GARNER ISD Technology Plan for E-Rate Year 12
2009 - 2010

Marion Ferguson
SUPERINTENDENT

DISTRICT PROFILE
ESC Region: 11
City, State Zip: WEATHERFORD, TX 760887044
Phone: (940) 682-4251
Fax: (940) 682-4141

Number of Campuses: 1
Total Student Enrollment: 193
District Size: Under 500
Percent Econ. Disadvantaged: 40.00%

Technology Expenditures: $63,040.00
- Teaching and Learning Budget: $17,620.00
- Educator Preparation and Development Budget: $3,500.00
- Leadership, Administration and Support Budget: $500.00
- Infrastructure for Technology Budget: $41,420.00

Technology Expenditure Per Pupil: $326.63
Number of Campuses with Direct Connection to Internet: 1
Percentage of Campuses with Direct Connection to Internet: 100.00%
Number of Classrooms with Direct Connection to Internet: 17
Percentage of Classrooms with Direct Connection to Internet: 100.00%
Computer/Student Ratio: 2 student(s) for every computer
Computer/Teacher Ratio: 1 teacher(s) for every computer
Number of campuses that need to complete the Texas Campus STaR Chart: 1
Percentage of campuses that have completed the Texas Campus STaR Chart: 100.00 %

PLAN INTRODUCTION
Plan Last Edited: 01/20/2009

Technology Planning Committee:
Steve Wallace, Principal
Jimmy Autry, Technology Director
Karen Rueter, Resource Teacher
Carol Watson, Elementary Teacher
Chris Lee, parent
Monte Watson, Technology Instructor
Jerry Wilhelm, Community Member
Karen Glover, Parent

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Garner Independent School District has made great progress in technology usage by purchasing new equipment, updating existing infrastructure, and through the education of all instructional staff. We received support for these efforts through various funding sources. Collaborative efforts in funding, research, product development and maintenance are responsible for the growth. In order to continue to excel and maintain our success, Garner ISD intends to focus on training opportunities for our staff and promoting an atmosphere where technology is eagerly embraced. Our latest undertaking was to apply for and receive funds through the Rural Technology Grant. Although we were not selected as a grantee, we are diligently planning how to implement the strategies laid out in the grant in preparation for the future.

Major tenets of our Plan include replacing/updating outdated equipment to continue to bring the capabilities of our infrastructure to a higher level. This is in part because of 1)an increase in network traffic due to our changing demand for technology, 2) our need to increase access to training for district staff, and 3) to further incorporate technology into classroom instruction. The addition of new staff members and the continued update in technology resources necessitates training and retraining for all teaching staff members. Attendance at teacher conferences and membership in the area cooperative technology group allows an influx of new products and services to be reviewed and implemented.

Grants are a major source of support for new equipment and the ability to provide appropriate training. Every student within Garner ISD is currently receiving technology training, so our key focus is enhancement of that training.

The Garner Independent School District Plan for Technology is intended to cover all facets of technology in the District for the next year. The vision for technology as outlined in this plan is aligned with the vision of the Board for our District. Since technology is an ever-changing entity and newly emerging technologies are becoming available daily, our Plan is intended as a framework to be built upon as new needs are determined. As the Plan is evaluated, new goals will be added to meet new needs, and goals that have been completed will be removed.

All students and employees of the District will benefit from this plan.

In order to realize this plan, Garner ISD has made a commitment to dedicate a minimum of three percent of the annual total budget to technology.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Assessment Process:Garner ISD Technology Committee will meet four times during the school year to evaluate whether emerging needs and established deadlines are met. After each meeting, the committee will report their findings to the Superintendent and to Garner ISD School Board.

In order to ensure that timely progress is made toward meeting the goals of the Long Range Plan for Technology, the chairman of Garner ISD Technology Committee will update the Texas STaR Chart data for each campus in May of each year. Evaluation of this data will include:

1.Reviewing lesson plans to ensure that technology is incorporated appropriately;
2.Observing the actual use of technology in classrooms;
3.Documenting student use of computer labs by sign-in logs;
4.Collecting samples of student work which was developed while using technology; and,
5.Evaluating the utilization and future needs of technology in correlation to the Texas STaR Chart data via a survey form completed by teachers.

