How To Run A School District System

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1 Baldwin County School System Milledgeville, Georgia Three-Year Plan July 1, June 30, 2015 January 2012 Superintendent Geneva Braziel Tech Director Vickie Harmon

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE I. Vision for Use 3-5 District Mission/Vision and Access II. Current Reality 6-14 Access to /Data Sources Use Gap Analysis Goals, Strategies, Benchmarks Goals Strategies Benchmarks Evaluation Plan Budget Responsibility List III. Communications and Marketing Communications/Marketing Integration/Coordination with long-range planning initiatives IV. Professional Development Professional Development V. 8th Grade Literacy Appendices Policies and Procedures and Other Related Documentation A. Internet Acceptable Use B. Baldwin County School District C. Internet Acceptable Use-Administrative Rules D. Internet Safety E. Interoperability and Redeployment Procedures F. Current Teacher Evaluation Forms G. NETS Integration Standards H. Board Policy Purchasing I. Board Policy Bullying J. Minimum Specifications for Classroom Equipment K. Administrator Self-Assessment Tool L. Literacy Self-Assessment (STAFF) M. Teacher CIPA Policy Compliance Statement 2

3 I. VISION FOR TECHNOLOGY USE Mission The mission of the Baldwin County Schools Planning Committee sees the task of building a current three-year technology plan as an opportunity to develop a comprehensive plan that will assist in the planning, funding, and continuous implementation of modern technology in our schools. It will be with an effort from the Department to provide direction, support and leadership in establishing goals and constructing a plan that will ensure constructive use of instructional and administrative technology in our schools and provide professional learning opportunities for students, and faculty and staff personnel. Department Mission Statement Baldwin County Department fully supports the overall mission of the Baldwin County School System to educate students who will graduate from high school and become contributing members of a global society, but furthermore believes the mission of the technology department is to provide a technologically rich student focused blended educational setting that proves to be individually and intellectually stimulating in order to promote the acquisition of 21 st Century skills needed to be competitive in the current work force. Within this mission we also will support the infusion of technology into the learning community as they become technologically literate life-long learners, able to interact successfully in a technologically rich environment to achieve their personal, educational, and workplace goals. We will provide functioning equipment; access to local, national, and international resources; and training for all levels of technology literacy. Department Vision Baldwin County School's vision for system-wide implementation of technology is: to provide access for students, teachers and administrative staff to technologies and informational resources to be used for learning, communication, and collaboration as they strive to achieve personal, system, and community goals; to enhance the quality of teaching by the infusion of technology into the learning community guiding them to revise the teachers' role from traditional instructional delivery to coaching, monitoring and verifying student achievement of learning goals; to provide support and leadership for instructional and administrative usage of technology as they work collaboratively to plan for technology-enhanced and integrated learning experiences. Vision for Use The Director of and the personnel work in close collaboration with all departmental directors and school administrators as they strive to achieve personal, system, and community goals through the access to technologies and informational resources. As all new technologies and resources are implemented, it is imperative that all students and school personnel, regardless of physical or mental challenges, will have equitable access to our available technology. 3

4 We adhere to this comprehensive definition of educational technology (adapted and compiled from several EdTech magazine articles): Educational encompasses knowledge about and use of computers and related technologies in (a) delivery, development, prescription, and assessment of instruction; (b) effective uses of computers as an aid to problem solving; (c) school and classroom administration; (d) educational research; (e) electronic information access and exchange; (f) personal and professional productivity; and (g) computer science education. Using this definition as a guideline we will to continue to make progress in these three areas: Professional Learning: to provide opportunities for all staff members to promote the integration of technology into the learning communities. We strive to provide face-toface, blended and on-line job-embedded professional learning opportunities in order to meet the needs of all learners. Curriculum: to ensure that as the new CCGPS are implemented, academic software, available technology resources, new technologies and best practices are also established and incorporated. School site Design Teams: to assist with school technology related goals and objectives. Leadership personnel will review, evaluate, determine and acquire hardware and content area software on the basis of the correlation with state CCGPS and local instructional objectives. The Department will be available to provide needed information regarding technological capabilities as part of the purchasing process. The system will continue to upgrade and improve the infrastructure and hardware needed to support enhanced communication, including Internet Access. Educators and administrators will utilize technology to communicate with resources beyond the school environment with GaDOE digital resource initiatives such as the Longitudinal Data System, GA Virtual School and GeorgiaStandards.org as well as video conferencing, video streaming, and web based instructional opportunities. Students: Will have access to connected technologies to analyze, collaborate, process, and disseminate multimedia information. Will have access to connected technologies for educational enrichment and/or remediation Will utilize global electronic mail, telecommunications systems, and real time web-based applications, through unique user IDs, in order to effectively communicate with administrators, teachers, specialists, parents, and fellow students. Will reach age-appropriate technology literacy levels. Will be enabled to meet the challenge of a changing society and economy through the use of technology resources. Teachers' role will transition from traditional instructional delivery to coaching, monitoring, and verifying student achievement of learning goals. Teachers and Administrators: Will utilize technology resources, to enhance their ability to deliver effective instruction and disseminate results. Will endorse performance-based standards that define appropriate use of technologies of students at each grade level. Will have access to connected technologies anytime/anywhere to analyze and disseminate multimedia information. 4

5 Will utilize technology resources to actively engage students in their own learning process. Will utilize global electronic mail, telecommunications systems, and real time web-based applications, through unique user ID's, in order to effectively communicate with students, specialists, parents, fellow teachers and administrators. Will utilize technology resources to electronically archive, retrieve, analyze, and produce reports by accessing student, fiscal, standard grade reporting, and authentic assessment data. Will have accessibility via a virtual private network to essential data. Will be supported through appropriate professional learning opportunities to build the effective use of technology resources in order to produce seamlessly integrated technology lessons. Will use technology to set policies, procedures, analyze performance, report and communicate with students, parents, and administrators and manage continuous improvement. Will recognize the benefits of technology resources in all aspects of an educational environment. Parents Will be provided access to grades, homework assignments, attendance, class schedule and other student information through a 24/7 Internet access. Will have access to an on-line translation solution that aids in English language proficiency in several languages. Will be provided web-based opportunities for involvement through the use of the district web page as well as teacher web pages, as a way to disseminate information, and provide information about board policies, school calendars, after school programs, etc. Will be provided web-based instruction for educational enrichment and/or remediation. The technology infrastructure of Baldwin County School System will make it possible for the delivery of rigorous academic courses via Georgia Virtual School, video conferencing, video streaming, web-based instruction. Will provide Internet connectivity with filtering and virus spyware. Will provide technology resources and training to process data. Will provide a robust, stable, and secured network Will standardize modern hardware. Will sufficiently fund technology infrastructure. Will provide for competent technology support. Will provide assistive technology for students with disabilities. Will provide support technology resources for students who are hospital homebound and students who are assigned to alternative school settings. Will provide a convergence of video, voice, and data though network switching upgrade. Working with the vision of technology use for students, teachers, administrators, and parents, the current district technology infrastructure would enable the technological capabilities to: assist students to be proficient with the use of technology devices, digital resources and applications. give students the ability to demonstrate academic achievement at the higher levels of Bloom's taxonomy. allow teachers to model a concept using a variety of techniques and provide more effective instructional differentiation with daily access to technology in the classroom. Enable students to use a variety of technology resources to support academic achievement. 5

