Newington Public Schools Plan July 1, 2015 June 30, 2018 1
Table of Contents About the District Committee Members Committee NPS Moving Forward Curriculum Integration Professional Development Equitable Use of Infrastructure and Telecommunication Administrative Needs Plan Implementation Goals and Strategies Goal 1: Engaging and Empowering Learning Experiences Goal 2: Assessment Goal 3: Connected Teaching and Learning 2
About the District Newington, Connecticut is a suburban community of about 30,000 residents located just south of the capital city of Hartford. All seven Newington schools are accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges and proudly serve approximately 4,200 students in full day kindergarten through twelfth grade. The culture of excellence throughout the Newington Public Schools can be attributed to long standing community support and high expectations for it's schools. Our success begins with a student centered mission and a shared vision for the success of every child. Our actions are guided by research and measured regularly through strategic systems and processes for continuous improvement. Our Mission The Mission of the Newington Public School System, an educational partnership of school, family and community, is to ensure every student acquires the knowledge, skills and attitudes to continue to learn, live a productive life, and contribute to a diverse, rapidly changing society. This is accomplished within a caring environment through a planned program of quality learning experiences that challenge and encourage each individual to reach full potential. Our Shared Vision Every Student College, Career and Citizenship ready. 3
Committee Members The Committee represents all stakeholders. Development of the Plan and implementation of the plan enables parents, educators, students and community members to benefit from the investment in technology. Member Title Constituency Represented John Salerno District Pamela Muraca Deputy Superintendent District Stephen Foresi Chief of Staff District Wendy Crouse Chief Academic Officer District Craig Holland Information District Matthew Wlodarczyk Teaching & Learning District Linda Darcy Human Capital Development District Kimberly Davis Extended Learning District Susan LaJoie Math Coordinator, 5 12 District Tom Santoro Data Specialist District Maureen Plourd Library Media Specialist Newington High School Kristen Freeman Assistant Principal John Wallace Middle School Donald Vallera Instructional Teacher John Wallace Middle School Lori Baylock Instructional Teacher Martin Kellogg Middle School Taryn Kutniewski Teacher, Grade 7 Mathematics Martin Kellogg Middle School Craig Wisniewski Instructional Coach Martin Kellogg Middle School Ann Dickinson Teacher, Grade 4 Ruth Chaffee Jessica Dalton Library Media Specialist John Paterson Jennifer Bates Teacher, Special Education Elizabeth Green Holley Duffy Instructional Coach Anna Reynolds Jennifer Rodriguez Teacher, Grade 1 & Parent Anna Reynolds Alisa Houldcroft Parent Community Patricia Pierce Lucy Robbins Welles Library Community Karen Benner Lucy Robbins Welles Library Community 4
Committee Newington Public Schools is committed to providing the best resources available to prepare our students for their future. This technology plan is the current best representation of the district s vision, goals, and objectives for the future of technology in education. As such, it is a living document that will continuously be under revision and adjustment. This plan is flexible, but specific enough to act as a guide in decision making and budgeting. It is the intention of the Committee, with its associated timelines, action steps, and priorities, to provide guidance and direction to the Administrators and the Board of Education in planning for current and new technology initiatives. Building on the existing infrastructure, the plan outlines steps needed to achieve the next level of development. This plan is designed to have a significant impact on teaching and learning in the district. Preparing students with the necessary skills to be college, career and citizenship ready requires the inclusion of new technologies and rigorous learning. Our staff has a strong commitment to student achievement, excellence in academics, and excellent skills in using technology. Rigorous, comprehensive curricular offerings throughout a student s school years enable our students to prepare for future success. Committee s Role The Committee is comprised of a cross section of district staff, administrators and community members, who when invited to join the committee, eagerly and willingly accepted. Members have experience in education, technology integration and/or technology literacy. Developing a plan for using technology to support educational reform requires more than providing for the acquisition of computers and software. Our Plan promotes meaningful learning and collaboration among students and staff, provides for professional development and, flexibly addresses change and new technologies. Our technology planning is a strategic process that provides direction based on where our district is at the present and where we want to be in the future. The purpose of the Plan is to design a road map of continuous actions and specific components that will create a technology rich learning environment that prepares all students to be college, career and citizenship ready. As the plan moves forward, this committee will continue to monitor, evaluate and update the plan to ensure the district provides access to new technologies to support rigorous and relevant learning for students and staff. Evaluation System Multiple measures or data sets will be used to address the success of the Plan. An electronic survey for students, staff, parents and the community will be available annually. Teacher and staff input is also necessary and will consist of responses to a district developed questionnaire, review of current and future curriculum to determine how effectively technology has been infused and used for lesson development, and discussion at horizontal and vertical curriculum meetings. Classroom visits and/or instructional rounds will provide opportunities to view the real time use of technology in the learning environment. Most importantly, evidence of the relationship between 5
