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FAIRFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

TECHNOLOGY PLAN

2010-2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Vision Page 1

II. Current Status of Technology Page 1

III. Staff Development Page 2 A. Needs Page 2 B. Goals Page 2 C. Activities Page 3 D. Evaluation Page 4

IV. Students and Curriculum Page 5 A. Needs Page 5 B. Goals Page 5 C. Activities Page 6 D. Evaluation Page 7

V. Community Page 8 A. Needs Page 8 B. Goals Page 8 C. Activities Page 8 D. Evaluation Page 8

VI. Hardware and Software Page 9 A. Needs Page 9 B. Goals Page 9 C. Activities Page 9 D. Evaluation Page 10

VII. Timetable Page 11

VIII. Costs and Related Expenses Page 12

IX. Coordination Efforts Page 13

X. Community Involvement Page 13



FAIRFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

TECHNOLOGY PLAN

Submitted July 10, 2009

I. VISION

Technology is the tool of the information age. Those who know how to use it have a wealth of knowledge and information at their fingertips. To prepare students to live, work, and survive in the 21

st century, we must provide them with the knowledge and understanding of technology. Future generations must have the ability to access the potential of technology in order to retrieve, use, and manage all the information in the world today and in the future.

Fairfield Public Schools will provide every student with technological training and opportunity so he/she can use technology in appropriate, intelligent, and ethical ways. Technological learning will provide the opportunity for every student to achieve the essential skills and competencies necessary to be effective citizens, qualified members of the workforce, and lifelong learners in a technological society.

II. CURRENT STATUS OF TECHNOLOGY

In 2007 Fairfield Schools continued to work toward meeting the goals of the three year plan. One Gateway E6300 computer was purchased and placed in the high school library for staff and student multimedia use, during this same time five Gateway E6300 computers were purchased for teacher’s classrooms. Two projectors were purchased and made available for teacher checkout.

In 2008 Fairfield Schools moved even further forward in meeting the goals set out in the three year plan. Twenty InFocus projectors were purchased and mounted in most of the classrooms in the school. Along with the projectors four, seventy-seven inch Smart Boards were purchased and placed in classrooms. Fairfield Public Schools is moving toward having Smart Boards in all classrooms. Two, thirty-two node CPS systems were purchased for teacher/student use. The Classroom Performance System (CPS) is a classroom tool that combines interaction, assessment, and entertainment to encourage creativity for any class that utilizes it. Two Gateway computers were purchased to replace two older classroom computers. A new Gateway server was purchased and Novell GroupWise was set up on the new server to handle the “in house communication” for the school district. Twenty Microsoft Office Pro 2007 licenses were purchased and used to update the business lab.

In 2009 Fairfield school district purchased twenty Nobilis desktop computers with 19” flat monitors. The high school business lab was updated with fifteen computers .The old business computers were refurbished and replaced older classroom computers. Two computers were purchased for the Title I classroom with the remaining three computers placed in classrooms. Four InFocus projectors were purchased and placed in district classrooms. Five Nobilis laptops were purchased for teacher use, at this time over three quarters of the staff have laptops. The district continued to update the transition from Office to Office 2007 with the purchase of fifty licenses. Five more Smart Boards were purchased and placed in the classrooms. Smart Sync 2009 (lab/classroom management software) was purchased. A HP 4700 printer was purchased to replace the old high school library printer. Two Lexmark printers were bought for classroom use. Fifty Office 2007 licenses were purchased to continue updating the Office 2003 software.

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Teachers have begun to use the computers for much more than just word processing. Over the past 3 years the staff has been provided in-service on Windows, Microsoft Word, Power Point and integrating technology into the curriculum. Currently we have teachers using computers for such projects as: automated accounting, Web page creation, business classes in conjunction with MSU - Bozeman, digital yearbook, PhotoShop, consumer arts design, music appreciation, math software, physics software, Auto Cad, Elementary based programs, Power Point presentations, grading program, lunch program, school accounting, Smart Board technology, online foreign language classes and interactive classes and field trips held over the new ITV studio. The new Interactive TV classroom has also been installed through cooperation with 3-Rivers Telephone Co-op, and Vision Net.

The district technology goals are aligned with the district’s five year plan and the Golden Triangle Curriculum Corporative. The district’s five year plan and the GTCC goals can be referenced in appendix 5 of the district’s five year plan and on pages 1-10 of the Montana standards for technology.

