2008-2013 Technology Plan

Mission:

The Aloma D. Johnson Fruit Belt Community Charter School (FBCCS) fosters students’ intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth, helping students acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to reach their full learning potential. The school is focused on high academic achievement and prepares all students to meet NYS Learning Standards in an environment of high expectations. The FBCCS is committed to sustaining a safe and caring learning community that respects diversity and encourages strong home, school, and community partnerships. With its small school learning environment, intensive focus on building student reading and math achievement, ongoing commitment to staff development, interdisciplinary themes of business and leadership, and the use of innovative tools such as Creative Problem Solving (CPS) and Project-Based Learning (PBL), the Aloma D. Johnson Fruit Belt Community Charter School prepares students to direct and participate in the renaissance of their neighborhood, community, and city.

Technology Vision:

The school understands the importance of technology in the lives of students and is committed to the implementation of technology within all facets of the school learning community. Particularly, the school will focus on the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom environment. Educational programs will become more applicable to modern society, and students will be provided with important access to research materials to stimulate students’ interests and engage students’ participation in the world at large. The school will make ongoing investments in technology to further the development and enhance the effectiveness of teacher professional development. In addition, ongoing investments in technology will be made to increase the school’s systematic capabilities and efficiency of daily school operations.

The following goals and objectives will be used to guide the implementation and ongoing use of technology within the school.

Goals:

1. Increase student access to technology by the integration of technology throughout the school learning community
2. Provide students with ongoing access to computer instruction, based on NYS Learning Standards
3. Provide avenues through which students can gain knowledge and skills in computer applications
4. Through technology, provide students with ongoing opportunities to practice skills, enhance abilities, and expand their knowledge
5. Further the integration of technology in the teaching and learning process through teacher professional development
6. Advance the school’s systematic capabilities and increase the efficiency of school operations

Objectives:

1. Identify technological equipment needs, to include acquisition of additional educational software programs
2. Review of equipment expenses and funding sources
3. Layout process of technology acquisition
4. Identify levels of abilities among teachers and staff to integrate technology into the school learning community
5. Identify gaps in efficiency and effectiveness of current school operational systems
6. Actively involve school community stakeholders in technology planning and decision making

Planning:

The Aloma D. Johnson Fruit Belt Community Charter School is a new public school, opening its doors for instruction in grades K-2 in August 2008 with an enrollment of 180 students. The school will expand to grades K-3 in 2009-2010 with an enrollment of 240 students. In 2010-2011 the school will expand to grades K-4 with an enrollment of 300 students.

A) Computers

As of summer 2008, the school has 30 student laptop computers. The computers are divided into two mobile computer labs that will be shared among all classes; each laptop cart has a dedicated color laser printer. Each class also has at least one desktop computer for student use.

Teachers and administrators have laptops; there are three desktop computers used where data portability is not desired: nurse, office manager, office assistant. Staff computers print to one of three high-volume networked copier/printers.

Two multi-function printer/copier/scanner/faxes have been purchased for the nurse’s office and Director’s office for the receipt and transmission of confidential information.

Ratio:
42 instructional computers, 180 students = 4.28 students per computer

B) System Equipment

The school is purchasing servers, routers and wireless antennae necessary to manage its network. A technology consultant and a website developer have been brought onboard to assist in proper installation and use.

Student data will be managed via Easy Grade Pro which will be used to track attendance and discipline referrals, generate report cards and medical alerts for students. The school-wide license includes professional development and support.

Software and licenses purchased include those for Microsoft Office, Open Court Reading and Everyday Math.

The school is installing telephones, including copper backup lines (including an alarm line).

The school has purchased an inventory scanner to track furniture, equipment, supplies and materials purchased or leased by the school.

The school has a buzzer system in place at the front door and the door to the playground.

There is a camera to monitor activity at the front door, which is the only door that the parents or public will be allowed to use.

Use of Technology:

All students at the Aloma D. Johnson Fruit Belt Community Charter School will be provided technology instruction three times within a six-day learning cycle. Students will learn basic knowledge of computer hardware and software, practice their skills in using computer components, and gain experience in using the computer as an informational tool. All instruction in technology will be based on the NYS Learning Standards.

To help infuse technology in the classroom curriculum, the school will use Open Court Reading and Everyday Math software to supplement their core classroom reading and math programs. All content area teachers will use a variety of audio, visual and textual media, including computers, to provide alternative ways of conducting classroom instruction and enhance the teaching and learning process.

Teachers and staff will work to continually integrate technology throughout the school learning community, including the use of technology to increase the efficiency of general school operating practices, increase capabilities to store and manage information, and improve communication among school community members.

The school is committed to providing its teachers and staff with ongoing professional development to enhance the use of technology within the school learning community and help ensure that technology is integrated into classroom curriculum and instruction. In addition to administrative staff, classroom teachers will be supported by the Technology Teacher, who will assist in the acquisition and proper use of technological equipment. Additionally, teachers will be supported by the reading Specialist, Reading Coach, and Math Coach/Data Specialist who will model effective practices in teaching and learning—including the integration of technology in the classroom. The technology planning committee will meet throughout the year to review the process of integration of technology within the school community and bring forward recommendations for additional professional development.

All administrative staff will be assigned their own computer to use to conduct school business, such as maintaining student data bases (attendance, academic performance, contact information, discipline, etc.), and providing school managerial functions (budgeting, accounting, word processing, etc.).

Five Year Plan:

The Aloma D. Johnson Fruit Belt Charter School is a new charter school, growing from a K-2 program to a K-4 program over a period of three years. As such, the school will make ongoing investments in computers, various other technological tools to further classroom teaching and learning, software programs and licenses, and professional development for staff, in order to ensure that all students, teachers and administrators continue to have equal access to technology.

