Revere Public Schools Technology Plan 2005-2009

Technology Plan Update for the year through June 2009

Members of the Executive Technology Team

Dr. Paul Dakin, Superintendent

Ms. AnnMarie Costa, Deputy Superintendent

Mr. Phillip Cincotta, Director of Technology and Media

Mr. James Sicuso, Director of Administrative Technology

Mr. Jonathan Ferrara, Network Administrator

Mr. David Kaufman, Web Design Coordinator, Teacher RHS

Stakeholders

Ms. Debra Molle                   Library Media Specialist                 Revere High School

Dr. David DeRuosi              Principal                                              Revere High School

Mr. Frank Cammisa             Supervising Principal                     Revere Public Schools

Ms. Paulette Autori              Assistant Principal                           Garfield School

Mr. Michael Samett              Distance Learning Coordinator    Revere Public Schools

Ms. Maryann Joaquim        Elementary Director                          Revere Public Schools

Ms. Corinne Collar               Director (retired)                                Revere Public Schools

Ms. Maria Mastrocola          ITS Teacher                                       Revere Public Schools

Dr. Grace Healey                  ITS Teacher                                       Revere Public Schools

Ms. Kimberly Talbot            Foreign Language Teacher           Revere High School

Ms. Suzanne Michaud        Home Economics Teacher            Revere High School

Ms. Kathy Kerrins                Elementary Teacher                         McKinley School

Ms. Teresa Incerto               Elementary Teacher                          Paul Revere School

Ms. Eve DeGreco                 Fine Arts Teacher                              Lincoln School

Ms. Sylvia Willis                    Teacher                                               Revere High School  

Ms. Maureen McCarthy       SPED Administrator                          Revere Public Schools

Ms. Karen Agnetta                Fine Arts Director                              Revere Public Schools

Ms. Thavary Ung                   Parent

Ms. Kelly Tata                        Parent

Ms. MaryAnn Silva                Parent

Revere Public Schools Vision

To create a learning environment which promotes educational excellence and high standards, fosters social responsibility, and maximizes each student's learning potential.

Mission

The mission of the Revere Public Schools is to develop literate, responsible citizens who will continue to pursue and to value learning. By establishing a learning partnership among school, home, and community that provides a safe learning environment based on high learning expectations for all, the Revere Public Schools will achieve its goal of preparing students for future success as active and positive contributors in our democratic society and global economy.

District Demographics

District Demographics - Revere

Report Card:
This report includes information on the school's performance on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) by content area, grade level, and for particular student populations. Comparison data from the district, the state, and from 2003 are also provided. In addition, this report includes other information as required by the federal No Child Left Behind act.

Mission Statement:
Our school community is multicultural and diverse. Revere celebrates this rich tapestry of heritage and aspirations and remains united in its efforts to realize the full intellectual, social, and physical potential of every child. In this endeavor, we shall maintain a safe environment that nurtures curiosity, dignity, and the promotion of social responsibility.

School Improvement and Technology Goals 2005-2007

The following goals, which are tied to the District's vision, grade level standards, District Improvement Plan, Technology Plan, and State Frameworks are designed to increase student achievement and enhance teaching and learning through the integration of technology. These goals are the underlying concepts of this technology plan to be in place 2005 through 2007.

1.      Increase student achievement in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.

2.      Research, select and implement technology that supports the Revere Public Schools' curriculum at all levels. 

3.      Test, evaluate, and acquire emerging technologies that assist in the delivery of content through the use of strong visuals.

4.      Expand the integration of technology into district curriculum and classrooms.

5.      Provide ongoing training to update all staff in use, applications, and integration of technology.

6.      Maintain an information-enriched learning environment that will prepare students for life-long learning and the world of work.

7.      Develop and implement a district public relations plan to improve communication, increase parental involvement, and to promote district programs using the WWW, television, and print.

8.      Schedule maintenance, replacement, and upgrades of hardware and software.

9.      Ensure that electronic information requirements of the state and federal government are delivered to the proper agencies using the student information system, and other applications. 

