District Technology Plan

Stephenson Area Public Schools W526 Division Street Stephenson, Michigan 49887 PH: 906-753-2221 School Code Number: 55120 Mr. Roger Cole - Superintendent of Schools

District Technology Contact:

Jim Bedgood W526 Division St. Stephenson, Michigan 49887 Ph. 906-753-2221 ext.128 Fax: 906-753-4676 jimb@stephenson.k12.mi.us

Intermediate School District:

Menominee County Intermediate School District 1201 41st St. Menominee, Michigan 49585 Ph. 906-863-5665 info@mc-isd.org

Technology Plan Web Posting:

http://www.stephenson.k12.mi.us/TechPlan/TechPlan14.pdf

Plan Start Date: Plan End Date:

July 1, 2011 June 30, 2014

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Mission, Introduction, Vision, and Goals

Mission Statement
The mission of the Stephenson Area Public Schools is to provide an appropriate educational program and learning environment which will effectively meet the educational needs of its students and community; and help its students accomplish educational goals which are significant, durable, and transferrable.

INTRODUCTION: Stephenson Area Public Schools is located in the central part of Menominee County in Michigan's Upper Penninsula. The community could best be described as rural/small town. The district serves an area of 384 square miles with 40 K-12 teachers and approximately 700 students in grades K-12. Nearly 50 % of our students receive free or reduced lunch as set by federal guidelines. DISTRICT SCHOOLS: Stephenson Middle School (6-8), (09819) Senior High School (9-12), (04065) W526 Division Street Stephenson, Michigan 49887 Jerome Sardina, Principal Stephenson Elementary School (Pre K-5), (04066) W535 River Road Stephenson, Michigan 49887 Jerome Sardina, Principal

Vision Statement
Students graduating from the Stephenson Area Public Schools will have mastered and exceeded expectations for learning which will enable them to be a productive citizen and succeed in the work environment.

Goals:
We at Stephenson Area Public Schools believe: 1. All students will learn through the use of technology 2. All students will learn to use technology as a learning tool in their daily lives 3. All students will master aspects of technology that will enable them to be a productive citizen and succeed in the work environment 4. The district will continue to enhance the availability of new technology through purchases of current hardware and software

Goals

High School Location and Software Computers in the library or classroom using Internet Explorer District wide using Inspiration software Library computers using a browser. CAD Lab using Solid Works and Soft Plan Library and Classroom using Microsoft office. Business lab, Library, and Classroom/ PowerPoint, Apple Works presentation, iMovie, and Final cut pro. (sound forge, VST edition, Bias Peak) District Wide using Office 2007, 2010 District Wide using Office 2007, 2010. District wide using Office 2007, 2010 District wide using Internet explorer, Firefox

Use Technology to research authors writing styles Outlines and note taking will be taught. Use of technology to research and complete final copy. Use Computer Aided Design software to create engineering, architectural and scientific designs. Use Desktop publishing to produce documents continuing text and graphics. Use video and audio editing software to create electronic interactive presentations including text, images, video, audio and animation. Create Documents using application software. Give in class presentations. Analyze finances Use web browser software and search tools to find information related to a given topic. Produce reports and presentations using the world wide web with emphasis on validity of material. Identify tools required for web publishing

District wide using Internet explorer, Firefox

Library and business lab using Adobe Dreamweaver, Vista Buttons, SoThink DHTML Stephenson Elementary Location and Software District wide access using Internet explorer, Lab, and classroom computers. Adding an additional 48 port Cisco 4006 blade with 3 Wire drops to each classroom. District wide access using Excel, Inspiration, and Apple Works. District wide using internet explorer, firefox District wide installation of Smartboards or eno whiteboards

Goals Monthly assignments which will be completed using the computer or related technology 3 fully networked computers and a printer in each class room. Use of computers to construct graphs and tables to visually display mathematical information Use of video, internet, and cable TV to supplement instruction Use of interactive whiteboards

MAJOR GOALS OF THIS TECHNOLOGY PLAN:

Provide on-going professional development to all district staff to enable them to effectively and efficiently incorporate the use of technology into their daily work. Upgrading/replacement of technologies currently in place in the district (labs, office and classroom computers, etc.). (Annually). Upgrade Existing computers to Windows 7 platform. (60-120 systems per year). Ensure that district personnel stay abreast of current and emerging technologies (both hardware and software). (Annually). Install interactive whiteboards in every classroom. (2011-13) Install Voice over IP for bus garage/sports complex. (2011). Integration of technology into the curriculum of each course of study offered in the Stephenson Schools. (Annually). Work towards standardization of software applications between buildings. (Annually). Maintenance of dynamic, informative web sites for each of our district's schools to enhance communication between school and the community. Implement district wide streaming video. (2012-2013). Upgrade existing 4006 Catalyst Cisco switches to Gigabit Switches. (2011-2013) Upgrade Internet filter program/server.(Annually). Continue Parent involvement with PowerSchool SIS allowing parent/guardian realtime access and feedback on grades and attendance. (Annually). Migrate email program to Google Docs/Gmail. (2012-13). Upgrade existing internet service to expandable bandwidth. (As Needed). Integrate Android/iPad systems for use with student management programs. (2011-12). Upgrade and increase number of wireless bridge/base stations district wide. (Annually). Integrate Moodle Server applications enabling production of online courses. (Annually). Replace existing internal telecomm system and voicemail (2011-2012).

CURRICULUM A: Curriculum Integration

The state of Michigan is a national leader in the development of elementary/secondary curriculum standards that describe essential learning for all students. As part of the national standards movement, the Michigan State Board of Education is required to develop standards for a core academic curriculum (including math, science, reading, history, geography, economics, American government and writing). Associated with the core academic subjects are "model" core curriculum areas including art, career and employability skills, health education, life management, physical education, and technology. A specific set of standards has been developed for instructional technology across the curriculum. Technology standards specifying what students must know and be able to do, as they progress through stages of schooling, are important in fostering their development; and these standards are valuable to our society at large for students, educators, parents, policy-makers, employers, and providers of goods and services. Students today need life-long learning skills they need to have the ability to communicate in the rapidly changing "information age". They'll need to know how to research information, determine if what they are reading on the internet is factual or biased, and be able to make reports and presentations using today's technology. It is due to this fact that our goals for the coming years are centered on the integration of technology into the learning of our students. In the coming years, each teacher will be required to integrate technology into their classrooms as well as require the students to use technology to demonstrate something that they have learned. Stephenson Area Public Schools currently uses the Michigan Virtual University to provide advanced courses that we are not able to offer in a classroom due to small numbers of students. In addition, MIVU is used for remedial course work, or if a student needs a specific component to graduate or fulfill an IEP goal. Internet access is utilized in daily instruction and for student research. Above, charts provide examples of activities, research to support the activitys implementation, and timelines regarding implementation. The goal for the coming year is to have all instructional and support staff (core and non-core) be trained in and integrate technology into classroom instruction and management as appropriate and available.

CURRICULUM B: Student Achievement The software currently integrated to reinforce technology across the curriculum is as follows:

In the area of monitoring quality, quantity, and levels of reading; Data director, DIBELS Next, STAR Reading, Lexia, Read Naturally and Accelerated Reader. In the Language Arts content area technology is integrated through the following software; Baileys Book House, Alphabet House, Reader Rabbits Series, Inspiration, Kid Pix, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft PowerPoint. In the Math content area technology is integrated through the following software; STAR Math, Turbo Math Facts, Math Arena, Coin Critters, Millies Math House, Trudys Time & Place, Treasure Math Storm, Math for Majors, Franklin Learns Math and Microsoft Excel. In the Science content area technology is integrated through the following software; Sammys Science and Gizmos & Gadgets. In the Social Studies content area technology is integrated through the following software; Oregon Trail, Amazon Trail, Mayan Trail and Sim Town. Search engines such as Internet explorer and Atomic Learning client are integrated into curricula and instruction by use of district e-mail and including but not limited to the following websites; Starfall, Math Magic, AAA Math, FunBrain and San Francisco Symphony.

