Gloucester County Public Schools

2010 – 2015

Addendum – 2016-2018

Dr. Walter R Clemons, PhD. Superintendent of Schools

http://gets.gc.k12.va.us/technology/techplan.pdf

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Table of Contents

Location of School Buildings ................................................................................3

Mission Statement, and Goals ..............................................................................4

Executive Summary ..............................................................................................4

Process ...................................................................................................................8

Actions (goals, objectives, strategies, and evaluation strategies) ...................10

Appendix 1: Timetable and Budget Goals ..........................................................16

Appendix 2: Division AUP .....................................................................................17

Appendix 3: Summary of Internet Safety Program for 2008-2010 .....................26

Addendum: Updated Actions to cover 2016 to 2018 ........................................32

Gloucester County Public Schools

6099 TC Walker Rd, Gloucester, VA 23061

Contact: James Brogan, Director of Technology

Phone: 804-693-1707 Fax: 804-693-0276 E-Mail: jbrogan@gc.k12.va.us

Years Covered by this plan: 2010 to 2015, revised December 31, 2015

Addendum covers 2016 to2018

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Gloucester County Public Schools

Location of School Buildings

4

Gloucester County Public Schools

Mission Statement, Goals and Vision

Revised

MISSION STATEMENT

As a strong community of learners, Gloucester County Public Schools is dedicated to creating

and sustaining an environment that emphasizes education, embraces diversity, and empowers

its stakeholders (students, families, staff and community) to accomplish individual, as well as

collective goals.

VISION STATEMENT

To provide an environment that focuses on meeting and exceeding the expectations of its

stakeholders in each facet of the educational process, which includes, but is not limited to:

instruction and academic achievement, school, family and community relationships,

operations, safety, and emotional/mental health & wellness.

OVERARCHING GOALS

To provide a safe, clean and appropriate educational environment for learning and working.

To maintain a partnership and facilitate meaningful communication between the schools,

families, staff and the community in order to deliver an appropriate educational program for

each student.

To develop students' critical-thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and

technological skills.

To prepare students to assume responsibility for stewardship of the natural environment.

To prepare students for employment of further academic and technical education upon

graduation.

To increase community involvement.

To maintain inclusive environments.

To develop high quality curriculum, instruction, and assessments.

To establish collaborative school culture and climate.

CONSISTENT WITH THE STANDARDS OF ACCREDITATION, PROGRAMS AND

STRATEGIES SHOULD ADDRESS:

• School safety and security.

• Facilities maintenance and expansion.

• High expectations for student achievement and personnel performance.

• Development and implementation of K-12 curriculum consistent with the

Standards of Learning.

• Integration of technology in all curricular areas and administrative processes.

• Diverse needs of all learners, including at-risk, average, disabled, gifted and

minority populations. • Opportunities for students to serve the community.

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Executive Summary

Students graduating from Gloucester County Public Schools will be prepared for life in the 21st Century through their ability to use computer-based technologies to access information and to enhance personal achievement by becoming life-long learners.

Introduction

Included in goals of Gloucester County Public Schools is the commitment ―to develop students‘

critical-thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication and technological skills. The

Technology Plan is a roadmap to achieving those goals. This requires the resources of time,

intellect and money for the purpose of integrating technology into the learning process at all

levels. GCPS will increase student achievement through the use of technology and the

subsequent attainment of the stated goals.

The GCPS mission statement is reflected in that a physical and emotional environment that

increases achievement for all students will be maintained and strengthened. Therefore, students

will be able to think logically, to tackle problems, and use common sense when solving life‘s

dilemmas inherent in a rapidly changing society. Through the use of technology, our students

will develop essential skills and competencies that provide an enjoyable, productive life.

Students will be qualified to join the work force with the prospect of making an adequate living,

and will have a knowledge base that provides a variety of opportunities for meaningful

contributions to society. Technology will serve as an instructional tool that allows students and

teachers to see the curriculum through new eyes, eyes that view the potential for critical thinking

and new learning.

Technology Integration into day-to-day instruction at all levels is the essential key to achieving the

effective modeling of technology use for students. The selection of educationally sound and

tested software is critical if precious instructional time is to be properly utilized and SOL

requirements are to be learned. Comprehensive staff development is necessary to insure that all

teachers feel comfortable in the use of both administrative and instructional technology in and

out of the classroom. Providing current and fully functional technology is instrumental to

success of integration of technology into the curriculum. Having a well-trained, certified and

affable technology support staff is an integral part of the technology acceptance by all staff and

student populations. All of these needs cannot be met without a reliable and adequate funding

source from both state and local resources.

Gloucester County Public Schools (GCPS) is an active member of the Consortium for Interactive

Instruction (CII). CII members include both public and private schools in the Tidewater area and

meet monthly at WHRO in Norfolk. GCPS benefits greatly from its membership by inclusion in

grants and sharing solutions to common issues impacting all school divisions large and small

especially with the implementation of NCLB.

GCPS hosts the Middle Peninsula Regional Special Education Program with classes at Petsworth

Elementary School, Peasley Middle School and GHS. The purchase of technology equipment for

this regional school is managed by GCPS. The technology support for these classrooms is

treated as an integral part of the school and receives the same priority as all other classrooms in

the division.

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GCPS is an active member in 9 regional governor‘s schools to allow students the optimum

number of opportunities to participate throughout the year. Gloucester participates in two

academic year schools: Governor‘s School for Science and Technology at New Horizons

Regional Education Center (http://www.nhgs.tec.va.us/ ), and The Chesapeake Bay Governor‘s

School (CBGS) (http://www.cbgs.k12.va.us/). Additional information regarding Gloucester

County Public School participation in Governor School programs is located at following link -

http://gets.gc.k12.va.us/gt/governorschool.html

2010-2015 Planning Expectations

Gloucester County Public Schools is well positioned to support current technologies, wireless

technologies and virtual instruction. There are several major changes that need to be made to

current software which need to be addressed over the next five years as well.

Current Technologies support a student to computer ratio of 2 to 1, using traditional

PCs. We meet the state mandated requirements for the support of online SOL testing

at all nine schools. Through a six year replacement cycle of PCs we have been able

to maintain a high level of performance of the PCs used to support our instructional

goals. As long as funding for the Virginia Public School Authority (VPSA) Educational

Technology Grant is maintained, the school division will continue to maintain a

replacement cycle on PCs and servers.

o As extra funds are made available, the school division will continue to

complete the build out of a media system for every instructional space which

includes a ceiling mounted LCD projector with sound system, DVD/VCR tied

to the instructional computer (90% of all instructional spaces have a media

system). Additionally, if necessary funds are made available, the division will

continue to purchase interactive whiteboards and document cameras in

selective classrooms.

Wireless Technologies – a wireless network is in place at every school and

administrative office space. This provides the capability to begin expanding support

for mobile devices. While the current wireless network only supports school division

provided laptops, netbooks, and IPads, it is envisioned over the life of this plan to

create multiple Virtual Private Networks which will allow student and community

access to the wireless environment, while at the same time protecting sensitive

school information.

o To this end, each school currently has been provided a netbook wireless cart

with 27 netbooks as a supplement to the existing PC labs. Over the course of

this year and each of the following years, a determination will be made by

consulting with staff, as to the value of these carts. If funds become

available, we may explore other mobile devices.

o If the division chooses to allow students to bring their own mobile devices to

school, policies will need to evaluated and updated to accommodate this

change.

o The biggest unknown, is how the mobile device market is going to change over the coming years. With the appropriate infrastructure, we will be able to

meet the ever changing environment. o (Revised) In 2015, GCPS completed a wireless update to all locations,

addressing issues of connectivity and wireless density. We adopted a Access Point for every two classrooms.

