Dr. Jean R. Richards, Superintendent of Schools
 

RAYMOND SCHOOL DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY PLAN   July 1, 2008-June 30, 2011  Raymond School District SAU #33  Approved by Raymond School Board April 2, 2008     Lamprey River Elementary School Iber Holmes Gove Middle School Raymond High School   Town of Raymond, NH  03077 Dr. Jeannie Richards - Superintendent of Schools    RAYMOND SCHOOL DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY PLAN    Revised February 2008    Table of Contents Introduction  1.1 Purpose  1.2 Demographics  1.3 Technology planning committee guidelines  1.4 Technology planning committee  1.5 District mission statement  1.6 Technology mission statement   District-Wide Technology Use  2.1 Students using technology  2.2 Teachers using technology  2.3 Administrators using technology  2.4 Community members using technology   Performance Indicators  3.1 Prior to completion of 2nd grade  3.2 Prior to completion of 5th grade  3.3 Prior to completion of 8th grade  3.5 Prior to completion of 12th grade   Integration of Information Technology   Goals   Action Plan  6.1 Access to technology resources  6.2 Technology literacy  6.3 Professional development  6.4 Community Collaboration   7.      Data Collection   8.      Evaluation   9.      Budget   1.      Introduction   1.1              Purpose   The primary reason for a technology plan, in addition to the New Hampshire Department of Education requirement, is to provide goals and direction for the development of technology in the Raymond School District.  The previous technology plan covered the period of 2005-2008. The main focus of the plan was to increase technology usage by providing the equipment and training necessary. This goal has been addressed through funding and professional development and will continue to be the main focus of our efforts.  To address our goal of incorporating automated school library systems, the librarians at the three schools are currently researching web based circulation systems.          The technology committee recognizes that with the implementation of this plan, the quality of education as a whole will increase and students will be better prepared to use technology in their everyday lives.  We also hope that the community as a whole will become more prepared to utilize the educational and community resources available in the digital world.   1.2       Demographics   Raymond is a rural community located about 30 miles from the seacoast and 25 miles east of Manchester, the state’s largest city.  In the Raymond School District there are currently three schools; Raymond High School (RHS) with approximately 515 students, Iber Holmes Gove Middle School (IHGMS) with approximately 418 students, and Lamprey River Elementary School (LRES) with approximately 587 students.  Prior to 1980 the population of Raymond was primarily families that went back many generations.  During the last twenty years families have moved into the area due to its proximity to populated centers of employment.  Due to lower than average per capita income, high property taxes, and limited resources of the town, funding for school programs continues to be a problem.   1.3              Technology Planning Committee Guidelines   In the Raymond School District there shall be a technology committee that will advise the superintendent, technology director, and the school board in the areas concerning the improvement of technology standards in the district.  More specifically, the committee will:   ·         Assist in preparing the District Technology Plan. ·         Assist in the preparation of grants related to technology. ·         Review curriculum documents regarding the integration of technology. ·         Recommend guidelines for the use of technology by faculty and students. ·         Recommend standards for the acquisition of hardware and software. ·         Conduct surveys and gather information regarding technology in the district. ·         Participate in the development of the district educational improvement plan. ·         Develop relationships between the district and the community and the use of technology.   The committee shall include but not be limited to the following individuals:   ·         A school superintendent, or designee, principal or assistant principal ·         District technology director ·         Technical support personnel ·         A student representative ·         A school board representative ·         A staff member from each school ·         Curriculum coordinator ·         Community members   1.4              Committee Members   Jon Hall- Curriculum Coordinator, Technology Committee Chair Kevin Lemoi- Technology Director Sissel Dahl-Media Generalist, IHGMS Theresa Pistorino – Computer Teacher, RHS Ellen Small- Principal, IHGMS Sandra Ellis- Para-professional, LRES   Julie Hazel-Felch – School Board Stephen Sloan-Community Member Nancy Sullivan-Community Member Cathy Willard-Community Member TBA- High School Student               1.5              District Mission Statement   The Raymond School District, as the organization responsible for providing challenging educational opportunities in a supportive environment, is committed to:   ·         Recognizing each individual’s unique needs and learning styles ·         Promoting intellectual growth ·         Fostering self-esteem and mutual respect ·         Developing interpersonal skills necessary for becoming responsible citizens and thereby encourage individuals to reach their potential and to acquire an appreciation for life-long pursuit of learning   1.6              Technology Vision Statement   We, as a district, believe that technology should become an important tool in the development of our students’ learning skills.  Technology should be integrated at all possible levels to help promote student motivation and professional efficiency.  Understanding technology and its uses in everyday life promotes educational and economic opportunity and builds partnerships with all facets of the community.  In order to promote these beliefs we need to provide adequate equipment, materials, training and support for the entire district.   Technology will assist district professionals in their efforts to ensure an opportunity for all students to develop not only basic skills, but to experience a curriculum that emphasizes the skills necessary for their entry into schools of higher education, or those demanded of individuals entering the work force.  