6 II. CURRENT REALITY Baldwin County, with vast help from E-Rate funding over the past three years, has made considerable progress in acquiring and maintaining technology assets to allow equitable access to our students and employees. During this time we have also seen a growth in both the use and the quality of the use of instructional technology in our classrooms. We contribute this growth to our efforts in maintaining a reliable technology infrastructure, the acquisition of additional technology to be used in the classroom and providing technology integration training programs for our teachers and staff personnel. We continue to seek out and offer opportunities for teachers to continue to grow and advance the integration and usage of instructional technology in the classroom. Baldwin County network infrastructure enables the school system to provide adequate bandwidth and dependability for the end users. The Internet is routed to the schools within the fiber ring. Within each school and administrative location, the local area network currently distributes gigabit performance. All seven school site classrooms have their student and administrative computers networked via the LAN. System-wide technology department ensure all classroom technologies are functional and can access our network for Internet, instructional and productivity software and other curriculum resources. Our schools currently each have b/g wireless network throughout the building. Access to /Data Sources Baldwin County has a Wide Area Network (WAN) which connects all school as well as the district office buildings. All schools are connected by fiber. File servers are housed in the district maintenance building in a state of the art climate controlled room with easy access by the technical staff. One measurement of access to technology/data sources for our schools is the GADOE Annual Inventory which provides a student to computer ratio. We also collect and maintain data on all available technology in each school. As it is acquired and discarded through the many funding sources, the Department uses an inventory tracking system within the department. This inventory provides us with data on technology that does not meet the definition of "modern" devices so that plans and strategies can be created for upgrading devices. Baldwin County presently does not have a constant funding source for computer purchases but instead relies heavily on school sites purchases using resources through local, state, federal, and grant funding sources. It is anticipated that schools will continue to commit the needed resources to improve the ratio at their site due to the technology rich direction of many curriculum initiatives. Many community partners also donate both used and new equipment to our district. Baldwin County is fortunate to have three major educational 6

7 institutions Georgia College and State University, Georgia Military College and Central Georgia Technical College that have very generously contributed low cost equipment to the schools. At a minimum, each school's technology infrastructure has at least one full computer lab 4-6 data drops per classroom Wi-Fi access coverage in all areas of all schools a local area network providing a gigabit connection for each computer the wide area network gigabit connection a media center equipped with modern equipment as well as equipment such as projectors, peripherals, laptops, etc. for check out provided each teacher and administrative office personnel with a modern computer access to digital resources provided by DOE initiatives such as Georgia Virtual School, The State Longitudinal Data System, GADOE digital resources and GeorgiaStandards.org Baldwin County currently relies on the AT&T GADOE provided Internet access to our district along with a portion from our local Windstream vendor. Our allotment is a 21mb connection from AT&T and a 40mb connection from Windstream for a total of 61 MBs total connection to the Internet. We distribute that amount of bandwidth among our seven school buildings and three administrative buildings. With continued E-rate funding, Baldwin County hopes to increase the provided bandwidth allotment. The District will continue to be aggressive in looking for additional resources to allow more bandwidth connection to support the growing interest in the access to digital resources by students, teachers, and administrative staff. Use Instructional Usages of Teacher Uses of : System- All district teachers use accounts provided through the Department's Exchange server for the use of all staff communication. All messages are scanned by a spam and an anti-virus program. Electronic Attendance: Elementary, Middle and High school teachers are required to submit their daily (elementary schools) or period (middle/high schools) attendance electronically. Electronic Gradebook-Elementary, Middle and High school teachers (elementary will be required with the school year) are required to use electronic gradebooks to submit student grades to the SIS grading module. Electronic Lesson Planning- principals prefer lesson plans delivered to them electronically. They may choose to purchase a web-based product that will organize, share and analyze lesson plans or use an in house created method or template. Response to Intervention (RTI) elementary teachers use the data collected through the STEEP program for early detection of academic weaknesses in order to plan remediation and differentiated lesson plans. RTI service needs are detected using the program Ripple Effects on the secondary level. Baldwin County web page teacher portal has links to several programs, miscellaneous forms, warehouse catalog, human resources handbook, SIS information and necessary information for completion of duties and responsibilities. 7

8 Statewide Longitudinal Data System SLDS is a web based application that is an ongoing project from the Georgia Department of Education that consolidates all historical student information from our SIS program in one convenient portal for easy access by teachers and administrators in order to develop the best academic plan for students. The data includes special program enrollment information, history of standardized test scores, course work grades, attendance among other items. Data is analyzed and used to determine instructional needs as well as to identify students in need of enrichment or remediation. This is an ongoing project funded by federal funds. Many teachers have access to Promethean White Boards with a student response system, interactive slates, along with a projection system and/or amplified sound system. They utilize lesson plans from the Promethean Planet website. Funds received from the ITEE Title II-D grant provided for the purchase of TI graphing calculators for our middle grades and high school math classes which also utilize a computer and web based program. Computer Troubleshooting System-All teachers maintain online accounts on our trouble ticket reporting system. Teachers must report technology problems via this electronic tracking system Online Learning- Online training solutions are available to all teachers and staff with opportunities that will help them to integrate technology into the classroom as well as with their administrative tasks and responsibilities. WebPages- Teachers are given the resources to created classroom websites for instructional purposes. This is also used as a major communication tool for parents. Teachers have also been incorporating more digital content management in their web presence. Student Uses of Computer-assisted learning- the district currently has Success Maker licenses as its computer-assisted learning software. OdysseyWare- a credit recovery curriculum made available to secondary schools via computer-assisted learning software. Accelerated Reader-every student in the system maintains an account in this reading management application and is able to access it daily. STAR computer based program that tests students reading levels which coordinates with the Accelerated Reader Program Keytrain vocation labs use this curriculum program to provide career, technical, and agricultural instruction Read 180 supplements reading instruction on the secondary level Adobe Dreamweaver suite used in web design curriculum on the secondary level Practice Planet is a purchased product that is available to students both at home and at school used to practice for standardized tests. Internet Resources- our content filter reports indicate students make daily use of the large variety of internet resources. Media catalog system-all schools utilize the InfoSource cataloging system, all students have access to the media catalog from their classrooms as well as from home at two schools TI graphing calculator software (middle and high) Vocational Labs- the middle school has the use of two computer labs dedicated to vocational training using technology: business software training (MS Office Suite), multimedia development, desktop publishing, technology exploration, video production, webpage design, etc. Pearson s Ellis Academic Software - ESOL students curriculum software assisting with the English language acquisition. 8

