The Need for Transformation

As emerging technology continues to dictate the way we function in this global society, the need to restructure our education system was inevitable. This transformation required an infrastructure that would make learning opportunities available to learners, educators and administrators regardless of location or time.

The Need for Transformation

Technology would actually change the whole way we would view education including its basic assumption that teachers are the communicators of learning. Through technology, the new techno savvy learners now have opportunities to share in this communication process.

The Need for Transformation Through technology, learning and communication in the classroom is no longer just top-down but is now circular and even extends outside the classroom. To funnel growth for this transformation, districts must find ways to support connectivity.

StudentsTeachers

StudentsTeachers

The FCC

Because this transformation is a huge undertaking for local districts, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) implemented the E-Rate discount program administered by the (USAC) Universal Service Administration Company to provide monetary support with providing connectivity in elementary and secondary schools and libraries.

Purpose of E-Rate The PURPOSE of E-Rate is to ensure that all eligible schools and libraries have affordable access to modern telecommunications and information services and to provide discounts for services.

Discounts

Discounts are to promote improved:

Internet Access

Telecommunications Services

Internal Network Connections

Basic Maintenance and Support

Range of Discounts

Discounts range from 20% to 90% of costs for eligible services depending on the level of poverty and the urban/rural status of the population served.

Contingent Upon

E-Rate money for school districts is contingent on the ability of the districts to

Implement filters that block student access to content that may be harmful to minors

Provide online safety to students

Monitor online activities

How the Plan Works

Schools can apply each year for discounts.

If funded, bills can be discounted directly from the service providers or through reimbursement of services.

Programs are capped at receiving no more than $2.25 billion per program year.

Provision for Other Resources

Schools are responsible for providing additional resources to meet connectivity objectives such as

Computers

Telephones

Software Professional Development

Steps

Steps needed to apply for and receive these discounts include

Step 1 - Development of a Technology Plan

Step 2 - Opening of the Competitive Bidding Process

Step 3 - Seeking Discounts on Eligible Services

Step 4 - Confirming the receipt of these services

Step 5 - Invoicing USAC for these Services

E-Rate Discount Program

The USAC Website supplies more details on E-Rate.

Technology Plan

Step 1 of the E-Rate application process, development of a Technology Plan

Shows how schools will use technology to achieve specific curriculum reforms and guide planning and investment for both E-Rate funds and for other resources needed to take advantage of technology.

Required Content

Clear goals and strategies for using technologies

Professional development strategies to ensure staff knows how to use these new technologies

Assessment of the components to technology such as the actual services, hardware and software

An evaluation process

Technology Plan – Irving ISD

Irving ISD has developed its 2010 - 2013 technology plan to move the district forward in its continued effort to integrate technology into schools.

Technology Plan – Irving ISD

The district’s Long Range Plan for Technology expands over 3 years and covers four major areas

1) Integration of Technology into Teaching and Learning

2) Professional Development

3) Administration and Support Services and

4) Infrastructure for Technology

7 Goals for Technology

There are seven goals that the district lists and various strategies that accompany these goals.

Goal # 1

Goal # 1 - Infuse higher level thinking with technology and quality instruction.

Strategies include integrating technology TEKS and higher order thinking into 100% of curriculum areas, increasing integration of technology and maintaining the 1:1 ratio of computing devices for students grades 9–12, teachers, and administrators.

Goal # 2

Goal # 2 - Support assessment and planning through the use of technology.

Strategies include providing technology support for assessing.

Goal # 3

Goal # 3 - Educate all students and teachers in responsible technology use.

Strategies include trainings on appropriate use and internet safety.

Goal # 3

Not only are students and faculty trained on appropriate use and internet safety but parents also attend computer classes where they undergo trainings about safety on the internet.

Goal # 4

Goal # 4 – Ensure that professional development is on-going and high quality.

Strategies include providing differentiated job-embedded technology training, increasing the use of technology in staff developments, and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources.

Goal # 4 All staff participate in trainings that focus on technology.

Trainings

Staff developments focus on the needs of the campus.

Trainings are conducted by Instructional Technology Specialists (ITS).

Goal # 5

Goal # 5 - Ensure 100% administrative participation in appropriate software programs.

Strategies include using software programs and increasing communications through the use of technology.

Goal # 6

Goal #6 - Provide leadership to leverage technology for the improvement of teaching and learning in classrooms.

Strategies include integrating technology into curriculum and maintaining technology resources for continued improvement.

Goal # 7

Goal #7 - Ensure a stable infrastructure for technology use.

Strategies include insuring dependable operations 24/7 and developing a sustainable system with available funds.

Evaluation

Local evaluations will be conducted for each aspect of the plan.

This includes walk through evaluations and a district-developed technology standards assessment.

The Texas STaR Chart (School Technology and Readiness) will also be used to measure progress.

Conclusion

The district has developed a Long Range Technology Planning Committee who will meet at least once a year to review progress made toward the Long Range Plan for Technology.

This committee along with the board’s goal of staff to use a variety of technological resources to engage students should help successfully transition the district into the 21st Century.