technology and student learning will be gleaned through the review of student work and projects and the development and integration of a Integration Rubric. Committee s Vision Newington Public Schools is committed to preparing its students with the knowledge, ethics, critical thinking and technological skills necessary to become successful members in a rapidly changing global community. It is our goal to utilize technology in all aspects of the education program including curriculum, instruction, assessment, research, communication, and district management. We foresee a learning atmosphere rich in technology based resources where students are discerning users of technology in pursuit of knowledge; where teachers embrace technology to design meaningful learning experiences; where parents, teachers and administrators use technology to share information in ways that promote strategic and improvement plans of the district and its schools. We envision a community that: Allows all students and staff to have ready access to a full range of current technology, software tools, and applications; Provides technology instruction, skills and proficiencies necessary for every student to be college, career and citizenship ready; Nurtures the creativity, inventiveness and curiosity of its students by cultivating real world problem solving skills using technology resources as appropriate; Provides high quality professional learning opportunities to all staff so that they are able to use the technology resources available to them more effectively and efficiently to achieve their professional goals as well as the district goals; Develops a performance based method for assessing student learning for information and technology literacy; and Maximizes efficiency and minimize costs in the administration of school and district business and operations. 6
NPS Moving Forward Curriculum Integration Strengths Interactive boards and projectors in almost every classroom across the district Integrated technology in some curriculum with links to instructional and student learning resources Educators are taking risks with the integration of technology into the curriculum Beginning to enhance the home/school connection through the GAFE (Google Apps for Education) Platform Weekly technology classes are now offered to students in grades K 1 Moving Forward Increase access to technology to all with 1:1 devices across the district Enhance instruction with new technologies beyond Interactive boards to allow for integration on a more regular basis Access curriculum electronically to maximize use of resources including digital resources available via library media Create student tasks that promote a culture of educators to be technological risk takers in teaching and learning Incorporate more technology with assessments Integration of a Learning Management System Integrate technology skills across curricula Professional Development Strengths Growing population of Google Certified Staff Experimentation and integration of the GAFE (Google Apps for Education) Platform Implementation of increased time for professional learning All teachers provided with laptops for hands on/individualized professional learning Common vision for implementing professional learning in regards to technology integration Multiple opportunities for Professional Learning (contests and incentives for participation) Many leaders modeling the professional learning with GAFE (Google Apps for Education), Sharing, Live Binders, etc. Moving Forward Utilize Instructional Coaches at the Elementary and Middle Level in order to embed Professional Learning; implement a Coach/designee at the high school Investigate alternative ways/methods for Professional Learning opportunities Provide more Professional Learning on the integration of technology Involve families in the transition to technology in the District Develop thorough procedures for the 1:1 program Create online resources needed for staff, students, and families Identify and train digital leaders from the student population to support teaching and learning in the classroom Provide continued professional learning in order to bridge gap between technology classes and use in the classroom Increase time for professional learning on a vertical level 7
Equitable Use of Strengths 1:1 student laptop and ipad model utilized at various levels in the District Availability of computer labs at all schools Availability of Mac Labs at the High School Collaboration stations in the media center at the High School Availability of computers and ipads at the media centers of all schools 1:1 Educator laptops Google Accounts for all students, grades 2 12 Access to web based applications, including MS Office 365 Bring your own device opportunities at the High School Interactive boards and projectors in almost every classroom across the District Moving Forward Google Accounts (K 1) for all students 1:1 device implementation Integration of more technology based professional development Employ at least one IT person per building for break/fix issues Employ Integrated Coaches across the District Transform media centers into the maker space design model Develop a purchasing program for ipad apps Individual laptop options for educators to choose Subscription accounts to other web based services/applications Infrastructure and Telecommunication Strengths Strong Wi Fi coverage plan and capacity in the classrooms Availability and responsiveness of IT Technicians for break/fix issues through HelpDesk Continuous network system updates Network designed for the next generation standards Design focused on instructional spaces Use of best of breed technology Moving Forward Improve telecommunications structure Implement a firm device replacement program Investigate an expansion of wireless coverage Analyze the redundancy of critical network resource 8