9 OAS Online Assessment System students may use this site at both school and home to practice for standardized tests. Middle School students also use this system to take the yearly 8 th grade technology literacy test. Schools utilize a variety of paid and free online academic skill sites such as; Sheppard Software, Brain Pop, Spelling City, Education City, Timez Attack, First In Math, StarFall, Raz Kids, Funbrain, Reading Center, Hacourt Math Center, Math Magician, Math Fact, Multiplication Interactive, FreeRice, Think Central, ABC Mouse, Kidsknowit, Earobics, GameQuarium, PBS Kids, BBC-Schools Dance Typing Baldwin High school has implemented several technology related courses that provide opportunities for students explore different interests using technology. For example: Agricultural Landscape & Design Forestry & Natural Resources Plant Science and Horticulture 14 computers Construction 4 computers Transportation Auto Body 28 computers Broadcast Video - 39 computers Business Education - 4 labs with 28 computers Work Base Learning Lab - 1 classroom with 12 computers Business Education Administrative support - 28 computers Computer Applications - 28 computers Financial Management Accounting - 28 computers Financial Management - Services Interactive Media - 28 computers Small Business Development - 28 computers Drafting - 28 computers Culinary Arts - 8 computers Education/Nutrition & Wellness - 8 computers Marketing, Sales & Services - 14 computers Marketing & Management Therapeutic Services - Nursing - 8 computers Healthcare Science CNA and PCA assistant - 8 computers Personal Care Services - Cosmetology - 8 computers All students are provided the opportunity to participate in various technology competitions such as the Tech Fair sponsored by our Regional RESA (Oconee RESA), the GaETC State Fair, and various events sponsored by our local colleges. Administrative Uses of Administrative uses of technology provide the schools and district means of insuring all programs functionalities are in place to meet the data reporting requirements of the Georgia Department of Education and Office of Accountability. Targeted administrative professional learning creates a competent admin ready to lead and evaluate instructional technology in their school environment. We provide internet-based access to our student information system to all faculty and staff to support real time access needed for assisting in improving student achievement. Financial-The district financial software is Tyler: Munis, a decentralized financial accounting program that allows administrators and budget center personnel at the school sites to enter their own requisitions, budget requests, and to receive real-time fund information -All administrative staff maintain and use Microsoft Exchange for interoffice and staff communications 9

10 System Information System-The district maintains the NCS Pearson PowerSchool student information system (SIS). This system decentralizes computer access to the SIS down to the classroom teacher for administrative responsibilities Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) -Administrators and teachers use web-based product SLDS to disaggregate student test scores and other information. Transportation-VersaTran- The district maintains the transportation information system for transportation and efficient bus routing School Nutrition- Horizon Food and Nutrition Program-Central Office, POS, Inventory and Menu planner Programs for Exceptional Children- Central office, school admins as well as special education teachers use SEMSTracker individualized education plan (IEP) program to aggregate data needed for eligibility for special education services and IEPs RTI identification program STEEPS (elementary) and Ripple Effects (secondary) are used to aggregate data on students that may need RTI (Response to Intervention services) Utility Management and Maintenance Department utilized web-based software: SchoolDesk for their work order documentation and maintenance system Human Resources - axs imaging product is used to scan and archive personnel records, PDExpress program records professional development coursework and professional learning units for all staff All media centers use InfoCenter for student/teacher check out system and inventory Parent/Community Uses of System Web Site-The system maintains an extensive web site featuring web pages for each department (ESOL, social work, gifted program, technology, special education, food services, human resources, after school program (YES), professional learning, and fine arts) as well as an employee page, a system- wide calendar, forms page (employment, field trips, expenses reports, etc), board member/policy page, standardized testing help, specialized homework help links, bus route and general announcement page that features student activities and awards. Parents and community members may request additions to the web based district calendar Parental access to individual student attendance, grade history, assignments, etc is available through our SIS on the web using a secure log in Web based Title I parent surveys are available through the Parent Page Link Electronic registration for all grades for all schools is available through the Parents Page The district s Unified Student Handbook is available electronically on the Parents Page Link Accelerated Reader Test-A listing of tests available within our schools is provided on the school web site for use by the local public library patrons School Web Sites- Each school maintains a web site detailing school-wide goals/mission statement(s) as well as sports/club/social/fundraising activities, events, PTA and school council organizations, academic schedules and resource links for parents/teachers/students for each of the schools. Individual teacher pages are also hyperlinked and s are readily available for parent communication Class/Club Web Sites: Teachers use class and club websites for resources and communication tools. Teachers from each school maintain their own pages that feature homework parental notes, academic help, as well as testing information One Call emergency notification system is used to contact parents for emergencies and general announcements Personnel Applications-Applications for employment in both classified and certified positions are available for download on the district web site. 10

11 Parent Services Program- Title I provides funding for a district coordinator to provide workshops and coordinate parent activities for all school sites. Information about meetings, parent council officers, mission and vision statements are all posted as well as registration forms for various activities. Gap Analysis Baldwin County Schools have exceptional infrastructure to support network connectivity. All schools maintain network access to each classroom with high speed internet services. With financial help from the E-Rate program most switches and servers are adequate at this time at all elementary, middle and high schools. The PreK program is not able to receive E-Rate funding at this time. It is anticipated for the near future that the PreK program (which presently serves approximately 300 students) will be approved to receive these federal funds to upgrade their building s infrastructure. Presently, it is ten years old and has outdated switches and servers. Intercom with video connectivity is presently available in one elementary school and one middle school. We would like to see this product expanded to include all schools. Presently in the other three elementary schools, PreK building, and the high school all rely on regular intercom services. VOIP services need to be investigated as an option for communication in the future. Video production and video distribution studios need expanding at all school sites. Video distribution is available at all K 12 schools. This allows students to broadcast their own news shows as well as any other programs of interest. Classroom televisions need to be replaced with projectors for video use aiding in full class instruction. Although many classrooms are equipped with projectors, screens, and electronic whiteboards, many more are needed to allow for 100% classroom whiteboard instruction and presentations at all schools. Additional electricity will be installed along with new projectors/displays. With the addition of hardware comes a current and ongoing need: staff development for appropriate and meaningful integration of new technologies into the current curriculum. Due to Common Core Performance Standards, integration is now an expected necessity rather than an option. A major weakness in the system is not only the lack of equipment but rather the proper use of it as a teaching tool. With the onset of BYOD Bring Your Own Device initiatives and with blended learning becoming more and more popular, educators need training on how to best take advantage of these new ideas for student achievement. Without additional Instructional support, training has been limited. An informal professional need assessment conducted in the Spring in 2011 indicated a need for more extensive technology training especially in the use of whiteboard training. Our vision for technology literacy and use is focused on assisting students in achieving a wide range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary curriculum goals using technology as a tool for obtaining, analyzing, and presenting information. Using testing results of CRCT, EOCT, GHGST, Baldwin County has documentation that there are achievement gaps between subgroups of students, especially the special needs students and the economically disadvantage students. Procedures along with the implementation and integration of more and better usage of technologies are in place for continuous self-monitoring. The system continues to implement a systemic plan to phase out computers that no longer meet system hardware specifications in order to ensure that computers can be used to access and 11

