Buffalo Public Schools Strategic Technology Plan: 2016-2019

Buffalo Public Schools www.buffaloschools.org

Three Year Strategic Technology Plan September 2016 – June 2019

Buffalo Public Schools

Dr. Kriner Cash Superintendent of Schools

Board of Education

Dr. Barbara Seals Nevergold President and Member-at-Large

Dr. Theresa Harris-Tigg Vice President and East District

Sharon Belton-Cottman Ferry District

Hope Jay North District

Jennifer Mecozzi West District

Carl P. Paladino Park District

Patricia Pierce Member-at-Large

Lawrence Quinn Member-at-Large

Paulette Woods Central District

BUFFALO PUBLIC SCHOOLS THREE YEAR STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TECHNOLOGY PLAN AT-A-GLANCE ...... 3 BPS Technology Plan Objectives Organized by New Education Bargain Planks ...... 8 INTRODUCTION & EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 12 Background ...... 12 District Demographic Information ...... 13 A Vision for the Buffalo Public Schools: The New Education Bargain with Students and Parents ...... 16 Technology Plan Goals ...... 18 References ...... 19 GOAL 1: SUPPORT FOR STUDENT LEARNING WITH INNOVATIVE INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES ...... 20 Buffalo Public Schools Case Study ...... 20 References ...... 24 GOAL 2: PROVIDE BPS STAKEHOLDERS WITH BEST IN CLASS RESOURCES ...... 25 Buffalo Public Schools Case Study ...... 25 References ...... 28 GOAL 3: ENHANCE CONNECTIONS WITH THE BPS COMMUNITY...... 29 Buffalo Public Schools Case Study ...... 29 References ...... 31 GOAL 4: ASSEMBLE AND MAINTAIN THE OPTIMAL INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 32 Buffalo Public Schools Case Study ...... 32 References ...... 35 APPENDIX A – SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY PROFILE ...... 36 APPENDIX B – INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES ...... 37 APPENDIX C – NETWORK DIAGRAM ...... 39 APPENDIX D – DATA CENTER SPECIFICATIONS ...... 41 APPENDIX E – Information Technology Organizational Chart ...... 43 APPENDIX F – The New Education Bargain ...... 44

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This document is available at: http://buffaloschools.org/informationtech.cfm

Document contact: [email protected]

@Buffalo_Schools

Buffalo Public Schools

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BUFFALO PUBLIC SCHOOLS THREE YEAR STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY PLAN

TECHNOLOGY PLAN AT-A-GLANCE

In order to support the Buffalo Public School District’s (BPS) New Education Bargain With Students and Parents (NEB) and to help fulfil the promise of providing “A World-Class Education for Every Child,” BPS is updating its June 2014 – 2017 Information Technology (IT) Plan, extending it through June 30, 2019.

The Buffalo Public Schools strives each day to be a high- performing organization in which all students achieve proficiency through rigorous standards. Lifelong learning is a critical survival skill for 21st Century learners who must be able to access, analyze, and communicate information in a fast- paced and constantly changing world. In response to these educational challenges, The New Education Bargain has put forth a bold agenda to move BPS forward in terms of innovative educational offerings for District stakeholders, and technology is inherently woven into nearly “We want to encourage a every strand of the NEB. This 2016 – 2019 Buffalo Public Schools Technology world of creators, of Plan stands at the forefront of aligning the Information Technology goals to the inventors, of contributors. planks of the New Education Bargain. The goals and objectives established in Because this world that this Technology Plan will not only support the planks of the New Education we live in, this interactive Bargain, but will also provide ample opportunities for BPS students and parents world, is ours.” to participate in the innovations and revitalization of our school district. Further, this Plan underscores the major benefits, goals and objectives of information Ayah Bdeir technology for students, parents, and teachers as well as documenting the potentially positive impacts of 21st Century technology skills.

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BPS IT 3.0 – Learning in the Digital Age

A Vision for Technology in the Buffalo Public Schools

Support for Student Learning With Innovative Instructional Technologies Provide BPS Stakeholders with Best-in-Class Resources Enhance Connections with the BPS Community

Assemble and Maintain Optimal Infrastructure

The overriding intention of any school district’s technology plan is for that plan to act as a guide so that technology may positively impact instruction and thereby contribute to the overall success of students. Technology must also be a facilitator and driver of operational efficiencies and productivity. In recent school years, Buffalo Public Schools has made tremendous strides in putting together a robust and agile information technology infrastructure. These advances have helped facilitate the seamless integration of technology into all facets of teaching and learning, as well as driving efficiencies in business operations.

This plan presents a comprehensive catalog of projects and initiative that BPS will undertake in pursuit of providing our stakeholders the most comprehensive and innovative technology experience possible. This plan will provide detail on these and other initiatives:

 A mobile computing device for each student

 Digital Literacy for all students

 Innovative technologies for schools

 A push for more content available via mobile devices

 The feasibility for low cost broadband for the community

 Collaborations with community partners

 Enhancements to our BPS Data Center

 New classroom audio and visual displays

 Improvements in District operational efficiencies

 Upgrades to security cameras and access cards

This 2016-2019 Technology Plan, along with the planning processes behind it, has relied on the guidance of District staff and stakeholders as well as a number of documents; most notably: National Educational Technology Plan, The standards established by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), the New York State Smart Schools Technology Plan, and local planning and reform efforts – most notably the recently adopted Buffalo Public Schools New Education Bargain With Students and Parents.

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New York State Smart Schools Bond Act The New York State Smart Schools Bond Act was passed in the 2014-15 Enacted Budget and approved by New York State voters in a statewide referendum held during the 2014 General Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2014. The Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) authorized the issuance of $2 billion of general obligation bonds to finance improved educational technology as well as infrastructure to improve learning and opportunities for students throughout New York State. This funding is specifically earmarked for educational technology and school safety upgrades. Buffalo Public Schools qualifies for approximately $56 million from this Smart Schools Bond funding.

The first step for all districts applying for SSBA funding is to submit an Instructional Technology Plan to the New York State Education Department for review. Once that technology plan is in place, Districts may go through the process of creating and submitting a Smart Schools Investment Plan (SSIP) to NY State. The SSBA requires that a State Review Board review and approve each districts’ SSIP before any funds are made available. If approved, SSBA projects will be fully reimbursable, but districts need to spend the money upfront before being reimbursed. This Buffalo Public Schools Technology Plan is a first step towards the planning effort to secure SSBA funding.

“What are students As you read this plan, it’s critical to understand that nearly every project fascinated by that might initiative that is illustrated within will be dependent and reliant upon suggest a way into some technology procured with Smart Schools funds. Whether it’s student devices, of the material they need network switches, wireless access, school security, data center upgrades, home to learn?” connectivity, or mobile learning, all of these projects will rely on the funding provided by the State. Simply put: Buffalo Public Schools will not be able to fulfil Dr. Martha Stone Wiske the promises within this Technology Plan without a successful effort in securing this SSBA funding.

Projects that Buffalo Public Schools is considering financing through Smart Schools funding are as follows:

 Student Devices  Interactive Classroom Displays Including Audio Enhancement  STEAM Technologies  School Building Security Enhancements Including Cameras and Access Cards  School and Community Connectivity

 Enhancements to the BPS Data Centers

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Buffalo Public Schools Technology Plan Goals The 2016 – 2019 Buffalo Public Schools Technology Plan has established four major goals which will support the planks of the New Education Bargain, and encourage the major benefits and objectives of information technology for BPS stakeholders.

Goal 1: Support for Student Learning with Innovative Instructional Technologies

Buffalo Public Schools will expand the use of mobile technologies to provide all students in grades PK-12 access to their own device when in school. This will enable teachers to bring together knowledge and creativity in closely integrated learning experiences that maximize student engagement and learning in all areas of the curriculum.

OBJ 1.1 By June 30, 2019, all PK-2 students in Buffalo Public Schools will use iPads as part of daily center-based instruction.

OBJ 1.2 By June 30, 2019, all students in Grades 3-12 in the Buffalo Public Schools will use a mobile personal computing device (tablets, laptops, etc.) as an essential part of daily instruction.

OBJ 1.3 By June 30, 2020, all students graduating from the Buffalo Public Schools will have had some intentional and structured exposure to computer science or digital literacy, through clubs, coursework or CTE programs.

OBJ 1.4 By June 30, 2019 BPS IT will support the development of specific innovative instructional programs at each high school and select number of grade 6-8 classrooms.

OBJ 1.5 By June 30, 2018, Buffalo Public Schools will introduce new and emerging technologies for the implementation of innovative STEAM programs across grades PK-12.

Goal 2: Provide BPS Stakeholders with Best in Class Resources

BPS will provide instructional resources that will positively impact all students, teachers, administrators, and support personnel as well as the community. These digital resources will include: educational software and apps, cloud-based resources, applications providing for parental involvement, and automated support for more efficient operations.

OBJ 2.1 By June 30, 2018, Buffalo Public Schools will maintain a robust Content and Learning Management System. OBJ 2.2 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will build out and manage collaborative digital work spaces for all levels of District stakeholders. OBJ 2.3 Through June 30, 2019, Buffalo Public Schools will continually evaluate, select and procure Apps and Software in support of teaching and learning to meet the needs of all students. OBJ 2.4 Through June 30, 2018, Buffalo Public Schools will create systems to provide all stakeholder groups anytime/anywhere access to resources such as Virtual Desktop home access, and increased use of cloud-based resources. OBJ 2.5 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will identify and implement best practices for end user computing solutions for all levels of Buffalo Public Schools stakeholders. OBJ 2.6 By June 30, 2018 all BPS stakeholders will have access to the data necessary for them to be more efficient and effective in their work.

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Goal 3: Enhance Connections with the Our BPS Community

Buffalo Schools intends to extend our digital resources to promote greater parental involvement and community participation within our schools.

OBJ 3.1 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have established the feasibility of providing low or no-cost broadband connectivity to the citizens of the City of Buffalo.

OBJ 3.2 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will increase access for members of the extended BPS community to allow for better/faster/simpler parental communication and involvement.

OBJ 3.3 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will capitalize on existing relationships with the Buffalo and Erie County Library to establish new programs to provide more streamlined services between the two organizations.