The Raymond School District is committed to utilizing technology to prepare its students for success upon graduation from high school by determining the needs of the community, business and industry, adjusting the curriculum to meet those needs, and through the creation of digital portfolios.   We expect that by the year 2009, every classroom and administrative office in the district will be equipped with the technology required to facilitate the effective operation of these goals.  With adequate training and access to hardware and software, teachers will be able to capture the attention of learners and foster an interactive environment that supports risk-taking and problem solving.  Using word processing, spreadsheets, multimedia systems, and database programs, students will use technology as a tool to discover, analyze, synthesize, and organize information.  Students will work cooperatively as well as experience self-directed educational success, using technology to support and enhance learning including distance education.  Technology will be incorporated as a natural, integral part of learning throughout the Raymond School District.   Administratively, information will be managed using technology to increase productivity and efficiency.  School district and student information will be stored and managed electronically.  Student records, report cards, individual education plans, class schedules, attendance, district financial and personnel records, and food service data are examples of information that will be stored and managed utilizing technology.   Members of the community will be involved in, and will benefit from, the integration of technology in the district.  Community representatives will serve on the district technology committee and will work with the individual schools to implement the technology plan.  Opportunities will be provided for community members to participate in training and adult education classes relating to, and involving, technology.   Technology will be incorporated as a natural, integral part of learning throughout the Raymond School District. In summary, the elements of our expectations of effective technology integration are outlined below.     District Wide Technology Use             2.1              Students Using Technology ·         Use technology as a tool to discover, analyze, synthesize, and organize information using software and multimedia devices ·         Work cooperatively as well as experience self-directed educational success using technology to support and enhance learning ·         Access dynamic worldwide information through Internet use ·         Experience opportunities for life-long learning through technology ·         Introduce students to the opportunities of distance learning such as the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS)   2.2              Teachers Using Technology ·         Access to hardware and software will capture the attention of learners and foster an interactive environment that supports risk-taking and problem solving ·         Ensure an opportunity for all students to develop not only basic skills but to experience a curriculum that emphasizes the skills necessary for their entry into schools of higher education, or those demanded of individuals entering the work force ·         Enhance content delivery and pedagogy ·         Share innovative ways to deliver course content with peers in the electronic community ·         Develop alternative methods of delivering curriculum using technology   2.3        Administrators Using Technology ·         Increase productivity and efficiency through the use of information management o       School district and student information o       Student records, report cards, individual education plans, class schedules o       Attendance and discipline records o       Assessment and testing results o       Program and extra-curricular participation records o       District financial and personnel records o       Food service data o       E-mail and web pages o       School calendar and community information ·         Monitoring and evaluation to increase accountability o       Progress of the district’s curriculum mapping efforts o       Specific programs ( Special  Education, Title I) o       Relational database capability to analyze annual and longitudinal patterns and trends ·         Professional development training of all staff ·         Enhanced communication with the community   2.4              Community Members Using Technology ·         Work with the District Technology Committee and with individual schools to implement the technology plan ·         Participate in training and adult education classes relating to the use of technology   Performance Indicators   The following is a breakdown of the goals set by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).  The National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) stated below are to be used as a guide and will be adjusted to address the needs of the district for the benefit of its students.   3.1              Prior to completion of 2nd Grade   ·         Use of input devices (e.g., mouse, keyboard, remote control) and output devices (e.g., monitor, printer) to successfully operate computers, VCRs/DVDs, audiotapes, and other technologies ·         Use of a variety of media and technology resources for directed and independent learning activities ·         Communicate about technology using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology ·         Use of developmentally appropriate multimedia resources (e.g., interactive books, educational software, elementary multimedia encyclopedias) to support learning ·         Work cooperatively and collaboratively with peers, family members, and others when using technology in the classroom ·         Demonstrate positive social and ethical behaviors when using technology ·         Practice responsible use of technology systems and software. ·         Create developmentally appropriate multimedia products with support from teachers, family members, or student partners ·         Use of technology resources (e.g., puzzles, logical thinking programs, writing tools, digital cameras, and drawing tools) for problem solving, communication, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories ·         Gather information and communicate with