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Virtual Instruction – Gloucester County Public Schools currently uses:

o The Virtual Virginia Advanced Placement School.

o As part of the Hampton Roads Educational Consortium/WHRO, Gloucester participates in the Hampton Roads Virtual Learning Center.

o (Revised) Gloucester subscribes to Compass Learning to provide initial credit

and credit recovery in an online environment. In the short-term, this program

supports 500 students in the high school and middle schools. It is expected

that this program will grow over the next five years based on available

funding.

o As additional programs become available, it is possible that virtual instruction will expand to support K-12 instruction in both the stand alone as well as the blended instructional models.

Software - The Student Information System (SIS) and the library management systems

will reach end of life over the next five years. An annual review of software will

continue to be performed. Additionally, use of Software as a Service (SaaS) is a

viable alternative to purchasing new software.

o (Revised) in 2011GCPS adopted PowerSchool as the division SIS.

o (Revised) The Library Management System in 2011was converted to the

Destiny LMS system.

o With the advent of SOL writing prompt moving to an online format in the near future, concerns have been raised regarding the need to provide

appropriate keyboarding instruction with a focus on grades K-2. To this end, a replacement to PAWS will be sought.

o New software is always being introduced; the division will annually perform a

review of what software is available and refresh existing software based on available funds.

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Process

A. Summary of connections to the division’s mission, vision, etc. MISSION STATEMENT - The Gloucester County Public Schools will provide a safe

environment in which all students have the right to learn. Through the process of

continuous improvement in achievement, Gloucester County Public Schools will assist

and expect students to acquire knowledge and skills to become literate, contributing

citizens in a democracy.

o The focus of this plan is to embody the division mission statement. This is

accomplished by providing a solid technology infrastructure, reliable computer

hardware, ease of access to the internet, and up to date software.

o A mix of classroom, lab computers, and netbooks utilizing wireless access provides

students the instructional environment to maximize their instructional opportunities

and prepares all students to develop the necessary 21st Century skills through the

use of technology. To provide a safe, clean and appropriate environment for learning and working.

o The combination of internet content filtering and instruction regarding internet

safety provides a positive environment which allows students to take advantage

of available technologies in a safe manner.

To maintain a partnership among the schools, families, and the community in order to

deliver an appropriate educational program for each student.

o The use of webpages, online grade books, a parent notification system, and

teacher webpages fosters an environment which promotes strong bonds

between the schools, parents and the community.

o This open communication environment serves to promote educational programs which benefit all students.

To develop students’ critical-thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication,

and technological skills.

o The use of Wikis, online computer resources, and simulation software provides

Gloucester students the opportunities to develop and model critical thinking,

problem solving, and technology skills.

o These technology tools are provided in age appropriate formats which foster

positive learning experiences.

To prepare students for employment or further academic and technical education upon

graduation.

o The Technology Department provides support to the Career- Technical

Department supporting appropriate infrastructure and software support, this

serves to enhance the student preparations to pursue further education and

enter the work force.

o The use of online instruction, internet resources, and a variety of software

packages provides students the opportunities to be better prepared to pursue

additional education opportunities or enter the workforce.

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B. Summary of work of the planning committee and its benchmarks The Planning Committee was formed by principals and directors providing a list of

interested individuals from all the schools and departments as well as County and

community personnel.

A meeting was held on March 25th with 25 people in attendance. There was a lively

discussion regarding the need for more equipment such as interactive whiteboards,

document cameras, laptops for teachers, and greater use of laptop carts in the schools.

The Technology Department discussed its initiative to create a wireless network in all the

schools and that once this infrastructure was in place the school division could begin to

shift to a greater use of mobile computing devices such as netbooks, laptops, and in the

future other mobile devices.

A school division wiki was established for all the committee members, and all the

planning documents were posted to this site, participation was small but several positive

suggestions emerged on the wiki.

In future planning endeavors, a better timeline needs to be created and followed. The

Technology Director had several productive sessions with the Division Administrative

Council, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent. This resulted in a focus on

expanding the Division Wireless Infrastructure, Expanding Virtual Instruction, and finally

focusing on replacing dated software being used at the Division level in support of

instruction. The Instructional Team provided inputs on section V: Actions

The Technology Department provided inputs and collected the data for the document

appendices

C. Summary of the evaluation process and planned update cycle This plan will be updated in December 2013 per state guidelines

The evaluation process for the effectiveness of this plan will be approached using

multiple tools

o Network infrastructure will be evaluated on a recurring basis using multiple tools to measure both the effectiveness of the network hardware as well as the volume of network traffic. The use of What‘s UP Gold monitors equipment availability, while

Paessler PTRG Traffic monitor continually monitors network bandwidth.

Additionally, using the Aerohive Wireless Appliance monitors all the division

Wireless Access Points as a means to monitor wireless traffic.

o Using the Helpdesk Tracking Tool – Grouplink, we are able to track and generate

reports on equipment failure and recurring issues. This is a valuable tool for

assessing failure rates of equipment.

o An inventory of bulb usage on LCD projectors provides a measure of usage on

classroom ceiling mounted projection units.

o The instruction teams will measure the effectiveness of Virtual instruction programs

by monitoring course completion, and the program effectiveness based on

passing SOL assessments.

o Feedback from Division ITRTs, as well as Building and Division Administrators, will

allow the Technology Department and by extension the Technology Committee

to know what hardware and software initiatives are preforming as expected and

what is not.

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D. Conclusions from Needs assessment The Needs assessment was conducted in three phases:

o The Planning Committee was asked to provide input by polling their constituency

(schools, department or community groups)

o The Division Admin Council was asked to provide input.

o Finally, the Technology director had discussions with the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent regarding areas of emphasis in developing the Technology Plan.

o Suggested areas of focus were in three areas: Hardware Purchases, Expanded

Wireless Access within the school campuses, and expansion of Virtual Instruction

Programs.

Hardware requests for the most part involved peripherals; document

cameras, interactive whiteboards (specifically – SMARTBoards), Web

Cams for Skyping, laptops for all teachers, adaptive technologies for

special needs students, and expanded use of laptop carts.

Expanded Wireless Access involved a desire to expand access to staff

and students to the internet using their personal mobile devices.

Additionally, due to the rural nature and limited broadband access,

interest was expressed in the creation of community hotspots on the

school campuses. Currently, community access is limited to the public

libraries and the central business district in Gloucester Courthouse.

Expanded Virtual Programs are seen as an emerging use of instructional

technology that Gloucester County Public Schools needs to pursue over

the course of this planning cycle.

In discussions with the Technology Staff and ITRTs, a small but critical list of software

enhancements was identified for consideration. Specifically, a need to upgrade the

Student Information System and the Media Center Management System were identified.

