Iron Mountain Public School District Technology Plan October 28, 2011- June 30, 2015
TECHNOLOGY PLAN SUMMARY SHEET District: Iron Mountain Public School District Code: 22010 Address: 217 Izzo- Mariucci Way, Iron Mountain, MI 49801 Contact: Kris Khor Phone: (906) 779-7729 Fax: (906) 779-2676 E- Mail: kriskhor@imschools.org Start date of plan: October 28, 2011 Ending date of plan: June 30, 2015 ISD: Dickinson- Iron Intermediate School District URL for Technology Plan: www.imschools.org/forms/techplan.pdf Table of Contents District Profile (Mission Statement/Information)... 3 Vision & Goals... 5 Technology Planning Team... 6 Curriculum... 7 Professional Development... 9 Infrastructure/Hardware/Software... 11 Technology Support... 14 Funding & Budget... 16 Monitoring & Evaluation... 18 2
IRON MOUNTAIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT District Profile: Located in the south- central part of the Upper Peninsula, Dickinson County is a home to approximately 27,000 people. Iron Mountain Public School District is one of 7 districts in the county and is a Schools of Choice District. We currently operate two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Our student enrollment is 1,054 with a staff of 3 administrators, 1 technology coordinator, 60 teachers and 26 support personnel. Bay College is located in our community. We are also within 115 miles to two universities, one college, and we are a part of the Dickinson- Iron Intermediate School District (ISD). District Mission Statement: The Iron Mountain Public School District, in partnership with students, parents, and community, ensures that all students: Develop the ability to think and learn independently as well as cooperatively. Develop values of self- discipline and form a strong sense of personal responsibility and respect for others. Develop individual abilities, skills, and talents by promoting active participation in a broad range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities within a supportive, nurturing environment. Develop a foundation in which they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to shape and respond to the future as lifelong learners. 3
School Buildings: Building Name/Address Iron Mountain High School 300 West B Street Iron Mountain, MI 49801 Central Middle School 301 West Hughitt Street Iron Mountain, MI 49801 Central Elementary School 301 West Hughitt Street Iron Mountain, MI 49801 North Elementary School 900 Fifth Street Iron Mountain, MI 49801 Number of Teachers Number of Students Socioeconomic Status (Eligible for free & reduced lunch) 25 366 27% 10 163 39% 10 265 48% 15 256 43% 4
VISION AND GOALS Technology Planning Initiative: Iron Mountain Public School District formed a team of educators, administrators, and business leaders to envision the future technology needs of our students and community. This committee has been in existence for 16 years under the direction of a full- time Technology Coordinator. The vision of the technology committee and mission of the Iron Mountain Public School District directly supports the creation of lifelong learners by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond to the world around them. This is evident in both our district goals and our technology plan goals listed below. District School Improvement Goals: Elementary All elementary students will improve their reading skills. All elementary students will improve their writing skills. All elementary students will improve their math skills. Middle School All Central Middle School students will improve their math skills. All Central Middle School students will improve their reading skills. All Central Middle School students will improve their writing skills. High School All Iron Mountain High School students will improve their math skills. All Iron Mountain High School students will improve their reading skills. All Iron Mountain High School students will improve their writing skills. 5
District Technology Vision/Mission Statement: To become the necessary vehicle between the education of today and the technology of tomorrow. To move our community and students forward into the 21 st century by proving access to state- of- the- art technology and anytime/anywhere access. To focus on the responsible and ethical use of technology To build confidence and to focus on using technology to improve learning and life- long skills. Develop an assessment plan to identify strengths and weaknesses in existing technology regarding infrastructure, distribution, and professional development. Specific Goals for Staff, Students, & Community: Access to technology that gives access to effective curriculum- based resources, including the Internet, to enrich their day- to- day teaching/learning. To encourage a BYOD (bring your own device) campus to allow anytime/anywhere learning. To effectively integrate technology into everyday teaching and learning. To provide greater access for student and parents to current technology, grades, attendance, homework, and benchmarks established in the district. To encourage community support and involvement in developing successful, technology literate future citizens. To provide staff with ample training and sufficient access to technology to allow them to integrate technology as a tool to deliver and enhance current curriculum standards and benchmarks. District Planning Team: Name Tom Jayne Maryann Boddy Bob Strang Kris Khor Pam Petrie Shannon Rosenthal Kelly DeRidder Lisa Basanese Steve Brooks Jeff Michaud Position Superintendent High School/Middle School Principal Central Elementary & North Elementary Principal District Technology Coordinator/Parent High School Business/Computer Teacher Title One Teacher/Parent Elementary Kindergarten/PE Teacher School Board Member/Parent School Board Member/Parent School Board Member/Parent 6
