidth at each computer is at least 100 kbps. The network card for each computer is at least 10/100/1 Gb. Currently 200 mps 4.C.1 The district provides internal wide area network (WAN) connections from the district to each school between schools of at least 1 Gbps per 1,000 students/staff. 4.C.2 The district provides access to servers for secure file sharing, backups, scheduling, , and web publishing, either internally or through contracted services. 4.D.1 The district provides access to its computer labs before and after school to ensure that students and staff have adequate access to the Internet outside of the school day. During before and after school targeted programs 4.D.2 The district disseminates a list of up to date list of places where students and staff can access the Internet after school hours.

10 4.E.1 The district provides staff or contracted services to ensure that its network is functioning at all times. 4.E.2 The district provides resolved technical problems within 24 hours, so that they do not cause major disruptions to curriculum delivery. The district provides clear information about how to access technical support, which can be provided in person or remotely. 4.E.3 The district provides at least one FTE person to support 400 computers. Technical support can be provided by dedicated staff or contracted services. Benchmark 5: Virtual Learning and Communications Benchmark 5.A. The district encourages the development and use of innovative strategies for delivering high quality courses through the use of technology. 5.B. The district deploys IP based connections for access to web based and/or interactive video learning on the local, state, regional, national, and international level. 5.C. Classroom applications of virtual learning include courses, collaborative projects, field trips, and discussions. 5.D. The district maintains an up to date website that includes information for parents and community members. Is Westfield currently meeting the benchmark? Is there a strategic goal needed to meet this benchmark by 2018? and Curriculum Integration Goal 2 and Curriculum Integration Goal 2 and Curriculum Integration Goal 2 Benchmark 6: Safety, Security and Data Retention Benchmark 6.A. The district has a CIPA compliant Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) regarding Internet and network use. The policy is updated as needed to help ensure safe Is Westfield currently meeting the benchmark? Is there a strategic goal needed to meet this benchmark by 2018?

11 and ethical use of resources by teachers and students. 6.B. The district educates teachers and students about appropriate online behavior. Topics include cyberbullying, potential risks related to social networking sites and chat rooms, and strategies for dealing with these issues. 6.C. The district has a plan to protect the security and confidentiality of personal information of its students and staff. 6.D. The district complies with federal and state law, and local policies for archiving electronic communications produced by its staff and students. The district informs staff and students that any information distributed over the district or school network may be a public record.

12 Stages for Success Stage I ( ) All classrooms have interactive boards or projectors All buildings have wireless upgrades to increase the density of coverage All teachers have a portable technology device All classrooms have a minimum ratio of 1 device per 5 students All staff attend ongoing technology professional development All buildings have Instructional Technology Coaches Implement academic software aligned with content area or grade level Stage II ( ) Introduction of 1:1 devices and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) to a targeted audience All staff attend ongoing targeted technology professional development Continue the implementation academic software aligned with content area or grade level Stage II ( ) Enlarge audience for 1:1 devices and BYOD Continue targeted technology professional development for all staff Continue the implementation of academic software Aligned with content area or grade level

13 A. Budgeting Goals: Budgeting is the first essential key for the district to be successful in reaching its vision of technology usage and integration. The strategic plan provides the roadmap that the district needs to follow in order to reach its goals and increase student achievement. The plan cannot come from one department or a small group of people, but must be developed as a shared vision for educational technology among all stakeholders, including teachers and support staff, school and district administrators, teacher educators, students, parents, city leaders and the overall community. The plan is aligned with the vision, theory of action, and strategic objectives of the school district and consistent, ongoing funding must be provided to support the personnel, technology infrastructure, hardware, software, systems and support. Goal 1: Expand the technology advisory committee with representatives from a variety of stakeholder groups for the purpose of overseeing the implementation of the plan, monitoring its progress in achieving its goals and to make adjustments in response to new developments and opportunities as they arise. A.1.1 Recruitment of Technology advisory members committee A.1.2. Create rubric to assess and monitor implementation A.1.3. Make yearly reports on progress and effectiveness of implementation Technology advisory committee annually Technology advisory committee A.1.4. Create next steps annually Technology advisory committee Goal 2: The district has a budget that will ensure the implementation of its long-range technology plan including, staffing, infrastructure, hardware, software applications, professional development, support and contracted services. A.2.1. Prepare a report of all budget sources and technology expenditures. annually Instructional Technology Director, Superintendent A.2.2. Review of current hardware, software, systems and services to better align with long range strategic goals. A.2.3. Develop general technology budget to be annually annually Instructional Technology Director Instructional Technology Director Bond, School Dept.