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Actions (goals, objectives, strategies, and evaluation strategies)

This plan reflects that the technology infrastructure is in place to cover the entire period of the

plan. The goal of the plan is to strengthen what is already in-place, exploit the wireless

infrastructure to expand the usage of mobile devices, and have enough flexibility to changes in

technology during the life of the plan and beyond.

Goal 1: Provide a safe, flexible, and effective learning environment for all students.

Objective 1.1: Deliver appropriate and challenging curricula through face to face, blended, and

virtual learning environments.

Gloucester will maintain a rigorous instructional program designed to support the

learning potential of all students.

The Response to Invention Model (RTI) is being implemented for K-8.

A process is in place to monitor student progress through Quarterly assessments. The use

of Interactive Achievement provides the vehicle to monitor and track student

performance throughout the school year. Tis monitoring process will be maintained

during the life of the plan.

Online resources are continually being evaluated and then promoted to the staff as

instructional tools to enhance the learning environment.

Objective 1.2: Provide the technical and human infrastructure necessary to support real,

blended and virtual learning environments.

The use of Apex Learning, Skills Tudor, NovaNet, and Virtual Virginia provide the

necessary interfaces to allow the offering of instruction in a real, blended or virtual

environment, these will be used until such time when a better tool appears on the

market.

Professional staffs are provided with recurring training in strategies to developing and

incorporating blended instructional strategies using online resources and well as online

instructional tools.

Annual Division Professional Development is conducted each August and will be

followed up with tailored training within each school.

Objective 1.3: Provide high-quality professional development to help educators create,

maintain, and work in a variety of learner-centered environments.

Gloucester County Public Schools maintains an active professional development

program designed to promote professional development via formal instruction, training

for specific software applications, as well as on demand training utilizing Division ITRT

expertise.

The focus of all staff development is targeted to enhancing the student learning

experience.

The effectiveness of staff development will be measured and evaluated using existing

survey instruments in conjunction with the Survey Monkey web interface.

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Goal 2; Engage students in meaningful curricular content through the purposeful and effective

use of technology.

Objective 2.1: Support innovative professional development practices that promote strategic

growth for all educators and collaboration with other educators, content experts, and students.

Will continue to actively support the use of Wikiworks and Wikispaces as tools for

collaboration amongst teachers, staff and students.

Will Promote teacher access to NETS-T training in collaboration the Hampton Roads

Educational Consortium.

Will continue developing the usage of Google Apps as a tool to foster communication

and collaboration.

Objective 2.2: Actualize the ability of technology to individualize learning and provide equitable

opportunities for all learners.

Over the life of this plan, efforts will be directed toward exploiting the capabilities of and

expanding upon the wireless networking environment to provide greater flexibility for

individualized instruction as well and promoting the greater access to online resources for

all students.

Efforts to provide broadband access to all students is and will be explored and promoted

throughout the life of the plan. Every effort will be made within the confines of the budget

to address inequity of access within and outside the school setting.

Objective 2.3: Facilitate the implementation of high-quality Internet safety programs in schools.

Internet Safety will continue to be promoted in all schools as well as during community

events and PTA programs. With the continually evolving growth of technology, these

efforts must be maintained and as new technologies become available, the message

will be revised to meet the changing technology environment.

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Goal 3; Afford students with opportunities to apply technology effectively to gain knowledge,

develop skills, and create and distribute artifacts that reflect their understandings.

Objective 3.1: Provide and support professional development that increases the capacity of

teachers to design and facilitate meaningful learning experiences, thereby encouraging

students to create, problem-solve, communicate, collaborate, and use real-world skills by

applying technology purposefully.

Providing meaningful staff development opportunities is and will remain a priority.

Recurring Professional development on instructional applications and tools is highly

valued and will remain a part of any technology initiatives over the life of this plan.

Objective 3.2: Ensure that students, teachers, and administrators are ICT literate.

Focused Staff Development which promotes the ICT skill set has and will continue to

provide the tools for teachers and administrators. Efforts to promote the use technology

skills are ongoing and are continually being revised to reflect the changing

technological landscape.

Students are and will continue to be provided access to a broad cross section of

technological tools to promote the ICT skills.

Every effort will be made to maintain a student to computer ratio at or below 2:1, this will

be sustained through the expanded use of netbook computers utilizing the wireless

networking environment.

Objective 3.3: Implement technology-based formative assessments that produce further growth

in content knowledge and skills development.

With all schools providing SOL testing online, through the use of Skills tutor, Interactive

Achievement, EduTest, and Examview Software; the students will be provided access to

a variety of online assessments which models the online environment of SOL testing, as

well as preparing the students for the adaptive testing environment of the future.

As the writing prompt for the SOL moves to an online format, efforts beginning in the

elementary schools will lay the foundation to allow the students to continue to

successfully master the written portion of the SOL test.

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Goal 4; Provide students with access to authentic and appropriate tools to gain knowledge,

develop skills, extend capabilities, and create and disseminate artifacts that demonstrate their

understandings.

Objective 4.1: Provide resources and support to ensure that every student has access to a

personal computing device.

The equipment and software is currently available to provide student access to mobile

computing devices. Through the expanded use of netbooks, laptops, and mobile

devices, students will be afforded greater opportunities to gain access to computing

devices.

The current Student to computer ratio is just under 2:1. A 1:1 ratio while desired is not

fiscally possible during the life of this plan. Every effort will be made to maintain the

current availability.

Objective 4.2: Provide technical and pedagogical support to ensure that students, teachers, and

administrators can effectively access and use technology tools.

The ITRT (Instructional Technology Resource Teacher) plays a critical role in the promotion

and dissemination of technical as well as pedagogical strategies to exploit the use of

technology. This will continue and as funds become available, we will look to expand the

roles and responsibilities of the ITRT.

The use of computer management software in conjunction with a trouble ticket

monitoring system has and will provide a very high level of reliability of computer

hardware and software. Every effort is made to correct software and hardware issues as

soon as they arise.

This level of technical support is monitored and will be maintained throughout the life of

this plan.

Objective 4.3: Identify and disseminate information and resources that assist educators in

electing authentic and appropriate tools for all grade levels and curricular areas.

The ITRTs as well as the Technology Department are continually looking at new software

and monitoring the effectiveness of existing software to ensure that all the division end-

users are afforded the best opportunities to full take advantage of the hardware and

software for effective instruction as well as efficiency in performing everyday

administrative tasks.

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Goal 5; Use technology to support a culture of data-driven decision making that relies upon

data to evaluate and improve teaching and learning.

Objective 5.1: Use data to inform and adjust technical, pedagogical, and financial support.

The use of the Grouplink software provides the Technology Department with the ability to

track and evaluate the effectiveness of computer hardware and software based on

reported trouble tickets initiated by staff and teachers.

All online software subscriptions are evaluated annually as to usage and teacher

feedback. Based on the information gathered, determines whether the subscription is

renewed, this can effectively save the Division limited funds that might be used

elsewhere.

Objective 5.2: Provide support to help teachers disaggregate, interpret, and use data to plan,

improve, and differentiate instruction.

Gloucester County Public Schools has invested in the development of a central data

warehouse to serve as a repository for all formal assessments of its students. This has and

will continue to allow teachers and staff to create a longitudinal view of student

performance as well as allowing the capability to utilize the gathered data as part of a

greater effort to measure teacher effectiveness. This will be an ongoing project

throughout the life of this plan.

