REQUIRED SUBSTANTIVE COMPONENTS OF THE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY PLAN
Schools, school districts, and libraries that want to apply for Schools and Libraries support, commonly referred to as "E-rate," must first prepare a technology plan. Beginning with FY2011, technology plans are required only for Priority 2 services (Internal Connections and Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections). An approved technology plan sets out how information technology and telecommunications infrastructure will be used to achieve educational goals, specific curriculum reforms, or library service improvements. A technology plan designed to improve education should cover the entire funding year (July 1 to June 30) but not more than three years. The plan must contain the following elements:
Goals and realistic strategy for using telecommunications and information technology A professional development strategy An assessment of telecommunication services, hardware, software, and other services needed Ongoing evaluation process Policies
The technology plan must be approved by a USAC-certified technology plan approver before discounted services can begin. The state is the certified technology plan approver for libraries and public schools. www.usac.org, August, 2011.
LEA/Charter Name: Duplin County Schools
LEA/Charter Number: 310
Superintendent Name: Dr. Austin Obasohan
Superintendent Signature
Local Board Chair Name: Mr. Charles Farrior
Local Board Chair Signature:
Person of Contact: Mrs. Kristen W. Hall
Telephone: 910-296-6627
Contact Email: [email protected] Duplin County Schools Technology Plan
2014-2016
Draft October 22, 2013
2 Table of Contents
Vision 5
Strategic Priorities Overview 6
Priority 1: Shared Services Model 9
Priority 2: Universal Access to Personal Teaching and Learning Devices 15 Priority 3: Access to Digital Teaching and Learning Resources, Including Digital Textbooks 21
Priority 4: Model of Technology-Enabled Professional Development 27
Priority 5: 21st Century Leadership for Your LEA 34
NC Home Base 40
Appendices 41
3 Duplin County Schools Technology Planning Committee/MTAC
Member Job Title/Position Rachel Manning Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Kristen W. Hall Director of Technology and Media Jason Ginn WAN Engineer Lindsay Lee Instructional Technology Facilitator Lindsay Skidmore Instructional Technology Facilitator Dena Jenkins Media Coordinator JoAnn Aldridge Media Coordinator Sarah Swartz Media Coordinator Nina Gail Lanier Media Coordinator Laura Jones Media Coordinator Laurie Sholar Media Coordinator Shirley Bryant Media Coordinator Marlene Kilpatrick Media Coordinator Laura Thornton Media Coordinator Laura Smith Media Coordinator Sam Davis Media Coordinator Susan Dempsey Media Coordinator Julie Davis Media Coordinator Tonya Patram Media Coordinator Valerie Merritt Media Coordinator
4 Duplin County Schools Technology Plan 2014-2016
Vision Statement Vision Statement
The vision of Duplin County Schools Technology Department is to infuse the learning environment with technology resources, so that students and staff are empowered to excel in a globally competitive society.
The Duplin County Schools technology plan has been designed to reflect North Carolina’s State Board of Education’s goal of future-ready schools for the 21st Century and aligned with other Duplin County Schools initiatives such as a District-wide Early College Seamless Education.
5 Duplin County Schools Technology Plan Strategic Priorities 2014 - 2016
Summary of Strategic Priorities and Goals Strategic Priority 1: A Shared Services Model Maximize the use of eRate funding to ensure equity of access Install additional wireless arrays and cabling to improve wireless density Investigate and implement a managed print solution for all schools Continue to provide professional development for the use of the district-wide video distribution system, Safari Montage The Technology Department will participate in the annual budget planning process to ensure equitable technology sustainability in all schools. Strategic Priority 2: Universal Access to Personal Continue to meet with DCS personalized digital Teaching and Learning Devices learning team to finalize plans for implementing a personalized digital learning program Employ additional technology facilitators and technicians Purchase and distribute devices to teachers and pilot groups of students Purchase and distribute carts of devices for student use at schools Strategic Priority 3: Access to Digital Teaching Continue to purchase content for the district- and Learning Resources, Including Digital wide video distribution system Textbooks Continue to purchase eBooks for district FollettShelf Continue to provide professional development for digital resources such as: NC Home Base, Safari Montage, NCWISE Owl, LearnNC, SASinSchool, Follett eBooks and other purchased digital content Investigate and implement a pilot program for digital textbooks Strategic Priority 4: A Model of Technology- Provide professional development for teachers Enabled Professional Development and administrators in the use of Google Apps for Education, Web 2.0 Tools, Apple iOS and OSX, Safari Montage, and SMART Software in order to develop personalized learning environments following the TPACK framework Continue to provide professional development on the integrated instructional solution portions of NC Home Base Provide Intel Teach professional development 6 opportunities through NCDPI Teaching and Learning Provide professional development for technology facilitators and media coordinators on professional standards and the performance appraisal instrument Continue to use STNA and LoFTI surveys to aid in professional development evaluation and planning Employ additional technology facilitators Strategic Priority 5: 21st Century Leadership for Provide monthly professional development for All Schools and Districts district and school administrators infused with technology Principals will continue to support monthly professional development for teachers infused with technology Continue to provide mentoring for beginning teachers through collaboration with the beginning teacher program Continue to support distance learning system through joint grant with JSCC
7 Summary:
While Duplin County Schools has made great gains in the use of technology as instructional and administrative tools, it is very clear that there is much room for improvement. As evidenced in the Annual Media and Technology Report, historically there has been disparity among individual schools in the district—particularly between the high schools and elementary schools. Recently, improvements have been made in reducing isolated programmatic spending, to ensure a more strategic budgeting model. This has lessened the gap in access to devices and resources. This trend must continue. It is the responsibility of Duplin County Schools to use all available funding sources to ensure equity is achieved among all schools in the district. The Constitution of the State of North Carolina, in Article VII, mandates that “. . .equal opportunities shall be provided for all students.”
