Technology Plan Evaluation Submitted by Vikki Harmon and Carla Turner

Introduction The current Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) technology plan was submitted on May 15, 2009, by the Superintendent, Dr. Edmond Heatley. The technology plan is a three year plan, which includes the dates of June 1, 2009-June 30, 2012. The Technology Plan was developed by the Technology Planning Committee. Goals and realistic strategy for telecommunications and information technology The technology plan includes goals for instructional, administrative, and parents and community uses of technology. Each goal includes strategies, benchmarks, evaluation methods, funding sources and amounts, and persons responsible for delivery. The vision of the Technology Department was developed by key stakeholders [teachers, students, parents, parents, business partners, and senior leadership]. Its vision is to become a state of Georgia and national recognized school district. To attain this vision, a forum for implementation will be provided for key stakeholders. The strategies included in the technology plan are realistic and aligns with the instructional, administrative, and parent goals. The instructional strategies include updating 21st Century equipment for teachers, students, and the classrooms. The administrative strategies include administrators in the efforts to support the technology expansion in the county. Training and disaster recovery are targeted in these strategies. Parents and Community technology strategies focus on providing effective communication. The strategies also aim to involve parents in guiding their childs education. An improvement in this area would include an explanation of acronyms used in the technology plan. KSA and CCIO were used throughout the goals, yet no explanation was given. The funding areas were included in this section. This should be moved to the budget section so that the reader can determine if the services are within the districts budget and needed for technology success. With the ongoing internet predators, the technology plan does not mention any ways to protect students for internet abuse and or security. Regarding instructional goals and strategies, a mandatory technology course is required in grade 8. With the ongoing growth in technology, students need computer literacy classes prior to grade 8. Another issue is the strategies for in house technical support from school Media Specialists. The training is conducted online. This may not be an effective means of training. With this important and new task, Media Specialists need extensive technology training. Whole online is an economical and convenient option, face to face training should be implemented as well. With the new duties, Media Specialists may feel more comfortable in a face to face setting.

Professional Development Strategy CCPS professional development is designed to provide teachers with strategies to integrate technology into the classroom. The courses also provide certification and managerial skills. The framework for instructional Technology for Learning (RIT4) includes instructional, administrative, technical, and leadership. Professional development is delivered through workshops, vertical seminars, video online classes, virtual classrooms. These courses provided teachers with tool, knowledge, and technical skills to increase technology use through various methodologies to support the curriculum and assessment all subjects areas. The technology plans provides course offerings, as well as prior course offerings and participants. Improvements for Professional Development include a mandatory technical course for teachers. This course may serve as a refresher or introduction of basic technology skills for teachers. This course can be presented via online video and teachers watch at their leisure. To access basic knowledge, an online quiz may be presented or teachers demonstrate technology integration in their lesson plans. In addition, teacher input for course offerings should be included. This can be completed via online survey or through departments within the schools. Telecommunication The technology plan does not include information on telecommunication services, hardware, software, and other services needed. Budget Resources There is no mention of the budget resources for CCPS in the Technology Plan. The plan does make mention of the funding resources and amounts for technology equipment, software, and training. It is also noted that initiatives may be modified in the future based on funding. Ongoing Evaluation Process No formal or informal evaluation is described in the technology plan regarding an ongoing evaluation process. Summary Overall, Clayton County Public Schools technology plan meets the overall standards. CCPS is definitely gearing up for the 21st Century classroom. They are providing teachers, students, parents, and administrative with technology tools to be effective in the classroom. To assist teachers, a variety of technology professional development courses are available. However, there is no evidence of teacher input in the courses. One unique situation is the integration of technology in the classroom. While there are available technologies in all grade levels, formal integration does not take place until middle school. This seems to be a waste of money if the

technology is there, but not utilized. Another unique situation is the lack of budget resources. With the ongoing money issues and teacher furloughs, it is important to show the financial aspects of the technology plan. Are these technologies need? Are the purchases affordable? These questions affect the evaluation of the education institution. In addition, the fact that there is no ongoing formal or informal evaluation questions the institutions commitment for improvement. The plan is well written and looks viable to the countys technology, but is it working? These are the questions that teachers, parents, and the community will sure to ask.

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Analysis Rubric Introduction Body Summary Form Total

Notes:

Max Possible 3 2 6 2 2 15

You Earned

15

You did a good job with your rubric. The deficiencies that you noticed will be things that you can address in next assignment with this plan.