III. STAFF DEVELOPMENT

A. Needs

1. Teachers, administrators and support staff need to be sufficiently trained in the use of the

technology that is available to them. They need to know the basics of operation as well as the application to teaching and learning. 2. Teachers, administrators and support staff need to be sufficiently trained in the use of

new technologies as they are acquired. They need to know the basics of operation as well as the application to teaching and learning. 3. Teachers need training in the use of technology as a tool to enhance learning. 4. A system needs to be developed where staff members who have technological expertise

are provided time to be mentors to those who have less expertise. 5. Time needs to be provided to staff to develop ways to implement the training they

receive. 6. Time must be provided to allow curricular planning to incorporate technology into the

classroom. 7. Teachers need to be trained in the instructional techniques needed to be an effective

instructor for distance learning (interactive television). 8. An evaluation program needs to be established to ensure that the staff development

opportunities provided make a difference in student achievement.

B. Goals

1. A technological staff development program will be organized and funded so that

teachers, administrators and support staff will receive in-depth and thorough training in the use and application of technology as a tool for teaching and learning. 2. A mentoring program will continue, where staff members with technological expertise are paired with those with less expertise at least weekly for the sharing of information. 3. The possibility of hiring Curriculum Coordinator to facilitate the implementation of

technology in the classroom and to serve as a resource for students, staff and community, and to work with the administration and Board for the purpose of implementing technology into the classroom will be looked at.

C. Activities in Relation to Goals

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1. Program Development

a. A needs assessment will be conducted to determine the technological expertise &

training needs of the staff. Topics to include: 1. PC and Peripheral Equipment Basics 2. Windows XP, Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, etc. 3. Basic Internet Use & Use of the Internet with the Curriculum 4. E-mail 5. School Master – Grade Master 6. Specific Software 7. Technological Enhancement of the Curriculum 8. Integration of Technology into the Curriculum 9. Interactive Television Instructional Techniques

b. An annual dollar amount will be set aside in the general fund budget for

technological staff development to pay for presenters, time after school and on Saturdays for teachers, for registration costs and for travel. c. Sources of ongoing technological training and technical assistance will be

disseminated to staff members. Staff members will be encouraged and supported in their attendance. Those that always have a technological component include:

1. Annual Teton County Educator Days 2. Annual Golden Triangle Curriculum Cooperative Summer

Institutes 3. Annual Title I Conference 4. Annual MEA Convention 5. Northwest Conference for Computer Educators Annual Conference 6. Montana University System Summer Offerings 7. Mt. Assoc. of Elementary Principals Annual Conference 8. Mt. Assoc. of Secondary Principals Annual Conference 9. Assoc. of Gifted and Talented Educators Annual Conference 10. Council for Exception Children Annual Conference 11. Others as we are made aware.

d. The information from the needs assessment will be used to develop a specific schedule of in-service opportunities. The schedule will include the topics, the presenters and the dates of the in-services. PIR Days, early outs, release time, paid Saturdays, paid after school times, etc. will all be considered as viable times. e. Staff members will attend the in-service opportunities.

2. Mentoring Program

a. Using the assessment information gathered for staff development, teachers will be

paired for the purpose of sharing expertise. b. Each week, time will be set aside for the pairs of teachers to work together. This

time can be spent on application of new knowledge, on planning for the use of technology with the curriculum, for previewing software, for identifying appropriate Internet sites, etc.

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3. Technology Coordinator

a. The Technology Coordinator will attend at least one national or regional

technology conference. b. The Technology Coordinator will attend training that will provide him/her with more expertise in network management, troubleshooting, software applications, etc. c. The Technology Coordinator will assist with the development of the technological

staff development plan. d. The Technology Coordinator will provide technical support to any staff members

needing it. e. The Technology Coordinator will act as a resource to students, staff and

community members.

D. Evaluation

1. Staff Development Program

a. An evaluation form will be completed by each participating teacher one week

after each in-service opportunity. The teacher will be asked to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the training; how he/ she applied the information during the week; how he/she intends to apply the information in the future; and what impact the training will have on student learning. b. Staff members will be asked to keep a time log of their use of technology this can

include but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Power Point and of the Internet. These logs will be used to determine if there is an increase in usage after the corresponding in-service. c. Staff members will be asked to keep a log of the times when they integrate

technology into the curriculum. These logs will be used to determine if there is an increase in integration activities after the staff development program is implemented.