CURRICULUM Goals and strategies are aligned with challenging State standards, for using telecommunications and technology to improve teaching and learning. Iron Mountain Public School District s Technology Committee has developed a technology curriculum covering grades K- 12. It is based on Michigan Educational Technology Standards (METS). The computer skill area for each benchmark is identified, in addition to the level of mastery required. Grade level and departments also break down the curriculum. This allows for easier reference for teachers. The technology curriculum of the Iron Mountain Public schools supports our current policies, mission statements, and school improvement plan. It is designed to enhance the core curriculum that is being taught and to improve student learning which will lead to increased Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP) scores and Michigan Merit Exam Scores (MME). Our students are evaluated on a regular basis (ex: 8 th grade technology literacy test) and we obtain staff input in areas of concern. In addition, we provide professional development for staff on targeted areas. Technology Curriculum: Iron Mountain Public School District s Technology Curriculum can be obtained at www.imschools.org/forms/techcurr.pdf Additional Opportunities for Delivered Curriculum: The Iron Mountain High School will continue to provide access to Michigan Virtual High School. We educate students and staff via this technology and encourage these courses as well as the other online courses that are available. Parents/students are informed of technologies to be used through our PowerSchool Parent Portal. School information is also made available through our PowerSchool Daily Bulletins, our district website, and our school TV Channel 20. Our Adult Education program is included in appropriate curriculum opportunities. All 8 th grade students are trained with 21things4students.net. Curriculum Goals, Strategies, & Timeline: Goals Continue to integrate technology throughout the curriculum. For all students to become proficient in document processing. Educate all students on on- line safety and technology literacy. Expose students to emerging technologies. For all students to have access to curriculum resources anytime/anywhere. 7
Strategies Provide access to resources including the Internet for real work applications, Learn360, and other online resources for curriculum- related support and research. (on- going) Provide each teacher with a copy of our technology curriculum. (yearly) Correlate K- 12 planning (departmental/team/grade level) and provide resources to technology support personnel to begin implementing interdisciplinary units at all grade levels (on- going) Provide routine on- line safety awareness. (twice yearly) Provide opportunities to investigate appropriate and relevant technologies. (on- going) Technology Delivery Our school district provides the following distant resources for our students and staff: Learn360, Michigan Virtual High School Classes, 8 th grade on- line class, IP desktop collaboration, StoneWare cloud computing, among many other web resources. We evaluate the use and further needs on an annual basis. Parental Communications & Community Relations Our educational technology plan will continue to be disseminated to the community through our school website, our school television channel - channel 20, and our student management system, PowerSchool. Parents and board members are included in our technology committee and are highly involved in decision- making processes. Collaboration Currently, we share Internet service with our local ISD and neighboring school district, Breitung Township Schools. In addition, we now share a Data Center, backups and PowerSchool servers. Our three districts have recently partnered in a Technology Consortium (TechCo). Five members of the combined districts form this consortium and provide technology support to four districts. 8
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Strategies for providing ongoing, sustained professional development for teachers, principals, administrators, and school library media personnel to ensure the staff knows how to use the new technologies to improve education or library services. Iron Mountain Public School District promotes on- going professional development in the area of technology by providing one- on- one training sessions, on- site sessions for basic skill and curriculum integration, district professional development days, and opportunities to attend professional development at the ISD, state, and even national level when available. Professional Development Goals: To provide ALL staff with ample training and sufficient access to technology to allow them to integrate technology as a tool to deliver and enhance current curriculum standards and benchmarks. To provide access to numerous resources including the Internet for real world applications, Learn360, and other online resources for curriculum- related support and research. To become leaders in state- of- the- art technology and use these tools to broaden