10.  Develop and implement procedures and programs needed to meet the requirements of the "No Child Left Behind" and Title IID.

11.  Work within the district to encourage the adoption of the six benchmarks listed below as described by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

Benchmark 1
Commitment to a Clear Vision and Mission Statement

1. The district's technology plan contains a realistic and clearly stated set of goals and strategies that align with the district-wide school improvement plan. It is committed to achieving its vision by the end of the school year 2006-2007.
2. The district has a technology team with representatives from a variety of stakeholder groups. The technology team has the support of the district leadership team.
3. Budget
1. The district has a budget for its local technology plan with line items for technology in its operational budget.
2. The budget includes staffing, hardware, software, professional development, support, and contracted services.
3. The district leverages the use of federal, state, and private resources.
4. Evaluation
1. The district evaluates the effectiveness of technology resources toward attainment of educational goals on a regular basis. Prior to purchasing the district assesses the products and services that are needed to improve teaching and learning.
2. The district's technology plan includes an evaluation process that enables the district to monitor its progress in achieving its technology goals and to make mid-course corrections in response to new developments and opportunities as they arise.

Benchmark 2
Technology Integration

1. Teacher and Student Use of Technology
1. (a) Outside the Classroom
   At least 85% of teachers use technology everyday, including some of the following areas: lesson planning, administrative tasks, communications, and collaboration. Teachers share information about technology uses with their colleagues.
   (b) Within the Classroom
   At least 85% of teachers use technology appropriately with students each week, including some of the following areas: research, multimedia, simulations, data interpretation, communications, and collaboration.
2. At least 85% of students from grades 5 to 8 show proficiency in all the Massachusetts Recommended PreK-12 Instructional Technology Standards for Grades 5 to 8.
3. At least 90% of teachers are working to meet the proficiency level in technology, and by the school year 2006-2007, 60% of teachers will have reached the proficiency level as defined by the Massachusetts Technology Self-Assessment Tool (TSAT)².
4. The district has a CIPA -compliant Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) regarding Internet use.
2. Staffing
1. The district has a full-time equivalent (FTE) district-level technology director/coordinator.
2. The district provides one FTE instructional technology teacher per 40-80 instructional staff.
3. The district has one FTE person dedicated to data management and assessment.

Benchmark 3
Technology Professional Development

1. By the end of the school year 2006-2007, at least 85% of district staff will have participated in 45 hours of high-quality technology professional development covering technology skills and the integration of technology into instruction.
2. Technology professional development is sustained and ongoing and includes coaching, modeling best practices, district-based mentoring, and study groups. The professional development includes concepts of universal design and scientifically based, researched models.
3. Professional development planning includes an assessment of district and teachers' needs. The assessment is based on the competencies listed in the Massachusetts Technology Self-Assessment Tool³. The Department, the Educational Technology Advisory Council and stakeholders will review the levels of competencies in the Massachusetts Technology Self-Assessment Tool on an annual basis.

Benchmark 4
Accessibility of Technology

1. Students per Instructional Computer
1. The district has an average ratio of fewer than five students per high-capacity, Internet-connected computer. The Department will work with stakeholders to review the capacity of the computer on an annual basis. (The ultimate goal is to have a one-to-one, high-capacity, Internet-connected computer ratio.)
2. The district considers students' access to portable and/or handheld electronic devices appropriate to their grade level.
3. The district has established a computer replacement cycle of six years or less.
2. Technical Support
1. The district makes a commitment to provide timely in-classroom technical support with clear information on how to access the support, so that technical problems will not cause major disruptions to curriculum delivery.
2. The district provides a FTE network administrator.
3. The district provides at least one FTE person to support 100-200 computers. Technical support can be provided by dedicated staff or contracted services.