OBJ 3.4 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will establish business relationships with non-public and charter schools to further Information Technology opportunities.

Goal 4: Assemble and Maintain the Optimal Infrastructure

In order to meet the changing digital needs of a complex educational institution, the Buffalo Public Schools will maintain an infrastructure that has the agility and capacity to support the increasing demands of educational programs, 1:1 initiatives, building control systems, security cameras, VOIP telecommunications, video conferencing, cloud software and a host of other applications that call for greater bandwidth.

OBJ 4.1 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will complete infrastructure improvements to the District Data Center.

OBJ 4.2 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will complete improvements in its District data network including wireless connectivity, network switches, and network cabling.

OBJ 4.3 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have identified and begun installing a suitable replacement for its classroom audio and visual display systems.

OBJ 4.4 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have completely implemented a strategy for web and video conferencing in all schools.

OBJ 4.5 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have implemented a building management solution: upgraded video surveillance, enhanced card access, and perimeter access security enhancements.

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BPS Technology Plan Objectives Organized by New Education Bargain Planks

Each of the four major goals is made up of four to six objectives. On the following pages, these objectives are grouped with the New Education Bargain planks that they directly support. Please note that some objectives support more than one plank.

Rigorous Early Elementary Education

OBJ 1.1 By June 30, 2019, all PK-2 students in Buffalo Public Schools will use iPads as part of daily center-based instruction.

OBJ 1.5 By June 30, 2018, Buffalo Public Schools will introduce new and emerging technologies for the implementation of innovative STEAM programs across grades PK-12.

OBJ 2.3 Through June 30, 2019, Buffalo Public Schools will continually evaluate, select and procure Apps and Software in support of teaching and learning to meet the needs of all students.

OBJ 3.1 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have established the feasibility of providing low or no-cost broadband connectivity to the citizens of the City of Buffalo.

OBJ 4.2 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will complete improvements in its District data network including wireless connectivity, network switches, and network cabling.

OBJ 4.3 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have identified and begun installing a suitable replacement for its classroom audio and visual display systems.

Strong Community Schools OBJ 1.2 By June 30, 2019, all students in Grades 3-12 in the Buffalo Public Schools will use a mobile personal computing device (tablets, laptops, etc.) as an essential part of daily instruction.

OBJ 2.5 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will identify and implement best practices for end user computing solutions for all levels of Buffalo Public Schools stakeholders.

OBJ 3.1 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have established the feasibility of providing low or no-cost broadband connectivity to the citizens of the City of Buffalo.

OBJ 3.2 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will increase access for members of the extended BPS community to allow for better/faster/simpler parental communication and involvement.

OBJ 4.2 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will complete improvements in its District data network including wireless connectivity, network switches, and network cabling.

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New Innovative High Schools

OBJ 1.2 By June 30, 2019, all students in Grades 3-12 in the Buffalo Public Schools will use a mobile personal computing device (tablets, laptops, etc.) as an essential part of daily instruction.

OBJ 1.4 By June 30, 2019 BPS IT will support the development of specific innovative instructional programs at each high school and select number of grade 6-8 classrooms.

OBJ 1.5 By June 30, 2018, Buffalo Public Schools will introduce new and emerging technologies for the implementation of innovative STEAM programs across grades PK-12.

OBJ 4.2 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will complete improvements in its District data network including wireless connectivity, network switches, and network cabling.

OBJ 4.3 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have identified and begun installing a suitable replacement for its classroom audio and visual display systems.

OBJ 4.4 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have completely implemented a strategy for web and video conferencing in all schools.

Extended Learning Excellence for All Our Students

OBJ 2.1 By June 30, 2018, Buffalo Public Schools will maintain a robust Content and Learning Management System.

OBJ 2.4 Through June 30, 2018, Buffalo Public Schools will create systems to provide all stakeholder groups anytime/anywhere access to resources such as Virtual Desktop home access, and increased use of cloud-based resources.

OBJ 2.5 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will identify and implement best practices for end user computing solutions for all levels of Buffalo Public Schools stakeholders.

OBJ 3.1 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have established the feasibility of providing low or no-cost broadband connectivity to the citizens of the City of Buffalo.

OBJ 3.2 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will increase access for members of the extended BPS community to allow for better/faster/simpler parental communication and involvement.

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OBJ 3.4 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will establish business relationships with non-public and charter schools to further Information Technology opportunities.

OBJ 4.1 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will complete infrastructure improvements to the District Data Center.

OBJ 4.2 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will complete improvements in its District data network including wireless connectivity, network switches, and network cabling.

Services for Our Neediest Children and Families

OBJ 2.1 By June 30, 2018, Buffalo Public Schools will maintain a robust Content and Learning Management System.

OBJ 2.3 Through June 30, 2019, Buffalo Public Schools will continually evaluate, select and procure Apps and Software in support of teaching and learning to meet the needs of all students.

OBJ 3.1 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have established the feasibility of providing low or no-cost broadband connectivity to the citizens of the City of Buffalo.

OBJ 3.2 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will increase access for members of the extended BPS community to allow for better/faster/simpler parental communication and involvement.

OBJ 4.2 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will complete improvements in its District data network including wireless connectivity, network switches, and network cabling.

New Relationship with Our Teachers

OBJ 1.4 By June 30, 2019 BPS IT will support the development of specific innovative instructional programs at each high school and select number of grade 6-8 classrooms.

OBJ 1.5 By June 30, 2018, Buffalo Public Schools will introduce new and emerging technologies for the implementation of innovative STEAM programs across grades PK-12.

OBJ 2.1 By June 30, 2018, Buffalo Public Schools will maintain a robust Content and Learning Management System.

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OBJ 2.2 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will build out and manage collaborative digital work spaces for all levels of District stakeholders.

OBJ 2.3 Through June 30, 2019, Buffalo Public Schools will continually evaluate, select and procure Apps and Software in support of teaching and learning to meet the needs of all students.

OBJ 2.5 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will identify and implement best practices for end user computing solutions for all levels of Buffalo Public Schools stakeholders.

OBJ 2.6 By June 30, 2018 all BPS stakeholders will have access to the data necessary for them to be more efficient and effective in their work.

OBJ 3.2 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will increase access for members of the extended BPS community to allow for better/faster/simpler parental communication and involvement.

OBJ 4.1 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will complete infrastructure improvements to the District Data Center.

OBJ 4.2 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will complete improvements in its District data network including wireless connectivity, network switches, and network cabling.

OBJ 4.3 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have identified and begun installing a suitable replacement for its classroom audio and visual display systems.

OBJ 4.4 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have completely implemented a strategy for web and video conferencing in all schools.

OBJ 4.5 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have implemented a building management solution: upgraded video surveillance, enhanced card access, and perimeter access security enhancements.

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INTRODUCTION & EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background The Buffalo Public Schools Information Technology Department continuously strives to create a well-integrated and comprehensive technology environment that supports all aspects of the District’s strategic goals. In order to support the Buffalo Public School District’s newest and very far-reaching vision of providing a New Education Bargain With Students and Parents, the Buffalo Public School District (BPS) is updating its June 2014 – 2017 Information Technology (IT) planning study. This technology plan update extends the 2014 – 2017 Technology Plan through June 30, 2019. This current plan update and revision will take into consideration the normal and consistent changes which occur in technology as well as some extremely important District and specific Information Technology developments that have taken place including, but not limited to: The New Education Bargain With Students and Parents, New York State Smart Schools Bond Act, Receivership, changing Federal E-Rate regulations, expanded grant opportunities, an expansion of District network capabilities stemming from a new and robust Data Center, and a continuing proliferation of student one-to-one device programs.

The first step in undertaking this plan update was to continue to understand and get a clear picture of the current state of IT in BPS; including integration with teaching, learning, assessment, and business operations. As this 2016-2019 plan unfolds, it will capture and outline the goals and strategies necessary to meet the current and future District instructional and operational improvement objectives. Based on these findings, effective practices have been identified and developed within the plan, with considerable focus on projects which will implement best-in-class and research based technologies.

This technology plan is aligned with the goals of the National Education Technology Plan Future Ready, and embodies strategies recommended in the New Media Consortium/CoSN Horizons Report and CoSN’s Digital Equity Toolkit. The National Education Technology plan describes a vision for “Making Possible Everywhere, all the time learning (US DOE, 2016, p. 2), describing goals for engaging, empowering, and equity. The figure (right) provides a graphic depiction of how the resources, access, and people come together in this plan. The Consortium of School Networking (CoSN) also offers a number of

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strategies for implementing this plan and reducing the digital equity gap through 1:1 programs, cloud computing services, community engagement, and city-wide networking. These are cited in the Goals sections of this plan as appropriate. (CoSN, 2016; NMC, 2014). Further, this 2016-2019 Technology Plan has relied on the guidance of District staff and stakeholders as well as a number of other documents; notably: The standards established by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), the New York State Smart Schools Technology Plan, and local planning and reform efforts – especially the recently adopted Buffalo Public Schools New Education Bargain With Students and Parents. District Demographic Information With almost 34,000 students, Buffalo Public Schools is the second largest school district in New York State. At its peak, BPS housed close to 80,000 students and has now stabilized at its current population. Located on the edge of Lake Erie at the mouth of the Niagara River, Buffalo was well-situated as an early trading post, and later as a major shipping lane from which manufacturers could easily move their product to market. The city’s population swelled to more than half a million residents during the 1920s through 1960s as the city became a hub of the grain, finance and steel industries. Since the 1970s Buffalo’s population has fallen to today’s level of about 260,000 as these industries have moved out of the area, alternate shipping lanes opened, and the City has transitioned to a new economy.

Recently, Buffalo has begun to experience an economic renaissance. Buffalo's economy has revitalized and transitioned to sectors that include financial services, advanced technologies, biomedical and higher education research. Major investments in next-generation technologies and advanced manufacturing have propelled Buffalo’s economy to its healthiest levels in a generation. Some recent examples of Buffalo’s revitalization include:

 The SolarCity manufacturing plant will have the capacity of making 10,000 solar panels a day, or one gigawatt of solar capacity a year. It will be the largest solar manufacturing plant in North America and one of the biggest in the world.

 Buffalo’s inner and outer harbor waterfronts are transitioning into world class entertainment and recreation destinations.