12 efficiently run all instructional and administrative software and resources. This becomes especially important as the school term approaches bringing the onset of online testing and the College and Career Ready Performance Index. Current computer inventory in the elementary grades and some middle school classes are not ready to support online testing according to the specifications given below by the current vendor. Instructional use is designed to facilitate the curriculum and enhance the learning process. The recently released CCGPS with imbedded technology standards encourages the integration of different technologies available to our schools. Both of our secondary schools have participated in the Georgia Assessment of Performance on School Standards (GAPSS) which identified the strengths and weaknesses of performance as based on the GaDOE Keys to Quality. Using the I2.7 Usage of for Instructional Standard 2: Research-based instruction is standard practice, as a baseline, the schools are currently achieving at the "emergent" level. Limited availability of basic computer stations and other peripherals within the schools restricts opportunities for technology integration of the digital resources to promote students' higher order thinking and to produce evidence of differentiation related to the use of technology. Current data from the annual GADOE district technology inventory survey shows 2.37 students per modern instructional computer. Professional learning opportunities are routinely investigated to find ways to advance our student technology skills while still adhering to the other massive student achievement standards expected of the students. The district is using technology standards to develop and annually update a list of essential student technology skills (by grade level), on which to focus instruction and technology staff development. Productivity applications like word processing, presentation, database, spreadsheet, , digital resources and internet resources are available on all computers to help with the integration of technology into the daily curriculum. Teachers and students use various electronic devices such as digital video, document, digital and/or video cameras, scanners, printers, personal handheld devices (Itouch and IPads) electronic active boards/slates, and student response systems at some schools. More new smaller portable technology devices need to be investigated for further deployment to all schools to enhance instruction. Netbooks, Kindles, small tablets have numerous free educational digital resources for classroom use. imacs have been purchased through the Advanced Placement Handheld Grant at our high school and through the Student Literacy Grant at one elementary school, giving a very small portion of our teacher and student population access to the Macintosh format. This program needs to be expanded due to the ever increasing popularity of Apple products for educational use. Online methods of communication such as blogs, podcasts, and applications such as Twitter and Skype need to be utilized in classrooms and professional learning as methods of sharing information and communicating with others both in our system and abroad. The road block to implementing this 12

13 initiative is too many inappropriate comments and images on these sites for our students. Our content filter program is constantly upgrading to try to include as many sites as possible for students to experience more web 2.0 programs. The technology department reviews many sites for educational purposes, but needs are to develop an overall solution to enable more web 2.0 sites. Although our teachers have acquired technology certification, the technology department continues to collaborate with the school design teams and the curriculum department to make available opportunities for teachers to acquire additional technical skills. More assessments need to be developed and implemented to evaluate teachers, administrators, and support personnel on both basic computer skills and integration into the curriculum. A year-end portfolio assessment allows teachers to chart their own growth through reflective practices. Teachers may also advance skills by publishing technology-linked lesson plans on their teacher web pages. Student skills need to be assessed before the 8 th grade Literacy Test. competencies should be developed that address both the state-mandated standards, and aligned with Baldwin County objectives. These objectives should be established by a committee of teachers. Keyboarding guidelines have been developed that move the teaching of keyboarding down to the third grade. Other basic skills are being developed to be taught in the elementary grades by the computer lab teachers. We need to develop an annually updated list of technology skills that are essential for teacher productivity and instructional delivery on which to focus technology professional development. With the onset of many web 2.0 programs there is a great need to address digital citizenship among both students and teachers. Even though much of our student population does not have access to the internet at home, they are the greatest population that needs instruction on web etiquette and what it means to be a good digital citizen. Baldwin County School System continues to grow in numbers the students with limited English proficiency. Working with the ESOL director, the technology department works with ESOL/ELL teachers to ensure these ESOL students have access to appropriate software for improvement in language skill acquisition. Currently, curriculum software is in place specifically for ESOL students but they also have access to all other school wide instructional software applications and resources. The Special Education department has used various funding sources to ensure inclusion and resource classrooms are equipped with technology. Assistive technologies are also purchased for the district, or school wide or according to individual student needs as determined by individual educational plans (IEPs). Due to the variety and growing population of special needs students in Baldwin County funds are always needed to update technology. There is a need for more Ereaders and more program development in both text to speech and digital text. Special professional development is ongoing with the purchase of products and services. This may occur through the vendor or Georgia Learning Resources Services as well local professional development resources. Administrative technology will undergo many changes in Baldwin County in the near future. As administrators become more familiar and attend more professional development on the benefits of the online Student Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS), a more analytical analysis of student achievement will help provide data in the daily operations of overall school management to increase student achievement. Updates to our financial and professional development software necessitate the need for administrator training to take full advantage of the enhancements to these products. The technology department has just begun the process of virtualizing many smaller servers and consolidating resources as a way to maximize the use of resources for minimal cost. Virtualization of servers will be ongoing as funding sources 13

14 become available. As more servers are virtualized, the unused servers will be repurposed within the county. Community involvement in the technology progress in Baldwin County could be improved. Many schools provide activity nights to encourage parents to see technology in action. These events are more populated at the elementary level, but more needs to be done to encourage attendance in the upper grades. There are currently two onsite representatives from Communities in Schools organization that bring awareness to the community. There needs to be a representative at each school. Our Title I parent coordinator, along with the district social worker, utilize technology to provide quarterly workshops onsite for parents. More internet specific digital citizenship type workshops are needed. The parent advisory councils also are involved in communicating technology progress and needs in the county. It is through these councils that many of our donations were acquired for the schools. More events need to be planned to bring the community into the schools to showcase current technology in the school system. A county wide web page that ties the community and the school system and publicizes current trends in education as well as technology needs to be coordinated with the local government agencies. 14

15 Goals, Strategies, Benchmarks All goals, strategies and benchmarks will be aligned to the following belief statements: Mission Statement Baldwin County Board of Education Organizational Foundation Statements EDUCATE TO GRADUATE~STAY IN SCHOOL The mission of the Baldwin County School District is to educate students who will graduate from high school and become contributing members of a global society. Vision Statement The Baldwin County School District will be a system of world-class schools where students acquire the knowledge and skills to be successful as they continue their education and enter the workforce. Belief Statements 1. We believe all individuals can learn. 2. We believe all individuals are inherently unique and valuable and that diversity enhances learning. 3. We believe effective teachers have a profound impact on learning. 4. We believe learning is a life-long process. 5. We believe learning is a shared responsibility school, home, and community, for which we are all accountable. 6. We believe collaboration creates accomplishments greater than the sum of individual efforts. 7. We believe data analysis leads to informed decision making. 8. We believe professional learning should be job-embedded, performance-based, and ongoing. 9. We believe our efforts should be focused, aligned, and responsive to the economic growth of our community. 10. We believe in the personal accountability of all stakeholders in learning. Four Major Strategic Goal Areas and Strategic Objectives 1. Student Achievement a. Improve the Graduation Rate b. Improve Student Mastery of the CCGPS c. Reduce Achievement Gaps 2. Student & Stakeholder Engagement a. Improve Student Attendance and on Task Behavior b. Improve Parent Involvement c. Increase Community Involvement 3. Organizational Effectiveness a. Improve Operational Processes 15

