colorado springs district 20 technology plan review

Running head: ACADEMY SCHOOL DISTRICT 20 TECH PLAN REVIEW 1

Academy School District 20

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Technology Plan Review

Steven Wright

Shanna Osinski

Azusa Pacific University

ACADEMY SCHOOL DISTRICT 20 TECH PLAN REVIEW 2

Table of Contents

Question 1…. Page 3










Question 11…. 0



Questions on District's Technology Plan

1. What is your district’s vision or mission statement? Five years from now, would a

visitor coming to your school see technology supporting learning and teaching?

Would there be an improvement from today?

The vision for Academy School District 20 is a relevant plan spanning

from 2009 to 2012. Many of these recommendations are already fully in place.

Their vision as formally stated:

Vision- The vision for this plan is our Academy School District 20 1.0 Global

Ends Statement: All students will have the knowledge, skills, and character

necessary for successful transition to the next level and upon graduation will be

fully prepared for success.

This vision is detailed in the goals listed below that include both student

objectives and strategies as well as professional development plan objectives and

strategies for each of these goals:

• All students will show annual commensurate growth toward increasing levels of

academic proficiency, across all content areas, by meeting or exceeding District

20 standards and graduation requirements and will identify and pursue their

areas of personal interest and ability.

• All students will develop the skills and motivation necessary for life‐long

learning and success. Accordingly, students will be proficient in:


1. Using tools, techniques and technology to enhance their lives,

2. Critical thinking,

3. Problem solving,

4. Communicating appropriately, creatively and effectively,

5. Understanding their individual and corporate value,

6. Taking initiative and being responsible for personal decisions and

actions, and, 7. Making informed decisions based upon examination of

multiple perspectives of an issue.

• All students will develop the qualities of character necessary to be positive

contributors to society. Accordingly, students will consistently demonstrate:

1.Compassion,

2. Excellence

3. Citizenship

4. Respect

5. Hope

6. Courage

7. Honesty

8. Responsibility

9. Integrity

10. Perseverance


2. Has the district established levels of proficiency in technology by

grade levels? If so, are these proficiencies woven into the academic curriculum? Are they

taught in separate stand-alone technology lessons/classes?

Academy School District 20 as of 2009-2010 has developed levels of proficiency

in technology starting with the 8th grade. The goal for 2010-2012 is to “adapt the plan for

all other grade levels.” At this time, we are unsure if the standards are woven into the

curriculum or if they will stand-alone.

Goal 2 (E 2.1): All students will develop the skills and motivation necessary for life‐long


1. Using tools, techniques and technology to enhance their lives, 2. Critical thinking,

3. Problem solving, 4. Communicating appropriately, creatively and

effectively, 5. Understanding their individual and corporate value, 6. Taking initiative

and being responsible for personal decisions and actions, and, 7. Making

informed decisions based upon examination of multiple perspectives of an issue.

2.1 Objective 1: All students will implement tools, apply techniques, and incorporate

technology to learn and effectively communicate new ideas.

2.1.10 Develop and/or adapt rubrics and other assessment tools to guide teachers

in the assessment of student use of tools, techniques, and communications.

2.1.10.1 Develop 8th Grade Information Literacy and Technology

Assessment Plan (2009-2010).

2.1.10.2 Adapt the plan for all other grade levels (2010-2012).


3. What are some of the classroom management strategies that work with the amount of

technology actually available in the classrooms?

Classroom management is best developed through collaboration and professional

development. By encouraging collaboration and professional development students are

able to participate in inquiry based interactive lessons, which hold their attention and

facilitate learning thus tending to alleviate behavior issues. Academy School District 20

has developed a plan for both. They are as follows:

Collaboration is a cornerstone of the effective integration of technology,

information literacy, and other 21st century skills into the standards‐based curriculum.

Academy School District 20 has consistently provided time and resources for district

librarians, technology specialists, teachers and administrators to collaborate to create

powerful learning experiences for students through inquiry‐based instruction and the

integration of 21st century skills. Research shows that this level of collaboration for

instructional design, team teaching and evaluation leads to increased student

achievement. Through ET‐IL planning efforts over the past 6 years, our educational

community has learned the value of collaboration. It has been an expectation for schools

to include a plan for collaboration in their site‐based ET‐IL plans.

