Technology Plan

Table of Contents

Vision

Strategic Priorities Overview

Priority 1: Shared Services Model

Priority 2: Universal Access to Personal Teaching and Learning Devices

Priority 3: Access to Digital Teaching and Learning Resources

Priority 4: Model of Technology-Enabled Professional Development

Priority 5: Digital Leadership

Wilkes County Schools’ Technology Plan

Vision State

Vision Statement

Technologically proficient administrators and educators empower students to develop skills to become self-motivated leaders in the global community.

Wilkes County Schools envision a culture of learning where:

All users understand the capabilities and capacity of available technology hardware, software, infrastructure, and personnel resources.
Students are engaged in inquiry-based, problem-based, hands-on learning.
Students are technologically adept.
Students accept responsibility for their own learning.
Teachers use technology to facilitate learning.
Teachers accept responsibility for acquiring the knowledge and skills to integrate technology.
Administrators support and advocate the use of technology.

Wilkes County Schools’ Technology Plan

Strategic Priorities

Wilkes County Schools strive to provide access to digital resources and content for instruction. We believe technology can be used to extend the classroom beyond the school to state, national, and global levels. Technology provides a mechanism to create relevant meaningful content for project based, student centered learning. To provide these educational opportunities, Wilkes County Schools will continue our 1:1 program in grades K – 12. Digital learning facilitators and instructional specialists will continue to work together to provide professional development opportunities at the school level to support digital teaching and learning.

Strategic Priority 1: A Statewide Shared Services Model

Currently, Wilkes County Schools’ infrastructure includes on-site storage, management tools, printing, and application, file sharing, and other services. Wireless network hardware is available at all locations to support mobile computing devices. Voice over IP telephones are installed at all schools and administrative facilities. Firewalls and filters are maintained at the district level. Google G Suite for Education is used for teachers and student email and document sharing. Wilkes County Schools connects to the internet over the North Carolina Research in Education Network. Wilkes County Schools will utilize the resources in Homebase provided by NCDPI to leverage statewide cost savings.

Strategic Priority 1: A Statewide Shared Services Model
Academic Standards
	Update the analysis of the technology infrastructure needed to support a digital curriculum and assessment system and to move additional testing to appropriate technology formats. This analysis will allow the transition from a paper–based assessment system to one that takes greater advantage of technology
Career and College Ready
	Put more technology into the hands of students and teachers to increase individualized learning options
Local and State Scopes of Work
	Incorporate the state infrastructure blueprint into technology plans Implement the infrastructure blueprint Provide access to effective, high–quality, job–embedded, data–informed professional development and support for educators with objectives aligned to the Race to the Top Initiatives
Home Base
	Participate in shared services hosted by NC Education Cloud where appropriate as services become available and current contracts expire Provide and support student, teacher, and administrator access to a Learner Management System and web collaboration tools at each school

1. Statewide Shared Services Model
Goals/Targets
			Evaluation Method(s)
Provide equitable and additional access to mobile devices		Continue 1:1 laptop program in grades K-12 Administrators, Teachers, Technology Staff	DLMI
Provide equitable and additional access to digital resources		Utilize resources available in Homebase for instruction	Online reports available in Homebase
Reduce operating costs by facilitating a more strategic budgeting model utilizing blended funding and reducing isolated programmatic spending		Utilize federal, state, and local funds from various departments to provide instructional resources for digital teaching and learning Administrators, Teachers, Technology Staff	Purchase orders
Promote/maintain innovative funding model by utilizing NCEdCloud offerings, Home Base and/or comparable alternatives		Utilize NC Education Cloud services and NCREN connectivity services to reduce individual/district purchasing of outside resources Administrators, Teachers, Technology Staff	Online reports available in Homebase, NCREN monthly reports
Maximize E-Rate in support of instructional programs		Continue to seek E-rate funds to support telecommunications, internet access and technology resources that support instruction Technology Staff, Finance Staff	E-rate Documentation
Provide content filtering in accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).		Continue to provide CIPA compliant filtering for all computers with Internet access on the WCS network Technology Staff, Administrators	Content Filtering reports

Strategic Priority 2: Universal Access to Personal Teaching and Learning Devices

Wilkes County Schools provide a teacher laptop for all regular education, Pre-K, media coordinators, and EC teachers. All students in grades K-12 have a 1:1 access to a laptop or Chromebook. High school students utilize laptops or Chromebooks for online courses through the NC Virtual Public High School, Edmentum, and online courses provided by Wilkes Community College.

Wilkes County Schools will maintain the 1:1 laptop/Chromebook program in grades K-12. Online assessments will be conducted as available from NCDPI.