16 b. Improve Personnel Processes c. Improve Financial Processes d. Improve Facilities Services e. Improve Continuous Improvement Processes f. Improve Use of Instructional 4. Team Learning and Growth a. Improve Staff Attendance b. Increase Highly Qualified Teachers 16

17 Goals, Strategies, Benchmarks, Evaluation Plan, Budget, Responsibility List INSTRUCTIONAL USES OF TECHNOLOGY GOAL To improve student achievement through the integration of technology into the curriculum Strategies Benchmark Evaluation Method Funding Source/Amount Person Responsible System will facilitate technology integration in all curriculum areas Enhance existing programs to train certified employees in the use and integration of technology in classroom and administrative offices System will annually incorporate the latest technology resources in curriculum guides All educators will participate in quality professional learning opportunities that are offered throughout each academic year School level curriculum, CCGPS, and state technology standards will be examined through review of lesson plans to reflect added technology enriched resources and integration standards Classroom observations and review of student work will also be utilized as proof of integration NONE NONE Director, Instructional Specialist, Director of Curriculum Instructional Specialist, Educators, Administrators, Director of Curriculum Develop a school technology committee at each school to help make decisions related to technology and instruction System and school sites will identify all available technology resources School and system technology committees will be formed and will meet a minimum of four times annually Inventory updated as items are purchased Attendance Sheets and minutes will be kept by system/school technology personnel Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet templates will be given to all schools and collected quarterly Onsite visits NONE NONE Director, Instructional Specialist, School Principal School Personnel, Media Specialist 17

18 Utilize and analyze software programs and related resources that support research-based instructional strategies, Continue growth of technology infrastructure to remain with technology trends and advancements to improve instruction, to better serve the school systems technology needs and maintain existing technologies. Research and evaluate areas of needs improvement for network maintenance and support, future wireless capabilities, fiber runs and connections, recabling of facilities, VoIP technologies, Video Conferencing, Teacher Webpages and parent access software, filtering and security issues, reimaging software, lab monitoring software as well as other applicable technologies to improve student achievement Current inventory of all technology resources and its availability to teachers Perform annual updates or as needed Training of all new teachers on software throughout the academic year as needed Annual review of existing software and resources to determine further renewals Teacher lesson plan review to determine software usage and correlation with CCGPS Software functioning properly with all current updates Program usage and report logs from training solution Teacher Survey and annual review of software Annual site walk through and GADOE Inventory Survey $ Local/state funds (annual estimate) NONE or local funds if costs are associated with upgrades Local or Title I funds if sufficient training/webinars are not provided by vendor No funds required unless this involves purchasing of new equipment or cost of maintenance which is contingent upon E-Rate funding / program funds and /or financial state of the school system. Instructional Specialist, Educators, Principals, Administrators, Director of Curriculum Director, Instructional Specialist Instructional Specialist, Instructional Specialist Director, Instructional Specialist Increase Storage Area Network (SAN) Monitor for student and teacher use Usage logs and reports from network storage servers $15,000 Local/state funds (annual estimate) Director, Purchasing Director Provide professional development to help teachers integrate the FY13 at least 50% of the teachers will be Document small group and individual training of the No funds required unless this involves Instructional Specialist, Educators, 18

19 CCGPS and the College and Career Ready Performance Index standards to focus on areas of need for resources to integrate technology in areas such as student produced videos, podcasting, internet safety and cyberbullying Training sessions and modeling sessions for teachers to be conducted on their common planning time integrating technology into instruction weekly. FY14 at least 75% so that by FY15 all teachers are integrating technology into instruction at least weekly. Annually provide ongoing professional development for teachers on technology integration integration of technology into the learning environment. Teachers will provide administrators with weekly minutes of their common planning period training sessions. Monthly review of lesson plans, ongoing classroom and planning session observations; annual review of standardized student assessments purchasing of new equipment or cost of maintenance which is contingent upon E-Rate funding / program funds and /or financial state of the school system. Administrators, Director of Curriculum, Local RESA and ETC representatives To implement the inclusion of the CCGPS technology standards and to support the College and Career Ready Performance Index effectively by providing teachers with a checklist and software applications to assist in the implementation of these standards As the CCRP Index and CCGPS are deployed, teachers will address student technology literacy through an annual checklist. Annual review of software to determine what will work best to address the CCGPS technology standards Monitor the progress using checklist for skill development by grade level, as well as document progress on the software through management records. Conduct annual assessment of students and teachers technology literacy skill development No funds required unless additional instructional software is determined necessary. Annual review needed, at which time a budget amount, source, and funding cycle will be established Director, Instructional Specialists, Administrators, Educators Research and provide various digital learning opportunities such as distance learning capabilities, virtual classes and Annual review of software to determine successful outcomes Conduct annual assessment of students and teachers technology literacy skill development. These may involve a cost for purchases. Installation, and/or professional Director, Instructional Specialists, Administrators, 19

20 field trips, blended and flipped classrooms, the integration of etext and digital learning opportunities and bring you own device BYOD - contingent upon funding opportunities Increase attendance in of staff in tech courses: Internet safety course, PowerSchool Parent Portal, My Big Campus Teacher Portal Internet Training, others as needed Improve opportunities for access to technology for special education, English language learners, and students in need of remediation by increasing access and use of assistive and instructional technologies Increase number of participant certificates of course completion based on the requirements of subject taught / course offered Sign in sheets Increase number of entries in PDExpress database Increase in appropriate access and individualized training Annual review of standardized student assessments (benchmarks, survey s, etc) Certificates received for course completion of the requirements established or defined by the course / instructor Sign in sheets and Professional Development credits earned by staff PDExpress PLU Software Database / logs Documentation of use of specific technologies; annual review of standardized tests Annual review of assistive and instructional technologies to determine future needs development and is contingent upon funding and financial state of the school system These may involve a cost for purchases. Installation, and/or professional development and contingent upon funding and financial state of the school system No funds required unless the need arises for equipment purchases or programs to be evaluated and funded by the appropriate program or grant Educators Director, Instructional Specialists, Curriculum Director, Administrators, Educators Director, Instructional Specialists, Curriculum Director, SPED and ESOL Director, Educators 20

