Clearview Regional High School District- Technology Plan

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In September of 1997, a District Technology Committee was formed, consisting of a cross section of professional staff, community representatives and business professionals. The primary purpose of this committee was to develop a Five Year Technology Plan which would provide the Clearview Regional High School District with a vision of how technology would be used to enhance the instructional and administrative programs.

The committee initially decided on a philosophical foundation of the plan which incorporated the elements identified by the New Jersey State Department of Education. The Committee Goals provided the group with clear expectations for current and future responsibilities of the committee. The Basic Assumptions defined the commitments being made by the Board of Education, Administration, Staff, and Community relative to the Technology Plan. The Mission Statement formed the essential building block of the entire plan and completed the “Vision” portion of the process. Finally the Goals, Objectives and Action Plans outlined the specific steps which would be implemented to allow the Technology Plan to be a living document.

The plan developed by the Technology Committee covers a wide variety of educational technology. The plan also addressed the need to reach out to our communities, sending districts, and county educational institutions to build alliances in our quest to apply technology in a meaningful way.

The members of the committee recognize that due to change in Technology, it will be a constant challenge to keep the plan current. This effort will require regular review and evaluation. The Clearview Regional District Technology Committee is committed to meet this challenge.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Clearview School District will provide each student with the opportunity to realize their personal, educational, and professional/vocational career potential through a technology-rich learning environment.

The District will provide to the students the means, materials and methods for technology to be used by each student to become a responsible citizen prepared to make decisions, communicate effectively, solve problems, think creatively, and continue learning.

The District will provide the staff the means, material and methods to integrate technology into the instructional program and allow for the effective administration of the district.

The District will make available to the community the means, materials, and methods to increase awareness and use of technology to enhance the future.

THE PLANNING PROCESS

In an effort to develop a Technology Plan which reflects the vision of the entire district, a Technology Committee was formed with representation from all the potential stakeholders within the district. This committee consisted of members from the Board of Education, administration, teaching staff, parents, business community and technology consultants. Their primary focus was to help shape and guide the district’s rapid technology growth both academically and administratively through the development of the Technology Plan.

At the initial meeting held in the fall of 1997, the committee discussed and decided on seven Committee Goals. The committee goals that follow indicate the committee’s commitment to regularly review, evaluate and revise the plan as needed:

Create a Comprehensive Technology Plan.
Provide vision for the district relative to technology.
Provide periodic review (twice a year) and revise as necessary.
Review technology budget requests and make recommendations for annual expenditures.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan in terms of student learning, staff development, community interaction, etc.
Perform reviews of other technology plans (district, state, national).
Provide resources to teachers, administrators, and community members relative to current and future trends in technology.

Additionally, the committee developed Basic Assumptions which are central to the development of the district’s Technology Mission Statement and serve to provide a framework for the development of the Goals and Objectives.

The Technology Plan must be integrated into current and future curriculum.

Opportunities for students to learn and teachers to become more effective will increase with additional technology resources.

The Technology Plan will be implemented through a two year plan. The plan will be assessed annually based on district needs. The plan must be flexible due to constant changes in technology.

Teacher training on all aspects of the plan is critical for successful instruction. The district will provide support and staff development opportunities to assist each staff member in becoming fully competent with technology utilized in teaching and learning.

Teachers will employ technology tools to expand learning opportunities for students.

Technology must also be utilized by the administrative staff in order to meet their needs and to provide a model for the teaching staff.

Technology includes computers; calculators; video sources; voice communication systems; T.V. broadcast and editing equipment; FAX machines; interactive video; scanner; CD-ROM’s; modems; security systems; satellite dishes; laser discs; local, national and international networks; distance learning venues; and all tools and/or resources which enhance the learning process.

The district must be prepared and committed to stay current with advances in technology and to replace and upgrade technology on an ongoing basis.

The District Technology Plan will be integrated into the Gloucester County Technology Plan and Tri-District Technology Plan.

Recognizing how important it is that the local technology plan not only meet needs as determined by the local community but also because technology is constantly changing, it is imperative that the District Technology Plan be reviewed and revised annually to ensure that it is meeting the needs of the staff and students. To this end, the committee met in the fall of 1998 to perform a comprehensive assessment of the plan. Based on this review, the plan has been revised to reflect the desires and needs of the district during the next two years and also to meet the requirements of the State Department of Education.