Equal access to technology and a 21st Century education are critical to the success of all students. To this end, Duplin County has adopted a District-Wide Early College approach to college and career excellence. This initiative affords ALL students the opportunity to earn a simultaneous high school diploma and Associate’s Degree. Dr. Obasohan, Superintendent of Duplin County Schools stated, “. . . This is something we can do and something we should do for all of our children. It is our duty to ensure all students are equipped with the necessary academic preparation to be competitive in today and tomorrow’s global society. . .we must provide all of our students with whatever resources and support necessary to achieve their dreams. ” Additionally, schools in Duplin County are working with World View an initiative of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and elementary and middle schools are partnering with the Global Schools Network to ensure students will be competitive in a global society. 21st Century technology tools are an integral part of these initiatives. To prepare students to be globally competitive and career and college ready, the technology in Duplin County classrooms must reflect what students will encounter in the real world.
We have made gains in digital teaching and learning by implementing Google Apps for Education, a district-wide video system, video conferencing equipment, and an increased number of mobile devices in our schools. In addition to equipping Duplin County classrooms with 21st Century technology equipment, abundant professional development must be available to fully transform our district to true blended digital teaching and learning. A continued focus on 21st Century leadership must be realized for all administrators. Duplin County has partnered with the Golden Leaf Foundation and the William and Ida Friday Institute to implement the North Carolina Learning Technology Initiative (NCLTI) framework. This includes technology embedded professional development for all teachers with the Common Core and New Essential Standards at its core. Over the next few years, Duplin County plans to implement the NCLTI framework for implementing a personalized digital learning technology rollout with an initial rollout of teacher devices in the Fall of 2013. In addition to this rollout, it is important to increase access to digital resources.
8 Strategic Priority 1: A Statewide Shared Services Model Essential Questions for Duplin County Schools How will we leverage collaborative purchasing to pay substantially less for technology services and platforms? How can a Statewide Shared Services Model assist in shifting primary support from infrastructure to instructional needs? How can a Statewide Shared Services Model enable increased infrastructure and technology efficiency and sustainability? How can a Statewide Shared Services Model provide higher service reliability? How can a Statewide Shared Services Model facilitate more strategic budgeting models for our LEA/Charter School?
Current Status and Moving Forward Duplin County Schools (DCS) wired and wireless networking infrastructure is made up of enterprise class switches for the Local Area Network, and an Internet service provider connects all locations via a Wide Area Network connection. While we have wireless networks in all of our schools, there is a need to improve the capacity to meet the demands of future personalized digital learning initiatives. Recently, DCS has seen an increase in the implementation of Apple OS/iOS devices throughout the district. In order to effectively facilitate the use of these devices, DCS has had to begin investigating the use of Apple Devices on a Microsoft Active Directory network operating system. Additionally, there is a need for a mobile device management solution.
DCS currently utilizes the state’s very reliable NCREN Internet connection at a substantial cost savings. Many of DCS services, such as filters and file and print servers are at the main data center as well as on local school servers. The main data center is housed in a metal structure that lacks sufficient space. Most of the local school servers are in areas of high traffic and security exposure is high. There is not sufficient backup system for power, cooling or storage. DCS plans to investigate an off-site disaster recovery solution.
DCS utilizes a Google hosted cloud email service at a cost savings. DCS is currently in the fourth year of a five-year contract with a filter service provider. DCS currently utilizes the NCEducation Cloud’s firewall and hopes to transition to their content filter offering at the expiration of the contract. Currently, DCS is implementing the use of North Carolina’s Home Base Instructional Improvement and Student Information System. As other components become available in Home Base, DCS will investigate and implement where feasible.
9 Recently, DCS has made gains by implementing the use of a strategic budgeting process. To help reduce operating costs further and continue to facilitate a more strategic budgeting model, DCS plans to make a concerted effort to utilize a blended funding model to reduce isolated programmatic spending. In this effort DCS is looking to implement a managed print solution for all locations.
10 Alignment to Other Plans and Initiatives: Strategic Priority 1: A Statewide Shared Services Model Duplin County Schools will utilize and align with the following key initiatives/plans to reach for the vision and complete the strategic priorities of our plan... ACRE By participating in the shared services model offerings, our LEA/Charter will better prepare for the transition to online assessments, digital textbooks and universal access to personal teaching devices. Career and College Ready, Set, Go! Put more technology into the hands of students and teachers to increase individualized learning options. Race to the Top Local and State Scopes of Work (A)(2) 5.2.1 – Duplin County Schools will align its technology plan with the state blueprint. DCS will implement the blueprint and provide training and support for all required technology systems. DCS will also revert its required amount of $278,971 in support of the NC Cloud.