The use of this data warehouse in conjunction with the Virginia EIMS system will allow the

division to disaggregate student assessment data, interpret the effectiveness of

instruction, and adjust the instructional strategies as necessary.

Objective 5.3: Promote the use of technology to inform the design and implementation of next-

generation standardized assessments.

The Director of Assessment is an active participant in the State Online Assessment

program and based on past online testing experience in the K-12 environment as well as

the use of third party online testing providers, Gloucester is continually looking at a

variety of approaches to improve the standardized assessment environment. This will

remain a priority over the life of the plan.

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Appendix 1: Timetable and Budget Goals

This plan will be reviewed annually and be updated in December 2013, focusing on

changing directions in application of technology as it applies to the curriculum

o This will require a review of hardware, fixed and wireless infrastructure, emerging

technologies, current as well as future budgetary considerations, and changing

strategies for delivering instruction (face to face, blended, and virtual).

It is anticipated that budgets will remain tight over the life of this plan, if funding support

for the VPSA Education Technology Grant is terminated by the General Assembly, the

school division will need to re-evaluate all technology expenditures, specifically in the

areas to hardware purchases.

The technology infrastructure will be maintained and expanded based on instructional

need as long as appropriate funding is available.

The proposed 2011-2012 Technology Budget is adequately funded to support all current

programs: a total proposed non-compensation portion of the budget equaling

$1,216,752. Key components represented below:

o Contracted Services - $225,000

o Computer Licenses - $ 87,900

o Telecommunications - $279,250

o Software/Online Content - $98,825

o Non-Capital Tech Hardware - $314,600

o Non-Capital Tech Infrastructure - $40,000

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Appendix 2: Division AUP

2.1 GBCE/IIAB: Computer Resources Acceptable Use and Responsibility

The School Board provides a computer system, including access to the internet, to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. The term computer system includes hardware, software, data, communication lines and devices, terminals, printers, CD-ROM devices, tape drives, servers, personal computers, the internet and other internal or external networks.

All use of the Division’s computer system must be (1) in support of education and/or research, or

(2) for legitimate school business. Use of the computer system is a privilege, not a right. Any communication or material used on the computer system, including electronic mail or other files deleted from a user’s account, may be monitored or read by school officials. All computer equipment attached to the division’s network shall be the property of the school division.

The Division Superintendent shall establish administrative procedures, for the School Board’s

approval, containing the appropriate uses, ethics and protocol for the computer system. The procedures shall include:

(1) a prohibition against use by division employees and students of the division’s computer equipment and

communications services for sending, receiving, viewing or downloading illegal material via the Internet; (2) provisions, including the selection and operation of a technology protection measure for the

division’s computers having Internet access to filter or block Internet access through such computers, that seek to prevent access to: (a) child pornography as set out in Va. Code § 18.2-374.1:1 or as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2256; (b) obscenity as defined by Va. Code § 18.2-372 or 18 U.S.C. § 1460; and (c) material that the school division deems to be harmful to juveniles as defined in Va. Code §

18.2-390, material that is harmful to minors as defined in 47 U.S.C. § 254(h)(7)(G), and material that is otherwise inappropriate for minors;

(3) provisions establishing that the technology protection measure is enforced during any use of the Division’s computers by minors;

(4) provisions establishing that the online activities of minors will be monitored; (5) provisions designed to educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting

with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyber bullying awareness and response;

(6) provisions designed to prevent unauthorized online access by minors, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online;

(7) provisions prohibiting the unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding students;

(8) provisions prohibiting the unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding employees; and,

(9) a component of Internet safety for students that is integrated in the division’s instructional program.

Use of the School Division’s computer system shall be consistent with the educational or instructional mission or administrative function of the Division as well as the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities and developmental levels of students. The Division’s computer system is not a public forum.

Each teacher, administrator, student and parent/guardian of each student shall sign the

Acceptable Computer System Use Agreement GBCE-E or IIAB-E before using the Division’s computer system. The failure of any student, teacher or administrator to follow the terms of the Agreement, this policy or accompanying regulation may result in loss of computer system privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.

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The School Board is not responsible for any information that may be lost, damaged or unavailable when using the computer system or for any information retrieved via the Internet. Furthermore, the School Board will not be responsible for any unauthorized charges or fees resulting from access to the computer system.

The School Board will review, amend if necessary, and approve this policy every two years.

ADOPTED: November 1, 1996

REVISED: July 13, 1999

October 9, 2001 March 13, 2007 July 14, 2009 July 13, 2010

LEGAL REFERENCES: 18 U.S.C. §§ 1460, 2256.

47 U.S.C. § 254. Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, §§ 18.2-372, 18.2-374.1:1, 18.2-390, 22.1-70.2, & 22.1-78.

CROSS REFERENCES: GBCE-R / IIAB-R Computer Resources Acceptable Use and Responsibility GBCE-E Consent Form for All Employees Using Any Network

Account

Discipline

GBCEA-R / IIABA-R Internet Guidelines for Web Pages GCPD Professional Staff Members: Contract Status and

GDPD Support Staff Members: Contract Status and Discipline JFC Student Conduct JFC-R Standards Code of Student Conduct

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2.2 GBCEA-R/IIABA-R: Internet Guidelines for Web Pages

INTERNET GUIDELINES FOR WEB PAGES

A. Creating and Publishing Internet Web Pages

Access to the Internet and the ability to create and electronically publish "HTML web pages" on the Internet provides Gloucester County Public School (GCPS) students and staff with the opportunity to participate actively in the development of Gloucester County Public Schools' presence on the Internet. It is anticipated that this activity will be increased by the Virginia Technology Standards of Learning that recommends eighth grade students demonstrate the ability to create HTML documents for publication on the Internet.

In order to create a standard that will assure quality and consistency in the web pages published on its server, created by GCPS students and staff, and to ensure appropriate use of equipment and resources provided and maintained by the division, this document will provide a framework to be used as a guide in the creation of Internet pages by those sites which choose to further develop their web presence. These guidelines will be subject to change as the technology or individual situations warrant.

B. Responsibility

Departments

Department directors and the site webmasters shall be responsible for approving content to be displayed on the web. The format in which data is passed to the webmaster needs to be standardized. Any material to be posted in respective areas of the Central Office web page should be prepared using software such as Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat. Spell check and format the document. Please forward the file to the Division Webmaster as an e-mail attachment along with a brief explanation detailing your intent.

Schools

The principal has responsibility for approving/disapproving the school's web site content. The technology committee at each school, operating under the direction of the principal, shall monitor and approve that school's web site. Each site that elects to expand its web presence will designate a webmaster to serve as manager of the web site with rights to upload to the server. The webmaster must be a division employee. Students may be designated to help develop and maintain the site; however, they may not be given rights to upload to the server. In situations where questionable material or any potential violation of district guidelines exists, the Technology Department will make the decision whether to approve the content.

Requests for Use from School-Related Organizations

Issues concerning requests to use our website from such agencies as PTA's and other educational stakeholders must be addressed by each school's technology committee and the web site administrator. School-related organizations must adhere to the same guidelines as school employees with regard to content and prohibitions.