 Funded partially through Governor Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion project, Buffalo’s Main Street Medical Corridor has grown and developed into a world-class medical treatment and research hub.

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It is hoped that this economic transition will provide jobs and long-term financial stability for the city, the Western New York region, and its residents. It’s also anticipated that this economic revitalization will have a positive impact on the Buffalo Schools.

Buffalo is also home to several highly regarded colleges and universities, including (but not limited to) the University of Buffalo, Buffalo State College, Canisius College, D’Youville College, Daemen College, Medaille College, and Erie Community College.

The total student enrollment in the Buffalo Public Schools as of May, 2016, was 33,783. This enrollment total has been stable for a number of years and is projected to remain so for the foreseeable future. The enrollment breakdown by instructional level and District five-year projections are as follows:

Student Population By Grade Level

3500 3000 2500 2000 1500

1000 500 NumberofStudents 0

Grade Level Source: BPS Data Dashboard

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Throughout its history, Buffalo has consistently been a destination city for immigrants, and that fact is no different today. Buffalo Public Schools is fortunate to have a rich tapestry of ethnicities in our schools with many world languages spoken in its classrooms. In 2016, the top 10 languages spoken by BPS students are as follows: English, Spanish, Karen, Arabic, Somali, Burmese, Nepali, Bengali, Swahili, and Karenni.

According to the BPS Student Information System, the ethnicity of the Buffalo Public Schools student population is distributed as follows:

Ethnicity

4,430

6,351 16,331

6,711

Black (non-Hispanic) White (non-Hispanic) Hispanic Others

Currently, the Buffalo Public School District identifies the following special populations:

Special Populations 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 Free and Reduced Lunch Receiving Special Education English Language Learners Services

Number Total

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Recently, BPS wrapped up its ten-year, five-phase, billion-dollar reconstruction project which impacted all schools with major renovations or full reconstruction. This project also provided for a classroom infrastructure upgrade in every school, installing Promethean® interactive whiteboards and projectors in all core content classrooms. Both the reconstruction project and the federal E-Rate program have been instrumental in providing BPS resources to upgrade the data network. The District’s fiber optic infrastructure has a 10 GB overall capacity including wireless access throughout every District location. Further, during reconstruction, BPS designed and deployed twin redundant data centers at opposite corners of the City. These data centers provide critical LAN and WAN services as well as serving as the nerve center for virtualization and virtual services for District users. A Vision for the Buffalo Public Schools: The New Education Bargain with Students and Parents

The Buffalo Public Schools strives each day to be a high-performing organization in which all students achieve proficiency through rigorous standards. Lifelong learning is a critical survival skill for 21st Century learners who must be able to access, analyze, and communicate information in a fast-paced and constantly changing world. In response to these educational challenges, The New Education Bargain has put forth a bold agenda to move BPS forward in terms of innovative educational offerings for District stakeholders, and technology is inherently woven into nearly every strand of the NEB. This 2016 – 2019 Buffalo Public Schools Technology Plan stands at the forefront of aligning the Information Technology goals to the planks of the New Education Bargain. The goals and objectives established in this Technology Plan will not only support the planks of the New Education Bargain, but will also provide ample opportunities for BPS students and parents to participate in the innovations and revitalization of our school district. Further, this Plan underscores the major benefits, goals and objectives of information technology for students, parents, and teachers as well as documenting the potentially positive impacts of 21st Century technology skills.

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New York State Smart Schools Bond Act

The New York State Smart Schools Bond Act was passed in the 2014-15 Enacted Budget and approved by New York State voters in a statewide referendum held during the 2014 General Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2014. The Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) authorized the issuance of $2 billion of general obligation bonds to finance improved educational technology as well as infrastructure to improve learning and opportunities for students throughout New York State. This funding is specifically earmarked for educational technology and school safety upgrades. Buffalo Public Schools qualifies for approximately $56 million from this Smart Schools Bond funding.

“The past 25 years have The first step for all districts applying for SSBA been the warm-up act. funding is to submit an Instructional Technology What we are now Plan to the New York State Education Department entering is the main for review. Once that technology plan is in place, event which is the era in Districts may go through the process of creating and submitting a Smart Schools which technology will Investment Plan (SSIP) to NY State. The SSBA requires that a State Review Board truly transform every review and approve each districts’ SSIP before any funds are made available. If aspect of business, approved, SSBA projects will be fully reimbursable, but districts need to spend government, education the money upfront before being reimbursed. This Buffalo Public Schools and society of life.” Technology Plan is a first step towards the planning effort to secure SSBA funding. Alan November As you read this plan, it’s critical to understand that nearly every project initiative that is illustrated within will be dependent and reliant upon technology procured with Smart Schools funds. Whether it’s student devices, network switches, wireless access, Dr. Martha Stone Wiske school security, data center upgrades, home connectivity, or mobile learning, all of these projects will rely on the funding provided by the State. Simply put: Buffalo Public Schools will not be able to fulfil the promises within this Technology Plan without a successful effort in securing this SSBA funding.

Projects that Buffalo Public Schools is considering financing through Smart Schools funding are as follows:

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Technology Plan Goals

Goal 1: Support for Student Learning with Innovative Instructional Technologies

By making technology available to all students and by increasing its use in the classroom, Goal 1 supports the planks of Rigorous Elementary Education and Strong Community Schools in the Superintendent’s New Education Bargain.

Goal 2: Provide BPS Stakeholders with Best in Class Resources

By providing a collection of resources that is diverse and responsive to every aspect of the Buffalo Public Schools stakeholder community, Goal 2 supports the planks of Extending Learning Excellence for All Our Students and Services for our Neediest Children and Families in the Superintendent’s New Education Bargain.

Goal 3: Enhance Connections with the BPS Community

Buffalo Schools intends to extend our digital resources to promote greater parental involvement and community participation within our schools.

By increasing opportunities for communication, Goal 3 supports the Strong Community Schools and New Relationship with our Teachers planks in the Superintendent’s New Education Bargain.

Goal 4: Assemble and Maintain the Optimal Infrastructure

By providing equitable access to resources to students and teachers at home or at school, Goal 4 supports the Extending Learning Excellence for All Our Students and New Innovative High Schools Planks in the Superintendent's New Education Bargain.

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References COSN. (2016). Digital Equity. Supporting Students & Families in Out-of-School Learning. Consortium for School Networking. Retrieved from http://www.cosn.org/sites/default/files/pdf/CoSN-EQUITY-toolkit-10FEBvr_0.pdf U.S. DOE. (2016). Future Ready Learning: Building Technology Infrastructure for Learning. US Department of Education: Office of Educational Technology. Retrieved from http://tech.ed.gov/wp- content/uploads/2014/11/Future-Ready-Schools-Building-Technology-Infrastructure-for-Learning-.pdf

NMC. (2014). NMC Horizons Report 2014: 2014 K-12 Edition. New Media Consortium and Consortium of School Networking. Retrieved from: http://www.nmc.org/publication/nmc-horizon-report-europe-2014-schools-edition-2/

U.S. DOE. (2016). Future Ready Learning: Reimaging the Role of Technology in Education. US Department of Education: Office of Educational Technology. Retrieved from http://tech.ed.gov/files/2015/12/NETP16.pdf

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Buffalo Public Schools will expand the use of mobile technologies to provide all students in grades PK-12 have access to their own device when in school. This will enable teachers to bring together knowledge and creativity in closely integrated learning experiences that maximize student engagement and learning in all areas of the curriculum.

1.1 By June 30, 2019, All PK-2 Students In Buffalo Public Schools Will Use IPads As Part Of Daily Center-based Instruction.

Deploy And Install Implement And Integrate IPads Into Daily Instruction Purchase IPads For Support, Maintain, IPads In PK-2 Learning Centers In And Replace Devices Classroom Learning Conduct Professional Development Provide Ongoing Support To PK-2 Classrooms As Needed Centers For Teachers Classroom Teachers

1.2 By June 30, 2019, All Students In Grade 3-12 In The Buffalo Public Schools Will Use A Mobile Personal Computing Device (tablets, Laptops, Etc.) As An Essential Part Of Daily Instruction.

Purchase IPads For Implement And Integrate IPads And PC Laptops Into Daily Instruction Support, Maintain, Deploy And Install Grade 3-6 Classrooms And Replace IPads IPads And PC Laptops Develop Instructional Unit Conduct Professional Provide Ongoing Support And PC Laptops For Plan Template For And PC Laptops As In Classrooms Development For Teachers To Classroom Teachers Grade 7-12 Classrooms Professional Development Needed

1.3 By June 30, 2020, All Students Graduating From The Buffalo Public Schools Will Have Had Some Intentional And Structured Exposure To Computer Science Or Digital Literacy, Through Clubs, Coursework Or CTE Programs.

Integrate Initiate age- Add coding clubs to Offer digital literacy Continue to implement computational thinking Explore partnerships with appropriate, logic- after school and elective for non-CTE Student Help Desk into some courses at local universities and based programs at the summer school students at the high model in grades 8-12 in middle school in sponsorship organizations elementary level programs. school level selected schools. technology course

1.4 By June 30, 2019 BPS IT will support the development of specific innovative instructional programs at each high school and select number of grade 6-8 classrooms.