21 GOAL To improve, maintain, and support the network infrastructure to ensure reliable access for all students and staff to meet educational needs and support academic achievement Strategies Benchmark Evaluation Method Funding Source/Amount Person Responsible A minimum standard of hardware, technology resources, and networks will be established for all school sites System will maintain and improve school wide LAN for computers to have common access to programs stored centrally on district servers Continue to provide, maintain and upgrade dedicated high-speed WAN fiber-optic lines to promote greater access and reliability Maintain and Increase Infrastructure Requirements for hybrid learning environments, Bring Your Own Device- BYOD services, game-based learning, personal learning environments (PLEs), tablet computing, natural user interfaces (allowing for touch, movement, voice and facial expressions) i.e. upgrading existing internet connection to support network growth and Annual purchases to establish minimum standard hardware, technology resources and network resources at school sites Submit yearly E- rate applications to maximize funding Increase of Internet access bandwidth to 100mb All students will have ongoing and All technology purchases will be reviewed by school administrators and system technology director (daily) District Inventory Tracking System Annual Site Walkthrough and State Inventory Survey E-rate application timelines E-rate application timelines Ongoing with projected cost of $50,000 annually with Local /State funds, Title IID funds, Grant funds for purchasing equipment and technology resources Local annual funds for submitted funding application from E-Rate E-Rate applications for upgrade projects will be determined annually for implementation E-Rate applications for upgrade projects will be determined annually for implementation approx -35, in eerate matching funds To maintain: $30,000 yearly local funds Director, School Administrators, Purchasing Director, System Committee Director, System Committee Director, System Committee 21

22 transmission requirements to prevent latency and lost instructional time Continue growth of technology infrastructure to remain with technology trends and advancements to improve instruction, to better serve the school systems technology needs and maintain existing technologies. Continue to review and upgrade plans and procedures to provide instruction for hospital/homebound, home-schooled, nontraditional, at risk and adult students with access to web based curricula and technology resources System will provide technology and resource services for after school and intersession enrichment and remediation programs appropriate access to and use of technology each year to improve student achievement. Research technology trends and advancements FY15 E-Rate New wireless, cabling, switches, and peripheral equipment for Oak Hill Middle School and Baldwin High School following the 2 in 5 E-Rate funding rules Annual review of School Improvement goals and focus Verify increased use of accessibility through surveys of classroom students and teachers. Annual review of standardized assessments Update all curricula links Evaluations of teacher lesson plans and classroom Upgrades in 2013= $500,000 (90% E- rate funds and 10% local funds) Upgrades in 2014= 500,000 (90% E- rate funds and 10% local funds) Upgrades in 2015= 500,000 (90% E- Rate funds and 10% local funds) E-Rate applications for upgrade projects will be determined annually for implementation Local Funds as needed for program license renewals estimated $100, Director, System Committee, Administrators Director, System Committee, Administrators 22

23 ADMINISTRATIVE USES OF TECHNOLOGY GOAL To increase administrative uses of technology (administrative processes include finance, student data management, employee data management, purchasing, transportation, communication and networking) Strategies Benchmark Evaluation Method Funding Source/Amount Person Responsible Administrative personnel will demonstrate technology integration skills in day to day operations Quarterly review of administrative personnel s ability to demonstrate technology integration skills research and implement processes to enhance automation of administrative duties Survey of all administrative personnel annually to determine technology skills proficiency NONE Director, Instructional Specialist, Director of Curriculum, Personnel Director Assess the use of technology by all staff and administrative personnel Administrative personnel will participate in professional learning targeting internet safety, cyberbullying, and competency to lead and evaluate instructional technology in their schools All will participate in training opportunities focused on understanding the technology piece of teacher evaluation instrument Improve awareness of existing technology and training that is available to employees. Annual Baldwin County Teacher Evaluation Annual technology survey of all certified personnel Based on available funds for professional development and other applicable sources necessary to cover the cost if any cost is incurred, contingent upon funding and financial state of the school system. Educators, Administrators, Director of Curriculum, Personnel Director 23

24 System will maintain and support the use of all administrative management software used in daily operations includes at a minimum: Versatran (transportation), One Source, (food service) Tyler Technologies (finance), SEMS (special education), Powerschool (student information) AxS (human resources) Maintain and upgrade equipment and programs on an as needed basis Periodic evaluations with department heads to determine any flaws or defects in programs Each Department budgets accordingly for all software upgrades approx. $110, local funds Director, Transportation Director, School Nutrition Director, Special Education Director, Finance Director, Human Resources Director System will continue to support board members use of technology, provide training and upgrade equipment as needed Continue upgrades to web based solutions in order to decrease paper production for board meeting information Periodic discussions with board members to determine usage and any needed changes $ estimated local funds Director, Superintendent 24

25 PARENT/COMMUNITY USES OF TECHNOLOGY GOAL To utilize technology as a medium to create partnership with parents, community agencies, industry and business partners. Strategies Benchmark Evaluation Method To improve parent participation in information/training sessions Increase parental awareness of internet safety and cyberbullying FY13 at least 10% of the parents will attend or participate in the information and training sessions, meetings, and workshops FY14 at least 15% FY15 at least 20% Provide more site specific training sessions for parents- Provide learning opportunities at least twice annually update latest internet safety information on parent portal Annual review of parent activities offered at each school along with reviewing participation logs annually to determine success of the parent sessions, meetings, and workshops and to determine future offerings for parents Annual review of parent activities offered at each school along with reviewing participation logs Funding Source/Amount No funds required unless this involves purchasing of new equipment which is contingent upon E-Rate funding, program funds and /or financial state of the school system. No funds needed Person Responsible Director, Instructional Specialist, Director of Curriculum RESA/ETC trainers, Personnel To increase parent access to technology by increasing activities at each school site Provide more site specific training sessions for parents FY13 each school will have at least quarterly technologybased sessions, meetings, or workshops for parents FY14 and FY15 each school will add at least one additional technology-based opportunity annually for parents Annual review of parent activities offered at each school along with reviewing participation logs annually to determine success of the parent sessions, meetings, and workshops and to determine future offerings for parents School funds if needed. These may involve a cost for installation, and/or professional development and contingent upon funding and financial state of the school system School Personnel Media Specialist or School Personnel, Administrators System will continue to provide, maintain and upgrade web based Information will be available to parents throughout the Review of usage logs NONE these services are included in aforementioned Director 25

26 parent portal for parents secure access of student attendance, assessment, academic performance, discipline and any other data concerning students academic performance. academic year through PowerSchool Parent Portal program upgrades to the programs System will maintain informational websites that extend services and pertinent information relating to the schools to the community Annual renewal of web hosting program District and school pages continually monitored for current information Review of usage logs Approx. $ as system s 10% portion of E-Rate funding commitment Director, School webmasters System will create tools and resources used to plan, prepare, and deliver consistent, positive messages to further engage community involvement and support Continuous improvement on facilities plan and individual school improvement plans Annual updates to communications NONE Director, Department Directors, Superintendent 26

27 SYSTEM READINESS GOAL To promote and increase the use and informational postings to the school system s website and to use this website as a tool for communication and available resources to teachers, staff, students, parents, and the community Strategies Benchmark Evaluation Method Funding Source/Amount Person Responsible The system and all schools will have continuously updated WebPages beginning FY13 and continually thereafter. FY14 The system, all schools and at least 50% of the teachers will update their WebPages at least weekly. FY15 75% of the teachers, the district site, all schools, and all teachers will update their websites/pages at least weekly to maintain effective communication and updated informational postings. Monthly, quarterly, and/or annual review of using the district/school websites and teacher web pages to determine effectiveness of the web based mode of communication. This can be analyzed using the following: Site counter or Quarterly and/or annual student and parent surveys Teacher administrator observations NONE Director, Instructional Specialist, School Principal, Educators, After School Program Personnel 27