This 21st Century Learning Plan reflects Academy School District 20’s desire to

improve student learning. The shift is to focus on 21st century skills and teaching

strategies that will support and improve student achievement and encourage lifelong

learning. A key component to achieving this vision is to provide teachers and staff with

the necessary tools and resources that will transform teaching and learning.


Goal 3 (E1.3)

All students will develop the qualities of character necessary to be positive contributors

to society. Accordingly, students will consistently demonstrate: 1. Compassion, 2.

Excellence, 3. Citizenship, 4. Respect, 5. Hope, 6. Courage, 7. Honesty, 8. Responsibility,

8. Integrity, 10. Perseverance.

Objective 1

3.1 All schools will implement a digital citizenship program.

3.1.1 Schools will provide a program for Internet safety for all students.

3.1.1.2 Schools will provide professional development for teachers and parents to

help them better understand Internet safety issues.

3.1.1.3 IT‐Internet Safety resources, and any needed training to assist schools

with carrying out their Internet safety plans (2009-

2010).

3.1.2 Schools will provide digital citizenship training for students.

3.1.2.1 Schools will provide professional development on cyber citizenship for

staff (2009‐10).

3.1.2.2 IT‐ES will investigate and share resources with BTCs and Librarians on

cyber citizenship programs.

3.4.1.1 The district will provide professional development for teachers to help

them create higher‐level thinking and learning opportunities that allow students

to practice flexibility, adaptability, initiative, self‐direction, productivity,

accountability and leadership.


4. Does the district have an inventory system or does one need to be developed to track

the type and age of hardware?

Academy School District 20 has an inventory system to track the age, location,

and type of equipment they have. Each piece of equipment has a bar code on it. The

information is tracked through an inventory control program.

Academy School District 20 has approximately 8000 desktop and mobile

computers, all connected to the district fiber-optic network and the Internet at a speed of

50 mbps. Approximately 6,500 are dedicated for student use. With very few exceptions,

these computers are connected to the Internet, either wired or wirelessly. They are in

stationary labs, in mobile labs, in classrooms, and in libraries and other common areas.

They are used for assessment, for research, for Academy School District 20 Page 36 21st

Century Learning Plan 2009‐2012 communication, for collaboration, and to support

21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem‐solving, creativity, and digital

citizenship. While we continue to face issues with regard to adequate on‐demand access,

we continue to make strides in a positive direction, striving for maximum flexibility and

utility, and improving our ability to match equipment with need.

5. Are assistive technologies available to students with special needs as well as to other

students, such as English language learners, who might benefit from the use of those

devices and software?

District 20 Technology Plan shows evidence of providing assistive technologies

for students with special needs only. There are no references to assistive technologies

being made available to English Language Learners or others students.


Goal 2 (E 1.2):All students will develop the skills and motivation necessary for life‐long

learning and success. Accordingly, students will be proficient in: 1. Using tools,

techniques and technology to enhance their lives, 2. Critical thinking, 3. Problem solving,

4. Communicating appropriately, creatively and effectively, 5. Understanding their

individual and corporate value, 6. Taking initiative and being responsible for personal

decisions and actions, and, 7. Making informed decisions based upon examination of

multiple perspectives of an issue.



2.1.9 Strategy: Provide support for assistive technology devices

and techniques.

2.1.9.1 Establish regular monthly meetings with

appropriate Special Education personnel to determine needs (2009‐10).

2.1.9.2 Establish common areas of need/concern/support at all buildings

(2009-2010).

2.1.9.3 Establish a communication plan to convey needs to buildings

(2009-2010).

2.1.9.4 Make recommendations to buildings regarding these areas (2010-

2011).

2.1.9.5 Establish consensus regarding responsibility for funding and

support of assistive technology devices (2010-2011).

2.1.9.6 Determine responsibility with regard to professional development


around assistive technology devices and techniques (2010-2011).