The timeline for technology integration is based on current curriculum guides and curriculum mapping in all core content areas, therefore software integration and instruction will change as new software and websites become available. Through technology students are assessed to identify specific learning needs. This data is used to determine appropriate interventions to address the specific learning need. Our current assessments include:

DIBELS Assessed 3 times per year. STAR Math and Reading Assessed 2 times per year. Stanford Math and Reading Assessed 2 times per year. MEAP Assessed 1 time per year.

Student behavior is monitored and assessed through the use of SWIS Database.

CURRICULUM C: Technology Delivery Stephenson Area Public Schools currently uses the Michigan Virtual University to provide advanced courses that we are not able to offer in a classroom due to small numbers of students. In addition, MIVU is used for remedial course work, or if a student needs a specific component to graduate or fulfill an IEP goal. Moodle server will be utilized for distance learning allowing student to access classes from home or public library computer which has internet access. Internet access is utilized in daily instruction and for student research. Attached charts provide examples of activities, research to support the activitys implementation, and timelines regarding implementation. CURRICULUM D: Parental Communications & Community Relations The Stephenson Area Public Schools Technology Plan is promoted to community members through articles in the local press and school provided materials for parents notifying them that the plan is in place and copies of it are available at each office. In addition, the plan is available on the districts web site. Our website is continuously updated by our faculty and by students in our technology classes. Information on all aspects of our program remains available on the site. Parents are able to log into Stephenson schools SIS program allowing them to view their students grades, assignments, lunch balances, and discipline logs. This connection also allows parents a one on one communication with the teacher of record via email. A community relations online form located on the district website homepage allows parents to communicate with a board member responsible for community relations. Mass communications through BLI Messaging is used to contact parents regarding everything from emergencies, weather cancellations, student attendance, lunch balances, and surveys. The Stephenson Area Public Schools technology plan is created by integrating goals and plans from all of our building school improvement plans. Parents and the community participate in an ongoing basis at each building. In addition, community forums are held on a regular basis to gain input from parents, students, and community members.

CURRICULUM E: Collaboration Stephenson Area Public Schools does not operate an adult education program. This requirement does not apply.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (sect. 9):

Pages 22-23 of our District School Improvement Plan provide fiscal resources for Professional development for teachers. http://www.stephenson.k12.mi.us/techplan/SI_District_2011.pdf Stephenson Area Public Schools stress three goals in professional development; literacy, updating current technology and integration of technology into curriculum. Infusion of the three main professional development goals of the district are met by offering the following: free computer classes during the school year for administration, teachers, clerical staff, aides and parent volunteers. Teachers in the district take continuing education courses in technology throughout the year at local universities. The technology instructors employed by the Stephenson Area Public Schools attend the MACUL conference each year to stay current with the changing technology. The Menominee County I.S.D. also offers technology training on a frequent basis. Staff development is necessary to assist teaching staff in making the paradigm shifts required to enable technology to best support instruction. Teachers often will use technology in a fashion that is consistent with prior teaching practices. Many times this produces a misapplication of technology to teaching and learning. For example, "high tech" worksheets and multiple choice assessments are not the most effective use of web technology. It takes time and experience for teachers to effectively incorporating technology in teaching. Therefore, we must provide a variety of technology related staff development opportunities that focus on effective applications of technology in innovative ways. These opportunities need to be offered at times that are convenient to teaching staffs and at locations that are suitable for course offerings. The increased amount of professional development time now required by the state has allowed the planning of more technology-related training activities. Schools have a great need for technology related staff development opportunities. Currently some variety of skill levels exist related to the application of technology in the classroom. We continue to close the gap between the highly skilled and the under-skilled technology users. Common goals of a professional development plan include: improving student achievement improving staff and student competence with technology implementing technology tools into new and existing curriculum and instruction improved technology planning within schools creating pilots and model projects for utilization of technology in learning creating a learning community with respect to technology and education enabling students to become quality users of technology

Supporting Resources (sect. 10):

Stephenson Area Public Schools strives to keep our staff and students on the cutting edge of technology by ensuring the use of: Faculty and Student run informational website. ISD offered technology programs Higher education involvement through continuing education. District policies such as our Network and Internet agreement. Up to dated manuals that correspond with the correct software. Competent and certified instructors during in-service days. Use of Interactive whiteboards. Use of Michigan Virtual University. Use of Atomic Learning webinars.