Quality

Web pages must be free of spelling and grammatical errors. Pages may not contain objectionable material, nor may they link directly to Internet sites that contain objectionable material. Objectionable material includes web pages that are of no educational value as well as those that are considered socially inappropriate for children regardless of the source of the information.

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Content

Web page content should relate to curriculum, instruction, school activities, or general information that is appropriate and of interest to the population of the district and its schools.

Please observe the following guidelines:

1. Recommended materials for inclusion on each school's web site:

School name;

School address;

School phone and fax numbers;

Picture of school and/or mascot;

School mission statement;

School division goals and objectives;

Building description;

Clubs and activities offered for children;

Current events and calendars; and,

PTA information.

2. Optionally included materials on each school's web site:

Description of technology and its use in the school;

History of school or information on school namesake;

Homework call-in center;

Team or grade level pages listing activities, themes and/or units;

Administrators (e-mail addresses, as appropriate);

Recognition or honors school has received; and,

Links to other sites.

3. Students and staff may not publish personal web pages or resumes as part of the GCPS web

site, nor may they create pages for publication on the GCPS Internet server for other individuals or groups not directly associated with the district.

4. Links to other sites shall be educationally appropriate.

5. Links to commercial sites are not permitted unless its intended educational utility is made explicit.

6. Staff sites may not be used for commercial purposes.

7. Faculty is encouraged to include content-specific materials as well as content-specific links on

its sites.

8. Documents may not include a student's phone number, address, social security number, names of family members, or names of friends.

9. Publishing of e-mail addresses is restricted to staff members and group mail accounts where mail is forwarded to a staff member.

Technical Standards

Adherence to the following standards will guarantee consistency in district web pages:

1. Page creators must take care when writing pages that contain large graphics, graphic

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backgrounds, or other items that substantially impact the download time of the page. Generally, pages that take over 1 minute to load when using a 28.8 modem are too large and ultimately frustrate the person trying to view the page.

2. Web pages should not contain links to other pages that are not completed. Text may be present that indicates a future link, but the link should not be activated until the page actually exists.

3. Each homepage must contain an e-mail link to the site’s webmaster.

4. Pages and associated titles must be given names that clearly identify them.

5. Pages may not contain any student e-mail addresses.

6. Graphic file formats will adhere to the following standards:

All graphic files will be converted as or converted to gif, png or jpg formats;

Resolution should be no greater than 72-100 dpi; and,

Colors=256 system colors.

7. Files to be included or posted on any GCPS Internet server may be forwarded to that webmaster using the following methods:

On floppy disk (be sure to make back-up copies!)

Via an appropriate e-mail address and sent as an attachment

Via network folders

8. It is recommended that pages and associated graphic or sound files reside in one folder or directory. This procedure will keep potential referencing problems to a minimum.

9. The site webmaster is responsible for verifying that links to other pages or Internet sites are

functional.

10. Counters, guest books, and other scripts or CGI applications may be included at the discretion of the webmaster and with express approval of the Technology Department.

11. It is required that the bottom of each webpage (as opposed to the central or “homepage”)

contains:

A link back to an appropriate "central" web page (homepage) and

The date that the page was last updated.

Most of these guidelines are also applicable if the web pages are part of a school intranet server--a medium that facilitates an "in house" information network on the school's LAN.

C. Intranet Home Pages

Access and Security

Schools may design sites for internal use only. These Intranet sites must use security processes to ensure that they are accessible only to students and staff within a school. It is the responsibility of the school to ensure that the Intranet is secure. Technical support is available from the Technology Department.

Content

Student group and individual pictures, names and appropriate individual information may be displayed with written permission of the parents.

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Explicit, written permission must be obtained before student work may be displayed.

Student addresses, phone numbers, and student identification numbers are not educationally appropriate and may not be included.

Information on student sites should be educationally relevant.

The webmaster will have authority for approval of all content and removal of material that is

inappropriate. Questions regarding objectionable content and/or concerns should be addressed to the Principal.

In situations where questionable material or any potential violation of district guidelines exists, the

Technology Department will make the decision whether to approve the content ADOPTED: June 8, 1999

REVISED: October 9, 2001

February 13, 2007 – Effective March 13, 2007 November 11, 2008

CROSS REFERENCES: GBCE / IIAB Network Acceptable Use and Responsibility GBCE-R / IIAB-R Network Acceptable Use and Responsibility GBCE-E Consent Form for All Employees Using Any Network Account

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2.3 : CONSENT FORM - STUDENT COMPUTER USE RULES (TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL STUDENTS)

Each student and his or her parent/guardian must sign this Agreement before being permitted to use the School Division’s computer system.

Read this Agreement carefully before signing.

Student Name (please print):

As a condition of access to Gloucester County Public Schools’ computers, I agree to the following:

1. I will be responsible for the computer I am working on and will report any incidents of

vandalism or theft to the teacher. These might include writing on the computer, unplugging or changing of hardware components, removing or loosening keyboard keys, removal of mouse balls or the mouse itself, and/or other destructive acts.

2. I will respect the privacy of information in other people's files, and will not copy, destroy, or

use it.

3. I will not share my login or password with others, and I will not seek to obtain those of

others. I will work only in my own file area and will not communicate anonymously or in another person's name.

4. I will not try to hack the system, nor load onto the computer any hacking programs, nor will I

attempt any unauthorized access to the system. I will not attempt to delete, alter, or reposition any electronic documents unless authorized to do so. I will not test our network for security breaches because it is unauthorized and forbidden.

5. I will neither exploit any security gaps I detect nor will I pass the information to anyone else,

but I will report them to the teacher immediately. I will not help others to break the rules.

6. I will not send offensive material to others, download it off the Internet, or knowingly access

it.

7. I understand that I do not have a right of privacy in my Internet account. I also understand

that Gloucester County Public Schools has the right to monitor my use of the computer system and the Internet and will remove obscene, abusive, harassing, or inappropriate communication without notice.

8. I understand that the completion of online forms that request personal information (such as

name, address, etc.) on the Internet is strictly prohibited without the permission of a teacher or lab supervisor. I will not respond to any free offers or order items on the Internet.

9. I understand that that I may not use programs or educational games on the computer unless

instructed to do so by my teacher. I may not bring any student or commercially prepared software to school.

10. I will not print unnecessarily or waste resources. Teachers will have the right to impose

limitations on storage, printing, and access time, and I will not attempt to circumvent these limitations. I will also follow proper shutdown procedures.

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11. I will not attempt to install unauthorized software on the system or onto any computer, nor will I attempt to make a copy of copyrighted software. I will use only that software provided by the teachers.

12. I will not enter the operating system or control panels, unless it is part of my course material.

13. I am responsible for remembering my network login name and password, for keeping myself

informed about computer use and classroom/computer lab rules, and for abiding by them. Being unable to logon to the network is not an acceptable reason for failing to complete my assignments. Ignorance of the rules will be no excuse for disobeying computer use rules either verbal or written.

14. I realize that my computer work must meet the same standards as public written

communication including those regulating vandalism, nuisance, harassment, and respect for intellectual privacy and property.

15. I will not incorporate information obtained from network resources into my documents

without proper credit to the originator (e.g. bibliographic, citation, footnotes, etc.).