2. Mentoring Program

a. Staff members will be asked to keep a log that detail how the mentoring time was

spent and how it was used to enhance instruction. b. At the end of each semester, staff members will complete a survey that details the

effectiveness of the mentoring program.

3. Technology Coordinator

a. The Technology Coordinator will keep a log of activities. These are to include

the incidences of technical support provided to staff, students and community members. b. The Technology Coordinator will complete an evaluation form after each in-

service opportunity. The Coordinator will be asked to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the training; how he/she applied the information during the week; how he/she intends to apply the information in the future; and what impact the training will have on student learning.

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IV. STUDENTS AND CURRICULUM

A. Needs

1. Students need to be able to use technology in appropriate, intelligent and ethical ways. 2. Students need essential technological skills and competencies to be qualified members of

the future workforce. 3. Technology needs to be integrated into the existing curriculum in order to be a tool of

learning and motivation. 4. A specific technological curriculum needs to be developed that outlines specific goals

and objectives, learner outcomes and a developmental scope and sequence. 5. Several technology based classes need to be offered to help enhance the education of

students pursuing technology as a career tract. 6. Students need the opportunity to take courses not offered in Fairfield by utilizing the

Interactive Television network. 7. Fairfield Public Schools needs to reach out to students and staff from other schools

through the use of the Interactive Television network. 8. Students need accessibility to computers through the use of large lab type settings to

allow teachers and students the ability to implement technology into the classroom in a large group setting. 9. Students need the ability to compete in today’s job market by using technology-based

skills developed through technologically advanced classes.

B. Goals

1. Students will use the computers for ethical purposes and they will behave responsibly

around technological equipment. 2. A technological curriculum will be developed. 3. Opportunities for meaningful technological integration into teaching and learning will be

explored and determined. 4. Students will be given the opportunity to learn and apply technological skills through

individual and large class experiences. 5. Develop technologically advanced classes such as: CAD, Robotics, and Technology and

Industry.

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C. Activities in Relation to Goals

1. Ethical and Responsible Use by Students

a. An Acceptable Use Policy has been developed that details the responsibilities of

students, parents, staff and the District; that describes acceptable and unacceptable conduct; that describes the consequences for inappropriate use; and that requires students and parents signature. b. Students will receive direct instruction regarding the ethical and responsible use

of technology.

2. Technology Curriculum

a. A curriculum guide that is specific to technology will be developed. It will

outline goals and objectives as well as a developmental scope and sequence for the specific technological skills required. These are to include basic PC knowledge, keyboarding, word processing, Internet access, desktop publishing, use of application software, etc. Competencies will be developed for each grade level. b. Technology specific classes will be developed. These classes will cover such

areas as computer repair, computer maintaince, budgeting, networking, software, and computer usage in the modern day work place. c. Develop a curriculum for technology in the work place.

3. Integration of Technology into Teaching and Learning

a. Staff will receive in-service training on the integration of technology into the

curriculum. b. Taking one subject per month, staff will review the current curriculum for their grade level to determine and record ways that technology can be integrated into their lessons. These will be recorded in some format for future use. c. After determining integration possibilities in the subject area, staff will select for

preview software/hardware that may aide in the integration d. An available software list that includes integration notations will be developed

and updated. e. Once integration possibilities, software and hardware have been identified, staff

will include in their lesson plans and instruction at least one technological application per week per subject.

4. Learning and Application Opportunities

a. Students will be provided direct instruction, guided practice and independent

practice at the appropriate grade level on the skills outlined in the technological curriculum. b. Students will be asked to apply technological skills when appropriate. Examples

of these opportunities may include: requiring word processing for prepared papers, requiring desktop publishing for science fair projects, requiring Power Point presentations for book reports, developing portfolios and resumes using computer applications, etc.

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D. Evaluation

1. Ethical and Responsible Use by Students

a. A record of the number of students who violate the Acceptable Use Policy will be

kept. b. A list of the names of students who violate the Acceptable Use Policy will be

kept. It will be used to track repeat offenders and the effectiveness of the consequences provided. c. Students will be anonymously surveyed regarding their ethical and responsible

use at the end of each semester to determine if further instruction and monitoring are necessary.

2. Technology Curriculum

a. Teachers will check off each item in the technology curriculum guide as they

cover it in their instruction. b. Teachers will make anecdotal notes on each item in the technology curriculum

guide as it pertains to their instruction and student learning. c. At the end of the year, the check off sheets and anecdotal comments will be used

to determine the appropriateness and feasibility of the curriculum.