Research Lab Determine any unique Select, purchase, Ensure that ITC and Conduct Identify focus Define instructional Develop curriculum hardware and software and deploy TECH staff are Professional Evaluate and area for goals to support for innovative needs to support hardware and trained in these Development for revise as needed. Research Lab. program programming. program. softw are. tools. Teacher

CATS @ Bennett Determine any unique Select, purchase, Ensure that ITC and Conduct Identify focus Define instructional Develop curriculum hardware and software and deploy TECH staff are Professional Evaluate and area for CATS goals to support for innovative needs to support hardware and trained in these Development for revise as needed. @ Bennett. program programming. program. softw are. tools. Teacher

Solar @ South Park Determine any unique Select, purchase, Ensure that ITC and Conduct Identify focus Define instructional Develop curriculum hardware and software and deploy TECH staff are Professional Evaluate and area for Solar goals to support for innovative needs to support hardware and trained in these Development for revise as needed. @ South Park. program programming. program. softw are. tools. Teacher

Lafayette International High School Identify focus Determine any unique Select, purchase, Ensure that ITC and Conduct Define instructional Develop curriculum area for hardware and software and deploy TECH staff are Professional Evaluate and goals to support for innovative Lafayette needs to support hardware and trained in these Development for revise as needed. program programming. International program. softw are. tools. Teacher

Pathways @ East Identify focus Determine any unique Select, purchase, Ensure that ITC and Conduct Define instructional Develop curriculum area for hardware and software and deploy TECH staff are Professional Evaluate and goals to support for innovative Pathways @ needs to support hardware and trained in these Development for revise as needed. program programming. East. program. softw are. tools. Teacher

1.5 By June 30, 2018, Buffalo Public Schools Will Introduce New And Emerging Technologies For The Implementation Of Innovative STEAM Programs Across Grades PK-12. Select Pilot Monitor New Identify Opportunities to Develop Problem Teachers Evaluate Tools for Technologies to Introduce New Train ITC, Tech Based STEM Support of Support Teaching Technologies into STEM Purchase and and Teachers Instructional Goals Activities and Learning Activities Deploy Tools

LEGEND Rigorous Early Elementary Education Strong Community Schools New Innovative High Schools Extended Learning Excellence for All Our Students Services for Our Neediest Children and Families New Relationship with Our Teachers PROVIDE BPS STAKEHOLDERS WITH BEST IN CLASS RESOURCES

2.1 By June 30, 2018, Buffalo Public Schools will operate a robust Content and learning management system.

Collect Instructional Materials or Create Accounts for all Develop Instructional Units Resources for Courses for Teachers, Students & Staff for Each Course and Grade Set Up Master Courses Differentiation and Users Level. Personalization.

Provide Training for Teachers Teachers Set Up Courses and Use Offer “open lab” Sessions for Evaluate to identify needs for on Setting Up Their Courses Schoology for Resources, Assignments, PD to Increase Teacher continued PD and support. in LMS. and Collaboration. Competence/Confidence.

2.2 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will build out and manage collaborative digital work spaces for all levels of District stakeholders.

Introduce Create District- Or Create Office 365 Create District- Or Provide Training For Collaboration Tools School-Level Support And Accounts For All School-Level Folders Users On Office 365 For SharePoint / Calendar For Maintain Office 365 Users For Documents OneDrive Reference

2.3 Through June 30, 2019, Buffalo Public Schools will continually evaluate, select and procure Apps and Software in support of teaching and learning to meet the needs of all students.

Develop Grade- Conduct Support, Meet With Teacher Select, Purchase Software Conduct Follow-up Appropriate Professional Maintain, Leaders To Discuss & Apps. Available On Self- Visits To Classrooms Activities For Development For Replace Devices App Needs. Service Portal. To Support Centers Teachers As Needed

Increase Opportunities For Provide Online “chat” Increase Usability Of Ensure That Teachers And Staff Are Self-help, Such As Self- Assistant To Respond To Knowledge Base Aware Of And Can Access Anytime/ service Password Reset. Questions And Send FAQ. And FAQ. anywhere Tools.

2.5 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will identify and implement best practices for end user computing solutions for all levels of Buffalo Public Schools stakeholders.

Determine Frequent Tech Support Issues Implement Self- Expand Singe-sign-on To Provide Training That Can Be Easily Addressed Through service Options For Include Commonly Used And Self-service Resolution. Users. Applications. Documentation.

2.6 By June 30, 2018 all BPS stakeholders will have access to the data necessary for them to be more efficient and effective in their work.

Identify Data Needs Provide Tailored Develop Develop Dashboards Develop Dashboards Determine Source by System by Training to Interchanges From for Role Based for Role Based foe Data Points Audience Audiences Data Systems Access Access

Buffalo Schools intends to extend our digital resources to promote greater parental involvement and community participation within our schools.

3.1 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have established the feasibility of providing low or no- cost broadband connectivity to the citizens of the City of Buffalo.

Post RFI For Best Practices & Select The Strategy That Identify The Population Determine Funding And Negotiate With ISP To Provide Pricing For Community Wi-Fi Best Meets Buffalo’s To Be Served & Payment Implement Wi-Fi Services For Buffalo Solution. Needs. Process. Solution. Community.

3.2 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools Will Increase Access For Members Of The Extended BPS Community To Allow For Better/faster/simpler Parental Communication And Involvement.

Assess Needs To Set Up Kiosks At Provide Portal Access To Provide Training Select, & Deploy Technology Increase Access For BPS Strategic Areas Within Parents To Check On Student Modules & Instruction For Community Schools. Community. Buffalo Data & Apply For Jobs. For Users.

3.3 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools Will Capitalize On Existing Relationships With The Buffalo And Erie County Library To Establish New Programs To Provide More Streamlined Services Between The Two Organizations.

Identify Common Field To Associate Determine The Policies, Access Rights, Monitor Use And Issue New Library Records Between The BPS SMS And The And Parental Sign-offs That Are Needed Issues To Ensure Cards For BPS Students City’s Library Management System. To Meet Board Policies. Success.

3.4 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will establish business relationships with non-public and charter schools to further Information Technology opportunities.

Reach Out To Non-public And Charter Schools Encourage Non-public & Charters To Expand Their When Purchasing Supplies, Invite Non- To Describe District Services That They Could Network & Data Center By Applying For Services public And Charter To Take Advantage Of Take Advantage Of. Under District E-Rate Application Bulk Purchasing Discounts.

4.1 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will complete infrastructure improvements to the District Data Center.

Explore Options For Upgrading The Explore Options For Explore Server Explore And Implement New Pilot VDI Use Cases Around STEM/ Network Infrastructure From The NOC Datacenter Storage Infrastructure STEAM/STREAM Accessibility, Departmental Curriculum Needs, To The Schools. Infrastructure Updates Updates And New School Programs

Explore And Implement New Accessibility Options For Student Access Explore And Implement New Software Data Refine Datacenter Update Plan To Datacenter Resources In Addition To Expanding Into Additional Collection Tools For Refined Monitoring And Based On Above Exploration And Community Centers And Continuing To Promote Erie County Library Pilot Implementations Reporting Of Technology Usage Stats Access

Integrate 1:1 Initiative Datacenter Integrate Classroom AV Datacenter Integrate Web And Video Conferencing Integrate Building Management Requirements Into Datacenter Requirements Into Datacenter Datacenter Requirements Into Datacenter Datacenter Requirements Into Datacenter Infrastructure Upgrade Plan Infrastructure Upgrade Plan Infrastructure Upgrade Plan Infrastructure Upgrade Plan

Select A Strategy That Best Meets The Develop An RFP For Extend Maintenance On Current Deploy Solutions In Needs Of BPS Foreseeable Instructional Provide Training Procuring And Deploying Infrastructure Through June ’18, To Datacenter And And Operational Requirements For ’17- These Tools And Upgrades Prepare For Summer ’18 Upgrades Schools For IT Staff ‘23

4.2 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will complete improvements in its District data network including wireless connectivity, network witches, and network cabling.

Explore Options For Upgrading The Select A Strategy That Develop An RFP For Deploy Solution In Provide Training For Wireless Infrastructure In Support Of The Best Meets The Needs Of Procuring & Deploying Schools IT Staff. 1:1 Initiative. BPS. These Tools.

4.3 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have identified and begun installing a suitable replacement for its classroom audio and visual display systems.

Select A Strategy That Develop An RFP For Provide Training For IT Staff, Explore Options For Classroom Deploy Solution In Best Meets The Needs Of Procuring & Deploying ITCs, Teachers, And Building Audio And Visual Display Systems. Schools BPS. These Tools Administrators.

4.4 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have completely implemented a strategy for web and video conferencing in all schools.

Select A Strategy That Explore Options For Video Develop An RFP For Procuring Deploy Solution In Provide Training For IT Staff, Conferencing Systems, Including Best Meets The Needs Of Building Administrators, And Deploying These Tools. Schools. Web-Based & VoIP. BPS. Counselors, & Other Staff.

4.5 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have implemented a building management solution: upgraded video surveillance, enhanced card access, and perimeter access security enhancements.

Explore Options For Integrated Building Security Systems To Select A Strategy That Develop An RFP For Procuring Deploy Solution In Include Video Surveillance, Card Access, And Perimeter Best Meets The Needs Of And Deploying These Tools. School Buildings Access Security Enhancements. BPS.

Provide Training For IT Staff, School Administrators, And Building Staff As Needed..

LEGEND Rigorous Early Elementary Education Strong Community Schools New Innovative High Schools Extended Learning Excellence for All Our Students Services for Our Neediest Children and Families New Relationship with Our Teachers BUFFALO PUBLIC SCHOOLS THREE YEAR STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY PLAN

GOAL 1: SUPPORT FOR STUDENT LEARNING WITH INNOVATIVE INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES

Since computers first became affordable enough to be used in education, schools have sought ways in which to use them to help students to learn. Currently, all Buffalo Public Schools have computer labs as well as laptops, tablets, and iPads available for student use in recognition of the fact that computer usage is a primarily individual activity. However, these shared models do not allow students to use technology as a flexible tool, but rather for special, one off lessons. It is the goal for BPS to expand the use of mobile technologies to have all students in grades 3-12 have their own device when in school. When students have a personal device, they are able to use it as a tool integrated into all areas of the curriculum. Teachers are able to bring together knowledge and creativity in closely integrated learning experiences that maximize student engagement and learning.

“For schools, BYOD is less about the devices and more about the personalized content that users have loaded onto them” (NMC, 2014, p. 34).

When students have constant, immediate access to technology the possibilities are endless. Through a variety of apps and web resources, teachers can empower students to access learning tasks where they are able to work at their own pace, individually and collaboratively, to create, present and share work with their classmates, school and the world.

In Maine, the state has sponsored a 1 to 1 program beginning at the middle school level. Building on this success, some districts have extended this to other grades. The Auburn School District has extended it to the Kindergarten level, providing students with iPads for pre-reading and writing units. The effort has proven extremely successful. “Being able to interact with the material on the screen improved letter and word recognition among students. In their pilot, the 129 students that were provided the iPads consistently performed better on tests than the 137 without them” (NMC, 2014, p. 14-15).