Duplin County Schools Strategic Plan 5.2.1.2 Each school will develop a School Technology Plan which aligns to the DCS strategic plan 5.1.1.1 Align all budgets to the strategic plan
1. Statewide Shared Services Model
Yearly Evaluation Year 1 Year 2 Suggested Goals/Targets Evaluation July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015 July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 DPI Use Method(s) Provide equitable and DCS personalized digital DCS personalized digital learning Planning Team additional access to mobile learning Planning Team will Planning Team will continue to agendas devices continue to meet to develop plans meet to develop plans for Purchase Orders for implementation of a implementation of a personalized Distribution personalized digital learning digital learning program Plan/Timeline program
11 Implement and distribute devices Expand and distribute mobile for a personalized digital learning device to targeted group of pilot in Pre-K – K students in a personalized digital
Continue to provide funding for Continue to provide funding for digital video content for all digital video content for all schools schools
Reduce operating costs by The Technology Department will The Technology Department will Departmental facilitating a more strategic participate in the annual budget participate in the annual budget Budgets, budgeting model planning process facilitating a planning process facilitating a Grant Budgets, more strategic budgeting model more strategic budgeting model Budget Meeting utilizing blended funding and utilizing blended funding and Agendas, reducing isolated programmatic reducing isolated programmatic Meeting
12 spending to ensure equitable spending to ensure equitable Agendas, technology sustainability in all technology sustainability in all Purchase Orders, schools. schools. Technology
Promote/maintain innovative Investigate the feasibility of state With a positive outcome of the Filter Report funding model by utilizing filter for web content filter feasibility study, 100% of traffic Feasibility NCEdCloud offerings and
13 funding. funding. Attend state-wide meetings to Attend state-wide meetings to understand changes in guidelines understand changes in guidelines and to utilize eRate discounts for and to utilize eRate discounts for instruction programs instruction programs
Purchase/install new layer 3 Purchase/install new layer 3 Purchase orders POE+ switches and new VM POE+ switches and new VM ready servers ready servers
Purchase and install additional Purchase and install additional wireless arrays and necessary wireless arrays and necessary cabling to improve wireless cabling to improve wireless density to support a personalized density to support a personalized digital learning environment in digital learning environment in all all schools schools
Purchase, install and implement Purchase, install and implement the use of distance learning video the use of distance learning video conferencing equipment conferencing equipment
14 Continue to utilize NCREN Continue to utilize NCREN Provide reliable Internet Internet Access Internet Access Access at a low cost
Provide a reliable Wide Area Continue to support the use of Continue to support the use of Purchase Orders Network (WAN) and Network Operating system for Network Operating system for Microsoft EES applications Apple and PC devices Apple and PC devices Agreement
Investigate an off-site disaster Implement an off-site disaster Evaluation recovery solution recovery solution Rubric, Purchase
15 Strategic Priority 2: Universal Access to Personal Teaching and Learning Devices Essential Questions What is universal access to personal teaching and learning devices? Why do our teachers and students need access to personal teaching and learning devices? How will we provide ample access to individual teaching and learning devices? What models can be used for implementing universal access to personal teaching and learning devices in our LEA/Charter.
Current Status and Moving Forward
Universal access to personal teaching and learning devices refers to a computing device assigned to all members of the school body. A personal device could be a laptop, tablet or any mobile device with internet connectivity.
We have reached the goal of providing all administrators and certified staff with an up to date and reliable device. Currently, the DCS student/mobile device ratio is 4.9 students per mobile device. In an effort to provide equitable distribution to all of our schools, we have developed a technology sustainability plan that will ensure that schools at least maintain the minimal technology recommendations for the classroom setting, which includes an interactive whiteboard, projector, laptop, and two desktops. Clearly, there is much work to be done to reach the goal of one device per student. There has been much research conducted on the effectiveness of personalized digital learning programs. The North Carolina State Technology Plan emphasizes that student scores are increased, students collaborate more, and there is a dramatic increase in technology use by teachers and students in schools where ALL have access to a personal device. It is evident that access to a personal device for all teachers and students is a necessity to prepare students for learning and working in a 21st Century society. As North Carolina moves to on-line assessments and requires the use of digital resources, it is imperative that every student and teacher has a personal learning device.
Duplin County has a wireless communication device policy to allow personal wireless device use for instructional purposes. This has made resources available to more students. However, due to the minimal number of students with personal devices, there has been little impact. Network security is vital; therefore, we segment our current guest wireless network into a separate wireless VLAN. While allowing personal wireless devices is a step in the right direction, it is still essential that we work to ensure ALL students have access to a device.
Duplin County Schools has worked with the Golden Leaf Foundation and the William and Ida Friday Institute and has developed a digital personalized learning plan following the North Carolina Learning Technology Initiative (NCLTI) framework. Research shows that in order to effectively implement personalized digital learning initiative, teachers must fully embrace and understand effective technology integration; therefore, Duplin County is providing teachers with an Apple mobile device and professional development.
16 A successful personalized digital learning initiative depends upon having highly qualified technology facilitators and technicians in the schools. Duplin County currently employs two technology facilitators for the entire district. As we move forward with our personalized digital learning initiative, we must hire additional technology facilitators and technicians.