Section 11 INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS / TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

iMovie Pupils in our K-6 program use Accelerated Reader in their Title I reading classes. The media center at Stephenson High School is automated using the Winnebago software system. Math & Language Arts software (i.e. Math Blasters, Gigimath, Reader Rabbit, etc.) are available to elementary students. Stephenson Area Public Schools holds a site license for Microsoft Office. Michigan Virtual High School Michigan Virtual University PowerTeacher Gradebook Star Reading & Math assessments Read Naturally Lexia Reading PowerSchool Teacher/Admin/Public SWIS AimsWeb Michigan Department of Education Single Record Student Data Base Windows 2008 server with remote desktop capabilities. Data Director Kurzweil 3000 20 user license. ( Scan and read software) Microtype (Typing program site license) Inspiration (Charting software site license) Visual Studio Skyward (Financial software) SoThink Dhtml Automated Accounting Vista Buttons Photoshop CS Macromedia Studio 8

TECHNICAL SUPPORT:
Stephenson Area Public Schools has hired a full time Network administrator to handle the daily needs of supporting technology in the district. If additional support is needed the district has enlisted the support of Teck Solutions and or Heartland Business Systems.

According to the Electronic Product Recovery and Recycling Baseline Report, published in May, 1999 by the US National Safety Council, the estimated current average lifespan for common electronic equipment is as follows:

PCs manufactured in 2003 Laptop CRTs (monitor) Printers Scanners

2.2 years 1.5 years 4-7 years 3-5 years 3-5 years

The lifespan of a PC CPU is decreasing, with its lifespan leveling off to two years by 2005. (Data used in charts from the Electronic Product Recovery and Recycling Baseline Report.)

Lifespan of a PC CPU versus year of manufacture

According to the Gardener Group in a paper published by the Digital Corporation, the cost of maintaining a computer in the business environment over its three year cycle is around $ 13,000 plus per year. The article further reveals that this cost is broken down on average to 21% for the cost of the PC, 36% to administer to it, and 43% for employee time spent maintaining, upgrading, and "tinkering" with it. Furthermore, when viewing the technical support issue from a district perspective, it becomes clear that a coordinated, organized approach will be necessary as we implement voice-video-data computer networks and deal with issues such as security, maintenance, and the like.

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INFRASTRUCTURE AND HARDWARE:

At the present time (June - 2011), the Stephenson Area Public Schools has the following technologies available and in place:
At the District Office

4-station LAN which is connected to the district Windows-based LAN 2-way radio communications system for bus fleet Duquane public address system Panasonic phone system providing intercom, voice mail and dial out availability to every classroom and work station throughout the district including integrated VoiP phones. 3-Alltel cellular phones At Stephenson Middle School /Stephenson High School Local Area Network in which each classroom and office area has at least one computer connected to the network allowing for access to internet, email, electronic grade book and attendance. 31-station Dell P4 computer lab in the media center for student use on class assignments or research. 24-station (24-IBM P4 Winxp, HP color Laserjet 3500, HP Laserjet 8500, 4 - iMac G4, 1 iMac G5 iMovie station.) Business Education Lab 34-station (34-Dell P4, Winxp, Hp Laserjet 4100)Vocational Education Lab 20 HP Laptop rolling lab networked multi-workstation administrative office Duquane public address system 20-station (20-Dell P4, Winxp, Hp Laserjet 4500) Drafting lab (New in Spring 2008) At Stephenson Elementary School 30-station Dell computer lab that is connected to the high school's network via fiber optic cable which allows for access to the internet and email 10 Station computer lab in media center. 6 Station computer lab in Title I room. administrative office that is connected to the network 16 various stand-alone Apple Macintosh computers in classrooms Multimedia cart containing a PC, LCD panel, Phillips Projector, 7 Station wireless mobile laptop computer lab.

Annual review of hardware within the network infrastructure assures interoperability between hardware and software including replacement of end of life equipment. Stephenson schools remains dedicated to ensuring SIF (School Interoperability Framework) compliance with all new databases driven software purchased.