others using telecommunications, with support from teachers, family members, or student partners   3.2              Prior to completion of 5th Grade   ·         Use of keyboards and other common input and output devices (including adaptive devices when necessary) efficiently and effectively ·         Discuss common uses of technology in daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses provide ·         Discuss basic issues related to responsible use of technology and information and describe personal consequences of inappropriate use ·         Use of general-purpose productivity tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, remediate skill deficits, and facilitate learning throughout the curriculum ·         Use of technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, presentation, Web tools, digital cameras, and scanners) for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom ·         Use of telecommunications efficiently to access remote information, communicate with others in support of direct and independent learning, and pursue personal interests ·         Use of telecommunications and online resources (e.g., e-mail, online discussions, Web environments) to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities for the purpose of developing solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom ·         Use of technology resources (e.g., calculators, data collection probes, videos, educational software) for problem solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities ·         Determine which technology is useful and select the appropriate tool(s) and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems ·         Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources   3.3              Prior to completion of 8th Grade:   ·         Apply strategies for identifying and solving routine hardware and software problems that occur during everyday use ·         Demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies and the effect those changes have on the workplace and society ·         Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse ·         Use of content-specific tools, software, and simulations (e.g., environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning and research ·         Apply productivity/multimedia tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, group collaboration, and learning throughout the curriculum ·         Design, develop, publish, and present products (e.g., Web pages, videotapes) using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate curriculum concepts to audiences inside and outside the classroom ·         Collaborate with peers, experts, and others using telecommunications and collaborative tools to investigate curriculum-related problems, issues, and information, and to develop solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom ·         Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems ·         Demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, connectivity, and practical applications to learning and problem solving ·         Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning real-world problems (2, 5, 6)   3.4              Prior to completion of 12th Grade   ·         Identify capabilities and limitations of contemporary and emerging technology resources and assess the potential of these systems and services to address personal, life-long learning, and workplace needs ·         Make informed choices among technology systems, resources, and services ·         Analyze advantages and disadvantages of widespread use and reliance on technology in the workplace and in society as a whole ·         Demonstrate and advocate for legal and ethical behaviors among peers, family, and community regarding the use of technology and information ·         Use of technology tools and resources for managing and communicating personal/professional information (e.g., finances, schedules, addresses, purchases, and correspondence) ·         Evaluate technology-based options, including distance and distributed education, for lifelong learning ·         Routinely and efficiently use online information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publications, communications, and productivity ·         Select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis, problem solving, and decision-making in content learning ·         Investigate and apply expert systems, intelligent agents, and simulations in real-world situations ·         Collaborate with peers, experts, and others to contribute to a content-related knowledge base by using technology to compile, synthesize, produce, and disseminate information, models, and other creative works   Integration of Information Technology   The Raymond School District expects that technology will be integrated into every classroom in order to provide the advantages available in the information age.  Technology is a valuable tool available to educators in the K-12 system.  The use of this ever-changing resource by teachers provides the tools for professional development geared to training teachers in the use of technology in their classrooms.  Technology in the classroom can only be used successfully if the instructor is qualified to use it.    In accordance with this school district technology plan, teachers will be encouraged to attend and utilize technology training with the goal of   integrating technology into the curriculum. This will be centrally monitored at the SAU level and supported by the curriculum coordinators and technology director.   Goals 5.1              Have all students and staff meet an appropriate level of technology literacy as outlined by National Educational Technology for Students (NETS) and New Hampshire Information and Communication Technologies (NH ICT) Literacy Standards (ED306.42). 5.2              Integrate the use of software and hardware that provide staff members, administration, and district leaders the ability to communicate electronically; ·         Using E-mail as the preferred mode of communication ·         Attendance and grading software as outlined in our school district goals. ·         Explore the use of software for professional development data storage. ·         Individual education plans based on student academic growth ·         Student tracking ·         Evaluate Open Source technology and implement as appropriate (Ex: Moodle) ·         Use Techpaths for curriculum mapping at all three schools as cited in our School In Need of Improvement (SINI) plans.   