17 Alignment to Other Plans and Initiatives: Strategic Priority 2: Universal Access to Personal Teaching and Learning Devices Duplin County Schools will utilize and align with the following key initiatives/plans to reach for the vision and complete the strategic priorities of our plan... ACRE Create a comprehensive, customized professional development system to provide teachers and administrators with the skills and understandings needed to use data to inform instructional practice and make formative assessments a daily practice in the classroom. Update the analysis of the technology infrastructure needed to support a 21st century curriculum and assessment system and to move additional testing to appropriate technology formats. Career and College Ready, Set, Go! Increase virtual learning opportunities so every child no matter where they live can reach his or her potential. Put more technology into the hands of students and teachers to increase individualized learning options. Race to the Top Local and State Scopes of Work (A)(2) 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 - Duplin County Schools will align its technology plan with the State Blueprint. (C)(3) 1.2 – Duplin County Schools will upgrade its “Internet pipeline” to 1GB to increase access for online real-time assessments in each school. -Duplin County Schools will upgrade network wiring from CAT5 to CAT6 cabling. -Duplin County Schools will upgrade network switches to increase Internet speed and access. (D)(5) 1.1 – Duplin County Schools will create and distribute a calendar that embeds key RttT deadlines and all professional development opportunities and post the calendar on the district website.
Duplin County Strategic Plan: 4.1.3.3—Secure funding to provide a one-to-one initiative for all students. 5.2.2.1 – Continue to utilize available funding to train all staff 5.2.2.2 – Pursue avenues to provide on-site instructional technology assistants
Priority 2: Universal Access to Personal Teaching and Learning Devices Goals should be precise and measurable. See notes/guidelines regarding evaluation.
Suggested Goals/Targets Year 1 Year 2 Yearly Evaluation July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015 July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 Evaluation DPI Use
18 Method(s) Develop a comprehensive Using NCDPI, NCLTI and other Using NCDPI, NCLTI and other Sustainability sustainable LEA plan for resources, develop a resources, develop a sustainability Plan universal access. Resources: sustainability plan using local, plan using local, state and federal Budget NCDPI, NCLTI, Educator state and federal dollars for the dollars for the district that will documents Recruitment & Development, district that will allow for allow for increased universal and District & School increased universal access to access to personal devices Transformation personal devices
DCS personalized digital DCS personalized digital learning Meeting agendas learning Planning Team will Planning Team will continue to and minutes continue to meet to develop plans meet to develop plans for for implementation of a implementation of a personalized personalized digital learning digital learning initiative initiative
Deploy Apple devices to all Purchase orders, teachers deployment plan
Continue development of Continue development of Professional professional development plan professional development plan development
19 Provide Professional Provide Professional Professional Development on strategies for Development on strategies for development plan effective technology integration effective technology integration and agendas
Employ 2 additional technology Employ 2 additional technology Human Resource facilitators and 1 additional facilitators and 1 additional documents technician technician
Investigate interactive display Continue to investigate interactive Product options to replace and/or update display options to replace and/or materials, SMART interactive update SMART interactive Demonstration whiteboard/projector systems. whiteboard/projector systems and notes,
20 computers with personal learning computers with personal learning purchase orders, devices devices Personalized
Distribution of carts of devices Distribution of carts of devices for student use at school for student use at school
Utilize Personal Learning Purchase additional wireless Purchase additional wireless Purchase orders Devices to promote student arrays to ensure 100% coverage arrays to ensure 100% coverage owned learning.
Continue to utilize Edmodo and Continue to utilize Edmodo and Homebase implement HomeBase implement HomeBase Professional professional development plan professional development plan for development for utilization of PowerSchool, utilization of PowerSchool, plan, prior SchoolNet LMS, OpenClass, SchoolNet LMS, OpenClass, Test approval forms, Test Nav, and Truenorthlogic Nav, and Truenorthlogic evaluation forms professional development professional development offerings offerings
21 Strategic Priority 3: Statewide Access to Digital Teaching and Learning Resources, Including Digital Textbooks
Essential Questions What are digital teaching and learning resources? What are digital textbooks? Why do teachers and students need access to digital teaching and learning devices? What are the benefits of digital textbooks? What are open educational resources and how can they is used? How can access to these resources be increased in our LEA?
Current Status and Moving Forward
While personal devices for each teacher and student are important, those devices are powerless without adequate access to digital resources. In the past, digital resources were purchased and installed on computers. Currently, digital resources such as, NC Wise Owl, SuccessMaker, Home Base’s SchoolNet and OpenClass, Follett eBooks, Turnitin, and News in Education are available on the Internet and are accessible on laptops, tablets, and smart phones. These resources provide research tools, databases, periodicals, encyclopedias, electronic books and multimedia curriculum support.
Duplin County Schools’ children were born since the beginning of the “information age.” Digital music and media delivered through portable devices is the norm for these students. It is vital that 20th Century teaching and learning tools are not used to teach these 21st Century students. Information and technology changes so quickly that it is important that we have resources that can keep up with those changes. Access to resources allows for the development of a digital personalized learning environment in which students are active participants in their learning.
Digital textbooks allow for continual updates as well as differentiated instruction. Digital texts can be tailored to the learner. Additionally, digital textbooks are cost effective because they are not lost, damaged nor become obsolete requiring replacement. Therefore, Duplin County Schools will investigate the implementation of digital text, while continuing to encourage the use of digital resources offered through LearnNC and NC Homebase. In order for this to be effective, students must have adequate access to devices, which is an area that needs improvement.
