Bright Minds Academy Technology Plan 2010 - 2015

1. Bright Minds Academy Technology Plan2010 - 2015 Presented By: Ramia Cook Jacqueline Gregoire – Reid Devona Hill E7801 – Dr. E. Welch

2. Overview • Introduction • Technology Committee • Student Needs • Mission and Vision • Goals and Objectives • Current Reality • GAP Analysis • Action Plan • References • Acknowledgements

3. Introduction • In order to live productively in the 21st century, our students needs skills in critical thinking, problem solving, decision-making, communication, and collaboration. • This technology plan provides a guide for helping the students of Bright Minds Academy to develop skills, knowledge, and insights necessary to meet rigorous content standards and make successful transition to the world beyond school.

4. Technology Committee Members Dr. Jacquline Gregoire-Reid Mrs. Devona Hill Mrs. Ramia Cook Mr. Samuel Burns Mr. Marvin Speakman Ms. Fredricka Miller Ms. Karen Rivers Mr. Montgomery Calhoun Principal Asst. Principal Computer Lab Manager Media Specialist Leadership Team Chair Primary Representative Intermediate Rep. IT Representative

5. Academic Needs Reading/Math/Writing • According to the CRCT data given, 3rd and 5th graders have incrementally improved in the area of reading achievement since 2005. • Assessment results also indicate that the number of students not meeting expectations has decreased both in the general population and in the special needs population as well. • Writing assessment results indicate that progress is stagnant at best. These scores indicate that further development is needed in this area.

6. Needs Assessment “Haves” • 6 student computers per classroom • 25 station computer lab • Laptop cart (20 computers) • 6 white boards “Have Nots” • 6 white boards • Instructional support • Technology integration • More software

7. Argosy County- Mission/Vision Mission – To provide an environment which encourages the development of moral, social and global consciousness; to prepare individuals for their futures by enhancing the desire to learn; to problem solve critically; to deal with change successfully, and to serve all the people of the district to the best of our ability. Vision - To prepare students to become productive , responsible members of a changing world by providing a nurturing environment that stimulates a voluntary desire to learn, providing educational experiences that promote the realization of individual potential, and creating opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate excellence in multiple domains.

8. Goals & Objectives for Achievement & Technology • Reading comprehension will improve on all grade levels • Writing style, organization, and structure will improve on all grade levels • Integrate technology into the curriculum in all subject areas across all grade levels • Use word processing, desk top publishing software and web resources to facilitate the writing process and improve reading comprehension skills

9. Argosy County Mission/Vision Mission - To infuse technology into the classroom which will help create students who are academically competitive, technology literate, and engaged in the learning process Vision – All student and staff will have continuous access to the tools of technology and the skills to effectively use them for the process of education

10. Bright Minds – Technology Mission The mission of Bright Minds Academy is to infuse technology into classroom instruction which will help to create students who are academically competitive, technology literate, and engaged in the learning process. 

11. Bright Minds – Technology Vision Our vision is that students and staff will have continuous access to the tools of technology and the skills to effectively use them for the process of education.

12. Current Reality - Access • All core teachers have a networked computer in the classroom • One computer lab with 25 computers and a projector • Actively seeking a student to computer ratio of 5:1 • Before and after school access for teachers and students • Teacher have access to personal files through the network • Staff has access to digital projectors, scanners, digital cameras, color printers, and networked software

13. Current Reality – Instructional Uses • Students learn: use of hardware, word processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, Internet browser, and presentation software • Teachers use software to track student performance and prepare and grade tests • Students research, design and publish documents • Students prepare presentations that demonstrate clear questioning and creative research strategies

14. Gap Analysis • To achieve the technology vision in consistently operating modern computers that has the availability of the highest level network.

16. Access to Technology • As teachers and administrators strive to support students in achieving the Quality Core Curriculum (QCC) and the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS), they will have a variety of technology that enhances proven educational practices.

17. Access to Technology cont’d • By making the most available technology tools, teachers and administrator will improve their skill sets and stay on top of current best practices and instructional methods to support student learning. • Administrators and teachers will be provided with world-class technology tools that will readily accept the evolving resources available in electronic formats.