5.3              Provide at least one up-to-date computer in every classroom:  The state recommendation for student to computer ratio is 5 to 1.  An immediate goal is to have at least one modern multimedia computer station available to students and teachers in each classroom to enable the use of network resources for everyone. 5.4              Maintain the utilization of a central point for software and hardware approval and purchase:  All software/hardware purchase requests will be sent through the technology office for approval. 5.5              Provide one district-wide director and one full time technology support person at each of our three buildings. 5.6              Connect all district buildings with fiber-optic cable for the sharing of network resources. 5.7              Continue to integrate the use of technology throughout the curriculum as defined by NETS and NH ICT Literacy Standards. 5.8              Provide a web-based automated school library system linked to the district website. 5.9              Provide mobile computer labs for each academic department at RHS and in each grade at IHGMS, available for use by all teachers and all students. 5.10          Encourage the use of Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) and other opportunities for distance learning/virtual classroom in the district. 5.11          Provide universal access to technology resources to all levels of education. 5.12          Compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act:  To receive Title I and E-Rate funding, each district must install and use internet filtering to protect the interests of its students.  The Raymond School District will continue to implement the proper monitoring procedures to meet this requirement. 5.13          Establish a collaborative partnership with the community and volunteers to include continuing educational opportunities and technology communication tools. 5.14          Increase the security, efficiency and productivity of the district network resources. 5.15          Encourage community awareness and support for technology use throughout the district. 5.16          Leverage district staff resources through use of volunteers for hardware and software support.   Action Plan   The Raymond School District Action Plan was designed to address the implementation of the sixteen goals covering the four main components.    6.1              Access to Technology Resources  The Raymond School District will meet the “Access to Technology Resources” component by employing the following goals and actions:   Goal 3: At least one up-to-date computer in every classroom:  The State of New Hampshire Educational Technology Plan guidance for student to computer ratio is 5 to 1.  An immediate goal is to have at least one modern multimedia computer station available to students and teachers in each classroom to enable the use of network resources for everyone.   Action: Goal to be met through grants such as Title II Part D, other grant funding sources, capital improvement plan (CIP), and district budgeting. Add one mobile lab and replace one end of life (EOL) mobile lab that we currently own each year.   Goal 6: Connect all district buildings with fiber-optic cable for the sharing of network resources.   Action: The district technology director will locate and obtain funding through E-Rate, district budgeting, and grants if available, to insure that all network resources are available in each building.  Maintain Virtual Private Networks (VPN’s) and Telecommunications Digital Signal 1s (T1’s) and integrate additional Comcast bandwidth.  Seek CIP funding and grants to acquire fiber-optic connections.  Resources will include various hardware and/or software products.   Goal 5: Provide one director for the district and one full-time technology support person at each of the three buildings.   Action: The Raymond School District director of technology will seek funding through the school district budget to provide the technology support personnel needed for each school.   Goal 9: Provide mobile computer labs for each academic department at RHS and IHGMS, available for use by all teachers and students.   Action: Goal to be met through grants such as Title II Part D, other grant funding sources, capital improvement plan (CIP), and district budgeting. Add two new mobile labs and replace one end of life (EOL) mobile lab that we currently own each year.  Provide a wireless environment at RHS and IHGMS.   Goal 10: Encourage the use of Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) and other opportunities for distance learning/virtual classroom in the district.   Action: District website, school bulletins, emails, and guidance counselors will be used to distribute this information.   Goal 11: Provide universal access to technology resources to all levels of education.   Action: 1.  Maintain a collection of resources through each school’s library/media center.  The resources will be catalogued, classified, and organized through a centralized information system.  Access will include inter-library loans with the Raymond Town Library.    2.  Students and faculty will complete and submit a district “Acceptable Use Policy” (AUP) at the beginning of each school year to obtain universal access to the network resources.  Upon completion and submittal of the AUP form, the student and/or faculty account will be then activated.   3.  Provide universal access to district technology resources through open lab times.   4.  Establish and maintain a dedicated technology lab at Raymond High School.   Goal 12: Compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act:  To receive Title I and E-Rate funding, each district must install and use internet filtering to protect the interests of its students.  The Raymond School District will continue to implement the proper monitoring procedures to meet this requirement.   Action: The director of technology will work closely to insure that the proper technology is in place to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act through the use of E-Rate funds, and district funding.  The desire of the district is to enforce the standard in order to protect children, receive funding, and to remain in compliance.   Goal 14:  Increase the security, efficiency and productivity of the district network resources.   