all areas of the educational process. To educate our staff on the state and national standards on technology for teachers, administrators and relevant educators. Professional Development Strategies, Action Plans, & Timeline: 1. Provide staff with experience using the computer as a tool to deliver curriculum. a. Technology sessions during in- service days focusing on appropriate grade- level lesson plans. (on- going) b. Identify and inform teachers of training sessions and on- line courses from local, ISD Michigan Virtual University (MVU), and local universities. (on- going) c. Correlate K- 12 planning (departmental/team/grade level) and provide technology support personnel to begin implementing interdisciplinary units at all grade levels. (on- going) d. Evaluate and update written curriculum to align with current State and National Standards. (yearly) e. Seek partnership with local businesses for classroom or school adoption programs to enhance core curricular. (on- going) 2. Integrate the use of the Internet as an information resource. a. Share websites and articles with lesson plan examples and activities. (on- going) 9
b. Provide hands- on training demonstrating specific Internet/mobile resources. (on- going) c. Provide staff with instruction in using various types of equipment to better deliver curriculum. (on- going) d. Provide training to better utilize communication tools. (on- going) 3. Promote responsible and ethical use of technology. a. Provide training regarding appropriate use of technology. (on- going) b. Increase awareness of concepts in district s Technology Use Policy (AUP) via school website. (on- going) c. Review district technology policies and expectations with all staff at the start of each school year. (yearly) 4. Provide in- service and visitation opportunities for new technologies. a. Offer training on specific skills and curriculum integration. (on- going) b. Provide opportunities for staff to attend conferences on emerging technology. (on- going) c. Provide staff with notifications of grant opportunities. (on- going) d. Actively pursue new professional development funding from other resources. (on- going) Professional Development Resources: Policies: Technology Use Policy, Photo Release Policy Manuals and printed material: Software guides, training guides, curriculum guides, staff handbook and Internet Video lending library or access to REMC materials: REMC Resource Book Informational school website: www.imschools.org Software: Microsoft Server, GMail, PowerSchool, Follett Library Automation, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office, MOIS, Video Production, Renaissance Place, and 50+ curriculum support software packages Online subscription services: Virus & Filtering Software, MICR, Michigan Virtual Middle and High School, Learn360, and Quiz List Interactive Professional Development sessions for teachers are also provided by our ISD, RESA and REMC. Information is made available to staff through our school website to resources from different colleges and universities. 10
INFRASTRUCTURE/TECH SUPPORT HARDWARE/SOFTWARE Strategies to indentify the need for telecommunication services, hardware, software and other services to improve education or library services, and strategies to determine interoperability among the components of the technologies to be acquired. District Overview: The Iron Mountain Public School District has a unique layout with our neighborhood school concept. This adds a disadvantage and careful planning is crucial for keeping consistency with technology through the district. We have six physical buildings in the district and they are all connected with fiber optics. Servers are located in a data center at our local ISD. They provide resources for sharing programs and peripherals, such as, printers and storing data. Most district communication is done through e- mail, which is implemented through Gmail. All of our school buildings use PowerSchool and all teachers are required to use electronic attendance and grades. The grades and attendance are available to parents and students through our PowerSchool Parent/Student Portal. Students and staff can access network files and resources through StoneWare (cloud computing). District Hardware/Software: Windows networking 2 domain controller servers hosted at the Data Center at our ISD. 6 terminal servers 1 web server 1 library automation server 2 data/application servers Fiber optic cable connecting building within district Fiber optic cable connecting district to the Dickinson- Iron Intermediate School District Fiber optic cable continuing to Breitung Township School District High speed Internet access/web filtering is shared with the Dickinson- Iron Intermediate School District and Breitung Township School District E- mail filtering is handled by REMC1 out of the Cooper County ISD. High speed Internet access to all classrooms in the district Telephones in all classrooms in the district 11