By having their own devices, students can remain signed into learning applications, store their work and customize their devices to suit their needs. Teachers can assume immediate access to technology and closely integrate it into learning tasks. They can innovate the curriculum designing learning tasks that are rich, engaging and focused on the needs of individual students. Students can access their work everywhere: at home, in other classes; every moment can become a learning opportunity. (Henderson & Yeow, 2012). Buffalo Public Schools Case Study PS #45 International School has approximately 1060 students. More than half of these students are English Language Learners with 70 countries represented and over 30 languages spoken. Students have been using iPads to assist with language acquisition, reading and writing skills at School #45 for the last four years. This began with shared classroom carts, in small groups with ENL teachers, and is now in a 1:1 implementation in grades 4 and 5. The school moved from priority status to become a school in good standing. The success of this work has been exemplified by School #45's NYS TESOL essay writing winner in a category Grades 4 - 5. This student came to the United States from Thailand at the age of 6 and entered School #45 in Grade 1. She acknowledges the role of iPads in her learning, writing "I am fortunate to use technology for learning and communication." The fourth grade team was excited to share their findings on the benefits of their 1:1 implementation. They created a digital presentation to highlight the positive effects of collaborative technology projects on student learning which was featured at the New York State Association for Bilingual Education Annual Conference.

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The following tables outline the objectives for introducing innovative instructional technologies to support the teaching and learning goals described in this technology plan. For each objective, a set of action steps is provided, along with a timeline and responsible department.

1.1 By June 30, 2019, all PK-2 students in Buffalo Public Schools will use iPads as part of daily center-based instruction. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Purchase iPads for Learning Centers in PK-2 IT X X X classrooms Deploy and install iPads in PK-2 classroom ITC X X X Learning Centers Implement and Integrate iPads into daily

instruction  Conduct Professional Development for ITC X X X Teachers  Provide ongoing support to classroom ITC X X X teachers Support, maintain, and replace iPads as needed Tech X X X

1.2 By June 30, 2019, all students in Grades 3-12 in the Buffalo Public Schools will use a mobile personal computing device (tablets, laptops, etc.) as an essential part of daily instruction. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Purchase iPads for Grade 3-6 classrooms and PC IT X X X laptops for Grade 7-12 classrooms Deploy and install iPads and PC Laptops in Tech X X X classrooms Implement and Integrate iPads and PC Laptops

into daily instruction  Develop instructional unit plan template ITC X for Professional Development  Conduct Professional Development for ITC X X X Teachers  Provide ongoing support to classroom ITC X X X teachers Support, maintain, and replace iPads and PC Tech X X X Laptops as needed

1.3 By June 30, 2020, all students graduating from the Buffalo Public Schools will have had some intentional and structured exposure to computer science or digital literacy, through clubs, coursework or CTE programs. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Initiate age-appropriate, logic-based programs ITC X at the elementary level Add coding clubs to after school and summer ITC X X school programs. Integrate computational thinking into some CTE X X X courses at middle school in technology course Offer digital literacy elective for non-CTE ITC X X X students at the high school level

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Continue to implement Student Help Desk ITC/ X X model in grades 8-12 in selected schools. Tech Explore partnerships with local universities and ITC X X X sponsorship organizations

1.4 By June 30, 2019 BPS IT will support the development of specific instructional programs at each innovative high school as well as a number of select number of grade 6-8 classrooms. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Identify focus area. LDR X Define instructional goals to support program CURR X Determine any unique hardware and software ITC/ X needs to support program. Tech Research Lab Identify focus area. LDR X Define instructional goals to support program CURR X Determine any unique hardware and software ITC/ X needs to support program. Tech Select, purchase, and deploy hardware and IT/Tech X X software. Ensure that ITC and TECH staff are trained in IT X X these tools. Conduct Professional Development for Teachers ITC X X X Develop curriculum for innovative Staff X X X programming. Evaluate and revise as needed. ITC X X CATS @ Bennett Identify focus area. LDR X Define instructional goals to support program CURR X Determine any unique hardware and software ITC/ X needs to support program. Tech Select, purchase, and deploy hardware and IT/Tech X X software. Ensure that ITC and TECH staff are trained in IT X X these tools. Conduct Professional Development for Teachers ITC X X X Develop curriculum for innovative Staff X X X programming. Evaluate and revise as needed. ITC X X Solar @ South Park Identify focus area. LDR X Define instructional goals to support program CURR X Determine any unique hardware and software ITC/ X needs to support program. Tech Select, purchase, and deploy hardware and IT/Tech X X software. Ensure that ITC and TECH staff are trained in IT X X these tools. Conduct Professional Development for Teachers ITC X X X

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Develop curriculum for innovative Staff X X X programming. Evaluate and revise as needed. ITC X X Lafayette International Identify focus area. LDR X Define instructional goals to support program CURR X Determine any unique hardware and software ITC/ X needs to support program. Tech Select, purchase, and deploy hardware and IT/Tech X X software. Ensure that ITC and TECH staff are trained in IT X X these tools. Conduct Professional Development for Teachers ITC X X X Develop curriculum for innovative Staff X X X programming. Evaluate and revise as needed. ITC X X Pathways @ East Identify focus area. LDR X Define instructional goals to support program CURR X Determine any unique hardware and software ITC/ X needs to support program. Tech Select, purchase, and deploy hardware and IT/Tech X X software. Ensure that ITC and TECH staff are trained in IT X X these tools. Conduct Professional Development for Teachers ITC X X X Develop curriculum for innovative Staff X X X programming. Evaluate and revise as needed. ITC X X

1.5 By June 30, 2018, Buffalo Public Schools will introduce new and emerging technologies for the implementation of innovative STEAM programs across grades PK-12. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Develop Problem Based STEM Activities Monitor New Technologies to Support Teaching and Learning Identify Opportunities to Introduce New

Technologies into STEM Activities Select Pilot Teachers and Purchase and Deploy

Tools Train ITC, Tech and Teachers Evaluate Tools for Support of Instructional Goals

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References Henderson, S, and Yeow, J. (2012). iPad in Education: A case study of iPad adoption and use in a primary school. Conference proceedings from 2012 45th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. Retrieved from https://www.computer.org/csdl/proceedings/hicss/2012/4525/00/4525a078.pdf

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GOAL 2: PROVIDE BPS STAKEHOLDERS WITH BEST IN CLASS RESOURCES

Supporting an agenda as comprehensive and wide reaching as the New Educational Bargain calls for a collection of resources that is diverse and responsive to every aspect of the Buffalo Public Schools stakeholder community. These resources must touch students, teachers, administrators, support personnel as well as the community. These digital resources come in many forms: educational software and apps, any time access, extending the school day through cloud-based portals, platforms for parental involvement, and automated support for more efficient operations.

BPS uses a number of software tools, subscriptions, and applications to enable students to demonstrate their understanding of the curriculum. One of the resources is Comic Life, a tool that enables students to express their ideas through creating comics. Comic Life provides a visual strategy for story mapping and teaching writing concepts such as sequencing, dialogue, and story elements. Comic Life is also useful as a summative assessment tool whereby students demonstrate their knowledge of a concept.

A recent study was conducted in a large middle school in Brooklyn, New York that has 1,492 students, including 40% ELLs, who are split between Hispanic and Asian (Artigliere, 2016). The population for the study was from a sixth grade class of ELLs ranging in age from 10 to 13. Their English language proficiency ranged from beginner to proficient as measured by the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT). The average independent reading level was assessed as grade two.

Students were asked to create concept maps of their ideas for a non-fiction book, including text and drawings on plain paper. These preliminary sections were reviewed by the teacher and peers, then revised. Students then created drawings; photographed the drawings; and then created the text boxes for the comic, and entered it into Comic Life to create a multi-media piece. The researcher found that “Implementing Comic Life significantly improves students’ knowledge of and comfort with the writing process and may be visualized in their writing output. It also allowed students to develop writing skills, creatively express their knowledge of concepts, fiction and non-fiction writing via visual means. (Artigliere, 2016). Notably, both ELL and native English speaking students improved using these strategies.

Comic Life is just one example of the tools that will be used in BPS. By identifying a selection of tools for various ages, content areas, and learning styles, these will support differentiation and personalization in the classroom. Ultimately, when the right resources are leveraged into BPS operations, all Divisions within the organizations benefit. Buffalo Public Schools Case Study Mr. Davis is teaching a lesson about the Holocaust to his 10th Grade Global History and Geography students. The students are developing a timeline where they can enter the Holocaust dates and pair them with world events that were occurring at the same time. As a source site, he opened a browser to the online exhibits of the Holocaust Museum. One student found an account of a rescue effort in which a Hungarian businessman befriended an El Salvadoran diplomat. Together they found a way to create El Salvadoran certificates for Swiss and German Jews so that they could get out of the country and avoid the round-up. Students were fully engaged in this discussion, and some asked permission to stay after school and use their laptops with the school’s

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connectivity so that they could continue their research. Many students continued their research from home, where they could collaborate in their student folders. All of the students as well as the teacher were able to share their ideas and materials within a shared collaborative space such as Schoology. The next day, when Mr. Davis used a quick electronic formative assessment for an assessment of what they had learned, the scores were much higher than usual and he felt confident that they had mastered this material.

The following tables outline the objectives for providing best in class resources to support the teaching and learning goals described in this technology plan. For each objective, a set of action steps is provided, along with a timeline and responsible department.

2.1 By June 30, 2018, Buffalo Public Schools will maintain a robust Content and Learning Management System. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Create accounts for all teachers, students, and Tech X staff users. Develop instructional units for each course and CURR X X grade level. Collect instructional materials or resources for CURR / X X courses for differentiation and personalization. ESE Set up master courses. CURR X X Provide training for teachers on setting up their ITC X X courses in LMS. Teachers set up courses and use Schoology for Staff X X X resources, assignments, and collaboration. Offer “open lab” sessions to provide PD as need ITC X X X and increase teacher competence/confidence. Evaluate to identify needs for continued PD and ITC X X support.