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INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN:
Schools serve diverse uses and functions. They need flexible designs to accommodate these different activities and they must be durable enough to stand up to continuous use. Historically, American school buildings are used for 50-60 years. Facilities we build today should be capable of serving viable, functioning institutions in the year 2060. School districts need to consider the infrastructure carefully during the technology planning stage. Relentless technological change is now a basic fact of school technology planning. We can plan strategically, and build for the continued evolution of technology through innovative architectural design based on flexibility, diversity and expansion. It is the recommendation of this committee that the district needs to address the weaknesses of our current LAN. The current state of our local area network includes Catalyst 4006 switch in high school multimedia office connected to Stephenson Elementary via fiber to Catalyst 4006. Increased throughput of current network cards on servers and workstations bottleneck at switches. All current teacher workstations, HS labs, SES Lab have gigabit network capability. Upgrading switches from 100mbs to gigabit technology dynamically increases data throughput, therefore enabling full capabilities of current servers and workstations.
INCREASE ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY:

By employing a lottery system to disperse the replaced aging computer systems, low income students can have the opportunity to own their own computer systems at home.
BUDGET AND TIMETABLE: 2011-12 Repair/Maint/Equipt Internet Technology Support License Fees Telephone Maintenance Professional Supplies Capital Outlay: New Equiptment Salaries & Benefits Total: $96,825 $1,625 $6,000 $3,000 $15,000 $2,000 $5,000 $12,000 $0 $0 $52,200

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2012-13 Repair/Maint/Equipt Internet Technology Support License Fees Telephone Maintenance Professional Supplies Capital Outlay: New Equiptment Salaries & Benefits Total: $97,925 $1,625 $6,000 $3,000 $15,000 $2,000 $5,000 $12,000 $0 $0 $53,300

See page 6 for goals timeline and pages 8-18 for technology integration timelines

COORDINATION OF RESOURCES:

SAPS Technology committee aggressively pursues Local, State, and Federal grants. Department heads are also encouraged to apply for special interest grants through organizations such as MACUL and Hannaville 3% grant.

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MONITORING AND EVALUATION:

In the spring of each year, building administrators will complete the CEO Forum STaR Chart Self-Diagnostic Tool for their building(s). The STaR Chart describes the technology presence, use and integration in a typical school in four school profiles ranging from the "Low Technology" school that uses technology primarily for administrative functions, to the "Target Technology" school that integrates technology throughout the curriculum. The STaR Chart also highlights the potential educational benefits each level of technology integration offers. Together, this information can help our school district identify its current educational technology profile and, based on the educational outcomes it values, target its future profile. The STaR Chart SelfDiagnostic utility can be completed online at http://www.bristol.k12.sd.us/TechPlan/AppendixI.html Upon the completion of the building STaR Charts, district administrators will annually prepare a report to the Board of Education and the Stephenson Area Public Schools Technology Committee detailing the progress made towards the goals contained in this plan. And results of the STaR Charts as compared to the base year (2010) results (found below).

STaR Chart Self-Assessment Scores - Base Year - 2010

School S.E.S. S.H.S. Hardware Target (17) High (14) Connectivity High (12) Target (13) Software Low (2) Mid (5) Prof. Dev. Low (5) Low (7) Instruct. Integration Mid (4) Mid (5) Total Score Mid-Tech (40) Mid-Tech 44

The Technology Committee will meet on an annual basis to review the administration's report and to review / revise the technology plan as needed.

DISTRICT FILTER PROGRAM:

Stephenson Area Public Schools acknowledges the right to privacy and use of Internet. In efforts to comply with federal requirements for privacy and Internet safety ( Childrens Internet Protection Act [CIPA]), Stephenson School District has implemented a network wide internet filtering program by Cymphonix Network Composer which enables user/group level internet content filtering. Cymphonix also allows reporting and bypass filtering for teachers and administrators.