Additionally, a School Technology Committee consisting of Administrators, Teachers and the Technology Coordinator has met on a monthly basis since the fall of 1998 to ensure that the Action Plans identified herein are implemented. This school committee discusses other issues relative to the technology program.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

GOALS - STUDENTS

Time Line: July 1, 2001 - June 30, 2004

Goal 1

Students will routinely utilize technology as a basic tool to enhance learning in all areas of the curriculum, to develop critical thinking skills, to research information, to communicate and interact with students and resources beyond the district boundaries, to develop the habits of mind needed for continuous learning in the information age and to achieve the Core Curriculum Content Standards (National Educational Technology Goal 1, 3).

Objective 1.1

Technology will be integrated into existing curriculum as an instructional and communication tool to enhance learning and contribute to the achievement of the Core Curriculum Content Standards.

All students will be able to:

Understand how technological systems function.

Select appropriate tools and technology for specific activities.

Demonstrate skills needed to effectively access and use technology-based materials through keyboarding, troubleshooting, and retrieving and managing information.

Develop, search, and manipulate databases.

Access technology-based communication and information systems.

Access and assess information on specific topics using both technological (e.g., computer, telephone, satellite) and print resources available in libraries or media centers.

Use technology and other tools to solve problems, collect data, and make decisions.

Use technology and other tools, including word-processing, spreadsheet and presentation programs, and print or graphic utilities, to produce products.

Use technology to present designs and results of investigations.

Discuss problems related to the increasing use of technologies.

In Visual and Performing Arts, students will:

demonstrate appropriate use of technology in the creation of products for the arts.

In Health and Physical Education, students will:

demonstrate appropriate use of technology to design and evaluate a personal fitness program.

use technology tools to analyze the impact of genetic, nutritional and environmental factors on the functioning of body system.

use technology tools to identify responsible health practices.

In Language Arts/Literacy, students will:

employ technology tools to publish writing in a variety of formats.

create more complex research projects by using electronic information sources.

use technology to integrate multiple forms of media into a finished product.

solve problems, conduct research and publish reports with students from across the state, country and around the world.

In Mathematics, students will:

use calculators and computers effectively and efficiently to apply math concepts and principals to various types of problems.

solve algebraic formulas by working with computer generated graphs.

make hypotheses about geometric relationships by using computer software to generate and analyze geometric shapes.

use mass data storage (i.e., CD ROM’s), laser disks, and the Internet to access primary documents and visuals.

In Science, students will:

develop strategies for information gathering and problem solving using appropriate technology tools.

learn about real-world systems by using computer-based simulations, collecting real data, and developing scientific reports with students across the country.

study life forms by accessing thousands of still and moving images available on laser disc and CD-ROM.

learn strategies for research using appropriate technology tools such as the Worldwide Web to locate, organize and analyze information about public issues.

use mass data storage (i.e., CD ROM’s), laser disks, and the Internet to access primary documents and visuals.

In Social Studies, students will:

learn strategies for research using appropriate technology tools such as the Worldwide Web to locate, organize and analyze information about public issues.

search the Worldwide Web for information to help develop understandings about the origins of prejudice, discrimination and the Holocaust.

learn strategies for research using electronic mailing list and E-mail exchanges to evaluate views, beliefs, and impact of social groups on a given issue.

use mass data storage (i.e., CD ROM’s), laser discs, and the Internet to access primary documents and visuals.

In World Languages, students will:

use technology tools to enhance language acquisition and to gather current information about other cultures.

use distance learning to communicate with students from around the world.

use TV and recording devices to increase oral proficiency.

Objective 1.2

Technology resources will be readily available to all students when needed to fulfill the requirements of the curriculum (National Educational Technology Goal 1, 3).

Objective 1.3

Technology resources will be provided which will allow for numerous Distance Learning opportunities (National Educational Technology Goal 1, 3).

Goal 2

Students will become aware of traditional and non-traditional careers, career preparation and career opportunities using on-line research and mentoring experiences.

Objective 2.1

A career awareness program will be developed which will utilize the use of technology to make students more aware of career opportunities.

GOALS - TEACHERS

Time Line: July 1, 2001 - June 30, 2004

Goal 1

Teachers will adhere to computer ethics, copyright laws, and acceptable use policies.

Objective 1.1

A District Technology Manual will be developed which will include definitions, and procedures to be followed to ensure that students and staff adhere to computer ethics, copyright laws and acceptable use policies.

Goal 2

Teachers will develop lesson material appropriate for use in their teaching assignment incorporating the use and management of technology into the Core Curriculum Content Standards (National Educational Technology Goal 2).

Objective 2.1

Teachers will investigate ways in which technology can be integrated into every area of the curriculum to enhance instruction and achieve the Core Curriculum Content Standards.

Objective 2.2

Teachers will employ the use of technology tools to enhance instruction and to achieve the Core Curriculum Content Standards.