18. Instructional Uses of Technology • Software Application • Network grading tools • Email • Broadband Internet access • Student Information system • Web-based media catalog Targeted Level K-5 K-5 K-5 1-5 K-5

19. Instructional Uses of Technology • Software Application • Scholastic Reader • Student Assessment Reporting Tool (My Students • Read out loud • Inspiration • Targeted Level • K-5 • K-5 • Special Education • K-5

20. Goals and Benchmark • Based on the vision, data collection, and the gap analysis, clear and concrete goals are established • Based upon successful progress of goal completion, an evaluation plan is implemented to determine technology program success that affect; (1) student achievement, (2) student technology, and (3) the quality of students learning experiences

21. Goals • Goal 1: Ensure a world-class education for all. • Goal 2: Ensure a safe, secure and orderly environment. • Goal 3: Optimize student achievement. • Goal 4: Recruit, employ develop, and retain workforce • Goal 5: Meet the continual changing demands. • Goal 6: Provide and manage the system’s facilities. • Goal 7: Apply continuous quality improvement strategies and principles.

22. Benchmark Benchmark 1: Utilize timely data Benchmark 2: All school information will be added to the Pictometry Software by the end of the school year. Benchmark 3: Accurate reporting of data. Benchmark 4: On-line registration. Benchmark 5: Bulletin board messages and videos. Benchmark 6: Basic -Equipment is being installed into the building. Bench mark 7: Budget request will reflect mark the need of the school.

23. Access to Technology • The technology plan will be made available to the entire school system via a Web site. • The site provides a public information distribution point with official school information, proposals, planning, budget summaries, meeting agendas and many other resources.

24. Instructional uses of technology • Accelerated reader • Instructional calendars • Brainpop • ClassXP • Common Assessment • Digital camera • Excel tip • IEP Online • IGPro and Grading • Discovery education United streaming video • Forms and template • Media services • Get moving • Harcourt math websites • HyperSnap • Lotus notes • Just for fun • Laptop Usage

25. Action Plan Professional developmental strategies: • The Local School Plan for Improvement (LSPI) will support instructional technology use in the classroom. • Teachers’ professional development will be resources for integrating technology and instruction.

26. Strategies for Best-Practice Uses of Technology • Implementation of a strategic yet fundamental quality of technology based on a friendly resource data for teachers, students and parents. • Core-technology skills • Highly qualified teachers will frequently use technology resources in the classroom as an instructional tool.

27. Budget • Funding Goal: Bright Minds Academy (BMA) will monitor funding opportunities and create teams to apply for funding as it becomes available. • Objective : By September 2010, BMA will apply for at least one grant each year • Complete grant applications annually • Technology Services Director - will facilitate a team of district staff to collaborate on the EETT and other grant opportunities • District Superintendent - will provide advice and forward funding and grant notices to the Technology Services Director. • Technology and Media Services Supervisor - is actively involved with all grant writing efforts as editor and as a grant management team member

28. Established and Potential Funding • General and Categorical funds – from the district • Title I funds – a part of No Child Left Behind Act; federal funding • School Improvement Program – state funding under AB 65 • Underperforming Schools Program – state funding to low academic schools to be used for technology • Bonds Funds – passed by the voters of the city for technology • Grant Funds and Donations- state, federal, foundations, and organizations

29. Obsolete Equipment Replacement Policy • Standard is three years but county is moving toward five years • Acquisition and replacement of technology has been based on buying equipment as funding is available • Grants and funds are concentrated on providing initial equipment • Donated equipment can be beneficial, but often: old, requires repair, and adds to the maintenance burden • The district has established minimum standards for donated equipment that can be accepted by schools

30. References • Barrow County School District. (2002). Barrow County School District Three-Year Technology Integration Plan. • Belmont Public Schools. (2010). Retrieved on March 31, 2010 from: http://www.belmont.k12.ma.us/technology /about/index.asp?PageID=19 • Corning Elementary School District. (2005). Retrieved om March 29, 2010 from: http:// www.cuesd.tehama. k12.ca.us/techserv/techplan.pdf • Gwinnett County Schools. (2010). Retrieved on March 29, 2010 from: http://gwinnett.k12.ga.us/gcps-imdweb01.nsf /pages/TechnologyPlan

31. Acknowledgments • We would like to acknowledge Dr. Welch and Argosy University for providing us will this excellent opportunity to analyze the process involved in creating a technology plan. • We would also like to thank the Argosy County School District’s central office personnel, the Superintendent, Principal Gregoire-Reid, Bright Minds Academy faculty, parents, community, and most of all the students. • The Bright Minds Academy Technology Committee extends gratitude to each other for a wonderful cooperative learning experience.

32. Thank You!!!