District 20 21st Century Learning Needs Response Assessment:

Answer Options: Strongly

Disagree

Disagree

Somewhat

Agree

Agree Strongly

Disagree

Not

Sure

Response

Count

Assistive technology,

hardware and

software, is in

place to support

equitable access for

all students.

21 50 84 122 34 39 350

Response Date: Comment:

11/11/2008

17:26:00

I believe that many children could benefit from more assistive technology

that is designed to help with minor learning disabilities. Such as more spell

checkers, more emphasis on word processing and spreadsheets, designing

projects using available technology, etc.


6. What replacement cycle has been built into the plan? Will adequate funding be set

aside for replacements?

Academy School District 20 does have an obsolete replacement cycle. As for as

funding, they do have a budget planned to replace obsolete equipment, but it is in danger

of being cut or postponed due to extreme budget cuts for education statewide.

Academy School District 20 is in the second year of obsolete equipment

replacement cycle. Academy District 20 is unique in its ability to provide a consistent

funding stream to replace old computers with new ones, allowing us to recycle every

machine every five years. In fact, due to the dedication of $1,200,000 each year to that

purpose, we are seeing the added benefit of decreased student to computer ratios, as

equipment becomes less expensive, and more devices can be purchased with the same

amount of funding.

Academy School District 20 also is looking forward to the expansion of

equipment support to include technologies beyond computers. Mobile devices, such as

smart phones, interactive white boards and associated peripherals, and thin clients are all

viable alternatives (among others) as they seek ways to expand access and connectivity

while pairing devices with tasks in the most efficient way possible. Academy School

District 20 is instituting an expanded replenishment plan, wherein they will maintain

current student to computer ratios while allocating a portion of the replenishment dollars

to be used for the types of equipment and devices cited above, without increasing the

actual dollar amount. Academy School District 20 anticipates that this will allow them to

meet 21st century technology and information literacy needs without compromising

current levels of technology access.


Equipment and infrastructure budget for year 2009 - 2012

2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012

Obsolete Equipment Replacement $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000

MLO for technology infrastructure and support

(approved by

voters, November 2008)

$200,000 $200,000 $200,000

7. How does the tech plan address technology proficiencies and information literacy

skills?

Academy School District 20 technology plan thoroughly addresses criteria to

meet information literacy skills as well as technology proficiencies. Academy School

District 20 not only outlines how the students will achieve these goals, but their

professional development plan so teachers will be better equipped to lead their students in

accomplishing these goals. In addition, an extremely important facet of technology

proficiencies is the matter of digital citizenship. Academy School District 20 has also

thoroughly addressed digital citizenship to include both students and teachers.

Goal 2 (E 1.2):All students will develop the skills and motivation necessary for life‐long


1. Using tools, techniques and technology to enhance their lives, 2. Critical thinking, 3.

Problem solving, 4. Communicating appropriately, creatively and


effectively, 5. Understanding their individual and corporate value, 6. Taking initiative

and being responsible for personal decisions and actions, and, 7. Making

informed decisions based upon examination of multiple perspectives of an issue.



2.1.1 Provide access to, and knowledge of, appropriate technology tools to

students and staff to access and communicate new ideas.

2.1.1.1 Continue to share new technologies and

tools with BTCs and Librarians at monthly meetings (ongoing).

2.1.1.3 Continue to present new tools and 21st

century skills at monthly K‐12 principal meetings (ongoing).

2.1.1.4 Establish a plan and schedule for sharing one

21st century learning idea at each BTC/TREK meeting (ongoing).

2.1.1.5 Continue to seek funding for professional

development that focus on Web tools and collaboration strategies (ongoing).

2.1.1.6 Establish 21st Century Learning teams at

each building for leadership, collaboration, and coordination of efforts and

expertise (2009-2010).

2.1.1.8 Continue to open new blogs, wikis, social

network sites, etc., as appropriate to facilitate communication of new ideas

(ongoing).

2.1.1.9 Encourage and teach the use of blogs, wikis,


social networking sites, and other Web 2.0 technologies to emphasize and support

access to and communication of new ideas (ongoing).

2.1.1.10 Investigate and deploy software and hardware tools that

emphasize and support access to and communication of new ideas (ongoing).