Wireless access in our Central Elementary, Central Middle School, Administration/Gymnasium building and High School building Cable TV in all classrooms in the district 8 computer labs used for both scheduled classes and classroom drop- in use. Netbook computers for our 6 th and 7 th grade students Broadcasting equipment and transmission over a local television channel. Automated library system using Follett software Michigan Virtual High School classes Minimum of 2 computers in each classroom AutoCad and plotting equipment PowerSchool access to all students and parents Learn360 Subscription available to all staff in the district Renaissance Place (including Accelerated Reader, Star Reading, Star Math, Star Early Literacy) available K- 8. Cloud access to all students and staff, via StoneWare. This technology allows students and staff to have access to their files and other resources on the network, through any internet connection. Students in grades 8-12 can bring in their personal computing devices, such as laptops, netbooks, ipads, smartphones, etc. and use our filtered internet access at school. This gives students more access to technology and allows them to access their files on the school network through the Cloud. Infrastructure, Hardware and Software Strategies, Action Plans and Timeline: All computer labs are replaced on a rotating schedule (When the computers are replaced, they are placed in the classroom as terminal workstations for student access). Fiber- optic transceivers are evaluated each year and replaced for speed requirements as needed. (yearly). Printers and other peripheral devices are not on a rotating schedule, but replaced when it is not economically feasible to repair. Current software programs are updated as new versions are available and the upgrade features and costs can be justified. (Our district maintains yearly support contracts with many of our programs such as Follett, PowerSchool, Renaissance Learning, etc). (evaluated yearly) License agreements are renewed yearly on anti- virus, filtering, and subscription services. (evaluated yearly) Evaluate and purchase subscription to elementary online curriculum support (2012-2013) Technology needed to support technology curriculum and integration will evolve as needed. Equal access for all students is a district goal in all aspects of education, including technology. During our assessment process, our technology committee continues to ensure equality for all students. 12
Assistive technology has also been a priority for students in need of special services. This department is included in our rotation schedule. Contact will be made with our local ISD and Community Agencies to ensure ALL students and teachers have increased access to technology. In addition, we will continue with, and improve upon, before school, after school, and weekend open computer lab time for all students. Our district receives funding from USF for Internet and telecommunication services. Equipment is upgraded as needed to support these services. 13
TECHNICAL SUPPORT Staffing Responsibilities: The technology department includes a full- time Technology Director. The Technology Director works in the Technology Consortium TechCo (with our local ISD and neighboring school district, Breitung Township Schools) to provide technology support for four local districts. This department handles issues including but not limited to: planning, connectivity, network administration tasks, training, hardware repairs, upgrades, maintenance, inventory, software installations and curriculum integration. Outsourcing is used very minimally and only at the higher support issues. Equipment Rotation/Obsolescence Plan: The District Technology Committee continuously reviews the value technology has on the curriculum in supporting students learning and classroom management. Resources and tools that no longer support our goals are identified as obsolete and removed from the instructional program. All computer labs in the district are on a rotation schedule. When computer labs are replaced, technology that is still valuable to the district is placed in classroom/media centers to offer additional access for students and staff. Repairs, Maintenance and Inventory: To adequately monitor technology in the district and repair/maintenance of technology, the TechCo utilizes an inventory system. Inventory tracking is on- going with maintenance completed on an annual basis. Repair of hardware and other technical issues is handled through a helpdesk ticket system. Any staff members experiencing difficulty or need training with technology, use the following procedure: 1. E- mail technical issues/training needs to the district Helpdesk ticket system. Issues are prioritized. 2. Submit an online ticket to the TechCo. 3. Telephone technology office/personnel to request assistance. Security System/Insurance Policy: Iron Mountain Public School District has a surveillance system in the middle school, high school and administration building, which helps to safeguard technology resources. All computer labs must be monitored by staff and kept locked when not in use. 14
Network logins and a planned hierarchy of file rights protect the integrity of technology information. Filtering is also in place for all Internet users in the district. This is in accordance with the Children s Internet Protection Act that is in place. Under the direction of the Superintendent, Iron Mountain Public School District also has proper insurance coverage for all technology found throughout the schools. 15