Strategic Priority 2: Universal Access to Personal Teaching and Learning Devices
Academic Standards
	Update the analysis of the technology infrastructure needed to support a digital curriculum and assessment system and to move additional testing to appropriate technology formats This analysis will allow the transition from a paper–based assessment system to one that takes greater advantage of technology
Career and College Ready
	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 Increase the use of technology by providing professional development opportunities for teachers
Local and State Scopes of Work
	Incorporate the state infrastructure blueprint into technology plans Implement the infrastructure blueprint Utilize school technology funds to enhance school technology infrastructure to facilitate online real–time assessments at each school Provide access to effective, high–quality, job–embedded, data–informed professional development and support for educators with objectives aligned to the Race to the Top Initiatives
Home Base
	Provide and support student, teacher, and administrator access to Learner Management System and web collaboration tools in Homebase

Priority 2: Universal Access to Personal Teaching and Learning Devices
Goals/Targets
			Evaluation Method(s)
Develop a comprehensive sustainable LEA plan for universal access. Resources: NCDPI, NCDTL, Educator Effectiveness, and District & School Transformation		Continue providing 1:1 devices with wireless Internet access for all schools Administrators, Teachers, Technology Staff	DLMI
Communicate your plan to all stakeholders.		Post Technology Plan online and highlight goals and targets in administrative meetings Chief Technology Officer, Administrators, Webmaster	Posted plan online
Increase overall access to personal learning devices.		Continue student 1:1 program in grades K-12 Administrators, Teachers, Technology Staff	DLMI
Utilize Personal Learning Devices to promote student owned learning.		Utilize state provided tools in Homebase for formative/benchmark assessments using laptops and Chromebooks Administrators, Teachers, Digital Learning Facilitators, Instructional Specialists, Students	Online Homebase reports

Strategic Priority 3: Statewide Access to Digital Teaching and Learning Resources

WCS utilizes Homebase, NC WiseOwl, online digital textbooks, NCVPS, and other digital resources for online course content and curriculum. We currently subscribe to Edmentum, Canvas Gaggle, G Suite for Education, MobyMax, Discovery Education, BrainPop, etc. to enhance, customize, and create digital content for student learning.

Wilkes County Schools will utilize digital content provided through Homebase to provide additional digital resources for all K-12 students as resources become available.

Strategic Priority 3: Statewide Access to Digital Teaching and Learning Resources
Academic Standards
	Support digital teaching and learning, increase online testing
Career and College Ready
	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
Local and State Scopes of Work
	Ensure teachers and staff understand the Standard Course of Study and related assessments
Home Base
	Provide and support student, teacher, and administrator access to Learner Management System and web collaboration tools

3: Statewide Access to Digital Teaching and Learning Resources, Including Digital Textbooks
Goals/Targets
			Evaluation Methods(s)
Continue to transition from traditional print and paper-based resources to current, affordable online resources		Utilize Homebase, Google Apps for Education, and web collaboration tools along with other online services to support instruction Administrators, Digital Learning Facilitators, Instructional Specialists, Teachers	Online reports for Homebase and Google Apps use
Utilize procured resources such as NC WiseOwl, Home Base and other open education resources		Utilize Homebase, NC WiseOwl, and web collaboration tools as services become available Administrators, Teachers, Digital Learning Facilitators, Instructional Specialists	Online reports for Homebase and Google Apps use
Use digital content aligned specifically to NC Standards and Curriculum		Utilize the tools available from DPI toolkit (Crosswalks, Unpacked Content, Vertical Progressions, etc.) and post all curriculum tools on grade level or content specific wikis Chief Academic Officer, Instructional Specialists	Posted resources online
Ensure equity to digital teaching and learning resources from school to school in your LEA		Utilize Digital Learning Facilitators and Instructional Specialists to provide digital teaching and learning skills for a 1:1 environment Administrators, Teachers, Digital Learning Facilitators, Instructional Specialists	Professional Development Evaluations

Strategic Priority 4: A Statewide Model of Technology-Enabled Professional Development

All teachers have completed PowerTeacher Pro training. All teachers have received professional development conducted by Digital Learning Facilitators to assist with integrating the 1:1 initiative. Instructional Specialists are used as data coaches during Data Team meetings to assist teachers in data-driven decision making for instruction.

We currently use formative assessment tools such as MobyMax, SchoolNet, mClass, STAR, Google Forms etc., along with county and school level professional development activities to support data-driven decision making for instructional Data Teams.