Administrative Needs Strengths All administrators use various forms of technology for communicating to staff and families Use of various databases (PS, NPS data, NWEA) to access attendance, tardies, student discipline, and student performance to inform decisions Use of surveys (Google and Survey Monkey) to gather information from staff, parents, and students Utilization of technology (GAFE (Google Apps for Education), LiveBinder, etc.) for professional learning for staff Collaborative record keeping and information gathering Accessing of LiveBinders for resources to support evaluation protocols Moving Forward Consistent expectations for website maintenance, access and ease of use Develop technology based professional learning opportunities to meet the diverse skill set among administrators Develop protocols and expectations for technology use by all adults Create a staff portal with technology resources 9
Plan Implementation Goals and Strategies Goal 1: Engaging and Empowering Learning Experiences Goal 2: Assessment Goal 3: Connected Teaching and Learning Goal 4: Infrastructure for Teaching and Learning Goal 5: Productivity and Efficiency 10
Goal 1: Engaging and Empowering Learning Experiences All learners will have engaging and empowering learning experiences both inside and outside of school that prepare them to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical participants in our globally networked society. What will Newington Public Schools do to ensure that learning experiences are empowering, engaging, and supported by digital tools? Action Plan for Goal Area 1 What steps will NPS take? Who is responsible? When? How will success be measured? Embed 21st century skills into all content area standards to enhance learning, increase collaboration, innovation, communication, problem solving and creativity. HCD Principals Curriculum Instructional Coaches Teachers To be determined by curriculum teams Review and revise curricula to align with state information and technology standards to integrate in ways that advance student understanding and achievement. HCD Principals Curriculum Instructional Coaches Teachers Varies Design and deliver technology based learning content, resources, courses and tools by partnering with the colleges/universities in the state. HCD Principals Curriculum Instructional Coaches Teachers Development, integration, and completion Ensure that curriculum includes project based learning focusing on solving problems or challenges while collaborating digitally with a global audience. HCD Principals Curriculum Instructional Coaches revisions Varies (formative, summative, rubric based, etc.) 11
Teachers Develop a district technology roadmap of skills and ethical use of technology (safety and privacy based). HCD Principals Curriculum Instructional Coaches Teachers Development, integration, and completion Explore ways to use technology to extend learning opportunities outside of the typical school day. HCD Principals Curriculum Instructional Coaches Teachers To be determined Continue to tap into resources to support Science,, Engineering, and Mathematics initiatives and their partnerships with science institutions. HCD Principals Curriculum Instructional Coaches Teachers In process Develop rubrics to evaluate the use of online collaborative tools. HCD Principals Curriculum Instructional Coaches Teachers Development and integration Develop and promote online learning opportunities for all staff and students. HCD Principals Curriculum Instructional Coaches Teachers Development and integration 12
Develop partnerships with international/global organizations and encourage classroom global collaborative projects. HCD Principals Curriculum Instructional Coaches Teachers Development and integration 13
Goal 2: Assessment Newington Public Schools, at all levels, will leverage the power of technology to measure what matters and use assessment data for continuous improvement. What will Newington Public Schools do to ensure that technology is used for assessment? Action Plan for Goal Area 2 What steps will NPS take? Who is responsible? When? How will success be measured? Develop a bank of online assessments shared by educators. Principals Curriculum Instructional coaches Teachers Bank of available assessments Increase the use of online assessments that seamlessly integrate learning and are aligned to state standards. Principals Curriculum Instructional coaches Teachers Survey teachers regarding use Develop and implement a plan to utilize Student Digital Portfolios. Principals Curriculum Instructional coaches Teachers by April 2016 Number and samples of Student Portfolios Develop and implement a plan to utilize Teacher Digital Portfolios. Principals Curriculum Instructional coaches Teachers by April 2017 Number and samples of Teacher Portfolios & Utilization of LMS Develop and implement dynamic rubrics that allow students to Number and samples of dynamic rubrics 14
self assess and access resources for improvement. Encourage students to use available assessment data to reflect and set learning goals. Principals Curriculum Instructional coaches Teachers Teachers Integration of rubrics Support and evaluate the use and implementation of gaming technologies, simulations, collaborative environments or virtual worlds as an alternative model for assessment (e.g., universal design, assistive technology,etc.). Principals Curriculum Instructional coaches Teachers Create and promote a bank of available gaming technologies, simulations, collaborative environments or virtual worlds. Embed resources within curriculum documents Include questions regarding the use of these technologies as an alternative model for assessment on a technology survey 15