2.1.3 Develop Educational Technology, Information Literacy, and 21st century skills

standards to educators to guide learning and inform professional development.

2.1.3.6 Use assessment results to inform and develop professional develop plan

around these standards (2010-2011).

2.1.3.7 Appropriate professional development will be offered to guide teachers in

what tools are available, and how to use them effectively within the context of meaningful

learning activities (2011-2012).

2.1.5 Provide support for building‐level collaboration between building technology

coordinators (BTCs), librarians, and teachers.

2.1.5.3 Explore other methods of funding release time and PLC opportunities for

D20 educators for the purpose of collaboration around ET‐IL and 21st Century Skills,

including additional grants (ongoing).

2.1.5.4 Develop, refine and use the model for collaboration at the elementary

level (2010-2011).

2.1.5.5 Develop, refine and use a model for Substitute costs collaboration at the

secondary level (2010-2011).

2.1.5.6 Explore and share effective and successful collaboration models at


schools during bi‐monthly TREK meetings (2010-2011).

2.2 Objective 2: All Students will think critically as they engage in meaningful problem

solving.

2.1.1 Offer professional development to guide teachers in incorporating critical

thinking and problems solving, developing project and inquiry‐based lessons, units, and

activities, Quadrant D learning, questioning, and developing rigorous and relevant

learning environments for their students.

2.2.1.1 Establish a professional development plan for critical thinking, problem

solving, and other higher‐order thinking skills and how to integrate into curriculum

(ongoing).

2.2.1.2 Coordinate with standards review to determine a process for

incorporating into various curricular areas (ongoing).

2.2.1.3 Work with Learning Services to determine cross‐curricular applications

(ongoing).

2.2.1.4 Use 21st Century Learning teams to coordinate and develop professional

development at building level (ongoing).

Goal 3 (E .3): All students will develop the qualities of character necessary to be positive

contributors to society. Accordingly, students will consistently demonstrate:

1.Compassion, 2. Excellence, 3. Citizenship, 4. Respect, 5. Hope, 6. Courage, 7. Honesty,

8. Responsibility, 8. Integrity, 10. Perseverance.


3.1 Objective: All schools will implement a digital citizenship program.

3.1.1 Schools will provide a program for Internet safety for all students

3.1.1.1 Each school will define the Internet

safety needs of their site (2009-2010).

3.1.1.2 Schools will provide professional

development for teachers and parents to help

them better understand internet safety issues (2009-2010).

3.1.1.3 IT‐ES will provide information, resources, and any needed

training to assist schools with carrying out their internet safety plans (2009-2010).

3.1.1.4 Students will understand: personal

safety on the Internet, cyber community, predator identification, and cyber security

(2010-2011).

3.1.1.5 Schools will collaborate with the community resource officers to

deliver Internet safety (ongoing).

3.1.2 Schools will provide digital citizenship training

for students.

3.1.2.1 Schools will provide professional development on cyber citizenship for

staff

3.1.2.3 Schools will provide parent education on cyber citizenship

3.1.2.4 Teachers will positively model and advocate for digital citizenship for

students

3.1.2.5 Teachers will teach and model: ethical behavior on mobile devices,


technology equipment, on the Internet, intellectual property rights, and copyright

3.1.2.6 Students will exhibit leadership for digital citizenship

8. How will the school district know whether implementation of this plan has made a

positive impact on teaching and learning?

Academy School District 20 will evaluate their technology plan by using multiple

approaches to determine whether the 21st Century Learning Plan goals and objectives

have been effective in meeting district learning goals and objectives.

First, the Academy District 20 21st Century learning plan will be

evaluated every December by a task force comprised of stakeholders, convened by

IT – Educational Services team and Learning Services, including directors from

curriculum and instruction, assessment, and professional development. The

results of the evaluation will lead to the Plan being updated by February to meet

two main deadlines: 1) submission of budget requests needed to achieve the plan

during the subsequent school year, and 2) revision of the District‐defined rubric

that drives changes to the building 21st Century plans and/or site plans.