28 GOAL To improve, maintain, and support the network infrastructure to assure access for all students and employees to meet educational needs System will offer professional learning to teachers, staff and administrative personnel on the implementation and integration of technology. Continue apprenticeship and intern program for growth in technical expertise within the student base Continue participation in student intern program with Central Georgia Technical College and Georgia College and State University of Milledgeville All educators will participate annually in tech professional learning opportunities throughout each academic year Program enrollment of Interns each academic year Weekly review of projects and activities to determine merit of Intern program to school site. Provide specification of technical expertise needed Quarterly placement of Interns A Professional learning needs assessment will be distributed at each school (90% return) A calendar of all scheduled classes and learning opportunities will be made available (local, RESA/ETC offerings) Increase in program enrollment Annual review of program Analysis of the Tech Work tickets Analysis of the evaluation sheet from site supervisors Evaluation of performance during placement Analysis of the web tickets $25000 Local/state funds estimated NONE NONE NONE Director of Curriculum Director Instructional Specialist Educators, Administrators, Director of Curriculum Director, School Administrators Representatives from GCTC and GCSU, Director Analysis of event logs (for network outage and down time) 28

29 System will employ and assign appropriate technical support personnel Additional school based Instructional technology specialist as budget allows Network Specialist personnel. Maintenance and support contracts on E- Rate eligible items applied for each year Analysis of efficient use of all eligible equipment switches, servers, etc. Analysis of work ticket logs (for promptness and completed work ticket requests) Approx.$400,000 Local/State funds annually $150,000 yearly support contracts 10% local funds and 90% E-rate funds Director, Board of Education, Personnel Director Continue use of online web technology trouble ticket system for all staff to decrease and minimize interruption of instructional time Provide specification of technical expertise needed as promptly as possible Annual hardware survey (to include all technologies and resources for school sites and district buildings) Matching E-Rate 90% funding with 10% local funding Director, Staff System will designate a system level method of assurance for hardware and software purchases to meet minimum standards and to monitor implementation of the technology plan. Procedural process for ordering and acquiring new technology resources during the academic year Annual inventory of software and report of its usefulness to its curriculum goals $ estimated local funds Director, Staff System will provide teachers, staff and administrators with information Pre-planning : teacher access and login accounts to SIS created (annually July/August) Teacher Evaluation to reflect accurate usage of SIS functions and management of data estimated (average over Director 29

30 management resources to maintain student attendance, grades, discipline referrals, and other student related data. Expand curriculum server farm for additional access Increase user of virtual servers to provide more effective server structure. System will maintain Cisco ASA 5520 Firewall and content filter applications to monitor inappropriate sites and to insure that student access to the Internet will be safe from external threats to maintain educational focus Yearly ongoing training of information management as needed Purchase, install and configure 1-3 servers yearly System will review and acquire technical resources as needed to support instruction in all curriculum areas Renewal of Smartnet for Cisco ASA Renewal of Content Filter Licenses Administration evaluation and meeting report timelines(attendance reports and report cards) Annual technology inventory survey Yearly analysis and review July 1 st if each year July 1 st if each year last two years' spending) $26,000 yearly support fees local funds plus yearly staff training of $ estimated 10, (average over last two years' spending) local funds or if Title I funds are available or as schools apply for specific grant funding E-Rate funding applications of eligible items at 80% funding Estimated 18, local funds annually Director Director Maintain network and computer status with monitoring programs. Renewal to maintain virus protection July 1 st if each year 5, estimated local funds All personnel will have access to technical support necessary to maintain technology resources Training for all personnel in using web ticket support system District website for FAQ about common Analyze usage of ticketing system and turnover NONE Director, Tech Staff, School Administrators, Educators 30

31 technology applications and installation of common programs web site updated as needed rate of completed requests All personnel will utilize global electronic mail and web applications through unique user IDs to be maintain at the district level Training for all personnel in using system on as needed basis and annul training for new teachers/staff Ongoing review of use by employees to determine any procedural changes needed NONE Director, Tech Staff, School Administrators, Educators 31

32 III. Communications and Marketing Communication/Marketing It is the responsibility of the Department to bring focused attention to the technology mission and vision to the awareness of all of the stakeholders in the District's mission: students, parents, faculty, and citizens. Our primary strategy for publicizing and promoting technology integration is to showcase our students using the technology every day during the learning process via a web presence or in printed media exposure. The Baldwin County School system has partnered with our two local newspaper organizations The Baldwin Bulletin and The Union Recorder - to share news and promote positive media for the school system. The reporters for these newspapers attend Board of Education meetings, local sporting events and the occasional PTO/PTA meetings. The school system also contributes to The Union Recorder s quarterly newsletter The School Zone. This newsletter shares information about the school system and each school s individual accomplishments. The county s Title I Parent program also publishes a quarterly newsletter which is posted to the Baldwin County website. Individual teachers at every school create either a printed or electronic parent newsletter containing various school wide events, as well as homework help links and a variety of student accomplishments. Communications and marketing are accomplished in a variety of media resources used for dissemination of Baldwin County initiatives: Multimedia presentations Baldwin County School System Website postings and links to a vast variety of information Calendar events (web calendar has the capability to post supplementary documentation such as agendas and links) Achievement presentations School Spotlights Surveys/forum/discussion and posting of comments Individual School Websites Individual Teacher Websites Media print in local newspapers Charter Communications Public Channel 4 The schools of Baldwin County each have at least two business partners that serve on their local School Council. This significant community involvement serves to broaden the involvement from the community. Through various departmental stakeholder meetings (Title I, Special Education, etc.) the role of technology in helping to increase student achievement is often on the agenda. We maintain an extensive interactive Web Site with numerous resources for the public. This is our main communication tool featuring each department (ESOL, social work, gifted program, technology, special education, food services, human resources, professional learning, and fine arts) as well as an employee page, a system-wide calendar, forms page (employment, field trips, expenses reports, etc), board member/policy page, bus route and general announcement page that also features student activities and awards. Additionally, we include a FAQ along with links to all administrators and teacher s to provide easy access for comments from visitors to the site. Stakeholders are encouraged to create sites and 32