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NETWORK AND INTERNET ACCESS AGREEMENT FOR STUDENTS AGREEMENT:

This agreement is entered into this _______ day of ________________________, 20___ between _____________________________, hereinafter referred to as Student, and the Stephenson Area Public School District, hereinafter referred to as District. The purpose of this agreement is to provide Network (electronic mail and electronic bulletin board) and Internet access, hereinafter referred to as Network, for educational purposes to the student. As such, this access will (1) assist in the collaboration and exchange of information, (2) facilitate personal growth in the use of technology, and (3) enhance information gathering and communication skills. The intent of this contract is to ensure that students will comply with all Network and Internet acceptable use policies approved by the District. In exchange for the use of the Network resources either at school or away from school, I understand and agree to the following: A. The use of the Network is a privilege that may be revoked by the District at any time and for any reason. Appropriate reasons for revoking privileges include, but are not limited to, the altering of system software, the placing of unauthorized information, computer viruses or harmful programs on or through the computer system in either public or private files or messages. The District reserves the right to remove files, limit or deny access, and refer the student for other disciplinary actions. B. The District reserves all rights to any material stored in files which are generally accessible to others and will remove any material which the District, at its sole discretion, believe may be unlawful, obscene, pornographic, abusive, or otherwise objectionable. Students will not use their District-approved computer account/access to obtain, view download, or otherwise gain access to such materials. C. All information services and features contained on District or Network resources are intended for the private use of its registered users and any use of these resources for commercial-for-profit or other unauthorized purposes (i.e. advertisements, political lobbying), in any form, is expressly forbidden. D. The District and/or Network resources are intended for the exclusive use by their registered users. The Student is responsible for the use of his/her account/password and/or access privilege. Any problems that arise from the use of a student's account are the responsibility of the account holder. Use of an account by someone other than the registered account holder is forbidden and may be grounds for loss of access privileges. E. Any misuse of the account will result in suspension of the account privileges and/or other disciplinary action determined by the District. Misuse shall include, but not limited to: 1. intentionally seeking information on, obtaining copies of, or modifying files, other data, or passwords belonging to other users. 2. misrepresenting other users on the Network 3. disrupting the operation of the Network through abuse of the hardware or software
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4. malicious use of the Network through hate mail, harassment, profanity, vulgar statements, or discriminatory remarks. 5. interfering with others use of the Network 6. extensive use for non-curriculum related communication 7. illegal installation of copyrighted software 8. unauthorized downloading, copying, or use of licensed or copyrighted software/music. 9. allowing anyone to use an account other than the account holder

F. The use of District and/or Network resources are for the purpose of (in order of priority): 1. Support of the academic program 2. Telecommunication 3. General information 4. Recreation G. The District and/or Network does not warrant that the functions of the system will meet any specific requirements the user may have, or that it will be error free or uninterrupted: nor shall it be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental, or consequential damages (including lost data, information, or time) sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use the system. H. The Student will diligently delete old email messages on a daily basis from the personal mail directory to avoid excessive use of the electronic mail disk space. I. The District and/or Network will periodically make determinations on whether specific uses of the Network are consistent with the acceptable-use practice. The District and/or Network reserves the right to log internet use and to monitor electronic mail space utilization by users. J. The Student may transfer files from information services ad electronic bulletin board services. For each file received through a file transfer, the Student agrees to check the file with a virus-detection program before opening the file for use. Should the Student transfer a file, shareware, or software which infects the Network with a virus and causes damage, the student will be liable for any and all repair costs to make the Network once again fully operational and may be subject to other disciplinary measures as determined by the district. K. The Student may not transfer file, shareware, or software from information services and electronic bulletin boards without the permission of the District Network Director. The student will be liable to pay the cost or fee of any file, shareware, or software transferred, whether intentional or accidental, without such permission. L. The Student may only log on and use the Network under the immediate supervision of a staff member and only with his/her authorized account number.

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M. The District reserves the right to log computer use and to monitor fileserver space utilization by users. The District reserves the right to remove a user account on the Network to prevent further unauthorized activity. In consideration for the privileges of using the District and/or Network resources, and in consideration for having access to the information contained on the Network, I hereby release the District Network and their operators and administration from any and all claims of any nature arising from my use, or inability to use the District and/or Network resources. I agree to abide by such rules and regulations of system usage as may be further added from time-to-time by the District and/or Network. These rules will be available in hardcopy form in the Principal's office. Signature of Student: _______________________________ Date:_______________________

As the student's parent or legal guardian, I agree to this agreement and will indemnify the District for any fees, expenses, or damages incurred as a result of my child's use or misuse of the Network or equipment. Signature of Parent: _______________________________ Date: ________________________

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