Efforts to acquire emerging technologies and state of the art equipment as outlined in the plan will be documented by accurate technology inventories and by purchase orders which demonstrate current fund expenditures for new or replacement technology.

Existing Conditions:
Garner ISD will follow the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Technology Applications. Technology will be integrated into other content areas, so that the applications are used to enhance learning. The TEKS covers use of different types of hardware and software, gathering information, communicating, and problem solving. Teachers will instruct, using appropriate applications, including the Internet, as a part of the lessons. Students will use their technology skills to produce materials for assessment. It is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure that students are being taught these skills. Teachers and administrators will provide training to the staff and provide support as needed.

Elementary students will also have daily sessions in a computer lab, where they will have structured assignments on a computer. Students will work with software, which include: Type to Learn Jr., Type to Learn 3, Sleek, Kid Works Deluxe, Chuck Wagon Bill language and Math, Word Munches, Reader Rabbit 1 and 2, Letterbugs, Math Blasters, Dinosaurs Math 1 & 2, Pondering Problems, Pinball Science, I Love Science, USA Explorer, and CCC. Students who complete technology assignments are encouraged to work on regular classroom assignments or enrichment activities during their computer time.

Junior high students are required to take typing and a computer applications class. All Microsoft Office programs, Microsoft Publisher and Pinnacle video editing software are taught and utilized in the middle grades. A large printer/plotter provides exceptional photo quality banners and prints for special projects. Technology is also integrated into classroom activities in all subject areas. The current plan is to expand course offerings to include computer and network maintenance courses.


The technology director and campus contacts will support teachers. All teachers and support staff will participate in technology training, which focuses on the use of Microsoft applications, website management and incorporation of technology into the classroom. In addition, there will be scheduled meetings where the technology TEKS are the topic. Teachers are also encouraged to attend technology related workshops on their own and can be released from classroom duties for this reason.

Garner ISD has made great strides in technology enhancements to instruction in the last few years. The District has accomplished this by maximizing all funds available for technology. Garner ISD currently has over 120 personal computers operating with a Windows XP and Windows 2000 operating systems, and we are in the process of updating all PCs to Windows XP. The number of computers available on campus has more than tripled in four years. These machines are networked and provide Internet access to all classrooms and administrative offices. Four of the computers are laptop computers allowing staff, students and administration time away from the regular school day to create and modify programs to assist students in learning. Twenty four printers are available and operating for these computers. Additionally two Xerox copiers have been added with network printing/faxing/scanning capabilities. The Junior High Lab now has twenty-four, one year old Dell computers with flat panel monitors installed. The secondary school computer lab contains twenty-seven computers that represent technology just a few years old. Ten brand new DLP projectors and document cameras have been added to the core classrooms. Five digital projectors and seven digital cameras enhance technology training for the students in Garner. One digital camcorder and a few DVD burners create highly advanced video and audio projects.

Technology Needs:
Garner Independent School District (Garner ISD) strives to build on the advances achieved in technology with each passing year. This goal mandates that we provide the best training available in technology to the students who will be faced with working in an advanced technological world.We also must provide teachers and staff the best equipment to make the most of today’s curricular innovations. With that in mind, our needs fall into three general categories.

The first category of needs we face is that Garner ISD must keep current in instructional hardware and software to make the most of the training time offered to young people in our school. Obsolete equipment must be replaced on a schedule to prevent an emergent demand upon a strict budget facing numerous needs. Software updates needed are both instructional and system-wide. The need for upgrades of word processing, spreadsheet and other operations software are equaled by a need for security software, testing software and innovative subject area software. The widespread use of computers demands wireless networking to access technology in remote sites. We are currently developing long range plans to meet the ever changing technology needs for the district.

Our second category of need is closely aligned with our need for new hardware and software. As previously noted, training for staff is critical. Staff development offerings with regard to the incorporation of technology into classroom instruction, as well as education for new hardware and software is required to keep pace with new developments in the field. Additional training to facilitate technology education by teachers for students is needed in order to make the knowledge acquisition relevant to youth.

Finally, maintenance and infrastructure costs are increasing annually. Communication lines, Internet access and local area networking for email and network software applications place huge demands on budgeting and space. Garner ISD increased networking to include distance learning in 2003-2004. However, the connectivity is an on-going expense that must be addressed. Program connections via the distance learning lab are being added regularly at a great expense both for training of staff and payments for programming time and expenses. Regular maintenance of hardware is necessary, as is maintenance of software issues due to the incorporation of harmful software from outside sources.