33 link them to the Baldwin County home web page. In turn, the Baldwin County site is linked from several other county websites. Efforts have been successful in facilitating our community leader forums using computers, projectors and graphic organizing software. Speakers regularly present Baldwin County's initiatives at school functions. Presentations are also made at local and regional organizational meetings such as, school faculty meetings, PTO/PTA, local School Councils, Chamber of Commerce and its various entities and subcommittees, Rotary, Kiwanis, Public Library, Baldwin County Retired Educators Association and Oconee RESA. Since the recent implementation of the CCGPS, there is no data that specifically addresses the success of technology as it relates to the CCGPS. There is a major push for all sample lesson plans to include a technology component. It is a goal that the many efforts to incorporate technology tools will result in the advancement of students CCGPS skill acquisition. Data needs to be compiled to document the improvement of student achievement with regard to CCGPS skills and their relationship to the use of technology in Baldwin County. Teachers are evaluated on how well they incorporate technology into all lesson plans. Teachers are given many examples and opportunities to constantly improve technology integration into the CCGPS standards to improve student achievement. Integration/Coordination with other local planning initiatives planning is evident in all areas of county planning from the building construction level to student engagement. needs in Baldwin County Schools are clearly addressed when any planning initiatives are discussed. Local initiatives and technology grants support the use of self assessments and teacher evaluations to monitor technology implementation in the classroom as well as a vertical alignment for technology skills. One of the major initiatives the 2011 E-Rate proposal was the support for technology infrastructure to keep Baldwin County School current with technology trends. The funds requested were to provide the latest wireless technology to encourage the use of teacher owned personal devices and 1:1 computing with wireless devices such as the IPad. The technology director along with the cooperative planning by all stakeholders plans for future hardware and software needs. This also enables all groups to be well informed with a shared vision and focus. Grants funds are aggressively pursued to enhance teaching and learning. Many Title II-D competitive grants were recently completed that support technology integration; the emath Grant and the Wireless Grant at Oak Hill Middle and Baldwin High School as well as a Science Grant at Baldwin High. The Student Literacy Grant at Midway Elementary is in its second of a three year implementation. This school term is the last year for the AP HandHeld Grant that brought Apple products into the county. Other AARA funds were used to purchase computer workstations, laptop carts and whiteboards throughout the county s schools. is an integral part of every planning initiative in the county especially considering future plans for the College and Career Ready Performance Index. All district administrators and principals value the implementation of all levels of technology from district level infrastructure, to school wide, to classroom, to individual student. 33

34 Professional Development Professional Development The strategic path for professional development is to provide learning communities to update existing programs and to implement new ones. One strategic objective is to extend opportunities for enhancement of skills related to the use of technology in administrative and instructional areas. Baldwin County will try to utilize existing data and frequently assess needs to plan courses, conferences, workshops, site visitations and related activities for all personnel in the area of technology. Budget for professional learning is based on the financial resources at the district and school level. Professional development for technology is provided at both levels. Productivity courses and webinars using online training solutions provide teachers and staff with learning opportunities that will help them integrate technology into the classroom as well as improve management of their administrative tasks and responsibilities. Current and future training focuses on specific instruction for products and courseware in: Electronic supports that provide access to print for struggling students (i.e, text-to-speech) supports that build background knowledge in all curriculum areas Using technology software/programs that support universal designs for learning Software that supports RTI (response to intervention) Integrating in the Classroom Managing a 1:1 computer environment Integrating NETS-S standards into various subjects Navigating through the various GADOE technology resources Managing handheld devices, including personal devices Understanding technology integration in the classroom Using educational resources on the web Using word processing applications Using spreadsheets in the classroom Developing electronic classroom presentation Understand and use web 2.0 components Integrating specific technologies into the College and Career Ready Performance Index Technologies to support earning a Georgia Science,, Engineering and Math (STEM) Program Certification Courses are designed to contain classroom instructional best practices for integration and assessments. Courses are also offered to provide training that promotes instructional best practices. The instruction is research-based to actively engage students to be independent learners and to help teachers incorporate CCGPS. Courses also address technology integration standards for improved student achievement. All course objectives are created based on the need to provide the resources and tools necessary to meet NETS-S. Training will use two approaches: self-directed and instructor-directed. The self-directed training will be mainly web-based. The instructor-directed training will consist of sessions using available technology in a hands-on environment. 34

35 Self-Directed Training Web-based and interactive Webinars Computer overview to include troubleshooting, general maintenance, and operation Windows XP Operating System Windows 7.0 Operating System Microsoft Office Suite Internet use to include security, internet safety, cyberbullying and appropriate use Management of a technology rich classroom Planning for instruction that integrates technology and the curriculum Creating presentations for instruction Various web based video tutorials from purchased vendor products Instructor-Directed Training Self-directed topics Basic computer literacy skills Computer overview to include troubleshooting, general maintenance, and operation Planning for instruction that integrates technology and the curriculum Management of a technology rich classroom Internet use to include security, internet safety, cyberbullying prevention and appropriate use 8th Grade Literacy Baldwin County School System has made a rigorous effort to ensure that technology is a part of the classroom and its curriculum. Baldwin County's students have seen a slow decreasing ratio of student to computer. It is our goal to also have a corresponding increase in essential technology literacy skills with the acquisition of more equipment. Our system has standardized operating systems and major productivity suites so every student, teacher, and administrator can function without having to learn new programs and procedures as they change grade levels or schools. These physical hardware improvements have led to improved student technology literacy skills: Through interaction with Pearson's Success Maker software and other curriculum software within computer labs and in classrooms, our elementary students can function effortlessly through all of the multimedia components of this curriculum. The presence of computers and computer labs in the elementary/middle schools assist in a system wide effort to meet the keyboarding standards. Typing tutorials and programs are offered in every lab class at the elementary and middle school level. Keyboarding instruction takes place before the student arrives at high school, allowing concentration on more advanced application use. Teachers regularly inform parents of the many free web based keyboarding programs. All system students K-12 participate in the Accelerated Reader program and have daily access to the testing and reading management functions of that program. Information gathering is a daily activity stretching from the media center catalog lookup capability in every classroom to more detailed research through use of online search engines on the Internet. Access and interaction with the OAS - Online Assessment System, a web-based assessment tool for all grade levels that provides critical, ongoing information about student proficiency and progress relative to content standards to administrators, teachers, students, and parents. 35

36 All students are provided the opportunity to participate in various technology competitions such as the Tech Fair sponsored by our Regional RESA (Oconee RESA), the GaETC State Fair, and various sponsored events by our local colleges. Students and teachers have been provided the opportunity to collect and download video streaming via to meet CCGPS requirements. Publishing written work and journals using Microsoft Office products are a standard part of today's curriculum. With more teachers using project-based learning, electronic graphic organizers, presentation software, and other modes of technology are used for student self-expression and evaluations The technology department coordinates with school site leadership groups that focus on school needs in areas of curriculum, technology, professional development, etc. These teams help determine the current level of student experiences with essential technology literacy skills as those defined by Georgia NETS. The NETS-S are the National Educational Standards for Students, adopted by the Georgia State Board of Education at the April 2011 Board meeting. The NETS were developed by ISTE (the International Society for in Education) and are widely used across the globe. The 6 standards are: Creativity and Innovation, Communication and Collaboration, Research and Information Fluency, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Digital Citizenship and Operations and Concepts. Baldwin County will work to ensure all National Educational Standards for Students are addressed in order to prepare students for mastery of 8 th grade literacy, in order to be successful when entering high school. Baldwin County School District is presently using the Georgia Online Assessment System (OAS) technology assessment survey to measure student progress in attaining technology literacy skills. Proficiency is measured near the end of the 8 th grade school term and included with the GADOE annual technology inventory survey. As a part of the middle school curriculum, students are offered technology lab classes in core content areas which are technology skills oriented. Skills are taught in isolation as well as integrated into the regular curriculum course work. Pictured is the latest th grade literacy test data. 36