Duplin County has purchased a district eBook collection for equitable access by all schools. The eBooks have been well received and plans are to continue to increase the eShelf, as well as provide professional development on effective utilization of these resources. As Duplin County moves forward with a personalized digital learning initiative, classroom use of the eBooks will increase and additional purchases will be made.
21 It is important that ALL teachers and students have access to valuable digital content. Duplin County has purchased and installed a district-wide video distribution system and digital content to afford all schools the opportunity to have access. In order to facilitate it’s use, professional development will continue as well as support to renew the digital content subscription.
In addition to procuring resources, Duplin County Schools has also developed curriculum guides and resources. The curriculum guides and resources are aligned specifically to the Common Core and Essential Standards. Professional learning communities are being utilized to promote the use of these resources, as well as add additional content.
22 Alignment to Other Plans and Initiatives: Strategic Priority 3: Statewide Access to Digital Teaching and Learning Resources, Including Digital Textbooks Duplin County Schools will utilize and align with the following key initiatives/plans to reach for the vision and complete the strategic priorities of our plan... ACRE Update the analysis of the technology infrastructure needed to support a 21st century curriculum and assessment system and to move additional testing to appropriate technology formats. Leverage resources and tools to develop globally competitive lifelong learners. Furnish educators the means to promote and sustain skills and professional standards needed for 21st century delivery of instruction. Foster and sustain state, national and international partnerships for innovative change.
Career and College Ready, Set, Go! Increase virtual learning opportunities so every child no matter where they live can reach his or her potential. Put more technology into the hands of students and teachers to increase individualized learning options. Race to the Top Local and State Scopes of Work (A)(2) 3.1 – Duplin County Schools will align its technology plan with the State Blueprint. (B)(3) 1.1 – Duplin County Schools will provide a high school achievement coach and a K-8 achievement coach to provide professional development to teachers related to the Common Core/New Essential Standards and college and career readiness. Coaches will be based at a school within the district but will serve all schools.
Duplin County Schools Strategic Plan 4.1.3.3 – Secure funding to provide a one-to-one initiative for all students
3: Statewide Access to Digital Teaching and Learning Resources, Including Digital Textbooks
Yearly Evaluation Year 1 Year 2 Suggested Goals/Targets Evaluation July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015 July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 DPI Use Methods(s)
23 Shift from traditional print and Model use of Google Apps for Model use of Google Apps for Copier count paper-based resources to Education for collaboration and Education for collaboration and Paper purchases affordable, current online sharing among all employees sharing among all employees Meeting agenda resources from administrators to teachers from administrators to teachers
Continue to provide professional Continue to provide professional Professional development on the use of Follett development on the use of Follett development eBooks and News in Education eBooks and News in Education in plan, agendas in the classroom. the classroom.
Continue to provide professional Continue to provide professional Professional development on the use of development on the use of development Turnitin.com for evaluating and Turnitin.com for evaluating and plan, agendas improving student writing. improving student writing.
24 SuccessMaker On-line learning SuccessMaker On-line learning SuccessMaker system and NC’s Home Base for system and NC’s Home Base for data reports, aligned content and common aligned content and common Home Base data assessments assessments reports
Provide schools with information Provide schools with information DCS Common and training on resources, such as and training on resources, such as Core & Essential the district developed curriculum the district developed curriculum Standards guides and resources, which can guides and resources, which can Curriculum be aligned with their school be aligned with their school Guides improvement plans to meet the improvement plans to meet the needs of their student population. needs of their student population.
Investigate the implementation of Implement a pilot digital textbook Meeting agendas digital textbooks to replace program while continuing to and minutes, traditional print textbooks. investigate digital textbooks for purchase orders 25 Instructional Technology Instructional Technology Facilitators> Facilitators> Continue to purchase digital Continue to purchase digital Purchase Order video subscription video subscription 26 Strategic Priority 4: A Statewide Model of Technology-Enabled Professional Development Essential Questions What skills are needed to transition to digital teaching and learning resources? How can these skills be delivered and sustained to our LEA teachers and administrators? How do teachers, administrators, and staff work with colleagues to guide our LEA toward more effective uses of 21st Century tools for teaching, learning, and managing instruction? How are teachers, administrators, and staff prepared to understand, implement, and assess the span of skills and processes that students need to succeed in the 21st Century? How are teachers, administrators, and staff prepared to apply 21st Century assessment systems to inform instruction and measure 21st Century knowledge, skills, performance, and dispositions? Current Status and Moving Forward Teachers must be proficient using technology for the transition to digital teaching and learning to take place. Technology enabled teachers equals technology enabled students. To ensure all Duplin County Schools teachers have the technology skills necessary and are knowledgeable about technology infused instructional design, a technology embedded professional development plan must be in place. Technology professional development no longer means learning technology “skills” in isolation. A more integrated approach must be used for teachers to better understand how to encourage 21st century skills through digital teaching and learning. Duplin County personnel currently receive professional development through a variety of resources including state and national conferences, on-line courses provided locally and by outside agencies, IHE/graduate-level