3. Integration of Technology into Teaching and Learning

a. Staff will turn in to the Principal weekly lesson plans that detail the integration of

technology into the curriculum. b. Data will be compiled from the lesson plans on the number of lessons that

integrate technology into the curriculum. The data may be compared in the following ways: the number of lessons at the beginning of the year vs. at the end of the year; the number of lessons before an in-service training vs. after; the number of lessons per grade level; the number of lessons per subject area, etc. c. The Principal will add “Technology” as a category on the summative and

formative evaluations of staff members. He/She will observe teachers integrating technology at least twice during the school year. d. A list of software checkouts and use will be kept.

4. Learning and Application Opportunities

a. Students will complete written, oral and/or performance evaluations on the

specific technological skills they received instruction on according to the curriculum. b. Students will be given a separate grade for technological applications. For

example, when completing a term paper, they will receive a grade for the term paper requirements and a grade for the word processing c. A category called “Technology” will be added to the report card. Students will

receive grades for both their technological learning and application as measured in the two ways above.

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V. COMMUNITY

A. Needs

1. Families and community members need to understand how their schools are preparing

students for the technological future. 2. Families and community members need to be able to access and utilize the technology in

schools.

B. Goals

1. Parents and community members will have the opportunity to view and participate in the

student use of technology. 2. Parents and community members will have the opportunity to access the technology

housed at the school during adult education classes. 3. Parents and community members will have the opportunity to access the technology

housed at the school in an unstructured fashion during evenings. 4. Parents and community members will have the opportunity to check out laptop computers

for their home use. 5. Fairfield Public Schools will work closely with the Fairfield Public Library as the library

automation is taking place.

C. Activities in Relation to Goals

1. At least two Open Houses will be held during the year where parents and community

members can watch students utilizing technology. 2. Parents and community members will be invited to activities that highlight students’

application of technology. These might include the Science Fair, International Fair, the Christmas Programs, Drop Everything and Read Week, etc. 3. At least two adult education classes will be offered each year in the area of technology. 4. The use of the technology will be available to parents and community members at least

one evening per month. 5. Laptops will be purchased and available to parents and community members on a check

out basis. 6. The Fairfield Public Library Librarian will attend the library automation training

workshops as an effort to coordinate our efforts. 7. Adult education classes will be offered to the community on a variety of technological

topics.

D. Evaluation

1. Parents and community members will be asked to complete a survey that asks questions

regarding technology at the Open Houses and other activities that demonstrate student application of technology. 2. Parents and community members will complete evaluations of the adult education classes

at their completion. 3. A record will be kept of the number of parents and community members attending each

evening time.

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4. The Three Year Technology Plan will be reviewed annually by the technology committee

and changes will be made to the plan as needed. 5. A record will be kept of the number of laptop checkouts made by parents and community

members. 6. The Fairfield Public Library Librarian will complete an evaluation of each training as it is

offered.

VI. HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

A. Needs

1. Students, staff and community members need increased access to technology. Currently

this is limited due to the limited number of computers we have. 2. There is a need for peripheral hardware to make curriculum integration and student

application available and usable. 3. There is a need to update antiquated technology equipment. 4. There is a need for more software for curriculum integration and student and teacher

productivity. 5. There is a need for a technology specific lab to enhance technology in the work place. 6. There is a need for more alternative technology in the classroom. 7. Teachers need the ability to take their work with them after school hours. 8. There is a need to develop a wireless environment in the school.

B. Goals

1. Computers will be purchased so that there will be a pod of four up-to-date computers in

each classroom to increase access. 2. Computers will be purchased for the high school lab for increased access and reliability. 3. Laptops will be purchased to increase access to technology for teachers, students, parents

and community members. 4. Peripheral hardware will be purchased to enhance the teaching, learning and applying of

technology. 5. Educational software will be purchased that integrates into the curriculum. 6. Supporting resources will be secured to ensure the successful and effective use of

technology. 7. Computers will be purchased to start updating the elementary lab. 8. Purchase computers for a technology job based curriculum. 9. Purchase a laptop for each teacher in the district. 10. Purchase a new server for the district. 11. Purchase routers and switches. 12. Purchase and develop a wireless environment within the school.

C. Activities in Relation to Goals

1. Purchase of PC’s

a. Purchase two more computers for each classroom. b. Purchase 5 laptops per year for teacher use. c. To purchase 15 computers for elementary lab d. Purchase 15 new computers for the high school lab.

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