Strategic Priority 4: A Statewide Model of Technology-Enabled Professional Development
Academic Standards
	Update the analysis of the technology infrastructure needed to support a digital curriculum and assessment system and to move additional testing to appropriate technology formats This analysis will allow the transition from a paper–based assessment system to one that takes greater advantage of technology
Career and College Ready
	Put more technology into the hands of students and teachers to increase individualized learning options Increase the use of technology for providing professional development opportunities for teachers
Local and State Scopes of Work
	Using instructional directors, instructional specialists/data coaches, and master teachers, provide professional development in curriculum changes and expectations
Home Base
	Provide instruction in PowerTeacher, PowerSchool, SchoolNet, and other resources available in Homebase

4: A Statewide Model of Technology-Enabled Professional Development
Goals/Targets
		Evaluation Method(s)

Implement a plan for embedded technology-enabled professional development for teachers and administrators.	Digital Learning Facilitators and Instructional Specialists will continue to support implementation of new standards through grade level planning sessions, modeling and coaching Administrators, Teachers, Digital Learning Facilitators, Instructional Specialists	Professional Development Evaluations
Support models that assist all school personnel in creating technology-enabled instruction that transforms educational practice and improves student learning	School administrators, DLF’s, and instructional specialists will work with teams to ensure understanding of the tools available in Homebase through professional development sessions and Data Team meetings Administrators, Teachers, Digital Learning Facilitators, Instructional Specialists	Data Team Notes
Prepare media specialists and instructional technology facilitators to support digital reform.	Quarterly meetings will be conducted to provide professional development to support digital reform Chief Technology Officer, Digital Learning Facilitators, Media Specialists	Professional Development Evaluations
Deliver NC Curriculum Standards training to teachers using integrated technology as a model for further classroom integration.	Continue Standard Course of Study training integrating technology during grade level meetings, Data Team meetings, and school level professional development Administrators, Teachers, Instructional Specialists, Digital Learning Facilitators	Data Team Notes Professional Development Evaluations

Prepare staff for online assessment delivery.	District level Testing Coordinator will train each school level testing coordinator for online assessments. School level testing coordinators will train teachers Director of Testing and Accountability, School Testing Coordinators, Administrators, Teachers	Professional Development Evaluations
Prepare students for online assessment delivery.	Utilize SchoolNet and other online assessment tools to prepare students for online testing Administrators, Teachers, Instructional Specialists, Digital Learning Facilitators	Online reports for SchoolNet and other assessment tools
Provide ongoing support and professional development necessary for use of data to inform instruction.	Continue to utilize Data Teams to make decisions to inform instruction Administrators, Instructional Specialists, Teachers	Data Team Notes
Provide support for teacher and administrator progress and evaluation according to NCEES standards.	Submit teacher, principal and assistant principal summary rating results using NCEES online system Executive Director of Human Resources, Administrators, Teachers	Completed Evaluations

Strategic Priority 5: Digital Leadership for All Schools and Districts

Principals participate in monthly principals’ meetings at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. These meetings provide opportunities for professional development, planning, leadership discussions and collaboration to guide our schools.

Students in grades K -12 are provided a Chromebook or laptop. Wireless functionality is available in all of our schools to provide diverse learning experiences to students using these devices. Teachers use Google Apps for Education, Canvas, and other online tools to collaborate with students within their class, the school, the district, and in the global community. Students use this technology for project based learning.

Teachers use SchoolNet and other online resources to create formative assessments to measure student learning.

Teachers participate in Data Team meetings at the school level. District K-5 grade level meetings as well as grade 6 -12 subject area meetings are conducted throughout the school year. Technology professional development is conducted based on teacher needs and requests.

Strategic Priority 5: Digital Leadership for All Schools and Districts
Academic Standards
	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
	Increase the use of technology for providing professional development opportunities for teachers
Local and State Scopes of Work
	All K-12 teachers will have access to NC Curriculum Standards Instructional Specialists are available to all schools to provide school level and district level staff development
Home Base
	Teachers will utilize SchoolNet and other resources available in Homebase

5: Digital Leadership for All Schools and Districts
Goals/Targets
			Evaluation Method(s)
Create and lead a vision for digital teaching and learning		A portion of each monthly principals’ meeting will be devoted to training and supporting school level administrators in data analysis to inform instruction Chief Academic Officer, Administrators	Principals’ Meeting Notes
Create digital learning environments		Assess telecommunication services including data services, telephone lines, VoIP connectivity, network hardware and infrastructure, wireless infrastructure, end user hardware, software, and other services to provide resources and tools necessary for digital teaching and learning Chief Technology Officer, Technology Staff	DLMI
Prepare teachers and administrators to lead digital learning environments		School administrators, digital learning facilitators and instructional specialists will work with teams to ensure understanding of technology tools available through professional development sessions and Data Team meetings Administrators, Instructional Specialists, Digital Learning Facilitators, Teachers	Data Team Notes Professional Development Evaluations/Questionnaires/Surveys
Develop strategic partnerships with community and business to promote digital learning.		Partner with Institutes of Higher Education to provide access to STEM related courses Chief Academic Officer, Administrators, Teachers	WCC Course Enrollment