Truro Central School
Truro, Massachusetts

Long Range Technology Plan
2006-2011

Approved by TCS School Committee May 21, 2007

Introduction

Truro Central School is committed to developing and maintaining a technology program that is integrated into individual classrooms and the school in general.  Teachers have the opportunity and are encouraged to use technology to improve teaching and learning, understanding that technology complements successful teaching methods.  Students are both motivated and challenged when current, appropriate technology is available to them.  The goal is for students to become proficient in using multiple technology tools and to learn how to apply their knowledge to learning other curriculum concepts as defined in the Recommended PK-12 Instructional Technology Standards and Science Technology/Engineering Standards.

We will use the following implementation strategies to confirm our commitment to a clear vision and progression to an Advanced Level of Progress as defined by the Massachusetts School Technology and Readiness (STaR) guidelines,

• Overall Goals and Implementation Strategies
• Professional Development
• Needs Assessment
• Current technology
• Future technology
• Budget
• Evaluation

The Overall Goals and subsequent strategies of the Technology Plan align with both the TCS School Improvement Plan and the Massachusetts Instructional Technology Standards.

School Improvement Plan

The 2006-2007 Truro Central School School Improvement Plan calls for the following activities to address Focus Area IV. (Technology) and its Improvement Objective (to maintain and develop technology instruction and support as an integrated component of a total school program):

• Upgrade the school website
• Implement the recommendations outlined in the Truro Central School Technology Plan
• Begin to develop an electronic, online system of daily notice distribution and report card access for teachers

The 2007-2008 Truro Central School School Improvement Plan (DRAFT) calls for the following activities to address Focus Area IV. (Technology) and its Improvement Objective (to maintain and develop technology instruction and support as an integrated component of a total school program):

• Consistent updates of school website on the classroom level to include daily posting of homework, projects, assignments, etc.
• Implement the recommendations of the Technology Plan
• Continue to develop an electronic, online system of daily notice distribution and report card access for teachers

 

Massachusetts Instructional Technology Standards

Standard 1.  Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers and applications as well as an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity.

Grades PreK – 4

Students at Truro Central School engage in a variety of developmentally appropriate activities and lessons that allow them to explore technological concepts and skills.  This foundation is built using our Computer Lab and its hardware.  Yearly upgrades of desktops and peripherals is essential to accommodate rapidly changing technologies and allows for the redistribution of current hardware and peripherals into individual classrooms.  Students begin to study correct keyboarding skills in Grade 3.  Programs in the Microsoft Office package are utilized in a variety of ways that help students gain proficient knowledge in basic skills that will assist them with subsequent higher order concepts in Grades 5 and 6.  The ability to demonstrate and engage students in the introduction of skills is greatly enhanced through the acquisition of a SmartBoard and related peripherals. 

Grades 5 and 6

Students continue to hone their skills and acquire a more advanced and sophisticated understanding of technology through their ability to demonstrate what they know.  Knowledge and use of additional peripheral devices as well as platforms is broadened during fifth and sixth grades.  (Sixth grade currently uses a Mac platform in the classroom through wireless laptops.)  A wireless school as well as adding Windows-based laptops and SmartBoards to some classrooms each year, will allow teachers in Grades 4 and 5 to prepare students for the independent work that is expected in Grade 6.

Standard 2.  Demonstrate responsible use of technology and an understanding of ethics and safety issues in using electronic media.

 

Grades PreK – 4

Truro Central School students are introduced to the rules for responsible use of computers, ethics and respect for property.  Developmentally appropriate, teacher-guided research is introduced both using the SmartBoard for large group instruction as well as in the Computer Lab for individual projects.  Frequent, if not daily use of computers is practiced at this grade level.  A week-long, intensive unit on Internet Safety is taught during September with information disseminated to families.  Review of this material is presented throughout the school year.

Grades 5 and 6

Use of media and technology is increased to include multiple sessions on a daily basis.  Students at these grade levels are given assignments that require more independent research using the Internet and as such, are given more specific and rigorous instruction regarding Internet Safety and adherence to the school’s Acceptable Use Policy.  It is during Grades 4 -6 that students begin to embrace technology as a necessary tool in our society and are given monitored freedom to utilize it.  Both the Computer Lab and classroom computer stations play an integral part in this equation.