Action:  Consolidate district servers into a centralized location and enable remote user station repairs.  Resources to meet this goal will be funded by the technology budget, grant pursuits, E-rate, and Capitol Improvement Funds.   Goal 16:  Leverage district staff resources through use of volunteers for hardware and software support.   Action:   1.  Recruit and train student volunteers to support technology users.  2.  Peer-training of staff on use of technology.       6.2              Technology Literacy The Raymond School District will meet the “Technology Literacy” component by employing the following goals and actions:   a.       Goal 1: Have all students and staff achieve an appropriate level of technology literacy as outlined by NETS and NHICT Literacy Standards (ED306.42).   Action:  1.  Share the technology plan with all district employees via the district and individual school web pages, and via staff meetings.  We will continue to modify our requirements for technology literacy based on the NETS and NHICT standards.  We will utilize web-based curriculum mapping and NWEA testing.  Digital portfolios will be developed and utilized throughout the district.    2.  By the completion of eighth grade all students will have reached a competency level required to receive 1/2 credit in computer studies.  This credit will be applied to individual student high school transcripts.   b.      Goal 4: Maintain the utilization of a central point for software and hardware approval and purchase:  All software/hardware purchase requests will be sent through the technology office for approval.   Action: Our director of technology has been empowered by our superintendent and our school board to require that all technology purchases be pre-approved and acquired through the technology office by the technology director.  We will continue to enlist this protocol.   c.       Goal 7: Continue to integrate the use of technology throughout the curriculum as defined by NETS and NH ICT Literacy Standards.   Action: Provide several technology workshops for teachers and staff members each year.  Integrate technology into the curricular areas through curriculum mapping, use of interactive whiteboards, LCD projectors, mobile labs, appropriate educational software, and websites.   6.3              Professional Development The Raymond School District will meet the “Professional Development” component by employing the following goals and actions:   a.       Goal 2: Integrate the use of software and hardware that provide staff members, administration, and district leaders the ability to communicate electronically; o       Using E-mail o       Attendance and grading software as outlined in our school district goals. o       Explore the use of software for professional development data storage. o       Individual education plans based on student academic growth o       Student tracking o       Evaluate Open Source technology and implement as appropriate (Ex: Moodle).   Action: 1.  Install and maintain VPN’s and T1’s to ensure physical server connections among our four buildings.  Administration will diligently guide the compliance of widespread usage of e-mail for district communications and attendance and grading applications using a student information system.  By 2008 all teachers will be in compliance with these requirements.   2.  Seek to have technology incorporated into the professional development plan.    3.  Train all staff in the use of Performance Tracker.   b.      Goal 7: Continue to integrate the use of technology throughout the curriculum as defined by NETS and NH ICT Literacy Standards.   Action: Provide several technology workshops for teachers and staff members each year.  Integrate technology into the curricular areas through curriculum mapping, use of interactive whiteboards, LCD projectors, mobile labs, appropriate educational software and websites.  Encourage professional development opportunities  through attendance at the Christa McAuliffe Technology Conferences, Performance Pathways training sessions, electronic portfolio training sessions, technology training sessions at the Seacoast Professional Development Center (SPDC), and other in-house training sessions.     6.4              Community Collaboration The Raymond School District will meet the “Community Collaboration” component by employing the following goals and actions:   a.       Goal 8: Provide a web-based automated school library system linked to the district website.   Action: Select and purchase a new web-based, automated library system. Provide access to the schools’ library systems over the internet.                                                   b.      Goal 13: Establish a collaborative partnership with the community and volunteers to include continuing educational opportunities and technology communication tools.   Action: 1.  Our technology director, school district staff, students, and community members will provide workshops that reach out to the community, and thus will promote technology and its advancement in our community.  The district curriculum coordinators will seek funding through grants and other funding opportunities to support and promote program growth through the formation of a community computer center.   2.  Establish a community technology committee comprised of technologically literate citizens to address appropriate technology issues throughout the community.    3.  Explore partnering with Exeter Adult Education and other educational institutions to provide services in Raymond.    c.       Goal 15:  Encourage community awareness and support for technology use throughout the district.   Action:  The Technology Committee will provide information to the public about technology use and needs in the district, through newsletters, district website, email, and local cable television.    Data Collection Data tools such at the LoTi Survey, NH School Building Technology Survey, IT Direct, Survey Monkey, etc. will be used to gather district data for analysis for current and future needs.    Evaluation   Attached to this document is a spreadsheet for tracking implementation of district goals.   Budget   Attached is a spreadsheet tracking the budget plans for the next three years.  These are planned expenditures based on the district technology goals set forth above and have not been considered by the Raymond School Board and Raymond Budget Committee.