Although it is very difficult for schools to keep up with the rapid rate of technology development, Garner ISD is committed and will continue to provide the best possible training, instruction and equipment to meet the technology demands of the future.

GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES

Goal 1: Existing network will continue to be maintained, expanded, and upgraded to meet the needs of the district.

Objective 1.1: The district will purchase hardware and software to replace the oldest 25% of its technology (older than 5 years) in order to maintain and improve all aspects of the educational environment.
Budget for this objective: $41,420.00
LRPT Category: Infrastructure for Technology
E-Rate Correlates: ER01
NCLB Correlates: 01 02 03 04a 04b 05 06 07 08 09 11 12

Strategy 1.1.1: Evaluate and monitor needed updates to the Long Range Plan for Technology.
State: Original
Status: Planned
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Technology Director
Evidence: Keeping a current Technology Plan on file for the district.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: EP05, EP08, I01, I04, I07

Strategy 1.1.2: Purchase new or updated software and new or replacement hardware as needed.
State: Original
Status: Planned
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Technology Director
Evidence: Documented installation of new software and hardware and updated inventory records.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: I01, I05, I06, I07, I08, I09, LAS14

Strategy 1.1.3: Sustain appropriate maintenance contracts for hardware repairs and software adjustments or updates.
State: Original
Status: Planned
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Superintendent
Evidence: Signed contracts and budget expenses.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: I01, I02, I07, I08, I09

Strategy 1.1.4: Maintain an inventory of all software and hardware.
State: Original
Status: Planned
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Technology Director
Evidence: Current inventory documentation.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: I01, I07

Strategy 1.1.5: Maintain the current Internet Service Provider (ISP) and T-1 line to ensure connectivity.
State: Original
Status: Planned
Timeline: Annual
Person(s) Responsible: Superintendent
Evidence: Signed service contracts, E-Rate and budget expenses.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: I01, I02, I03, I06, I07, I08, I09

Strategy 1.1.6: Ensure an Updated Technology plan is on file in order to apply for E-rate to maintain current and future purchases of Computer equipment
State: Original
Status: Planned
Timeline: Annual
Person(s) Responsible: Technology Director
Evidence: Technology Plan
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: LAS04

Goal 2: Provide meaningful development of administration staff in technology.

Objective 2.1: 100% of administration staff will receive training on software updates in methodology for usage of technology.
Budget for this objective: $500.00
LRPT Category: Leadership, Administration and Support
E-Rate Correlates: ER02
NCLB Correlates: 02 04b 05 06 09 12

Strategy 2.1.1: Coordinate administration led staff development training of technology strategies, techniques, and methods.
State: Original
Status: In Progress
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Superintendent, Principal
Evidence: Staff development training records.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: EP04, LAS03, LAS05, LAS10

Goal 3: Provide meaningful development of teaching staff in technology.

Objective 3.1: 100% of teaching staff will receive training on software updates in methodology for usage of technology.
Budget for this objective: $3,500.00
LRPT Category: Educator Preparation and Development
E-Rate Correlates: ER02
NCLB Correlates: 01 02 03 04a 04b 06 07 08 09 11

Strategy 3.1.1: Provide training to all teachers in the use of a digital camera.
State: Original
Status: In Progress
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Technology Director, Principal, Librarian
Evidence: Documented use of digital cameras in lesson plans and sign-out sheets.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: EP01, EP02, EP03, EP06, EP08, EP09

Strategy 3.1.2: Provide training to teachers of ideas and techniques of utilizing technology and software in the classroom.
State: Original
Status: In Progress
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Technology Director, teachers, principal
Evidence: In-house training session attendance records, lesson plans and equipment sign-out sheets.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: EP03, EP09, LAS06

Strategy 3.1.3: Provide training to teachers for newly acquired software.
State: Original
Status: Planned
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Technology Director, Librarian
Evidence: Sign-up sheets for new software training classes, Lesson plans showing utilization of new software.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: TL03, TL16

Strategy 3.1.4: Each teacher will evaluate their technology skills per the Texas STaR chart.
State: Original
Status: Planned
Timeline: August
Person(s) Responsible: Principal, Technology Director
Evidence: Copies of STaR charts, evaluations.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: EP05, LAS03