Goal 3

Teachers will evaluate software programs in terms of their potential usefulness (National Educational Technology Goal 2).

Objective 3.1

An Evaluation Tool will be developed which will provide the teaching staff the criteria to be used to determine if existing or potential software enhances the curriculum.

Objective 3.2

Teachers and staff will use the Software Evaluation tool on an annual basis to evaluate the effectiveness of existing or potential software.

Goal 4

Teachers will communicate with colleagues on district, county, state, national, and world networks to share ideas, develop curriculum and explore projects that integrate technology (National Educational Technology Goal 4).

Objective 4.1

All teachers will participate in Intranet and Internet training which will provide them with the necessary skills to communicate with colleagues and other professionals outside the district.

Objective 4.2

In order for teachers to utilize the capabilities of the Intranet and Internet, and become technology knowledgeable and competent, the District will provide an adequate number of computers for teacher accessibility.

Goal 5

Teachers will be provided the opportunities to develop activities to which staff integrate technology into their curriculum. (National Educational Technology Goal 5).

Objective 5.1

The district will award a minimum of three mini-grants to staff to be used for technology related purposes.

GOALS - STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Time Line: July 1, 2001 - June 30, 2004

Goal 1

The District will provide all staff with ongoing technology inservice training opportunities which will enhance their use of technology in the educational process.

Objective 1.1

A survey will be developed which will be completed by all staff members to determine their level of technological proficiency.

Objective 1.2

Based on the results of the Technology Assessment Survey, a comprehensive staff development program will be established to train staff at the appropriate level commiserate with their level of responsibility.

Goal 2

Teachers will have the opportunity to receive training in the use of technology by a fellow teaching staff member.

Objective 2.1

One teaching staff member in each school will receive training in order to become a specialized technology resource teacher. This person would be available to assist staff with developing lessons which incorporate the use of technology.

GOALS - COMMUNITY

Time Line: July 1, 2001 - June 30, 2004

Goal 1

The District will utilize community resources to assist with the implementation of the District Technology Plan.

Objective 1.1

The district will annually survey, qualify and contact community members, organizations, etc. to compile a listing of community resources which could be used to assist with the implementation of the District’s Technology Plan.

Objective 1.2

A Community Involvement Plan will be developed to utilize the abilities and expertise of the individuals and organizations identified in the survey.

Goal 2

The District will provide the technology to allow the community to access information regarding student and school activities.

Objective 2.1

The district will maintain E-Mail capabilities for all staff to allow community members the opportunity to easily communicate with district personnel.

Objective 2.2

The district will maintain WEB pages for the Middle School and High School which will be updated regularly to keep community members updated on all school activities.

Objective 2.3

The district will work with the local cable companies to establish an access channel which will allow for the broadcasting of student produced television shows and community bulletin boards.

Goal 3

The District will provide opportunities for the community to improve their knowledge of technology which will be designed to enhance students learning.

Objective 3.1

The district will develop and offer courses through the Adult Education Program which will teach parents and community members how technology is being used in school to enhance learning. This will enable parents to assist their children with the learning process when it involves the use of technology.

Goal 4

The District will provide opportunities for the community to improve their knowledge of technology to enhance their own learning.

Objective 4.1

The district will develop and offer courses through the Adult Education Program which will teach community members about the different applications of technology.

GOALS - ADMINISTRATORS

Time Line: July 1, 2001 - June 30, 2004

Goal 1

Administrators will communicate with colleagues on district, county, state, national and world networks to exchange information, share ideas, develop curriculum and explore projects that integrate technology.

Objective 1.1

All administrators will participate in Intranet and Internet training which will provide them with the necessary skills to communicate with colleagues and other professionals within the district and outside the district.

Goal 2

Administrators will use technology to effectively manage student, personnel and financial records.

Objective 2.1

The administrative staff will use the current administrative software to accomplish routine tasks.

Objective 2.2

The administrative staff will attend regularly scheduled training sessions which will provide them with the necessary skills needed to fully utilize the software capabilities.

Goal 3

Administrators will use technology to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of administration.

Objective 3.1

The district will provide each administrative support staff member with a computer which will allow for 1.) Networking of Administrative software, 2.) Use of E-Mail and 3.) Connection to a file server.

GOALS - PERSONNEL

Time Line: July 1, 2001 - June 30, 2004

Goal 1

The district will provide a skilled and knowledgeable technology staff to facilitate the implementation of the district’s technology plan and to assist with the maintenance of the district’s technology hardware and software.

Objective 1.1

The district will hire an additional District Technology Systems Technician.