Benchmark 5
Infrastructure for Connectivity

1. Internet Access
1. The district provides connectivity to the Internet in all classrooms in all schools including wireless connectivity, if appropriate.
2. The district provides bandwidth of at least 10/100 MB to each classroom.
2. Networking (LAN/WAN)
1. The district provides a minimum 10/100 MB Cat 5 switched network and/or 802.11b/g wireless network.
2. The district provides services for secure file sharing, backups, scheduling, email, and web publishing, either internally or through contracted services.
3. E-Learning Environments
1. The district encourages the development and use of innovative strategies for delivering specialized courses through the use of technology.
2. The district deploys IP-based and or ISDN-based connections for access to web-based and/or interactive video learning on the local, state, regional, national, and international level.
3. Classroom applications of e-learning include courses, cultural projects, virtual field trips, etc.

Benchmark 6
Access to the Internet outside the School Day

1. The district maintains an up-to-date web site that includes information for parents.
2. The district works with community groups to ensure that students and staff have access to the Internet outside of the school day.
3. The district web site includes an up-to-date list of places where students and staff can access the Internet after school hours.

Infrastructure and Networking 2005-2007

Revere Public Schools provides all classrooms with Local Area Networking (LAN) via fiber optic cable and twisted pair cable.  Internet access is provided and filtered for safety in accordance with CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act). ISDN is used for dedicated videoconferencing, and distance learning at (3) sites (Revere High School, Lincoln School, and Garfield School). This WAN provides Internet access, email, document transfer, productivity applications, statistical information to evaluate assessment data (Test Whiz) and curriculum-driven software for student labs, media centers, and classrooms.  

 All learning centers will have a minimum of one computer station.  Library/Media centers have a minimum of four 24 stations per center.  In addition, our twenty-plus computer labs provide our students and teachers with appropriate access to the network's resources through the 25-30 computers installed in each. Each networked computer is equipped with a Windows or MAC OSX platform, (category one workstations) and other applications which are grade-level or content area appropriate.  Administrative and clerical stations are equipped with Windows, Microsoft Office, and software applicable to their functions and responsibilities.

In addition to the networked computers, the district provides grades K-4 with Lexia Learning a phonics based reading program. Elementary schools are using this computer based instruction to remediate, and enhance early reading skills. Study Island is another web based program installed at the elementary level to assist students with assessment test preparation in the areas of Mathematics and Science.

Our district also has a laptop initiative with COWS (Computers on Wheels) located in 3 schools to date. This initiative is expanding in 2006 with additional tablet PC's being added for distance learning at the HS level. All Revere Schools have completed an initial install of wireless access points. Traveling staff and administration are able to take advantage of this service in common areas such as conference rooms, libraries, and offices.

          Distance Learning Labs provide opportunity for virtual fieldtrips and collaborative interaction with experts throughout the world for all grades. In addition, this equipment provides for video-conferencing and staff development opportunities. College courses through distance learning are planned at RHS.

 Maintenance of the network is achieved by a 7 member technology staff.  Each staff member is proficient with Microsoft networking products, hardware repair, router configuration, and IP.

The district has a presence on the World Wide Web (REVEREPS.MEC.EDU) that provides information to parents about Revere Public Schools, which is updated regularly by our district and building web editors.  The dates of school activities, including athletic events, lunch menus, parent-teacher conferences, professional development days, and holidays are available to parents with access to the Internet

Revere Schools also has a dedicated local TV station. Broadcasting from RHS channel 10 is being upgraded as part of this technology plan to include the following:

·        AXIS TV Bulletin Board software

o       Web based BB software enables administration to place messages on TV from anywhere at anytime.

o       Community information is sequenced in a BB format using power point slides.

·        Playback functionality in both VHS, and Digital Video

o       In 2006 additional decks will allow a choice of 6 pre-recorded programs to be scheduled and displayed on a daily basis.

·        C-Nario presentation system

o       This Ethernet based TV network in conjunction with fiber connections to all schools enables large LCD panels to provide information to school visitors. In 2006 additional units will be added.