Strategy 3.1.5: Continue to evaluate teachers per PDAS standards.
State: Original
Status: Planned
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Principal, Technology Director, Teachers
Evidence: Copies of teacher assessments, Lesson plans containing strategies for integrating technology.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: EP06, EP07, LAS12

Strategy 3.1.6: Provide specialized development of technology skill levels of the teaching staff by sending them to TCEA and other conferences in order to share and absorb learned experiences with peers.
State: Original
Status: In Progress
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Principal, Technology Director
Evidence: Staff development records, Budget Expenditures
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: EP02, EP06, EP08

Goal 4: Enhance academic achievement by utilizing technology as a means toward innovative curriculum integration and accessibility.

Objective 4.1: 100% of instructional staff will learn and use teaching strategies which demonstrate responsivness to the individual needs of our diverse learning community.
Budget for this objective: $1,000.00
LRPT Category: Teaching and Learning
E-Rate Correlates: ER01
NCLB Correlates: 01 02 03 04a 04b 09 10

Strategy 4.1.1: Maintain a current school website for non-secured student and parent information.
State: Original
Status: In Progress
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Technology Director, Teachers, Principal
Evidence: Published school website www.garnerisd.net
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: I03, TL16

Strategy 4.1.2: Provide staff development in practical methods of integration of technology into all classrooms.
State: Original
Status: In Progress
Timeline: August
Person(s) Responsible: Superintendent, Principal, Technology Director
Evidence: Staff development records.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: EP01, EP02, EP04, LAS01, LAS06, TL13

Objective 4.2: 100% of classes will utilize online assessment programs for technology integration of TEKS and TAKs remediation.
Budget for this objective: $4,100.00
LRPT Category: Teaching and Learning
E-Rate Correlates: ER01 ER02
NCLB Correlates: 01 02 03 04a 05 07 08 11 12

Strategy 4.2.1: Students will continue to use programs such as Incredible Tutor and Study Island for TAKS preparation.
State: Revised
Status: Planned
Timeline: June
Person(s) Responsible: Teachers, Principal, Title I program
Evidence: Reports generated by the program. Benchmark testing and TAKS Performance
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: TL03, TL04, TL05, TL07, TL10, TL11

Objective 4.3: 100% of students taking the TAKS reading, social studies, science, writing, mathematics, and English tests will use technology to assist in meeting the state minimum passing standards and Federal NCLB AYP standard for the objectives established in the student's Individual Education Plan.
Budget for this objective: $3,900.00
LRPT Category: Teaching and Learning
E-Rate Correlates: ER01
NCLB Correlates: 01 02 03 04a 08 09 11 12

Strategy 4.3.1: Students will be able to access computers in the Learning Center and in one of the two labs that are equipped with software such as Incredible Tutor and Study Island for TAKS remediation.
State: Revised
Status: Planned
Timeline: June
Person(s) Responsible: Teachers, Technology Director, Principal
Evidence: Learning Center sign-in sheets, practice test scores, software reports, benchmark test and TAKS scores.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: TL03, TL08, TL10, TL11

Objective 4.4: 100% of instructional staff will use appropriate stategies which are both responsive to our diverse learning community and are adapted to the individual needs of students.
Budget for this objective: $3,620.00
LRPT Category: Teaching and Learning
E-Rate Correlates: ER01
NCLB Correlates: 01 02 03 04a 07 08 11 12

Strategy 4.4.1: Teachers will write or submit articles regarding classroom activities for their section of the school website.
State: Original
Status: In Progress
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Teachers, Department Heads, Technology Director, Principal
Evidence: Articles published on the appropriate section of the school web site.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: LAS08, TL16

Strategy 4.4.2: Teachers will align curriculum to the TEKS objectives.
State: Original
Status: In Progress
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Teachers, Principal
Evidence: Lesson plans
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: EP01, TL01, TL06

Strategy 4.4.3: Local business professionals will come and present programs about careers and share experiences and tips regarding educational activities with students.
State: Original
Status: In Progress
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Librarian, Teachers, Principal
Evidence: Such visits may be documented with digital photos and articles posted on the school website and in the local newspaper.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: LAS08