16. I will do my best to avoid infecting the school computers with viruses by using anti-virus

software to check my diskettes at home or elsewhere, and if this is not available, by having my disks checked by someone in the computer department before using them on the school system.

17. Refreshments are not allowed in the computer areas. Computer labs are only available for

students working on assignments. Friends must wait for me elsewhere. All other school and classroom rules also apply.

I understand that if I violate this agreement, I may immediately lose my access privileges to all Gloucester County Public Schools’ computers. I can appeal such a decision through the school principal. The use of the school computers is a privilege, not a right!

Penalties for violation of this agreement may include a warning letter (which will be inserted into my permanent school records along with a letter sent to the principal and parent/guardian), the denial of network access, the denial of non-class usage of all computers, and if not in a computer class, total denial of access for the semester or the entire school year, if warranted. Violation of the terms of this consent form may constitute an infraction under Category III (OTI-14) in the Student Code of Conduct.

Before the school computers may be used, student and parents must sign this document. A signature means that both understand the rules and that the consequences of rule violation is accepted by both. If over 18 or not living at home, the student must have this agreement signed by the librarian in lieu of the parental signature.

Printed Student Name Student Signature Date

I grant permission for my student to use the computer system in accordance with the Gloucester County school division’s policies and regulations and for the School Division to issue an account for my student.

Printed Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature Date

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** This document must be completed each school year as part of

acceptance of the Code of Conduct and recorded in Pentamation.

ADM INI ST R AT OR'S OR D ESIGN E E’S AC C EPT AN C E

I have read the terms and conditions of Gloucester County Public Schools’ Network Acceptable Use and Responsibility Agreement for network services. I support the educational mission of this policy and the need for strict adherence to its terms and conditions. By my signature, I authorize the creation of an account for the sole use of the person whose name and signature appear as user within this Network Acceptable Use and Responsibility Agreement.

Administrator's/Designee’s Name (please print):

Signature: Date: ADOPTED:

REVISED: June 8, 1999

October 9, 2001 February 13, 2007 – Effective March 13, 2007 July 14, 2009

CROSS REFERENCES: IIAB / GBCE Network Acceptable Use and Responsibility

IIAB-R / GBCE-R Computer Resources Acceptable Use and Responsibility

IIABA-R / GBCEA-R Internet Guidelines for Web Pages

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Appendix 3: Summary of Internet Safety Program for 2008-2010

GCPS Internet Safety Program – Development and Implementation

GCPS is committed to helping teachers-students-staff use the Internet and all related

programs/devices effectively and safely.

Just as we teach students to cross the street safely, we must teach students to use

technology safely.

Just as we have core, subject-based curriculum for teachers to deliver to students, we

must provide up-to-date, relevant Internet Safety curriculum to our teachers; supporting

safe student interaction with all aspects of the Internet.

Staff/teachers/administrators are important support members in a student‘s life. Thus,

they must know how to support students when Internet Safety issues arise.

Our Division Internet Safety Policy, Development, and Implementation Timeline:

Summer 2007

o Division Committee reached consensus on

Media Specialists should teach the children

ITRTs should teach the teachers

Division Technology Coordinator should train the media specialists and

ITRTs

Appropriate Content for each age level (giving direction to Internet

Safety Curriculum writers)

o Internet Safety Curriculum developed, following VA DOE Guidelines, for K-2, 3-5, 6-

8, 9-12, Parents-Teachers

Fall 2007

o Added Internet Safety Modules from ‗SafeSchools‘ to teacher/staff list of required

courses

o Developed local GCPS Internet Safety Presentation – shown to teachers at all

schools – emphasizing highlights of our program and ‗what Instructional Staff

Needs to Know‘

o Media Specialists began delivering lessons to students

Fall 2008

o Train new staff-teachers on Internet Safety – using our Division Internet Safety

presentation

o Media Specialists deliver Internet Safety lessons to students

o Rotate two different modules into ‗SafeSchools‘ -- required of teachers/staff

o Media Specialists collaborate to deliver consistent instruction to common grade

levels

Fall 2009

o Train new staff-teachers on Internet Safety – using our Division Internet Safety

presentation

o Media Specialists deliver Internet Safety lessons to students

o Rotate two different modules into ‗SafeSchools‘ -- required of teachers/staff

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o Media Specialists collaborate to deliver consistent instruction to common grade

levels

Fall 2010

o Media Specialists explore new Internet Safety lessons – updating lessons as

needed

o Media Specialists deliver Internet Safety lessons to students

o Rotate two different modules into ‗SafeSchools‘ -- required of teachers/staff

o Train new staff-teachers on Internet Safety – using our Division Internet Safety

presentation

Presentations—Community Outreach:

Each school delivers Internet Safety outreach to community-parents-etc. ; sharing

information, resources and presentations via myriad methods

Several outreach methods include, but are not limited to:

o Back-To-School Night Presentations

o Presentations to Parents by Law Enforcement

o Presentations to Parents by Technology Staff at Division Parent Partnership Fair

held each year

o Including Internet Safety Tips-Hints in Newsletters to Parents

o Posters in Computer Labs reinforce Internet Safety

Resources – Our curriculum was developed and is revised utilizing resources from:

NetSmartz

CyberSmart

Virginia Internet Safety Guidelines & Resources – i.e. Faux Pas

Frontline Video examining Internet Safety ,,, Appropriate, newly-released videos related

to topics

Common Sense Media (newly endorsed site evolved from CyberSmart

Future

Add/update curriculum using quality resources, i.e. including Common Sense Media

lessons as they come online

Update webpages/curriculum related to internet Safety; reflecting advances/changes in

communication/devices related to children‘s safety

Reinforce need for parent-community-family involvement in safety issues

Review AUP and update as needed

In an effort to recognize the greater use of mobile devices for instructional purposes, the

following Basic Tenants have been developed and will incorporated into future Internet

Safety instruction and policies

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Basic Tenants = Internet/Mobile Communications Safety

Computer-Mobile Device

Basic Tenants – GCPS -- Internet – Mobile Communication Devices

Division

The Internet and Mobile Communication devices tied to it are powerful tools that should be

used wisely.

Not all Internet information accessed is valid or appropriate.

There are ways for students/users to protect themselves from potential abuse while realizing

maximum use/benefit of Internet and Mobile Communication devices.

Internet messages/people who send are not always what they seem.

Predatory cyber-bullies use Internet and communication devices to manipulate students; get

adult help if you have any questions or concerns.

What is safe/legal re playing games/downloading music/video?

Instructional Personnel

Internet/Mobile Communication Device use can be exiting/challenging; it should be age-

appropriate.

Monitoring is crucial.

Negative student technological interactions spill into real world.

Exchanging info with others is inherently dangerous.

Students/Staff/Teachers/Users need to hear rules often.

Parents – Caregivers -- Family

A child‘s Internet use should be based on age and family values.

Everyone Must understand potential Internet/ Mobile Communication device dangers and

prepare children how to react to these dangers; just as we help children learn to play safely or

cross the street, we must help children learn to use the Internet/Mobile Communication devices

safely.

Parents can provide best protection; families should reach agreements and have their own

AUP.

Monitoring is critical; parents should know where children go, how long they stay, and the

warning signs if wrong information is accessed.