Standard 3.   Demonstrate ability to use technology for research, problem-solving, and
communication.  Students locate, evaluate, collect and process information from a variety of electronic sources.  Students use telecommunications and other media to interact or collaborate with peers, experts, and other audiences.

 

Grades PreK – 4

After receiving instruction regarding safe use of web-based technologies, Truro Central School students are given the opportunity to explore their world using a variety of media.  Computers are used for research; to practice standards-based concepts in all academic areas; and to collaborate with other students and teachers using our school network.   Continuous upgrades in the Computer Lab as well as the continued development of a wireless school will result in more frequent and higher quality instruction, process of learning and eventual product.

Grades 5 and 6

Further development of initial skills will continue in Grades 5 and 6.  Use of a fully wireless classroom in Grade 6, and eventually partial wireless classroom capability in Grades 4 and 5 will prepare students for the higher expectations in Grade 6, will allow students to successfully find, evaluate and process information.  Hardware and software upgrades outlined in our Technology Plan will provide students and teachers with the necessary tools to meet the Instructional Technology Standards, especially Standard 3, which requires that students integrate skills acquired in Standards 1 and 2 to effectively solve problems and communicate with others.

Truro Central School
5 Year Technology Plan   
2006-2011
                                                                                                                                                                    Approved 5/21/2007
PRIMARY GOALS

	2006-2007	2007-2008	2008-2009	2009-2010	2010-2011
Computers/ Hardware	Upgrade Lab computers (11) Laptops (2)	Upgrade computers (priority order) 8 Lab with sound card Add laptops   Upgrade school server	Upgrade computers Lab (circulate current Lab computers to classrooms) Mac station (separate from Lab) Add laptops	Upgrade computers Lab (circulate current Lab computers to classrooms) Add laptops	Upgrade computers Lab (circulate current Lab computers to classrooms) Add laptops
Software	Studio 8 (upgrade Website) G*MADE/GRADE software Kurzweil 3000 Help Me to Learn (ELL)	Follett software (once new server installed)	Begin changeover to Vista New Mac Video/Sound editing software	Finish changeover to Vista
Peripherals	Scanner (Lab) Printers (Grades 2 & 6) 12 Digital Cameras	Printers (priority order) color printer (Lab) B&W laser printer  (Lab) Classrooms (Gr. 5, Media) External speakers (portable Smartboard)	Printers (classrooms)	Printers (classrooms)	Printers (classrooms)
Classroom presentation	Upgrade televisions/ classroom presentation devices	Continue television/ Classroom presentation devices (DVD/VCR player)	Continue television/ Classroom presentation devices (hardmount video projection unit/ SmartBoard-Gr.5)	Continue television/ Classroom presentation devices (hardmount video projection unit/ SmartBoard-Gr 4)	Finish television/ Classroom presentation devices (hardmount video projection unit/ SmartBoard)
Wireless school	Begin Wireless School hub in 6th grade 13 Mac laptops hardmount video projection system	Continue Wireless School Add hubs in: Office Media Center	Upgrade wireless	Upgrade wireless	Completed Wireless School
Virus/SPAM filters	Evaluate and purchase new SPAM filters	Evaluated SPAM filter	Upgrade SPAM filter		Upgrade SPAM filter
Miscellaneous	School Brains	Dedicate 1 computer for video editing

Truro Central School
5 Year Technology Plan
2006-2011
                                                                                                                                                                                              Approved 5/21/2007
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

 