2.2 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will build out and manage collaborative digital work spaces for all levels of District stakeholders. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Create Office 365 accounts for all users. TECH X Provide training for users on Office 365 PD X Introduce collaboration tools and forms management for SharePoint / OneDrive including Help Desk tools, Contract Checklist, LDR X Incident Forms, Grants Forms and Student Document Repositories accessible by School or Department Create District- or School-level folders for TECH X X documents Create District- or School-level calendar for LDR X X reference Support and maintain Office 365 TECH X X X

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2.3 Through June 30, 2019, Buffalo Public Schools will continually evaluate, select and procure Apps and Software in support of teaching and learning to meet the needs of all students. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Meet with teacher leaders to discuss the types of software and apps that are needed to support ITC X instruction. Select and purchase licenses or subscriptions for software and apps. Make available via self- IT/Tech X service portal. Develop grade-appropriate exemplar activities ITC X for centers Conduct Professional Development for Teachers ITC X Conduct follow-up visits to classrooms to ITC X X X support teachers Support, maintain, and replace devices as Tech X X X needed

2.4 Through June 30, 2018, Buffalo Public Schools will create systems to provide all stakeholder groups anytime/anywhere access to resources such as Virtual Desktop home access, and increased use of cloud- based resources. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Increase opportunities for self-help, such as self- TECH X service password reset. Provide online “chat” assistant to respond to TECH X questions and send FAQ. Increase usability of knowledge base and FAQ. TECH X Ensure that teachers and staff are aware of and TECH / X X X can access anytime/anywhere tools. ITC

2.5 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will identify and implement best practices for end user computing solutions for all levels of Buffalo Public Schools stakeholders. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Determine frequent tech support issues that can be easily addressed through self-service IT X resolution, such as password reset. Implement administrative support tools including:  Vendor Self Service: Vendor online access to bid, PO, invoice, and check information  Tyler Content Management and Go IT X X X Docs: Electronic distribution of payroll advices and vendor purchases order. Direct scanning of product and invoice receipts.  Contract Management: Electronic contract management and tracking

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 Employee Personnel Requisitions: Electronic personnel requisitions with workflow  Instructional Staff Changes (ISC): Personnel actions to track and maintain instructional employee changes such as funding, title, position, and location  Applicant Tracking: Allows internal and external applicants to enter applications online that flow directly into MUNIS for tracking, and completion of the hiring process.  Employee Self Service: Employee online access to personal, employment, and pay information Implement administrative and end user supports to provide efficiencies for the IT X X X Department of Human Resources including applicant tracking Expand single-sign-on to include commonly used IT X X X applications. Provide training and documentation. ITC X X X

2.6 By June 30, 2018 all BPS stakeholders will have access to the data necessary for them to be more efficient and effective in their work. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Identify data needs by system by audience. Tech X Determine source for data points. ITC X Develop interchanges from data systems. ITC X X Develop dashboards for role-based access. ITC X X Provide training based on audiences to demonstrate how to access and use available Tech X X data. Support and maintain data sources. Tech X X X

References Artigliere, M. (2016). Leveraging Technology in the Classroom: Using Comic Life Software to Support Literacy. Journal of Teacher Action Research, 2 (2), 92-98.

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GOAL 3: ENHANCE CONNECTIONS WITH THE BPS COMMUNITY

Connected mobile technologies have huge potential for enhancing the reach and quality of education for students and families in the Buffalo Public Schools. Through connected technologies, the world can be a student’s classroom. Moreover, resources that BPS invests in can also be resources the community can share in and have access to. This is played out each day in BPS with students taking virtual classes, parents and community members connecting to schools through the Parent Portal and BPS.

Buffalo Schools intends to extend our digital resources to promote greater parental involvement and community participation within our schools. BPS Desktop, students interacting with their schoolwork via cell phones, Parent Portal, Schoology are just some of the tools BPS currently uses, but this is just the tip of the technological iceberg. The challenge now is to turbo boost these digital platforms and expand access to reach all corners of the city and every potential user.

With the resources provided through the LMS, it is more important than ever that all students have the ability to access the internet any time and especially from home. Research shows that “Currently, less than half of our nation’s poorest families have a wired Internet subscription at home, and more than 60 million Americans lack basic digital literacy.” (US HUD, 2015. Pilot). To address this in Seattle, Mayor Edward Murray recently announced his Digital Equity Initiative Action Plan, outlining a strategy to “provide equitable technology opportunities for all Seattle residents and communities through device and technical support, greater Internet connectivity and skills training (Murray, 2016, para. 1). Seattle is only one of several cities that are exploring increased connectivity for residents. The Connect Home program sponsored by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is being piloted to 28 urban cities across the country to provide affordable access to low-income families, ensuring that high-speed Internet follows our children from their classrooms back to their homes (US HUD, 2015. Pilot).

One approach to creating ubiquitous access is to create a city-wide network, or “Mesh Network” Community. According to the Consortium of School Networking, “mesh networks” offer important lessons for school districts ready to really innovate, and those seeking a high level of self-determination and shared community ownership of digital equity solutions. (CITE). These networks are planned, built, and maintained jointly by community institutions such as school districts and universities, along with other municipal representatives who meet to plan and deploy the network. In contrast to traditional MetroWAN networks, community mesh networks communicate peer-to-peer with other nodes on the network without being routed through a common central point (COSN, 2016, p. 17). Buffalo Public Schools Case Study Ninth grader Jayden has struggled with mathematics throughout his schooling. His teacher has set up special math activities for him in Schoology. He has only a few items left and is waiting for friends at the movie theater, so he logs in through his smartphone and steps through these easily. When his friends arrive, he puts the phone away and nobody realizes he’s been doing homework. He knows that his teacher will review these and provide feedback. He knows that when his parents log in, they will see how much he has improved. For once, he does not mind sharing his schoolwork with them!

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The following tables outline the objectives for enhancing connections with the BPS community in support the teaching and learning goals described in this technology plan. For each objective, a set of action steps is provided, along with a timeline and responsible department.

3.1 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have established the feasibility of providing low or no-cost broadband connectivity to the citizens of the City of Buffalo. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Develop and post an RFI to gather best practices IT X and pricing for a community Wi-Fi solution. Select the strategy that best meets Buffalo’s IT X needs. Identify the population to be served and IT X payment process if any. Determine funding and implement Wi-Fi IT X X solution. Negotiate with an ISP to provide services for IT X X X Buffalo community members.

3.2 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will increase access for members of the extended BPS community to allow for better/faster/simpler parental communication and involvement. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Set up kiosks at strategic areas within Buffalo, IT X X such as City Hall, school lobbies, etc. Provide portal access to a “guest” desktop for parents to check on student data or apply for IT X X X jobs. Access would be limited to specific applications. Select, purchase, and deploy technology for IT X X community schools. Provide training modules and instruction sheets ITC X X X for users.

3.3 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will capitalize on existing relationships with the Buffalo and Erie County Library to establish new programs to provide more streamlined services between the two organizations. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Identify a common field to associate records IT between the BPS student management system X ITC and the city’s library management system. Determine the policies, access rights, and parental sign-offs that are needed to meet IT X X Board policies. Issue new library cards for BPS students. IT X X X Monitor use and issues to ensure success. IT X X x

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3.4 By June 30, 2018 Buffalo Public Schools will establish business relationships with non-public and charter schools to further Information Technology opportunities. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Reach out to non-public and charter schools to IT describe district services that they could take X X X ITC advantage of. Encourage non-public and charter to expand their network and data center options by IT X X X applying for services under district E-Rate application. When purchasing supplies, invite non-public and charter to take advantage of bulk purchasing IT X X X discounts.

Murray, E. (2016). City of Seattle launches Digital Equity Initiative Action Plan. http://murray.seattle.gov/city-of- seattle-launches-digital-equity-initiative-action-plan/#sthash.Lh9BV3s4.dpbs

U.S. HUD. (2015). Connect Home. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. http://connecthome.hud.gov/pilot

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GOAL 4: ASSEMBLE AND MAINTAIN THE OPTIMAL INFRASTRUCTURE

An organization's data network is the backbone and lifeblood of its operational infrastructure. Without robust network capacity (wired and wireless) complete with the requisite components, the organization cannot support the myriad initiatives that it may be faced with. For a complex educational institution such as the Buffalo Public Schools, this means the network must have the agility and capacity to support the increasing demands of educational programs, 1:1 initiatives, building control systems, security cameras, VOIP telecommunications, video conferencing, cloud software and a host of other applications that call for more data.

Physical classrooms and classroom display technologies are changing as well. More emphasis is being placed on audio and video as well as interconnectedness. Chalkboards gave way to dry erase boards which, in turn gave way to interactive whiteboards. Interactive whiteboards, while still very viable, are now being replaced by interactive LED displays.

Schools, more than ever, will need to continuously reinvest in their technology infrastructure to keep pace and provide students with state of the art resources. THE Journal recently interviewed Mike Tomei, a designer of audio visual technology for classrooms. Tomei cited three trends in planning and updating interactive classrooms, all with the goal of supporting collaboration by multiple users at the same time, including increased interactivity with multiple touchpoints, new apps and devices to interface, and increased use of web- conferencing for collaborative learning (Pierce, 2015).

A high level of connectivity is critical to support the number of devices and types of activity that a BYOD or 1:1 program requires. As Burlington (MA) High School rolled out their BYOD program, they installed a wireless network to accommodate 1 device per student (1:1), but found that the actual requirement was closer to 3:1, as students and teachers also used smartphones and other devices to achieve their learning goals (USDOE, 2016a). Activities such as research, video streaming, data mining, and cloud processing are memory intensive and require sufficient bandwidth so as not to slow down other processing. To accommodate this, the National Education Technology Plan (US DOE, 2016b) describes goals for infrastructure and connectivity through the ConnectED initiative, with the goal for “99 percent of students in the country to have Internet access at a minimum of 100 megabits per second per 1,000 students, with a target speed of one gigabit per second by 2018” (p. 68). Buffalo Public Schools Case Study At the beginning of the school year, music teacher Ms. Rincon noticed her school received new audio-visual tools. While she knew that the primary purpose of these tools was for PK – 6 classrooms, she wanted to find uses for these tools in her classroom. First, to improve her classroom management approaches, she recorded herself during one of her classes. Finding this productive, she then decided to have the students record their own music compositions and have presentations that included constructive peer conversations. These presentations helped the students gain valuable insights into their work and how to positively interact with their peers.

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The following tables outline the objectives for assembling and maintaining the infrastructure to support the teaching and learning goals described in this technology plan. For each objective, a set of action steps is provided, along with a timeline and responsible department.