courses, one-on-one instruction, and system-level face-to-face and on-line training opportunities. In order to customize professional development to meet the needs of our teachers, a needs assessment survey is conducted annually. Course evaluations are completed at the end of all locally offered courses. LoFTI (Looking for Technology Integration) evaluations have been conducted as a means of determining if current professional development transitions to classroom use. While course evaluations are excellent and teacher enthusiasm is high, LoFTI survey data indicates that much improvement is needed when it comes to teachers transitioning the strategies learned in technology professional development into embedded teacher and student use. Evaluation of IMPACT Model Schools indicates that teachers in schools with technology facilitators who model technology use for teachers and provide follow-up support use technology for instruction more effectively. Currently, Duplin County Schools only funds two technology facilitators for the entire district. These positions are responsible for providing professional development to all teachers and administrators and support active integration of technological resources in Duplin County. There is little time for follow-up support. Clearly, lessons learned 27 from the IMPACT Model schools are important guidelines for designing and implementing technology-enabled professional development that prepare teachers for utilizing digital tools and resources. It is imperative that moving forward Duplin County works toward employing one technology facilitator per school. Duplin County Schools has developed a Home Base deployment plan, as well as vanguard teams to assist in providing quality professional development to all staff members in the use of all components of NC Home Base. Emphasis will be placed on using the integrated instructional solution portions of NC Home Base to utilize data for improving instruction and student learning. Also, continued professional development will be needed to ensure successful implementation of the NC Educator Evaluation System through Truenorthlogic. NC DPI has developed new standards, job descriptions and evaluation tools for media coordinators and technology facilitators. These standards have been implemented, but will require ongoing training and support. At the focus of the new standards is the need for media coordinators and technology facilitators to be utilized to provide instructional support instead of release time for the teaching staff. Unfortunately, in Duplin County Schools many media coordinators are not being utilized effectively. There is much opportunity for growth in this area with more professional development necessary. Additionally, media coordinators and technology facilitators must provide the first level of professional development training at the school level in integrating the Information and Technology Essential Standards into the Common Core and other Essential Standard areas. Finally, as Duplin County Schools embarks on a personalized digital learning initiative, professional development will be critical to its success. As evidenced in both the IMPACT Model Schools initiative and the NCLTI Framework, the media coordinators and technology facilitators are the keys and must be available in all schools. Our goal is to employ one instructional technology facilitator per school. It is crucial to have an instructional technology facilitator in each school during the transformation to a blended digital teaching and learning environment. 28 Alignment to Other Plans and Initiatives: Strategic Priority 4: A Statewide Model of Technology-Enabled Professional Development Duplin County Schools will utilize and align with the following key initiatives/plans to reach for the vision and complete the strategic priorities of our plan... ACRE Create a comprehensive, customized professional development system to provide teachers and administrators with the skills and understandings needed to use data to inform instructional practice and make formative assessments a daily practice in the classroom. Career and College Ready, Set, Go! Race to the Top Local and State Scopes of Work (A)(2) Eval 1.1: DCS will put two and a half Leadership/Achievement Coaches in place to provide professional development for principals, schools, and central office staff on the Common Core/New Essential Standards, analysis of data, and the district early college initiative. (B)(3) 1.1: DCS will provide a high school achievement coach and a K-8 achievement coach to provide professional development to teachers related to the Common Core/New Essential Standards and college and career readiness. Coaches will be based at a school within the district but will serve all schools. ©(3)1.1: DCS will create a transition plan as part of the overall county professional development plan for schools to begin using the online IIS for the 2012-2013 school year. DCS will provide IIS training to new staff members in subsequent years. (D)(5)1.1: DCS will create and distribute a calendar that embeds key RttT deadlines and all professional development opportunities and post the calendar on the district website. DCS will join the Southeast Education Alliance (RESA) and utilize their resources to provide targeted professional development to teachers and administrators (D)(5)1.2: DCS will investigate and implement a professional development evaluation system. DCS Strategic Plan 5.2.2.1: Continue to utilize available funding to train all staff 5.2.2.2: Pursue avenues to provide on-site instructional technology assistance for each school 5.2.2.3: Continue to attend local, state and national technology conferences to stay abreast of new technology trends in education 29 4: A Statewide Model of Technology-Enabled Professional Development Yearly Evaluation Year 1 Year 2 Suggested Goals/Targets Evaluation July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015 July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 DPI Use Method(s) Implement a plan for DCS will continue to develop a DCS will continue to develop a Technology embedded technology-enabled technology professional technology professional Professional professional development for development plan to provide development plan to provide Development teachers and administrators. inquiry-based learning, higher inquiry-based learning, higher Plan, agendas, order thinking, constructivism, order thinking, constructivism, STNA and and or application that include and or application that include LoFTI surveys technology integration and best technology integration and best practices in a technology enabled practices in a technology enabled environment. environment. 