Goal 3: Connected Teaching and Learning Professional educators will be supported individually and in teams by technology that connects them to data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences that can empower and inspire them to provide more effective teaching for all learners. What will Newington Public Schools do to ensure that educators are prepared to teach 21st Century learners and are connected to technology resources that support teaching and learning? Action Plan for Goal Area 3 What steps will NPS take? Who is responsible? When? How will success be measured? Provide a dynamic online system for curriculum and resources Curriculum Curriculum Writers Principals Instructional Coaches Teachers Media Specialists Adopting a learning management system Increase the amount of time Instructional tech leaders and coaches spend integrating tech with teacher Principals Curriculum HCD Instructional coaches Teachers Media Specialists June 2016 Monthly Data Report Conduct collegial visits focused on technology integration Principals Curriculum HCD Instructional coaches Teachers Media Specialists June 2017 Rubric Maximize technology to make PLC s most effective Principals Curriculum HCD Instructional coaches Teachers Improved use of NPS Data (i.e. improvement plans) Develop a learning project for each content area that encourages Principals Curriculum June 2017 Successful implementation of project 16
interdistrict teacher to teacher, classroom to classroom collaboration. HCD Instructional coaches Teachers Media Specialists Create a resource bank of experts willing to share their expertise as classroom resources. Principals Curriculum HCD Instructional coaches Teachers Media Specialists Monthly data report Provide sustainable professional learning which provides educators with the skills and knowledge to apply and design learning experiences for students in a 21st century classroom. Principals Curriculum HCD Instructional coaches Teachers Media Specialists Professional learning plan for the future with measurable goals or outcomes 17
Goal 4: Infrastructure for Teaching and Learning All students and educators will have access to a comprehensive infrastructure for learning when and where they need it. What will Newington Public Schools do to ensure that all students and educators will have access to a comprehensive infrastructure for teaching and learning? Note: The essential underlying principle is that the infrastructure includes people, processes, learning resources, and policies and sustainable models for continuous improvement in addition to broadband connectivity, servers, software, management systems, and administrative tools. Action Plan for Goal Area 4 What steps will NPS take? Who is responsible? When? How will success be measured? Establish the criteria for obsolescence and a plan for end user device replacement. Information IT Staff Annually Device age and performance meets end user demands. Equipment inventory data analysis. Establish the criteria for obsolescence and a plan for infrastructure replacement. Information IT Staff Annually Network performance exceeds demand. Provide staffing to ensure the maintenance of all hardware (CSDE recommends a ratio of no more than 300 computers per technician). Superintendent of Schools Chief of Staff Information Annually Ratio is met. Strive towards providing one device per child (1:1) environment for all learners. Information June 2018 Achieve affordable/sustainable solution where every learner has the appropriate tools and access to be highly successful. Communicate district wide use laptop/chromebook policy. Building Administration Teachers September 2015 + Annually 100% parental acknowledgement (sign off) of District policy. 18
Develop a device replacement protocol for teachers and students Information June 2017 Completed document that outlines specific plans for device refreshment and replacement Maintain current standards for telecommunications infrastructure Information IT Staff Meet industry standard. Investigate an expansion of wireless coverage Information IT Staff Wireless coverage meets district needs. Analyze the redundancy of critical network resource Information IT Staff Eliminate risk to an acceptable level. 19
Goal 5: Productivity and Efficiency Newington Public Schools, at all levels, will redesign processes and structures to take advantage of the power of technology to improve learning outcomes while making more efficient use of time, money, and staff. What will Newington Public Schools do to maintain or redesign processes and structures to take advantage of the power of technology to improve learning outcomes while maintaining efficiency? Action Plan for Goal Area 5 What steps will NPS take? Who is responsible? When? How will success be measured? Maximize the use of online learning resources Principals Curriculum Instructional coaches Teachers Begin 2015 16 and continue over the life of this plan Student performance data will indicate acquisition of specific skills and concepts/knowledge Merge databases to reduce duplicity and managing warehouses for resources for teaching and learning. Principals Curriculum IT HCD Manager of Student Information Systems Begin in 2015 16 to be completed in 2018 19 Full implementation of LMS Establish professional network that enhances our technology relationships locally, nationally and internationally. Curriculum IT HCD Manager of Student Information Systems Increased opportunities (breadth and depth) Increase the use of Cloud computing capabilities as appropriate IT Increased opportunities (breadth and depth) Increase equitable student access to, application of and proficiency with technology by expanding Principals Curriculum 20 Integration Rubric Devices per student Educator Evaluation Technological
opportunities. IT HCD Teachers Certifications Investigate & apply for grants and other funding sources. District State, Foundations, and Private Grants 2015 2018 Increased opportunities (breadth and depth) Utilize State, Regional, and National partnerships with public & private organizations. District Educator Evaluation, Participation or Attendance to a professional event, Offering a professional development opportunity in cooperation with our partners 21