FUNDING AND BUDGET Timeline and budget covering the acquisition, implementation, interoperability provisions, maintenance and professional development related to the use of technology to improve student academic achievement. Categories Existing Budget 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 License Agreements: (PowerSchool, Symantec, Follett, Renaissance Place, $28,798.00 $25,918.00 $23,326.00 $20,994.00 filtering service, Quizlist Interactive, backup software, etc.) Hardware: (lab rotation/replacement, teacher station $66,668.00 $60,001.00 $54,001.00 $48,601.00 rotation/replacement, printer, parts, peripherals) Proposed Additions: $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Networking Infrastructure: (servers, cabling, transceivers, switches, hubs) Included in hardware Included in hardware Included in hardware Included in hardware Software & Curriculum Integration: Included in license agreements Included in license agreements Included in license agreements Included in license agreements Supplies: $29,000.00 $26,100.00 $23,490.00 $21,142.00 Maintenance & Service $6,500.00 $5,850.00 $5,265.00 $4,739.00 Professional Development $1,800.00 $1,620.00 $1,458.00 $1,313.00 Salaries & Benefits ** Climate Control** TOTALS $132,766.00 $119,489.00 $107,540.00 $96,789.00 **Salaries & Benefits and Climate Control are funded through sources outside of the technology budget. Salaries & Benefits for technology staff is not included in the technology budget. Climate Control, electrical, and renovations are funded through Building & Grounds. 16
Coordination of Resources: Adequate financial support is essential to the successful technology program, especially when School of Choice is an option for parents. We strive to provide instruction in the best possible way in an atmosphere that allows our graduates to become competitive in a world that becomes more technical every year. Iron Mountain Public School District has been experiencing a reduction in revenues due to declining enrollment that has resulted in cutbacks in all budgets including technology. It is important to provide as much information to school board members so that informed decisions can be made as to the priorities for funding. Technology expenditures need to be an ongoing expense for the district. In addition to the technology budget, the Iron Mountain Public School District participates in the Universal Service Fund program and will continue on an annual basis. Iron Mountain Public School District collaborates with other agencies on a regular basis along with any grants offered through the state and/or other agencies to promote community relations and the development of student learning. Teaming with the ISD facilitates many projects promoting new technologies, student learning, and collaborations among local school districts. Conference attendance is supported with funding at attend and/or release time for the technology leaders and staff within their districts. Iron Mountain Public School District has taken advantage of many of these worthwhile programs and has embraced many of them as part of the curriculum. In an effort to share services and reduce costs, our district has been partnering with our local ISD and Breitung Township Schools and formed the TechCo. This consortium provides technology support to 4 school districts as well as sharing a data center. 17
MONITORING AND EVALUATION Strategies that the district will use to evaluate the extent to which activities are effective in integrating technology into curriculum and instruction, increasing the ability of teachers to teach, and enabling students to reach challenging State of Michigan academic standards. Iron Mountain Public School District s Technology Committee is responsible for the evaluation and assessment of the technology plan and to make sure that district personnel support and promote the district s vision and goals. Monitoring of technology goals, strategies, and action plans will be an ongoing process utilizing the following format: Collect yearly data through planned surveys, observations, equipment inventories and classroom projects Assess staff needs, concerns, and recommendations through quarterly technology meetings MEAP, PSAT, Renaissance Learning evaluations (ongoing) Technology Plan Evaluation form to be filled out annually under the direction of the District Technology Coordinator AUP s are monitored for students and staff through the technology department. Careful monitoring is done of students/staff activities on the Internet and documentation and offense/consequence guidelines are followed to ensure our compliance with The Children s Internet Protection Act. All staff members are trained on the policy and are aware of the proper procedures (ongoing) The Iron Mountain Public School District s Technology Committee will review data from the evaluation measures listed above. The Committee will identify areas of weakness and develop strategies for improvement that will be addressed at its quarterly meetings. Success will be determined by staff input (reviewed yearly), student literacy tests administered by staff (reviewed yearly), classroom assessments (performed as needed), exit poll to all graduating students (reviewed yearly) and an annual review of our technology plan. The technology committee will analyze data from the tools listed above and our plan will be revised to address needs. 18
Technology Plan Evaluation Form: TECH PLAN EVALUATION FORM Required Accomplishments Component Curriculum Integration (Impact on student learning) Professional Development Progress Towards Goal Focus Area for Improvement YEAR: Notes Infrastructure Technical Support Funding Timetable Coordination of Resources Acceptable Use Policy Acceptable Use Policy: Iron Mountain Public School District s Acceptable Use Policy can be obtained at http://www.imschools.org 19