Objective 1.2

The district will hire an additional Computer Assistant for the high school resource lab.

TECHNOLOGY INVENTORY

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY SURVEY 2001

See Appendix for Middle School and High School Surveys

WIDE AREA NETWORK

Network Wiring

The Clearview Regional High School District campus includes an Administration Building, High School, Middle School and Maintenance/Transportation Building. Currently the Administration Building, High School and Middle School are connected via Fiber Optic Cable Backbone. The Clearview Regional High School Media Center serves as the central point of the Backbone.

SOFTWARE

The software which is currently being utilized in the Administration Building is as follows:

Microsoft Office, Corel Wordperfect Suite, SDS - School Office, EMC - Financial Accounting

The software which is currently being utilized in the High School is as follows:

Microsoft Office, Corel Wordperfect Suite, SDS - School Office, Microsoft Publisher, Adobe Pagemaker, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Autocad R13, Microsoft Front Page, Paint Shop Pro, Micro Type, Peachtree Accounting, Discover, Media Center Software, Sirs, Infotrac, EbS, Winnebago, Resource CD’s

The software which is currently being utilized in the Middle School is as follows:

Microsoft Office, Corel Wordperfect Suite, SDS - School Office, Microsoft Publisher Adobe Pagemaker, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Autocad R13, Microsoft Front Page, Paint Shop Pro, Hyper Studio, Media Center Software, Winnebago, Resource CD’s

NETWORKS, INTRANET AND INTERNET

High School

Within the High School there are 4 wiring closets (A,B,C,D) connected to the Media Center via fiber optic cable. There is an additional wiring closet (E) connected via copper cable. All rooms within the High School are connected to respective wiring closets via dual copper cables.

Middle School

The entry point of the fiber optic cable from the Clearview Regional High School Media Center is the telephone wiring closet located near the Boiler Room. The fiber is connected to the Media Center (A) which is the central point of the Middle School. There is a wiring closet (C) connected to the Middle School Media Center via fiber optic cable. There is an additional wiring closet (B) that is connected via copper cable.

Internet Access

Internet access is provided via T-1 Frame Relay. The Clearview Regional High School Proxy Server is accessed throughout the Clearview Regional High School District Wide Area Network.

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE

All Dell Workstations are covered by a 3 year full on-site warranties.

All Hewlett Packard Printers are covered under 1 year warranties.

ELECTRIC CAPACITY

The following is a list of the current electrical capacity for each building. These capacities are more than adequate to handle the school’s future needs relative to technology.

High School - 750 KVA

Middle School - 500 KVA

Administration Building - 43 KVA.

OBSOLETE COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY

All resource lab computers are currently replaced every three years. The replacement computers are then redistributed to other areas of the district in need. All district computers hardware and software are annually updated to ensure that they are compatible with the needs of the district.

All Computers that have no useful life or are non-functioning will be removed and recycled by Hesstech Equipment Recycling Company.

FACILITIES PLAN

Current Facilities

See Appendix A & B for Floor Plans of Buildings.

Plans for Upgrading

During the summer of 1999, all classrooms at the Middle School will be wired for network access to include Internet and Intranet.

Types of Technology

Network topology will support a fiber optic background and copper cabling to each network node. Network hardware such as switcher hubs and routers will be added as needed.

Connectivity

All network topologies will integrate with existing equipment.

Maintenance Equipment

All network infrastructure and hardware will be monitored constantly to ensure proper operation.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Philosophical Approach to Staff Development

Technology means little unless teachers 1) value technology as tools to enhance current and future learning, 2) know how to use and are comfortable in using the diverse technologies, and 3) know how to integrate technology into their own instruction to enhance learning. Administrators must also be trained, value technology and be capable of supporting staff.

With regard to staff development, the district must realize that computer and software application training spoils rapidly if the learned skills are not immediately practiced or applied. The question of “which comes first” the hardware or the training must be continuously addressed in planning staff technology development. Teachers need to learn how to use the hardware and relevant software before they can begin to value and plan for use in the classroom. However, if the hardware and software are not available when they have the knowledge and desire to apply the use of technology, then the value of the training quickly fades and is replaced by frustration. In planning for staff development, the need for knowledge and need for access become inseparable.

The Clearview Regional High School District views continuous staff development as an essential component in the development of academically successful schools. The district commits substantial resources in its annual budget for staff development. Training takes the form of school year and summer workshops both in district and through the Gloucester County Curriculum Consortium, taking of graduate courses, and encouragement of professional observations in other districts. The district will also begin to utilize the services of the Educational Technology Training Center which is housed at the Gloucester County Vocational Technology School.