§         Information for parents, students, as well as schedules, meeting room assignment, and professional development information is displayed on 42" monitors.

Curriculum Integration Plan 2005-2006

Curriculum Integration Chart

Professional Development 2005-2007

OVERVIEW

          During the last ten years basic training has been emphasized and has included the use of hardware, software, email and the Internet.  During the life of this technology plan the primary focus will be integrating technology into the curriculum.

Due to attrition it has been and will continue to be necessary to continue a program of on-going training both for basic and more advanced applications.  To ensure that professional development will be adequate, a number of strategies have evolved to ensure new-hires are familiar with the nuances of the RPS network.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

          The strategies were developed to ensure that the staff has sufficient knowledge of new technologies to use them to improve education in the following areas:

• Access to Information
• Communication of Information
• Projects Created with Technology
• Integration of Technology
• Project-Based Learning

During the next three years, Revere's goal will be to have 75% of the teachers at the appropriation skill stage as identified by the Massachusetts Department of Education.  It takes approximately 60 hours of training to reach this level of expertise. Some staff will have the opportunity to be "trainers."  These trainers not only possess a high level of technical skill, but are willing to share their knowledge with other staff. 

Our goal is to develop a highly trained staff capable of understanding and effectively using technology.  Once the skill level of new staff members is estimated, training is undertaken in a systematic way.

Strategy 1 - Recommended Basic Training for Staff

            Administrators:                              4 hours             Introduction to Windows

                                                                        8 hours             Microsoft Word

                                                                        6 hours             SASI

                                                                        8 hours             Microsoft Excel 

                                                                        8 hours             Microsoft PowerPoint

                                                                        4 hours             Internet

  Secretaries:                                               4 hours             Introduction to Windows  

                                                                      16 hours             Microsoft Word

                                                                        4 hours              Advanced Windows    

                                                                      16 hours             SASI

                                                                        8 hours              Microsoft Excel                                                                                                                    

                                                                        8 hours             Microsoft PowerPoint                            

                                                                        4 hours              Internet

           Teachers:

                                                                       6 hours              Introduction to Windows                     

                                                                     12 hours              Microsoft Word

                                                                       6 hours              Advanced Windows                               

                                                                      8 hours               SASI

                                                                      6 hours               Microsoft Excel     

                                                                      4 hours               Internet/Research

                                                                      6 hours               Microsoft PowerPoint                            

                                                                   12 hours                Technology Integration

                                                                     6 hours                 Project-based Learning                      

                                                                     6 hours                 Integrade Pro

                                                                     4 hours                 Technology Lesson Plans                     

                                                                     6 hours                 Digital Video/Imaging

Strategy 2 - New Trainee Skill Level

Strategy 3 -Yearly Staff Survey

          Each year the entire staff will be surveyed as to their needs and to their desires for additional training.   All training is provided free to eligible participants. Resources such as the Massachusetts Department of Education's STAR Chart located at http://www.doe.mass.edu/boe/sac/edtech/star.xlsy plan provides the district with a good survey tool for the necessary data needed to build this technology plan.  In the appendix of this document are the administrator, and teacher technology assessment tools. These are used to collect data related to the professional development decision making related to this plan.

Strategy 4 - Assistive Technology

          Assistive equipment and software will be purchased as part of the 2005-2007 technology plan.  Staff is being trained and will continue to be trained to utilize specialized equipment and software to assist students in meeting state benchmarks and standards. Revere Public Schools has implemented a SWAT team and received training from MA DOE, as part of an assistive technology grant awarded to the district. At the present time we have some of the following assistive technology. 