30 Professional development DCS will provide PD for Google DCS will provide PD for Google plan, agendas, Apps for Education, Web 2.0 Apps for Education, Web 2.0 STNA and Tools, Apple iOS and OSX, Tools, Apple iOS and OSX, LoFTI surveys Safari Montage, and SMART Safari Montage, and SMART Software Software Offer Intel Teach professional Offer Intel Teach professional Agendas, development opportunities development opportunities attendance through NCDPI Digital Teaching through NCDPI Digital Teaching records and Learning Division and Learning Division 31 Require school administrators to Require school administrators to SIT membership include the media coordinators include the media coordinators lists, SIT and/or technology representatives and/or technology representatives minutes, School on the school improvement team on the school improvement team Improvement (SIT) to initiate reform. (SIT) to initiate reform. Plan Instructional Technology Instructional Technology NC Home Base Facilitators will continue to Facilitators will continue to Deployment provide training for NC Home provide training for NC Home Plan, agendas, Base implementation to vanguard Base implementation to vanguard attendance team. team. rosters 32 Director of Technology, Director of Technology, Instructional Technology Instructional Technology Facilitators, Vanguard Team> Facilitators, Vanguard Team> Provide support for teacher The LEA will provide the The LEA will provide the support Agendas, and administrator progress support necessary for the use of necessary for the use of evaluation and evaluation according to NC Truenorthlogic for the evaluation Truenorthlogic for the evaluation reports professional standards. of all certified personnel of all certified personnel according to the NC professional according to the NC professional standards. standards. 33 Strategic Priority 5: 21st Century Leadership for All Schools and Districts Essential Questions Are your LEA/Charter leaders prepared to lead and create a vision for 21st century education? Are mechanisms in place for school leaders to create 21st century learning cultures? Are professional growth programs/opportunities available to prepare teachers and administrators to lead 21st century learning environments? Current Status/Moving Forward It is the goal of Duplin County Schools to ensure students receive a 21st Century education. A 21st Century education is one that prepares students to work in a high-tech environment and a global economy. To achieve this goal, we must have classrooms with 21st Century equipment, as well as teachers and administrators with 21st Century leadership skills. To create a 21st Century education environment, it is necessary to have leadership that encourages growth and provides avenues for change. Part of this growth includes producing globally aware administrators and globally competitive students. Over the past year Duplin County has implemented several avenues for leadership (board members, administrators, principals, and teachers) to explore and embrace other educational systems. We know one-third of the residents in our county earn a yearly median income of $16,679 or less. The majority of our county’s population has neither a high school diploma nor any college- level certification or degree. As a school system, Duplin County Schools decided it was past time for a change. We knew we had to act swiftly, boldly, and with a purpose. As a result, we researched best practices and adopted a District-Wide Early College approach to college and career excellence. Well into our third year of implementation, we are truly seeing a much-needed shift in the approach our administration, teachers, and staff are taking to ensure success for all children. This educational transformation includes a change in climate and a change in rigor. Our superintendent, Dr. Austin Obasohan, put it very well saying, “As educators we have made a professional and a moral commitment to serve our children and our community. We are determined to ensure college, career, and life success for every child in Duplin County. Their job is to dream their dreams. Our job is to make their dreams come true.” Duplin County Schools has partnered with a number of outside agencies to increase leadership capacity at all levels of the organization. Agencies include but are not limited to: The North Carolina New Schools Project, The North Carolina Jobs Commission, Jobs for the Future, East Carolina Workforce Development, STEM East, The William and Ida Friday Institute, and the Golden LEAF Foundation. These particular organizations are working with Duplin County to build leadership capacity within schools to create more opportunities for ALL students. An integral part of these partnerships is integrating and utilizing 21st Century technology to its fullest potential. This includes the possibility of distance learning capabilities, transition to a personalized digital learning environment, on-line learning and effective use of instructional 34 technology. While we have made the commitment to improve in these areas, there is still much work to be done before we are fully operational in all areas. It is very important to continually update policies and procedures to support the work of 21st Century teaching and learning environments. Duplin County Schools has worked with the State Board Association to update and revise all polices to ensure that they are current and consistent with state law and best practices. It is clear that Duplin County Schools has the vision for a 21st Century educational system. It is necessary that this momentum continue. Leadership and collaboration will be required among many constituencies to ensure that this learning environment is cultivated including 21st Century technology skills and practices. 35 Alignment to Other Plans and Initiatives: Strategic Priority 5: 21st Century Leadership for All Schools and Districts Duplin County Schools will utilize and align with the following key initiatives/plans to reach for the vision and complete the strategic priorities of our plan... ACRE Create a comprehensive, customized professional development system to provide teachers and administrators with the skills and understandings needed to use data to inform instructional practice and make formative assessments a daily practice in the classroom Career and College Ready, Set, Go! Increase the use of technology for providing professional development opportunities for teachers Race to the Top Local and State Scopes of Work (A)(2)EVAL 1.1- 5.1.1 Duplin County Schools will participate in the evaluation of the RttT initiatives as requested and use resulting data and conclusions to improve effectiveness. (D)(1) 1.2- 2.1 DCS will partner with Regional Alternative Learning Center (RALC) to provide an alternative route for licensure. (D)(1)1.1- 2.1 DCS will partner with ECU and UNC-W to provide teaching candidates for high-need schools. (D)(1) Objective 2.1 – 2:1 DCS will provide incentives such as tuition reimbursement to increase teacher