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Technology for All Students. Schaumburg District # 54. Schaumburg District #54. Approximately 15,000 students 2100 students on IEPs 1875 bilingual students 22 Elementary & 5 Junior High Schools 2100 Educational Staff Members. Our Secrets: What Makes It Work?. A Vision
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Technology for All Students Schaumburg District # 54
Schaumburg District #54 • Approximately 15,000 students • 2100 students on IEPs • 1875 bilingual students • 22 Elementary & 5 Junior High Schools • 2100 Educational Staff Members
Our Secrets: What Makes It Work? • A Vision • Administrative Support • The “M & Ms” of Technology • Leaders Who “Exude” Passion • Follow Up & Support for Educational Staff • Solid Staff Development Plan
A Vision • Has to be shared • In Spring1996 Learning Technology & Assistive Technology Plans were merged into “1” • The first tech plan written included all students • Every tech plan from past to present includes all students • Our plan is “equitable” for all buildings • 2006-2009 Technology Plan was the “ultimate of collaboration”
Example of 1995-1996 Technology Plan • Goal Two: To maximize the potential of every student as an effective lifelong learner as they use information and communication technologies in the teaching and learning process. • Our schools will focus on: • The effective integration of technology as demonstrated by moving toward more engaged teaching and learning practices. • Expanding the use of Assistive technology for high incidence and at risk students, especially those at the Junior High level. • Acquiring additional data necessary to assess the effective integration of information and communication technologies in schools.
Example of 2005-2006 Technology Plan • WE BELIEVE IN: • -Preparing all students to be lifelong learners in an ever-changing world • -Recognizing and honoring the knowledge and wisdom of children • -Learning which takes place within and beyond school walls • -Focusing on learning which addresses the needs of all students • -Seeking and utilizing community resources to facilitate lifelong learning • -Risk taking and accountability • -Equitable access to information and communication technologies for our community • -Expanding our district network to members of our community. • -Committing to and being flexible to the changing roles as both learners and facilitators of learning. • -Establishing and expanding coalitions with parents, business and community groups. • -Sharing the responsibility to create, communicate and implement this evolving plan.
Administrative Support • Clear message from top administrators which states: all students are important and included • Technology staff opinions are respected and valued • Technology leaders are given decision making abilities • Support given for new initiatives & projects
The “M & M s” of Technology • Manpower • Money
Manpower • 7 Full Time & 2 Part Time ATFs • 6 Full Time & 12 Part Time LTFs • 5 Support Staff for Learning Technology • 3 Support Staff for Assistive Technology • Network Director & 10 Technicians • Help Desk with 4 Techs taking calls • Tech Troubleshooter in each building
Joint Venture • Relationships among tech infrastructure, learning & assistive technologies are collaborative • LTFs & ATFs have bi-monthly meetings • Curriculum & Instruction and Technology have a direct link • All newly hired educational staff receive intensive staff development given by both Learning & Assistive Technology
Money • For technology equipment • For continual update of equipment • For technology staff • For quality staff development • For new initiatives • Funds come from a variety of sources
Leaders Who “Exude” Passion • Personality style which facilitates change and risk taking • Leaders with “heart and soul” • Leaders with “perseverant spirit” • Recommendation: Hire people with these types of personalities
Follow Up & Support for Educational Staff • ATFs and LTFs have both technology and learning backgrounds • ATFs and LTFs are in buildings weekly • Support is linked to school improvement plans • Support includes: classroom, individuals, Wednesday staff development, on-site classes, and ready made materials • Tech subs available
Solid Staff Development Plan • Technology Plan focuses on: • Integration of technology into learning and the curriculum • All groups of educators (regular ed, special ed, bilingual, instructional assistants, etc.) • Differentiation of instruction (salary lane credit classes, Independent Home Study classes, Professional Learning Communities)
And finally… • Our plan is not perfect, it’s a work in progress! • We are constantly learning, growing and revising • We need to work together to get where we’re going • Our focus is consistent: improve the learning of all students.