14 integrated with school department budget that includes hardware, software, systems, and services A.2.4. Research and apply for additional technology funding through educational grants and community partnerships. annually Instructional Technology Director, Superintendent, Grants Coordinator Goal 3: By at least the school year, the district will hire a FT Instructional Technology Director and FT Instructional Technology Coaches to support elementary, middle and high school teachers and students. The Instructional Technology Director will oversee district instructional technology and the coaches. The coaches will be responsible for directly assisting staff in integrating technology into their classroom instruction, providing relevant technology professional development to staff and modeling the use of technology in the classroom. A.3.1. Development job descriptions based on district needs Office of Curriculum and Instruction, Superintendent A.3.2. Hire FT Instructional Technology Director and FT Instructional Technology Coaches of highest caliber. A.3.3. Coaches will receive ongoing PD to maintain excellence in our technology plan implementation ASAP ongoing Office of Curriculum and Instruction, Superintendent Office of Curriculum and Instruction School Department LEA & Grant PD B. Technology and Network Infrastructure Goals: The network infrastructure is the foundation by which all technology access is supported. Westfield Public Schools is part of the City of Westfield s Wide Area Network (WAN) and is supported through the city s Technology Center. As new technology is purchased for use in the classroom it is important to give careful consideration to speed, power, and internal memory for all devices.

15 Goal 1: Through 2018 our infrastructure and capabilities will be expanded and upgraded to add additional devices within all school buildings. B.1.1. Upgrade wireless City Tech Center Tech Center from 2mg to 500mg B.1.2. Update old City Tech Center Bond infrastructure switches to increase speed of network B.1.3. Adjust network infrastructure and capabilities as more devices are added to the network. ongoing City Tech Center Bond C. Professional Development and Curriculum Integration Goals: It is the goal of Westfield Public Schools to ensure that technology is fully integrated in the curriculum. Through targeted and continuous professional development, our teachers will have the knowledge and skills to design high-tech engaging lessons across all content areas. We aim to provide our students with the opportunity to learn in next generation classrooms to ensure college and career readiness. Goal 1: At the end of 3 years, at least 90% of district staff will have attended ongoing and sustained professional development that includes emerging technology issues, technology skills, coaching, modeling, and collaboration among educators. C.1.1. Conduct a needs Office of Curriculum Professional assessment of staff and Instruction Development technology skills and knowledge. C.1.2. Offer basic technology PD for staff C.1.3. Provide differentiated, targeted PD based on data Office of Curriculum and Instruction Office of Curriculum and Instruction C.1.4. Continue ongoing PD Office of Curriculum and Instruction Professional Development Professional Development Professional Development Goal 2: To improve teacher competencies in the integration of instructional software and appropriate web-based resources into all content areas. C.2.1. Utilize Technology Office of Curriculum School Dept. Coaches to assist and Instruction, technology integration Instructional into the classroom Technology Director

16 C.2.2.Utilize Technology Coaches to research and assess appropriate webbased resources for district, home and classroom use. C.2.3. Establish a data team to ensure the integrity of data and accuracy of data reporting and analysis Office of Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Technology Director Office of Assessment & Accountability, Office of Curriculum & Instruction School Dept. School Department D. Hardware, Software, Services and System Support Goals: Going forward, Westfield Public Schools will continually upgrade hardware and software. Replacements and upgrades will be performed continually to ensure the Westfield Public Schools are competitive with other districts in the commonwealth. Goal 1: By the end of school year, 100% of elementary, middle school, and high school classrooms will be next-generation interactive classrooms that include: Interactive whiteboard or projector Document camera Access to internet through connected and mobile devices for student use Other technology as determined by technology committee D.1.1. Establish and District Bond maintain classrooms with interactive boards or projectors. D.1.2. Establish and maintain classrooms with document cameras D.1.3. Provide access to the internet for 1:1 devices and introduce BYOD to a targeted audience D.1.4. Expand the users of 1:1 devices and BYOD District Bond Instructional Technology Director, City Tech Center Instructional Technology Director, City Tech Center Bond Goal 2: Continual analysis, piloting, and research on technology products and services the district is currently using or intends to acquire. D.2.1. Delegate staff to Instructional conduct research and Technology Director, establish pilot programs Office of Curriculum and Instruction, Superintendent D.2.2. Assess effectiveness of current products and services. ongoing Instructional Technology Director, Office of Curriculum and Instruction,

17 Superintendent D.2.3. Plan for sustainability of hardware and software. ongoing Instructional Technology Director, Office of Curriculum and Instruction, Superintendent Bond, School Dept. E. Facilities and Bring Your Own Device Goals: Westfield Public Schools will provide technology access to all students and staff across the district. We believe all of our students are entitled to the same technological opportunities and experiences PreK-12. We are committed to providing access across the district so all staff and students will have district supported Bring Your Own Devices capabilities. Goal 1: The district will provide equitable technological capabilities across the district so that all students will have access to emerging technologies appropriate to their grade level. E.1.1. Classrooms will have a Instructional Bond, School Dept. ratio of no less than 1 device Technology Director for every 5 students. E.1.2. Teachers will be provided with portable devices. E.1.3. Software and services will be consistent and equitable across the district Instructional Technology Director Instructional Technology Director Bond, School Dept. Bond, School Dept. Goal 2: We will provide wireless networking capabilities across the district to support Bring Your Own Device access. E.2.1. A targeted audience Instructional will pilot BYOD policies and Technology Director, procedures. City Tech Center E.2.2. Students will move into 1:1 device world. E.2.3. Expand BYOD to a larger audience Instructional Technology Director, City Tech Center Instructional Technology Director, City Tech Center Bond