1) The Internet and Mobile Communication devices tied to it are powerful tools that should be

used wisely. These devices allow:

a) Access to a vast library

b) Communications with people worldwide

c) Creative outlet for writing, art, music, science, and math

2) Not all Internet information accessed is valid or appropriate

a) Sexually explicit or violent images have negative effect

b) Sexual predators try to convince students/users (others) to trust them

c) Some sites/people promote hate, intolerance, dangerous/illegal activities, self-injuries,

gambling, and illegal drug use

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3) There are ways for students/users to protect themselves from potential abuse while realizing

maximum use/benefit of Internet and Mobile Communication devices

a) Apply critical thinking skills to any device or Internet resource, application (apps) or web

search

b) Know what precautions to take and who to ask for help if threatened or offended

c) Know that students and adults are required to report illegal Internet communications to

ISPs and to law enforcement

4) Internet messages/people who send are not always what they seem

a) Those on the other side of communications/websites may not be who they seem; learn

to recognize danger

b) If/when students/users encounter anything questionable, students/users must learn to

protect selves

c) E-mail attachments, pop-up messages, hidden links, etc can cause malicious code

infections; do not open attachments, click links or respond to any unknown

message/person

d) Learn which bits of personal/school/work information can be shared and what cannot

and why the risk is so great

e) NEVER reveal info about where you live or school attended or general data – you can

be traced by the most obscure information divulged

f) All electronic messages leave electronic footprints which can be misused by others

5) Predatory cyber bullies use Internet and communication devices to manipulate students;

get adult help if you have any questions or concerns

a) Sexual predators deceive others by pretending to be students

b) Bullies use IM and communication devices to harass/spread false rumors; students/ users

need to know how to seek help from adults and appropriate sources

c) Posting pictures and personal info allows predators to contact students/users for

meetings; communications can work to ―groom‖ , ―lure‖ others into inappropriate

circumstances

6) What is safe/legal re playing games/downloading music/video?

a) Gaming sites attract sexual predators and cyber bullies

b) Games may contain pornographic/violent images; talk to parents and/or report

concerns/problems to responsible-caring adults

c) Know how to detect whether file download is legal/free of malicious code

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What instructional personnel need to know

Additional Points for Instructional-Adult Users/Staff

7. Internet/Mobile Communication Device use can be exiting/challenging; it should be

age-appropriate

Teachers/Staff should create age-appropriate activities

Each age group/developmental state has different issues and problems

Communicate with parents, care-givers, all users, about Internet use—in and out

of classroom – using all communication methods available

8. Monitoring is crucial

Filters fail; teachers/staff/family/staff must watch where students go

No aimless student surfing; teachers MUST provide purpose and guides for use

Teachers need to view history to see what students have viewed

Classroom/Library rules and AUP must be in sync, especially the steps after

accessing inappropriate sites

Technology staff should use network tracking, study reports, identify patterns of

inappropriate use

Teachers need to stay up-to-date on Internet safety issues to provide info to

students

9. Negative student technological interactions spill into real world

Cyber bullying; Teachers/Staff/Users need to know signs of bullied student and

what to do

Students/Teachers/Staff/Users must be taught what types of personal

information to share and with whom

Online and wireless communication can compromise students‘ privacy

(eavesdropping)

People are not who they claim to be, and Identifying information is not always

accurate/appropriate

10. Exchanging info with others is inherently dangerous

Educators/Staff/Users must know/enforce division policies on

exchanging/downloading files

Tech staff should routinely alert re potential e-mail dangers and how to

recognize same

Many newly popular sites/social-networks/communications-devices reveal too

much personal information; predators can circumvent safeguards; use all

available privacy settings or do not post personal information

Educators/Staff/Users much check age-appropriate of social networking sites

that students visit

11. Students/Staff/Teachers/Users need to hear rules often

Internet/Mobile Communication Devices safety rules should be posted near

computers; teachers/staff/users should remind users regularly of the rules and of

potential pitfalls

Teachers/staff/users should review rules often

Students/parents/teachers/staff should know consequences of disobeying rules

Schools/teachers must be consistent/fail in enforcing rules and AUP

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What parents, grandparents, caregivers need to know

1. A child‘s Internet use should be based on age and family values

Internet/Mobile Communication devices can help with research and homework

Internet/Mobile Communication devices make communications with family

members/friends easier

Children should spend time offline

Internet activities should be age-appropriate; i.e. teen activities are not for

young children

2. Everyone Must understand potential Internet/ Mobile Communication device dangers

and prepare children how to react to these dangers; just as we help children learn to

play safely or cross the street, we must help children learn to use the Internet/Mobile

Communication devices safely

Inappropriate info consists of (but is not limited to) pornography, hate literature,

aggressive ads, and violent images

Anonymous communication in chat rooms and blogs allow predators to pose as

friend; cyber bullies may target child for harassment

Downloading files/e-mail may contain viruses or spy ware, endangering

privacy/computer

Personal information provided can be used for identity theft

3. Parents can provide best protection; families should reach agreements and have their

own AUP

Parents should read about/respond to Internet/Mobile Communication device

risks, and work with school division to educate Students/Teachers/Staff about

same

Parents should talk to children about safe and appropriate web sites

Parents should encourage children to report any unease re Internet/Mobile

Communication devices

Family should create rules and post what children ca/cannot do on Internet

4. Monitoring is critical; parents should know where children go, how long they stay, and

the warning signs if wrong information is accessed

Parents should place computers in family rooms, NOT bedrooms; cell phones

and wireless devices allow students to get online anywhere

Parents should work closely with young children when they first access the

Internet/Mobile Communication devices, talking about safety

Parents should bookmark suitable/safe sites and check periodically/frequently

to ensure they (sites) remain safe

Parents should seek training to learn several methods of monitoring Internet use

Parents need to know that some sites have age restrictions; children may ignore

warnings

Just as parents watch children in large public areas, they should watch on

Internet/Mobile Communication devices

Parents must recognize warning signs of trouble, or spending too much time on

Internet; parents should report problems to ISP and law enforcement

Internet activities can be dangerous AND illegal; be aware of relevant laws

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Addendum

Actions (goals, objectives, strategies, and evaluation strategies)

Revised to cover 2016 to 2018

This plan reflects that the technology infrastructure is in place to cover the entire period of the

plan. The goal of the plan is to strengthen what is already in-place, exploit the wireless

infrastructure to expand the usage of mobile devices, and have enough flexibility to changes in

technology during the life of the plan and beyond.

Goal 1: Provide a safe, flexible, and effective learning environment for all students.

Objective 1.1: Deliver appropriate and challenging curricula through face to face, blended, and

virtual learning environments.

Gloucester will maintain a rigorous instructional program designed to support the

learning potential of all students.

The Response to Invention Model (RTI) is being implemented for K-8.

A process is in place to monitor student progress through Quarterly assessments. The use

of Interactive Achievement provides the vehicle to monitor and track student

performance throughout the school year. Tis monitoring process will be maintained

during the life of the plan.

Online resources are continually being evaluated and then promoted to the staff as

instructional tools to enhance the learning environment.