Strategy 5 - District Wide Technology  Workshops

           TTT's or Teachers Teaching Teachers is a program created by Revere Schools to encourage staff to acquire more expertise by offering a broad selection of content. These afterschool workshops are designed and taught by staff under the guidance of the professional development committee. In the area of instructional technology the following courses have been offered and will again be available:

Smartboards, How to Use the Interactive White Board

Smartboards, How to Design and Implement a "Smart Lesson"

Photoshop for the Classroom

Web Page Design for Teachers

Technology for New Teachers

How to Integrate a Videoconference into your Classroom Curriculum

Strategy 6 - Attend Conferences

          Staff members are encouraged to attend technology workshops, tech conferences, and tech fairs outside of the district.  The district pays for conference fees as well as providing a professional day. When new uses for equipment are found, ideas are brought back to district. Conferences such as the Massachusetts' Superintendents Conference on Technology, and MassCue will be attended. 

Technical Support

The importance of maintaining current technology resources and materials is a critical factor in supporting the learning community. It is also important that the district maintain a fully qualified technical workforce to monitor equipment performance.  A well-prepared team is necessary to ensure the equipment and applications are fine-tuned and in optimum running condition.  The Revere technical staff consists of:

·         Technology Network Supervisor

·         Technology Network Coordinator

·         Technology Network Specialists (5)

Preventive maintenance is necessary in the technology field as well as timely support to consistently provide services to the school community. The Software/Hardware Support Help Desk handles the task of fielding incoming service calls.  The call is evaluated, entered into a database and the Help Desk representative will provide technical assistance when needed. As a follow up procedure, the Help Desk representative emails the user and asks if the work performed was satisfactory and if the problem has been resolved.  

Human Resources

          In addition to our seven-member support staff referenced in the Infrastructure section of our plan, Revere Public Schools supports the following:

·         Instructional Technology Director
        Responsible for overseeing the district and building ITS program, technology grants, the E-Rate process, training staff and providing leadership in the integration of technology across the content areas.

·         Building Level Web Editors
         Day-to-day management/updating of building level web pages

·         Distance Learning Coordinator
         Certified ITS specialist to assist the district with distance learning initiatives. This position plans, schedules, develops, and presents live workshops from sources throughout the world bringing expertise not available in the local area to students and teachers at RPS.

·         Media/Technology Specialists
        Responsible for assessment and instruction within the lab and media centers. Maintains a collection of both hard and soft resources for student research.

·         Consultants
       Persons paid to train staff when necessary, training scheduled for the 2005-2006 year will include workshops in the area of engineering, CAD, and robotics.

Timetable and Funding

               Revere Public Schools plans to continue funding all future purchases and upgrades as in the past.  The combination of many sources of revenue, such as local funds, state funding, state and federal grants, as well as the Universal Service Fund know as "E-Rate" sustains the infrastructure and provides growth to introduce emerging technologies.

Evaluation

How Revere Public Schools Will Monitor and Evaluate our Technology Plan

        The Executive Technology Team will define, monitor and provide direction for the implementation and expansion of technology in the district.  The Executive Technology Team fields questions, assigns tasks, receives recommendations from other committees, discusses alternative solutions, prioritizes use of resources and then makes recommendations to the Superintendent of Schools.  One of the most important tasks of the Executive Technology Team is to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the plan.

        In addition to other duties, the Executive Technology Team will be responsible for preparing a yearly status report relative to progress on implementation, training and funding, which will be presented to the School Committee.

In meetings the Executive Technology Team will be responsible for monitoring and adjusting the technology plan, developing plans for addressing unmet goals, and handling all issues which arise in connection with the smooth operation of the entire project.      

          Reporting to the Executive Technology Team will be stakeholders.   These teams will be composed of:

·         Administrators

·         ITS Teachers

·         Teacher Representatives

·         Parents

The role of the stakeholders is to collect input, analyze needs, evaluate progress  and report findings to the Executive Technology Team a minimum of once a semester regarding:

·         Equipment / Hardware

·         Professional Development

·         Software & Curriculum

·         Goals/Outcomes

·         Progress including work in process relative to important projects.

          In addition, each Building Tech Team will develop a binder in which sample lesson plans and projects, which are illustrative of integrating technology into the curriculum, are maintained.  Staff will be required to submit either a lesson plan or a sample project utilizing technology to the Director of Academic Technology.

Appendix