certification in shortage areas and to support dual certification where appropriate. DCS Strategic Plan 2.1.1.1 – Retain and hire highly qualified teachers and principals, using district guidelines 2.1.1.2 – Hold all employees to high expectations and support them in meeting those expectations 2.1.1.4 – Collaborate with universities and colleges to recruit highly qualified principals, teachers and personnel into our system who mirror the demographics of our communities 2.1.1.5—Continue to offer incentives/supplements to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers, principals and personnel 2.1.2.2—Professional Learning Communities will provide opportunities for county-wide collaboration both vertically and horizontally 36 Yearly Evaluation Year 1 Year 2 Suggested Goals/Targets Evaluation July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015 July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 DPI Use Method(s) Create 21st century learning Teachers will demonstrate 21st Teachers will demonstrate 21st Truenorthlogic cultures century skills proficiency as century skills proficiency as Evaluations evidenced by NC Professional evidenced by NC Professional Teaching Standards Evaluation Teaching Standards Evaluation with Truenorthlogic with Truenorthlogic Continue to implement and Continue to implement and Wireless support a BYOD and technology support a BYOD and technology Communication enabled learning environment enabled learning environment Device Policy, School administrators will School administrators will Professional continue to provide professional continue to provide professional Development development opportunities that development opportunities that Plan, School promote 21st century learning promote 21st century learning Improvement skills as evidenced in their school skills as evidenced in their school Plans, Principal improvement plans. improvement plans. Meeting Agendas < Assistant Superintendent for < Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Curriculum and Instruction, School Administrators, School School Administrators, School Improvement Team > Improvement Team > 37 Provide monthly PD for Provide monthly PD for Professional principals and assistant principals principals and assistant principals Development infused with technology infused with technology Plan, 38 NC Home Base Current Status/Moving Forward Duplin County Schools has developed and implemented a roll out plan for utilizing all of the components of North Carolina’s Home Base Instructional Improvement and Student Information System within the district. During the spring of 2013, district leaders and designees attended informational and training sessions on PowerSchool and SchoolNet. Data managers and school counselors also received extensive training on managing student data within PowerSchool. Prior to the start of the 2013-2014 school year, Instructional Technology Facilitators developed and provided training to PowerSchool vanguard teams. The teams were comprised of select teachers from each school. Utilizing the train the trainer approach, a training timeline was developed and employed to ensure that all certified teachers were trained on the teacher components of PowerSchool. The vanguard teams at each school will continue to provide training and support for existing and new employees in the upcoming school years. District instructional technology facilitators will periodically conduct follow-up training and support for the vanguard teams. Additionally, the human resources department organized and delivered training to school administrators on the use of Truenorthlogic to complete the North Carolina educator evaluations. School administration was then charged to provide certified teachers with training on the utilization of Truenorthlogic to complete the teacher components. As additional support staff evaluation instruments are added to Truenorthlogic, the human resources department will ensure that support staff will receive training and support in the implementation. During the fall of 2013, district leaders and designees received training on SchoolNet and OpenClass. Use of SchoolNet and OpenClass was optional during the 2013 – 2014 school year. A plan has been developed for training teachers during the spring of 2014. As teachers begin to utilize SchoolNet and OpenClass, the feasibility of its purchase in the future will be determined. The district has identified funds to support the purchase of SchoolNet and OpenClass if found feasible for the 2014 – 2015 school year. The current plan for the 2014 – 2015 school year is for teachers to use all resources in SchoolNet for benchmarking and lesson planning. District administrators, school administrators, support staff, and teachers have been utilizing the online training resources through PowerSource. They will be encouraged to continue to use these resources in addition to the formal training they will receive for Home Base. Plans will be developed for the deployment, training, and support of TestNav as this component for Home Base is released. 40 Appendix A: Policies and Procedures Duplin County Schools Technology Plan Policy, Procedure, & Guidelines Implementation Chart Policies, Procedures, & Guidelines LEA LEA Policy Adoption, Code or Implementati Procedure on or Revision Date Policies Required A. Materials Selection Policy including internet resources (GS §115c-98(b)) 3200 4/2013 B. Disposal of Equipment / Replacement of Obsolete Equipment (GS §115c-518) 6560 6/2012 C. Hardware and Software Procurement (GS § 115c-522, 115c-522.1) 6430 6/2012 D. Copyright and Plagiarism Policy (PL §94-553, 90 Stat. 2541), 3230/7330 06/2012 E. Acceptable Use Policy (PL §106-554) 3225/4312/7320 4/2013 F. Equipment/Materials Donation Policy (GS §115C-518) 8220 6/2012 G. Data Privacy Policy (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99 (FERPA)) 4705/7825 4/2013 H. Inventory Control Policy (GS §115c-539, 115c-102.6A-C(5)) 8350 6/2012 I. Access to Services Policy (GS §115c-106.2) 4001 4/2013 J. Online Assessment and Instruction Policy 3102 /3410 8/2013 K. Advertising and Commercialism Policy (GS §115c-98) 5240 6/2012 L. Procurement and Gift Policy 8220 6/2012 L. Internet Safety and Ethical Use including Cyberbullying and Harassment ( Protecting Children in the 21 st Century Act, CIPA, FERPA,GS 115C-407) 3226/4205 4/2013 M. Wireless Communication Device Policy 4318 9/2011 Procedures A. Hardware and Software Deployment 3220 6/2012 B. Equipment maintenance and repairs 6510 4/2013 C. Outdated Resources and Equipment Replacement 6560 6/2012 D. Disaster Recovery of Data and Hardware 6524 6/2012 E. Administration of Online Courses F. Administration of Online Assessment Guidelines A. Policy Translation 4003 6/2012 B. Use of Digital Media and Resources 3220 6/2012 C. Instructional Use of Videos 3220 6/2012 D. Development of Online Resources 3220 6/2012 41