Objective 1.2: Provide the technical and human infrastructure necessary to support real,

blended and virtual learning environments. (Revised)

The use of Compass Learning, and Virtual Virginia provide the necessary

interfaces to allow the offering of instruction in a real, blended or virtual

environment, these will be used until such time when a better tool appears on the

market.

Professional staffs are provided with recurring training in strategies to developing and

incorporating blended instructional strategies using online resources and well as online

instructional tools.

Annual Division Professional Development is conducted each August and will be

followed up with tailored training within each school.

Objective 1.3: Provide high-quality professional development to help educators create,

maintain, and work in a variety of learner-centered environments.

Gloucester County Public Schools maintains an active professional development

program designed to promote professional development via formal instruction, training

for specific software applications, as well as on demand training utilizing Division ITRT

expertise.

The focus of all staff development is targeted to enhancing the student learning

experience.

The effectiveness of staff development will be measured and evaluated using existing

survey instruments in conjunction with the Survey Monkey web interface.

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Goal 2; Engage students in meaningful curricular content through the purposeful and effective

use of technology. (Revised)

Objective 2.1: Support innovative professional development practices that promote strategic

growth for all educators and collaboration with other educators, content experts, and students.

(Revised)

Will continue to actively support the use of Google Apps for Education as tools

for collaboration amongst teachers, staff and students.

Will Promote teacher access to NETS-T training in collaboration the Hampton Roads

Educational Consortium.

Will provide student E-Mail through Google Apps for Education.

Objective 2.2: Actualize the ability of technology to individualize learning and provide equitable

opportunities for all learners. Revised

Over the life of this plan, efforts will be directed toward exploiting the capabilities of and

expanding upon the wireless networking environment to provide greater flexibility for

individualized instruction as well and promoting the greater access to online resources for

all students.

Efforts to provide broadband access to all students is and will be explored and promoted

throughout the life of the plan. In 2015, the wireless network for the school divisions was

updated to increase wireless density and provide access to staff and student personal

devices. Additionally, Internet access was upgraded to 600 Mbps. Through 2018, every

effort will be made to increase capacity to 1+Mbps/student Internet connectivity (5400

Mbps) and 10+ Mbps/student WAN connectivity (54000 Mbps)for the 2017-18 school.

Objective 2.3: Facilitate the implementation of high-quality Internet safety programs in schools.

Internet Safety will continue to be promoted in all schools as well as during community

events and PTA programs. With the continually evolving growth of technology, these

efforts must be maintained and as new technologies become available, the message

will be revised to meet the changing technology environment.

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Goal 3; Afford students with opportunities to apply technology effectively to gain knowledge,

develop skills, and create and distribute artifacts that reflect their understandings. (Revised)

Objective 3.1: Provide and support professional development that increases the capacity of

teachers to design and facilitate meaningful learning experiences, thereby encouraging

students to create, problem-solve, communicate, collaborate, and use real-world skills by

applying technology purposefully.

Providing meaningful staff development opportunities is and will remain a priority.

Recurring Professional development on instructional applications and tools is highly

valued and will remain a part of any technology initiatives over the life of this plan.

Objective 3.2: Ensure that students, teachers, and administrators are ICT literate.

Focused Staff Development which promotes the ICT skill set has and will continue to

provide the tools for teachers and administrators. Efforts to promote the use technology

skills are ongoing and are continually being revised to reflect the changing

technological landscape.

Students are and will continue to be provided access to a broad cross section of

technological tools to promote the ICT skills.

Every effort will be made to maintain a student to computer ratio at or below 2:1, this will

be sustained through the expanded use of netbook computers utilizing the wireless

networking environment.

Objective 3.3: Implement technology-based formative assessments that produce further growth

in content knowledge and skills development. (Revised)

With all schools providing SOL testing online, through the use of Interactive

Achievement, AIMSWeb, Star Reading, and ARDT; the students will be provided access

to a variety of online assessments which models the online environment of SOL testing,

as well as preparing the students for the adaptive testing environment.

Efforts beginning in the elementary schools will lay the foundation to allow the

students to continue to successfully master the written portion of the SOL test

through the use of online writing prompts.

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Goal 4; Provide students with access to authentic and appropriate tools to gain knowledge,

develop skills, extend capabilities, and create and disseminate artifacts that demonstrate their

understandings. (Revised)

Objective 4.1: Provide resources and support to ensure that every student has access to a

personal computing device. (Revised)

The equipment and software is currently available to provide student access to mobile

computing devices. Through the expanded use of laptops, IPads, IPad Minis and other

mobile devices, students are being afforded greater opportunities to gain access to

computing devices.

The current Student to computer ratio is just under 2:1. A 1:1 ratio while desired is not

fiscally possible during the life of this plan. Every effort will be made to maintain the

current availability.

Objective 4.2: Provide technical and pedagogical support to ensure that students, teachers, and

administrators can effectively access and use technology tools.

The ITRT (Instructional Technology Resource Teacher) plays a critical role in the promotion

and dissemination of technical as well as pedagogical strategies to exploit the use of

technology. This will continue and as funds become available, we will look to expand the

roles and responsibilities of the ITRT.

The use of computer management software in conjunction with a trouble ticket

monitoring system has and will provide a very high level of reliability of computer

hardware and software. Every effort is made to correct software and hardware issues as

soon as they arise.

This level of technical support is monitored and will be maintained throughout the life of

this plan.

Objective 4.3: Identify and disseminate information and resources that assist educators in

electing authentic and appropriate tools for all grade levels and curricular areas.

The ITRTs as well as the Technology Department are continually looking at new software

and monitoring the effectiveness of existing software to ensure that all the division end-

users are afforded the best opportunities to full take advantage of the hardware and

software for effective instruction as well as efficiency in performing everyday

administrative tasks.

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Goal 5; Use technology to support a culture of data-driven decision making that relies upon

data to evaluate and improve teaching and learning. (Revised)

Objective 5.1: Use data to inform and adjust technical, pedagogical, and financial support.

The use of the School Dude online software provides the Technology Department with the

ability to track and evaluate the effectiveness of computer hardware and software

based on reported trouble tickets initiated by staff and teachers.

All online software subscriptions are evaluated annually as to usage and teacher

feedback. Based on the information gathered, determines whether the subscription is

renewed, this can effectively save the Division limited funds that might be used

elsewhere.

Objective 5.2: Provide support to help teachers disaggregate, interpret, and use data to plan,

improve, and differentiate instruction. (Revised)

Gloucester County Public Schools has invested in the development of a central data

warehouse to serve as a repository for all formal assessments of its students. This has and

will continue to allow teachers and staff to create a longitudinal view of student

performance as well as allowing the capability to utilize the gathered data as part of a

greater effort to measure teacher effectiveness. Additionally, partnering with

Interactive Achievement and VADOE, we are piloting the longitudinal feature of

OnTrak for a near term implementation.

The use of this data warehouse will allow the division to disaggregate student

assessment data, interpret the effectiveness of instruction, and adjust the instructional

strategies as necessary.

Objective 5.3: Promote the use of technology to inform the design and implementation of next-

generation standardized assessments.

The Director of Assessment is an active participant in the State Online Assessment

program and based on past online testing experience in the K-12 environment as well as

the use of third party online testing providers, Gloucester is continually looking at a variety

of approaches to improve the standardized assessment environment. This will remain a

priority over the life of the plan.