Strategy 4.4.4: Teachers will find creative ways to use a digital camera in the classroom to document activities and promote learning.
State: Original
Status: In Progress
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Teachers, Department Leaders, Principal, Technology Director
Evidence: Digital photographs of classroom activities published on the school website.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: TL04, TL09, TL10, TL14

Strategy 4.4.5: Teachers will develop curriculum which integrates technology activities into their classrooms.
State: Original
Status: In Progress
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Principal
Evidence: Classroom observations and documented lesson plans.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: TL01, TL02, TL03, TL04, TL08, TL12

Objective 4.5: Parents will be provided activities to increase involvement in the education of children.
Budget for this objective: $5,000.00
LRPT Category: Teaching and Learning
E-Rate Correlates:
NCLB Correlates: 03 06 08 09 12

Strategy 4.5.1: Parents will have access to current training opportunities and activities associated with the school programs.
State: Original
Status: Planned
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Technology coordinator
Evidence: Website activities
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: I08, TL15, TL16

Strategy 4.5.2: Parents will be invited to participate in instructional projects and programs at the school.
State: Original
Status: Planned
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Technology coordinator
Evidence: Website update and links to parent activities
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: TL14, TL15

Strategy 4.5.3: Adult education opportunities will be shared with parents and other community adults to aid in the learning environment in the community.
State: Original
Status: Planned
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Technology coordinator
Evidence: Website links related to adult education
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: TL15, TL16

Strategy 4.5.4: Implementation of the Parent Portal. Parents will have direct access to their childrens grades, attendance, and current assignments.
State: Original
Status: In Progress
Timeline: June
Person(s) Responsible: Technology Coordinator, Superintendent, and Principal
Evidence: Copies of parental access requests
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: TL16

Strategy 4.5.5: Coordinate the library services database so that students and parents may have access for research.
State: Original
Status: Planned
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Librarian, Superintendent
Evidence: Training from the Librarian regarding database research and lesson plans requiring research projects and reports.
Comments:
LRPT Correlates: LAS01, LAS02, LAS03, LAS07, LAS11, LAS13, LAS15

Strategy 4.5.6: Maintaining the district website with current information for students, parents, and community members.
State: Original
Status: In Progress
Timeline: Ongoing
Person(s) Responsible: Technology Director, Teachers, Principal, Counselor, Superintendent
Evidence: Maintenance of school website at www.garnerisd.net.
Comments: Outside contracted Website Manager
LRPT Correlates: LAS07, LAS09

BUDGET
Total amount of Title II, Part D formula funds received for the current year of this plan: $730.00

Method of application for formula funds: REAPed

Budget for year 2009
- Telecom cost: $8,000.00
- Telecom source: Local = 2000
Erate = 5500
State = 1500
- Materials cost: $11,000.00
- Materials source: Local = 3000
Federal = 7000
State = 1000
- Equipment cost: $4,000.00
- Equipment source: Federal = 2000
State = 2000
- Maintenance cost: $34,540.00
- Maintenance source: Local = 34540
- Staff development cost: $4,000.00
- Staff development source: Local = 4000
Federal Funds are REAPed
- Miscellaneous cost: $1,500.00
- Miscellaneous source: Local = 1500
- Total: $63,040.00

EVALUATION
Evaluation Process:
Evaluation of the Technology Plan will be a systematic ongoing process. All aspects of the Plan will be evaluated formally four times each year: September, December, March, and June.

The Technology Plan Committee will be responsible for the ongoing evaluation of this plan. The intention of the evaluation will be to make decisions on the impact that technology has on the learning process for all students. A report will be given to the Superintendent and the Board of Trustees after each formal evaluation occurs.

Evaluation Method:
Texas STaR Chart results for each campus will be used to help assess progress made toward meeting the goals of the Long Range Plan for Technology.

Other methods used for evaluation will include:

- Surveys of the staff conducted twice yearly in regards to their use of technology in the classroom.

- Informal interviews conducted once a semester by the campus Technology Plan Committee representative.

- Records of staff member participation in technology training monitored by sign-in sheets and teacher professional development records.

- Integration of training into the classroom as measured by lesson plans and number and type of technology and distance learning projects.

- Monitoring and documentation of community access to technology resources and information on the campuses and on the web site.

- Monitoring and documentation of community involvement.

- Yearly inventory of hardware and software.

- Support and maintenance of technology as documented by technical support records.