Staff development and curriculum development are very much interwoven. The best curriculum in the world cannot be effectively implemented if the staff is not prepared. This is also true when it comes to the use of technology to support learning within the core curriculum areas. Additionally, staff must also have the opportunity to develop technology skills which cross curriculum.

The Clearview Regional High School District Staff Development Program provides challenging opportunities for teachers, administrators and school personnel in the areas of technology. Schedules are distributed monthly covering such topics as Internet Access and Instruction, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Multimedia Presentations, Web Site Design, Student Management Software and Curriculum Integration. Courses are offered before, during and after school. In addition, opportunities are extended to staff to participate in “Team Teaching” of technology related lessons to their students with the assistance of the Technology Coordinator.

Staff Development Opportunities Provided by the District

Listed below are the staff development opportunities provided by the district to include programs designed to develop basic technology skills as well as those programs specifically related to the Core Curriculum areas. This schedule covers training provided from September, 2001 to present.

Topic

Internet Access Training

Word Processing, Microsoft Word

Spreadsheet Management, Microsoft Excel

Multimedia Lessons, Microsoft Powerpoint

Student Management Software, Grading

Network Access Training

SDS Grade Book Software

Computer 101 for First Time User

Using the Internet

Using E-Mail

Publishing Web Pages

SPENDING PLAN

Implementation of the activities included in this plan will require a major commitment of funds over a period of years. Priorities need to be established each year in order to provide 1) a logical sequencing for the acquisition of technology, 2) the means to maximize the effectiveness of the instructional and administrative programs 3) technology development programs to train staff and 4) the staff necessary to implement the technology plan.

During the 1997-98 school year, the district provided a total of $141,000 towards technology. This amount includes $66,341 received from the state in Distance Learning Aid.

With regard to technology expenditures for the 1998/99 school year, the committee has established the following list of priorities:

Continued upgrading of computer hardware and software used for instruction (district wide).

Staff training on use of technology.

Internet access to all computers on LAN.

Hiring of Technology Coordinator.

Increase in the number of computers available for student and teacher access.

Upgrade computers used by Administrative support staff.

Provide computers for Administrative purposes.

All hardware purchases at the High School will be Windows NT compatible which will continue the district’s philosophy of maintaining a Windows NT compatible format at the High School. All computers will be upgraded to allow for Windows NT to be used as the operating system.

The Middle School currently utilizes Macintosh and Windows NT hardware. Software will be utilized to allow for the LAN at the Middle School to communicate with the LAN at the High School. All new computers purchased for the Middle School will use Windows NT. Existing Macintosh hardware will be maintained for as long as possible.

All hardware purchased for administrative purposes will be Windows NT compatible. These computers will be used for student management software, district payroll, district accounting, personnel and fixed assets. In addition, all administrative hardware will be compatible with the LAN’s at the high school and middle school. This will allow access to the district software and Internet.

The School Business Administrator will be responsible for the development of specific budgetary items in alignment with the current Technology Plan. In addition, funding will be sought from grant writing efforts, school-business partnerships, and any available funding from Federal or State programs. Volunteer efforts by students, parents and community members will be solicited to assist with the mission. National educational activities will be observed in our district by participating in activities such as the Computer Learning Month in October and also in April by participating in the Math and Science Technology Month activities.

EVALUATION PLAN

Time Line: July 1, 2001 - June 30, 2004

The progress of the Technology Plan will be monitored and revised on an annual basis to meet the changing needs of the students, staff and community relative to the use of technology.

The evaluation process will take the following forms:

1. Action plans will be checked by the Technology Coordinator to determine whether target dates have been met.

2. Faculty and staff will be surveyed to determine their level of technological maturity. This will assist with the continual development of staff training programs.

3. Student achievement will be measured by their use of technology in course work and by their performance on certain types of evaluation tools.

4. Improvements in current technologies and emerging technologies will be studied for possible inclusion in the Technology Plan.

5. Teacher evaluations will include elements to include the use of technology in classroom instruction.

6. Technology plans from other school districts will be reviewed to determine if there are items which the Clearview Technology Plan should be addressing.

7. A district level Technology Sub-Committee will meet on a monthly basis to review and discuss issues related to the Technology Plan.

8. All information gathered by district personnel will be presented to the District Technology Committee for their review and consideration.

9. The District Technology Committee will meet twice a year to provide updates to the plan which incorporate all elements identified as part of the evaluation process.

10. As a result of the review conducted by the District Technology Committee, a final analysis and report will be presented to the Board of Education for their approval.