Technology Plan Update Spring 2011 Kristen Rogers Brittany Thomas

Part I: Narrative 1. Introduction: We evaluated Bulloch County School Systems three-year comprehensive state technology plan. Bulloch County School System is comprised of two high schools, one middle/high school combined, three middle schools, and nine elementary schools. Bulloch County is located in southeast Georgia. This plan was approved by the state department of education on May 28, 2008. It is in effect for Bulloch County Schools from July 1, 2008 until June 30, 2011. It was last revised on September 22, 2008. There is no indication of how often the plan has been revisited although it states that the Bulloch County School System Technology Planning Committee will meet bi-annually to review overall goals and evaluate benchmarks. An evaluation checklist was provided in the plan that is to be used when the committee meets. Due to a group member working in the school system, we are aware the system is continuously meeting their goals and actively working on improving technology. This plan was chosen because one of the partners works in this school system and will have more information to bring to the table about implementation and meeting expectations. 2. Overview of strengths/weakness: Strengths- This plan is comprehensive and detailed. In our original evaluation we noted in the rubric that we reviewed the technology plan with showed excellent scores in the following categories: goals, professional development, assessment of needs/services, budget resources, and clarity/organization. We were shocked, but pleased to find the technology plan met each of the criteria so well. Weakness- The one area that did not meet all qualifications to receive a perfect score was ongoing evaluation process. In this area the plan states that the technology evaluation committee will meet bi-annually. It even shows an evaluation form that will be used, but zero meetings are included in the plan nor are updates shown to indicate that the committee is meeting bi-annually. A plan that applies for multiple years should be updated after each ongoing evaluation process is completed. 3. Outline of changes: a. Problem we see with existing plan- The existing plan is well-written and includes many details. We would like to see the committee include minutes, notes, etc. pertaining to the bi-annual meeting that the technology plan refers to. b. Changes we want to make in this section- We would like to add a section for the notes,

findings, etc. that the technology committee discusses at the bi-annual meeting. c. Reason change is necessary and resources required- The reason for this change is to allow the reader to know that the committee is indeed meeting and to give readers insight on how things are going (if the goals are being met, how they are being met, changes that are being made, new findings, etc.). 4. Improvements resulting from the changes in technology plan: The improvement that will be made from this change will be that readers will better understand outcomes of the technology plan. Currently readers do not know if goals are being met or if funds are low. There is no way for anyone on the outside to gauge the information. Teachers and employees of the school system have some insight, but because the plan is for the entire county it is difficult for employees to gain insight for other schools in the district.

Part II: Create/Update the Technology Plan

Broad-Based Support Expand if necessary. Suggest the team (by role if not by name). Expand as necessary. (You don't have to write the actual instrument, but explain the specifics for how you would administer the needs assessment.) Update as necessary. Update as necessary. Update as necessary. Ensure that an Action Plan exists for at least 3 years. If necessary, expand the plan to 3 years. This plan should integrate the other parts of the plan including staff development, curriculum integration, program integration, facilities, etc. Identify how the Technology Plan is associated with other curriculum or accountability documents. If you have no evidence of such a connection, identify which documents should be connected to the Technology Plan.

Needs Assessment:

Mission Vision Goals and Objectives

Action Plan/Multi-year Planning

Program Integration

Curriculum Integration

Identify how the institution envisions that technology can enhance curriculum and facilitate student learning. If necessary, suggest a process for evaluating the success of technology in the educational institution. Ensure an appropriate set of equipment standards has been identified. Identify potential funding sources. Suggest potential pilot projects or educational research that would support your program/curriculum integration or other technology applications. Justify your suggestions with appropriate citations and references to current professional literature. Identify which configurations would be useful to support the program/curriculum integration or other technology applications. Identify facility issues and how they affect/support the integration plans. Either support or propose suggestions for a maintenance/support system that will support Software policies must be articulated. Create some if necessary. Cite the Copyright and Acceptable-Use Policies used by the educational institution. Explain the necessary components if (or provide examples) if necessary. Identify a policy for gifts and disposal. Create if necessary. Ensure a staff development plan is in place to support the program/curriculum integration plan.

Evaluation

Standards Funding Alternatives

School Pilot Projects/Educational Research

Model Classroom Configurations

Facilities

Maintenance/Support Software Agreements Copyright/Acceptable Use Policy Gifts and Disposal Staff Development