	2006-2007	2007-2008	2008-2009	2009-2010	2010-2011
Teachers	Macromedia Contribute (website-ongoing) Digital Camera class (Fall) School Brains (Spring) MassCUE Conference (2) Cape Cod Collaborative Media Spec Training (1) In-house Tech Tea Use of United Streaming E-SPED (online) Technology Team (3-4)	Macromedia Contribute (website-ongoing) MassONE training MassONE administrator on-line training-summer ‘07 (1) Daily electronic notice system training MassCUE Conference (2) In-house Tech Tea Wireless Technology Team (3-4) School Brains (cont’d)	How to use Vista MassCUE Conference (2) In-house Tech Tea Technology Team (3-4)	Continue Vista training MassCUE Conference (2) In-house Tech Tea Technology Team (3-4)	Proficiency in Vista MassCUE Conference (2) In-house Tech Tea Technology Team (3-4)
SPED	Macromedia Contribute (website-ongoing) Digital Camera class (Fall) School Brains (Spring) In-house Tech Tea E-SPED (online)	Macromedia Contribute (website-ongoing) MassONE training Daily electronic notice system training In-house Tech Tea Wireless	How to use Vista MassCUE Conference (1?) In-house Tech Tea	Continue Vista training MassCUE Conference (1-2) In-house Tech Tea	Proficiency in Vista MassCUE Conference (1-2) In-house Tech Tea
Administration	Macromedia Contribute (website-ongoing) Digital Camera class (Fall) School Brains (Spring) In-house Tech Tea E-SPED (online) Technology Team (1)	Macromedia Contribute (website-ongoing) MassONE training Daily electronic notice system training MassCUE Conference (1?) In-house Tech Tea Wireless Technology Team (1) EPIMS	How to use Vista MassCUE Conference (1?) In-house Tech Tea Technology Team (1)	Continue Vista training MassCUE Conference (1?) In-house Tech Tea Technology Team (1)	Proficiency in Vista MassCUE Conference (1?) In-house Tech Tea Technology Team (1)

*note:  Tech Tea addresses introduction/training in new technologies

 

Truro Central School
5 Year Technology Plan
2006-2011
Approved 5/21/2007

NEEDS ASSESSMENT

	2006-2007	2007-2008	2008-2009	2009-2010	2010-2011
Teachers	Written Survey (needs for 07-08) Meet with Technology Team School Brains evaluation G*MADE / GRADE software evaluation Evaluate SPAM software	Written Survey (needs for 08-09) Meet with Technology Team Evaluate E-SPED, School Brains	Written Survey (needs for 09-10) Meet with Technology Team Begin to evaluate/train Vista	Written Survey (needs for 10-11) Meet with Technology Team	Written Survey Meet with Technology Team
SPED	Written Survey (needs) School Brains evaluation G*MADE / GRADE software evaluation E-SPED (evaluation and training) Evaluate SPAM software	Written Survey (needs for 08-09) Meet with Technology Team Evaluate E-SPED, School Brains	Written Survey (needs for 08-09) Meet with Technology Team	Written Survey (needs for 08-09) Meet with Technology Team	Written Survey (needs for 08-09) Meet with Technology Team
Administration	Written Survey (needs) School Brains evaluation G*MADE / GRADE software evaluation E-SPED (evaluation and training) Evaluate SPAM software	Written Survey (needs for 08-09) Meet with Technology Team Evaluate new server Evaluate E-SPED, School Brains	Written Survey (needs for 09-10) Meet with Technology Team	Written Survey (needs for 10-11) Meet with Technology Team	Written Survey (needs for 11-12) Meet with Technology Team
Families and Students	Computer locations and usage (Title I Needs Assessment survey)	Computer access at home Internet access at home

 

 

Truro Central School
5 Year Technology Plan
2006-2011
                                                                                                                                                                                    Approved 5/21/2007

BUDGET

	2006-2007	2007-2008	2008-2009	2009-2010	2010-2011
Capital Improvement (Town of Truro)	$15,000.	$15,000.	$15,000.	$15,000.	$15,000.
REAPS Grant	$18,575.	Not known
Town approved Budget	$17,545.	$32,565
Other-Grants	$5,720.	Not known
Total	$56,840.

Truro Central School
5 Year Technology Plan
2006-2011
                                                                                                                                                                                    Approved 5/21/2007

EVALUATION

	2006-2007	2007-2008	2008-2009	2009-2010	2010-2011
	Technology Team meets weekly	Technology Team meets weekly	Technology Team meets weekly	Technology Team meets weekly	Technology Team meets weekly
		Evaluate use of dedicated video editing station before purchasing Mac in 08-09	Evaluate Vista
		Evaluate wireless hubs added in Office and Media Center
		Revisit adding SmartBoards and hardmounted video projectors to Grades 5 and 4 in next 2 years
	Review progress of implementation of Technology Plan with School Council and School Committee (revise as needed)	Review progress of implementation of Technology Plan with School Council and School Committee (revise as needed)	Review progress of implementation of Technology Plan with School Council and School Committee (revise as needed)	Review progress of implementation of Technology Plan with School Council and School Committee (revise as needed)	Review progress of implementation of Technology Plan with School Council and School Committee (revise as needed)
	Administer end of year survey	Administer end of year survey	Administer end of year survey	Administer end of year survey	Administer end of year survey