Technology Planning Committee: The technology planning committee has been charged with guiding the organization, coordination, and effective utilization of technology within the school community. Other tasks of the Technology Planning Committee include surveying staff to identify the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed by teachers and administrators in order to fulfill the mission of the school and the vision of technology integration. Professional development in the integration of technology in instruction, or other specific topics (such as the use of a student data system) will be provided to staff based on identified needs. The committee will work collaboratively with the technology teacher, Reading Specialist, Reading Coach and Math Coach/Data Specialist to seek out ongoing, sustained professional development opportunities for teachers, administrators, and appropriate support staff and make recommendations to the Director.

Members of the committee are:

• Director
• Technology Teacher
• Math Coach/Data Specialist
• Kindergarten Teacher
• 1st Grade Teacher
• 2nd Grade Teacher
• Parent
• Technology Consultant

An initial plan for technology acquisition has been outlined:

Year One: All teachers, administrative staff, and other key personnel will receive computers and computer software to help meet their teaching and instructional needs, foster a community of ongoing learning, and raise the level of student academic achievement and performance. Two mobile student computer labs have been purchased, in order to have the ability to move the computers from classroom to classroom. Student data will be managed via Easy Grade Pro which will be used to track attendance and discipline referrals, generate report cards and medical alerts for students. Staff will be trained in technology integration and will receive on-going support from the technology teacher, Reading Coach and Math Coach/Data Specialist.

Year Two: The school will add a 3rd grade, so computers will be purchased for additional staff. An additional mobile student computer lab and printer will be purchased. A camera will be installed to view the playground.

Year Three: The school will add the 4th grade, so additional staff computers will need to be purchased. The school will purchase an additional mobile student computer lab and printer. The student data system license will be renewed. The school would also like to purchase five LCD projectors, one for each grade level, for power point presentations to be used in the educational enhancement of our students. The school will enhance the security system, as well as purchase two more cameras.

Year Four: Upgrade computer software and licenses. The school will further enhance the security system and purchase additional cameras.

Year Five: Begin to replace/upgrade original computer equipment. Upgrade computer software and licenses. Link the teachers’ computers in the classroom to support educational programming in the form of streaming video through the internet via the public broadcasting system (WNED).

The five-year Plan Technology plan will be reviewed and refined on an annual basis by the Technology Planning Committee. The committee’s review will include topics such as budgetary expenses, the timeline for technology acquisition, the effective use of acquired hardware and software within the school, implementation of technological systems, identification of professional development needs, necessary upgrading and replacement of equipment, and areas of responsibility, etc., and present the plan to the Director for consideration in the annual budget process. The committee will review progress toward the goals of the technology plan on an ongoing basis, in order to ensure that students are receiving the maximum benefit from the school’s investment in educational technology.

Teacher and administrator surveys will be conducted periodically to ascertain the effectiveness of staff development. These surveys will provide school staff with an opportunity to suggest ideas for further professional development opportunities and inquire as to the impact of technology in student learning. During staff meetings, teacher planning periods, and various school committee meetings, the use of technology in meeting NYSED Learning Standards will be discussed.

The Technology Planning Committee will meet no less than quarterly to review, evaluate and update the technology plan. The school will communicate its technology plan and commitment to technology integration in instruction via its website, at parent/teacher conferences, through newsletters and open houses.

Access:

All teachers, students, and administrators will immediately be provided access to computers and computer programs needed to fulfill their responsibilities within the school community. As the school grows from grade K-2 to K-4, additional computers and software programs will be purchased to accommodate school members. With the opening of the school, a local area network has been installed. Assistive devices will be purchased, as needed, in order provide to access to all individuals.

Acceptable Use and Internet Safety:

All students must have permission from their parent/guardian to use the Internet; permission forms will be kept on file at the school.

Internet Policy:

The Internet is an exciting and powerful tool for students to research academic assignments as well as their own personal interests. As part of our curriculum, pupils have controlled access to the Internet and learn how to use libraries, data bases and informational sources on a wide variety of topics. We recognize that some inappropriate material on the Internet may be accessed intentionally or by accident. To guard against this, we will use a filtered service from a reliable software provider which regularly monitors web sites and automatically blocks student access to inappropriate material. We will teach students the importance of responsible use of the web and email, as well as providing basic rules to maintain the privacy of students. At all times, pupils must agree to follow the student code of Internet conduct summarized below:

1. Access to the Internet at The Aloma D. Johnson Fruit Belt Community Charter School is for limited educational purposes.
2. You will not use the Internet system at school to access material in violation of the following standards:
• Prohibited material: any material that appeals to an unhealthy interest and material that promotes or advocates illegal activities.
• Restricted material: sites that contain personal advertisements or facilitate making online connections with other people are restricted unless such sites have been approved by the school.
• Limited access material: material that is generally considered to be non-educational or entertainment. Limited access material may be accessed in the context of specific learning activities that are directed by a teacher or during periods of time that the school may designate as “open access” time. This includes such material as electronic commerce, games, jokes, recreation, entertainment, sports and investments.
3. You will not disclose your full name or any other personal contact information for any purpose.
4. You will not disclose names, personal contact information, or any other private or personal information about other students under any circumstances.
5. You will promptly disclose to your teachers or other school staff any message you receive that is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable. You should not delete such messages until instructed to do so by a staff member.

Technology Budget:

Technology equipment and materials included in this plan will be funded through various sources, including the school’s State Stimulus Fund Grant, the school’s Planning and Implementation Grant, the per pupil AOE, and Title IID.