Second, as a part of our school board’s policy‐governance organization,

it continually monitors the district’s progress towards meeting the Board of

Education Ends Policy (E‐1) for Knowledge and Academic Achievement. This

includes Educational Technology, Information Literacy (ET‐IL) and 21st Century

Skills. All students will have the knowledge, skills, and character necessary for

successful transition to the next level and upon graduation will be fully prepared

for success.


Third, the district’s accreditation process is another way in which we

evaluate the progress of the district 21st Century learning plan. The district’s

accreditation process includes Educational Technology, Information Literacy,

and 21st Century skills in the updated accreditation manual adopted by the Board

of Education in March 2008. Appendix 12 Included in the absolutes, schools must

provide a comprehensive curriculum for Internet safety. The accreditation

framework provides schools a vehicle for focusing on student learning.

Goal One

All students will acquire and demonstrate appropriate Educational Technology

and Information Literacy (ET‐IL) skills to help them meet or exceed state

standards and communicate information and ideas in a global society.

Goal Two

To promote high levels of student achievement, staff will acquire, demonstrate,

use and teach Educational Technology and Information Literacy (ET‐IL) tools

and skills to communicate information and ideas in a global society.

9. Does the plan address a time frame by which the district proposes to implement the

various components of the plan?

Academy School District 20 composed this plan on April 24, 2009 and it extends

to completion in 2012. Each specific goal, objective and more specifically, each strategy

has it’s own listed time frame (see image on next page).


10. Do you think this plan has addressed issues such as equity for all students? Please

explain your thinking.

Yes, the technology plan for Academy School District 20 addresses the needs of

all students. Their vision statement states: “All students will have the knowledge, skills,

and character necessary for successful transition to the next level and upon graduation

will be fully prepared for success.”

However, the one flaw I see regarding equality for all students is that it does not

specifically address the needs of special education students and how they will provide

equal access for those students and what assistive technology will be acquired to address

those needs.


11. Does this plan provide tools to help lower the achievement gap? Explain your

thinking.

No, I do not see that the technology plan addresses how to lower the achievement

gap. The achievement gap refers to the observed disparity on a number of standardized

tests between the performance of groups of students, especially groups defined by gender,

race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The plan does address the needs of all students

to improve their academic performance but it does not specifically address how to close

the gap of groups of students based on gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

12. If you could recommend some improvements to your district's technology team

regarding this plan, what would they be and why?

We would recommend that Academy School District 20 improve their assistive

technology plan specifically in relation to English Language Learners and students with

special needs. This plan does touch on assistive technology to be used for students with

special needs, but it is very general and as reflected by the “District 20 21st Century

Learning Needs Response Assessment Comment,” there is a need for assistive

technology that address a larger variety of degrees of disabilities. We found that there

was no reference to assistive technology for English Language Learners and this is a

prominent concern with the diversity of educational system. Academy School District 20

technology plan was evaluated by the International Baccalaureate committee and they

recommended the use of Rosetta Stone as means of assistive technology software for

English Language Learners. Not only would these students be learning English, but the

Rosetta Stone program would allow them to maintain and reinforce their native languages

as well. We see the need for Academy School District 20 to improve their use of assistive


technology, especially since it has the potential for a much a wider impact than just

student with special needs.

12. If you could recommend some improvements to your district's technology team

regarding this plan, what would they be and why?

We would recommend that Academy School District 20 improve their assistive

technology plan specifically in relation to English Language Learners and students with

special needs. This plan does touch on assistive technology to be used for students with

special needs, but it is very general and as reflected by the “District 20 21st Century

Learning Needs Response Assessment Comment,” there is a need for assistive

technology that address a larger variety of degrees of disabilities. We found that there

was no reference to assistive technology for English Language Learners and this is a

prominent concern with the diversity of educational system. Academy School District 20

technology plan was evaluated by the International Baccalaureate committee and they

recommended the use of “Rosetta Stone” as means of assistive technology software for

English Language Learners. Not only would these students be learning English, but the

“Rosetta Stone” program would allow them to maintain and reinforce their native

languages as well. We see the need for Academy School District 20 to improve their use

of assistive technology, especially since it has the potential for a much a wider impact

than just student with special needs.

colorado springs district 20 technology plan review

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