4.1 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will complete infrastructure improvements to the District Data Center. Action Steps Who SY 2016- SY SY 2017 2017- 2018- 2018 2019 Explore options for upgrading the Network infrastructure from the Network IT X Operations Center (NOC) to the schools. Explore options for Datacenter Storage infrastructure updates (maintenance IT X terminates Jan 2018) Explore Server Infrastructure updates (maintenance terminates Jan 2018) IT X Explore and implement new pilot VDI use cases around IT/ITC X STEM/STEAM/STREAM accessibility, departmental curriculum needs, and new school programs (Bennett, Robotics courses, et cetera) Explore and implement new software data collection tools for refined IT X monitoring and reporting of technology usage stats. Explore and implement new accessibility options for student access to IT/PR X Datacenter resources in addition to expanding into additional community centers and continuing to promote Erie County Library access. Refine Datacenter update plan based on above exploration and pilot IT X X implementations. Integrate 1:1 initiative Datacenter requirements into Datacenter IT X X Infrastructure Upgrade Plan. Integrate Classroom AV Datacenter requirements into Datacenter IT X X Infrastructure Upgrade Plan. Integrate Web and Video Conferencing Datacenter requirements into IT X X Datacenter Infrastructure Upgrade Plan. Integrate Building Management Datacenter requirements into Datacenter IT X X Infrastructure Upgrade Plan. Select a strategy that best meets the needs of BPS foreseeable instructional IT X X and operational requirements for 2017-2023. Develop an RFP for procuring and deploying these tools and upgrades. IT X X Extend Maintenance on current infrastructure through June 2018, to prepare IT X X for Summer 2018 upgrades. Deploy solutions in Datacenter and schools. IT X X X Provide training for IT staff. IT X X X

4.2 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will complete improvements in its District data network including wireless connectivity, network switches, and network cabling. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Explore options for upgrading the wireless IT X infrastructure in support of the 1:1 initiative.

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4.2 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will complete improvements in its District data network including wireless connectivity, network switches, and network cabling. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Select a strategy that best meets the needs of BPS foreseeable instructional and operational IT X requirements for 2017-2023. Develop an RFP for procuring and deploying IT X these tools. Deploy solution in schools. IT X X X Provide training for IT staff. IT X X X

4.3 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have identified and begun installing a suitable replacement for its classroom audio and visual display systems. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Explore options for classroom audio and visual IT X display systems. Select a strategy that best meets the needs of BPS foreseeable instructional and operational IT X requirements for 2017-2023. Develop an RFP for procuring and deploying IT X these tools. Deploy solution in schools. Tech X X X Provide training for IT staff, ITCs, teachers, and ITC X X X building administrators.

4.4 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have completely implemented a strategy for web and video conferencing in all schools. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Explore options for video conferencing systems, IT X including web-based and VoIP. Select a strategy that best meets the needs of BPS foreseeable instructional and operational IT X requirements for 2017-2023. Develop an RFP for procuring and deploying IT X these tools. Deploy solution in schools. Tech X X X Provide training for IT staff, building administrators, counselors, and other staff as ITC X X X appropriate.

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4.5 By June 30, 2019 Buffalo Public Schools will have implemented a building management solution: upgraded video surveillance, enhanced card access, and perimeter access security enhancements. Action Steps Who SY 2016-2017 SY 2017-2018 SY 2018-2019 Explore options for integrated building security systems to include video surveillance, card IT X access, and perimeter access security enhancements. Select a strategy that best meets the needs of BPS foreseeable instructional and operational IT X requirements for 2017-2023. Develop an RFP for procuring and deploying IT X these tools. Deploy solution in school buildings. Tech X X X Provide training for IT staff, school ITC X X X administrators, and building staff as needed.

References Pierce, D. (August 11, 2015). 3 Key Trends in AV Technology for Schools. THE Journal. Retrieved from https://thejournal.com/articles/2015/08/11/3-key-trends-in-av-technology-for- schools.aspx?admgarea=Features1

U.S. DOE. (2016). Future Ready Learning: Building Technology Infrastructure for Learning. US Department of Education: Office of Educational Technology. Retrieved from http://tech.ed.gov/wp- content/uploads/2014/11/Future-Ready-Schools-Building-Technology-Infrastructure-for-Learning-.pdf

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APPENDIX A – SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY PROFILE

School School Name Grade Configuration Student Population # of Computer Labs. Computers Computer in Lab or Labs Total # of Desktop Computers (2015- Devices # of Mobile 2016) Total # of Interactive Whiteboards (IWB) Number of Ports # of VoIP Phones # of Xerox MFD Copiers # of Networked Printers # of Access Points 3 D'Youville Porter Campus PreK-8 706 2 35 131 60 34 528 70 5 10 44 6 Buffalo Elementary School of Science and Technology PreK-8 651 3 86 360 513 49 960 104 6 5 60 17 Early Childhood Center 17 PreK-4 395 1 31 149 149 33 528 60 4 7 37 18 Dr. Antonia Pantoja School of Exc PreK-8 546 3 73 134 170 38 624 71 4 12 43 19 Native American Magnet School PreK-8 569 2 56 201 30 31 576 68 4 10 40 27 Hillery Park Elementary PreK-8 732 2 62 320 60 36 864 86 4 7 53 30 Frank A Sedita Academy PreK-8 845 2 51 213 73 45 816 89 5 11 48 31 Harriet Ross Tubman School PreK-8 423 2 46 181 30 46 720 91 5 5 56 32 Bennett Park Montessori School PreK-8 901 2 60 365 30 55 960 101 5 9 47 33 Bilingual Center 33 PreK-8 546 1 32 245 87 41 624 75 4 10 47 37 Futures Academy PreK-8 556 2 58 276 470 58 1,008 90 4 8 61 39 PS#48 Martin Luther King Multicultural Institute (Phase In) PreK-8 442 2 51 329 66 53 864 101 4 10 95 43 Lovejoy Discovery School PreK-8 695 1 28 274 30 53 1,200 97 4 9 26 45 International School PreK-6 849 3 80 398 279 51 1,200 113 5 12 57 53 Community School 53 PreK-8 448 2 58 165 30 46 672 79 4 4 46 54 Dr. G. Blackman Sch of Exc PreK-4 515 1 27 176 30 32 384 75 4 7 36 59 Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Mag. (Musuem) _3-8_ 443 1 28 141 60 38 960 76 4 12 39 61 Early Childhood Center 61 PreK-4 322 1 20 96 30 28 480 57 3 11 31 64 Frederick Law Olmstead School PreK-4 598 1 24 155 30 41 384 76 3 7 29 65 Roosevelt ECC 65 PreK-4 400 1 28 150 30 24 384 59 3 5 42 66 North Park Middle Academy _5-8_ 292 1 27 150 30 35 576 60 4 11 32 67 Discovery School PreK-8 607 0 0 172 58 39 720 66 4 3 32 69 Houghton Academy PreK-8 556 2 62 226 62 35 624 72 4 42 72 Lorraine Elementary PreK-8 775 2 60 243 60 45 624 84 4 10 40 74 Hamlin Park School PreK-8 534 1 30 199 30 41 720 90 4 4 52 76 Herman Badillo Community School PreK-8 801 1 24 275 61 46 912 103 5 9 63 79 Pfc. W. J. Grabiarz School of Excellence PreK-8 519 2 43 210 60 46 1,056 139 5 5 62 80 Highgate Heights Elementary PreK-8 509 1 24 160 180 32 624 72 5 5 83 81 Buffalo Public School 81 PreK-8 818 1 30 213 237 41 672 83 4 9 42 82 Early Childhood Center 82 PreK-4 492 1 27 114 30 36 528 64 4 6 51 84 ECMC PreK-8 177 1 15 70 0 18 240 89 2 9 37 89 Dr. Lydia T. Wright School PreK-8 827 3 77 279 30 61 1,104 103 5 7 39 90 Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Mag. (59A) PreK-2 327 1 28 175 30 31 432 52 5 3 50 91 B.U.I.L.D. Academy PreK-8 532 1 30 145 144 50 816 81 4 10 65 93 Southside Elementary PreK-8 1194 4 109 385 30 68 1,152 137 7 11 54 94 West Hertel Academy PreK-8 905 3 55 238 767 47 1,344 123 4 10 83 95 Waterfront Elementary PreK-8 877 4 106 288 65 46 1,104 120 5 10 66 97 Harvey Austin School PreK-8 684 4 85 200 90 43 1,200 105 5 12 72 99 Stanley Makowski ECC PreK-4 770 1 30 170 46 63 1,056 156 6 8 65 156 Frederick Law Olmsted 5-12@203 _5-12_ 765 4 104 424 154 48 1,344 110 5 9 64 192 Buffalo Academy For the Visual and Performing Arts _5-12_ 765 6 163 359 60 70 1,488 150 8 12 50 195 City Honors School _5-12_ 1002 5 108 262 150 69 720 114 6 18 72 197 Math Science Technology Prep _5-12_ 663 2 60 200 282 48 1,104 106 5 7 89 198 International Prep @ Grover _5-12_ 678 7 156 79 100 52 1,056 105 7 6 77 200 Bennett High School (Phase Out) _9-12_ 447 7 193 514 78 53 2,160 129 4 17 73 204 Lafayette High School (Phase Out) _7-12_ 713 5 153 285 50 45 1,104 108 6 12 69 205 Riverside Institute of Technology _9-12_ 821 5 151 288 94 42 1,152 120 5 26 92 206 South Park High School _9-12_ 919 8 239 418 568 52 1,536 122 7 19 65 212 Leonardo da Vinci High School _9-12_ 428 2 62 97 45 23 288 38 4 4 68 301 Burgard High School _9-12_ 581 6 163 438 464 41 1,248 109 6 21 72 302 Emerson School Of Hospitality _9-12_ 467 3 59 142 95 23 528 84 4 6 26 304 Hutchinson Central Technical _9-12_ 1122 13 301 408 60 73 1,584 127 5 15 71 305 McKinley High School _9-12_ 1013 13 324 178 153 72 1,392 147 8 18 89 307 East High School (Phase Out) _9-12_ 429 5 126 271 30 43 1,344 108 5 10 87 TOTAL ALL SCHOOLS 34,388 162 4,209 12,807 6,680 2,409 48,288 5114 273 525 3,031

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APPENDIX B – INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

Title Description ActivInspire/ The software applications designed specifically for teachers and presenters to utilize the ActivStudio ActivBoard Interactive Whiteboard, Promethean's interactive whiteboard. This is the Interactive Whiteboard predominately used in the Buffalo City Schools. Adobe Creative Suite 5 in For design & publishing Create and publish for print, web, and mobile devices in a unified VDI (Creative Suite 6 for design environment. Adobe® Creative Suite® 5.5 Premium plus Dreamweaver 8 combines Mac) full versions of:

Alexandria Automated database for library management providing a Distributed Union Catalog. This would give the libraries the ability to share resources with other Alex libraries in the school District yet manage and control their own collection independently. The advanced search features allow schools to simultaneously access all collections in real time online. Audacity Audacity is a free software, cross-platform digital audio editor and recording application. It is on the District disk image for both Windows and Mac OS. Camtasia Studio 4.0 The smart, friendly screen recorder and more. Imagine being able to show exactly what's on your screen to anyone, anywhere. Imagine that it's easy. Now you've imagined Camtasia Studio. With the smartest screen recording tools on the planet, Camtasia Studio makes everything from training videos to PowerPoint presentations to lectures look better, reach more people, and pack more punch. Castle Learning Castle Learning Online is a web-based service that provides on-line review of courses in Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, English, and Foreign Languages. CCC Video CCC Video is a standards aligned video database providing educational content for all subject areas. Comic Life Comic Life is a comic desktop publishing computer program for Mac OS X, Windows and mobile platforms. The program is designed to create comic strips or arrange photos into a scrapbook. Coursemart eTextbook Software DIBELS Next mCLASS®:DIBELS® is the web version of DIBELS® (The Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills), an assessment based on 15 years of scientific research and cited for its excellent compatibility with Reading First. The mCLASS platform provides web-based reporting, analysis, data management, and instructional planning tools for a complete assessment solution. ExamView Pro ExamView Pro is software that allows users to publish traditional paper and computer based tests, and Web-deliverable exams. FAST Bridge Alternative reading program. Being populated at select locations. Google Earth Google Earth allows you to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, and much more. Experience a more realistic view of the world with Google Earth’s rich, geographical content. i-Ready Diagnostic Reading and Math program eDoctrina eDoctrina is a student assessment system. The program provides a platform for web-based assessment at both the class, school, and District level.

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Title Description Infinite Campus – Student Infinite Campus is an enterprise wide, SIF Certified, web based, education data Information System management solution currently supporting the K-12 industry in managing basic student information, complex reports and data-driven decision making. It can be configured to best to suit needs and size, yet is easy to maintain on any scale. Infinite Campus is centralized, so no matter the level of implementation, student information is easily retrieved enterprise-wide. Inspiration/ Inspiration and Kidspiration are visual learning software tools designed to map thinking. Kidspiration Comp. Lic. Inspiration is most widely known for its use in building graphic organizers, like concept maps, mind maps, idea maps, diagrams and thematic webs. Magic Penny Web-based supplemental reading website. Targeting Kindergarten Math 180 AIS Math Program. Implemented at select locations MyOn Supplemental reading program. Extensive list of eBooks. Office 365 Online version of the Microsoft Office suite of applications Pearson GradPoint Online credit recovery website allowing students with an opportunity to makeup classes in an environment supported by teachers and tutors. The GradPoint credit recovery program is designed for high school students who have failed one of more courses. Referral is made by the school counselor. Picasa Picasa is an image viewer for organizing and editing digital photographs, plus an integrated photo-sharing website. Questar CBT NYSED official web-based standardized testing platform. Read 180 AIS Reading Program. Implemented at select locations Rethink Provides special education students with personalized instruction based-on their IEP Schoology District Learning Management System. Provides an educationally focused social media platform for teachers and students to collaborate and disseminate information. Think Central The Think Central provides students and teachers with online access to the HMH Journeys textbook and other resources. Windows Movie Maker Windows Movie Maker is a video editing program for making home movies, photo albums and presentations. Still pictures, video clips, sounds, music, and narration can be added to a Windows Movie Maker project, making it a tool for class projects. Projects can be exported to a variety of formats that can be read on other computers and DVD players or uploaded to a webpage. World Book OnLine World Book Online Reference Center: online reference source--containing every article from the 22-volume encyclopedia print set plus thousands more. With state-of-the art multimedia, editor-reviewed Web sites. Primary and core source collections--books, documents, and selections--in major subject areas. Basic Spanish-language encyclopedia for elementary and middle grades.

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APPENDIX C – NETWORK DIAGRAM

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APPENDIX D – DATA CENTER SPECIFICATIONS

Buffalo Public School Data Center Summary

As part of the Buffalo Public Schools reconstruction project, two state-of-the-art data centers were constructed at West Hertel Academy School 94 and Harvey Austin School 97. The BPS data center project was initiated to bring a significant upgrade to the computing environment in the District and to house the associated computing components such as servers, networking hardware, and storage systems. The data centers also houses a secure location for critical administrative applications such as MUNIS (HR and Financial management) Johnson Controls (school environmental and security system), and Infinite Campus (student management system). Further, the data centers provide the ability to deliver a virtualized computer desktop solution full desktop to all District endpoints.

Buffalo Public School Data Center Equipment Summary

PS 94 DataCenter

1. Virtual Desktop Server Infrastructure

 6 x C7000 Blade Enclosures each with 6 PS, 10 Fan, redundant OA, 2 VC Flex-10, 2 VC 8/24 FC, and Insight Control  10 x BL460cGen8 Blade Admin blades each with 2 x 2.7GHz 8 core CPUs, 128GB memory (8 x 16GB DIMMs), 2 Flex-10 10Gbit NICs, dual port 8GBit FC HBA, SAP220i with 512MB FBWC, 2 x 300GB 10K SAS Drives  86 x BL460cGen8 Blade VDI blades each with 2 x 2.7GHz 8 core CPUs, 256GB memory (16 x 16GB DIMMs), 2 Flex-10 10Gbit NICs, dual port 8GBit FC HBA, SAP220i with 512MB FBWC, 2 x 300GB 10K SAS Drives 2. Application Server Infrastructure

 10 x DL380pGen8 Blade VMware hosts each with 2 x 2.7GHz 8 core CPUs, 256GB memory (16 x 16GB DIMMs), 4 10Gbit NICs, 2 8GBit FC HBA Ports, SAP420i with 512MB FBWC, 2 x 300GB 10K SAS Drives 3. SAN Storage Infrastructure (Virtual Desktop and Servers)

 3PAR V800 Storage System, 4 controllers, 18 storage enclosures, 120 magazines or 600GB 15K drives (480 total drives), 12 magazines of 100GB SSD drives (48 total drives), Dynamic Optimization, 35TB ThP suite for the VMware, VM Recovery Manager, System Reporter, Remote Copy, Virtual Copy, Remote Copy FC Adapters 4. NAS Storage Infrastructure (Home Directories and School/Department Shares)

 2 x X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway each with 2 x 2.66GHz 5 core CPUs, 48GB memory, 2 x 10Gbit dual port NICs, dual port 6GB SAS card, Windows Storage Server software

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 P2000G3 dual port SAS Storage Array, 7 additional storage shelves (96 total LFF drive bays), 70 x 3TB SAS disk, 512 Snapshot License, SAS cables 5. Network Gear

 1 X Ethernet A15000 Core Switch, 2 x A5900 (48 x 10GB Optical), 1 x A5800 (48 x 1 GB Copper, 6 x SFP 10GB Optical)  2 X 8/80 Fiber Channel Switch (16 x 8GB SFP)  F5 Load Balancer (BigIP)

PS 97 DataCenter

1. Virtual Desktop Server Infrastructure

 2 x X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway each with 2 x 2.66GHz 5 core CPUs, 48GB memory, 2 x 10Gbit dual port NICs, dual port 6GB SAS card, Windows Storage Server software  P2000G3 dual port SAS Storage Array, 7 additional storage shelves (96 total LFF drive bays), 70 x 3TB SAS disk, 512 Snapshot License, SAS cables 5. Network Gear

 1 X Ethernet A15000 Core Switch, 2 x A5900 (48 x 10GB Optical), 1 x A5800 (48 x 1 GB Copper, 6 x SFP 10GB Optical)  2 X 8/80 Fiber Channel Switch (16 x 8GB SFP)  F5 Load Balancer (BigIP) 6. Backup Unit

 B6200, 2 x 48GB Backup System Couplets, 4 x 48GB Backup System Capacity Upgrade, Replication License, Rack and PDUs

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APPENDIX E – Information Technology Organizational Chart

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APPENDIX F – The New Education Bargain

The New Education Bargain is simple: the District will guarantee pathways to opportunity that will lead to achievement and success in exchange for hard work, commitment, and collaboration of our students and parents.

The essential elements of the New Education Bargain: 1. Institute rigorous early elementary education which shall include, but not be limited to, reduced reading and math class sizes and the selection of highly qualified reading and math instructors for this effort. 2. Establish strong community schools in each quadrant of the City of Buffalo to serve students and families within their neighborhoods. Each community school will provide an enriched education experience, including extended day and full wrap around services. 3. Redesign and launch new innovative high schools to bridge the equality gap between traditional and criterion schools, and provide for expanded opportunities for career development aligned to emerging industries in Western New York. 4. Commit to a plan for extended learning excellence for all our students which includes re-vamped after school, summer school, Saturday school, alternative education, technology-based learning, the arts and athletics. 5. Provide services for our neediest children and families, which shall include a revamping of educational opportunities for students on the East Side of Buffalo. 6. Recognizing the critical role parents play in supporting their children and schools, the district will work closely with parents to deliver on our pledge of... “Putting Children and Families First, to Ensure High Academic Achievement for All" 7. Create a new relationship with our teachers which recognizes them as professionals, pays them fairly and competitively, provides the support and professional development to enable them to do their best work, and reforms the working understanding between the District and the Buffalo Teachers Federation to ensure the BEST instruction for ALL our children, Every day, in Every school, in Every classroom, in Every subject, for Every year of school.

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