INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Decisions we make today may have major effects on the quality and efficiency of the educational program we deliver to students in the future. The only way to address this is through a flexible technology planning process.

The issues, concerns and needs covered in the document are derived from the input of the end users of technology in the Division. The topical chapters framework of the plan enables chapters to be easily revised, added or deleted according to the Division’s needs. The result of this approach to technology planning is a dynamic living document that serves to guide Montgomery County Public Schools’ (MCPS) technology efforts.

The five major goals at the outset of the technology planning process were to produce a plan that:

· Is focused on learning.

· Strives to integrate technology into the curriculum.

· Has technology in a supportive position for administration, instruction, and operations.

· Establishes standardized processes and procedures for addressing technology needs.

· Is a dynamic and flexible document for steering technology in MCPS.

These goals have been accomplished through the focus of the planning process. The Technology Plan has been divided into five sections that mirror the planning goals.

FORMAT OF THE TECHNOLOGY PLAN

The majority of the chapters of the Technology Plan follow a format where the current status of an area of technology is detailed; needs surrounding the goals in each area are assessed; and strategies are recommended for addressing these targeted objectives. Through this format, the plan naturally develops a compilation of recommendations into a long range strategic action plan for the school division.

SECTION ONE – VISION, MISSION, AND GOALS

Section one outlines the mission and vision statements for instructional technology in MCPS. It also connects the educational goals expressed in the school systems’ Comprehensive Plan with instructional technology.

SECTION TWO - OPERATIONS

Section two is comprised of chapters that address the operational aspects of technology in MCPS. Committees of experts who work in the respective areas wrote these chapters. Fiscal considerations and budget impacts are common threads throughout. Following is a brief description of chapters found in section two:

· Chapters two and three focus on technology connectivity in the school Division. These two chapters address both the telecommunications infrastructure and the hardware that provides access to the information superhighway.

· Chapter four identifies and describes the maintenance software applications that monitor and protect the integrity of the MCPS technology infrastructure.

· Chapter five deals with the human assets that implement and maintain technology in MCPS. The organization comprised of these individuals makes technology possible for the school system.

· Chapters six and seven address MCPS compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Internet Privacy.

· Chapter eight details a crisis plan, which identifies the school system’s efforts to protect its current investment.

SECTION THREE - TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTION

Great strides have been made with technology integration in recent years. With the addition of Instructional Technology Resource Teachers (ITRTs) to MCPS, schools now receive more focused curricular support. The chapters of section three detail strides in this area, as well as the vision for future improvements. Following are brief descriptions of the chapters:

· Chapter nine specifically addresses the methods and the educational applications used by the Division to integrate technology in the learning environment.

· Chapter ten applies the concepts and methods of technology integration to the specific instance of implementing an Internet safety program for MCPS.

· Chapter 11 serves as a review of professional development and support programs used by MCPS for promoting the use and integration of instructional technology.

· Chapters 12 and 13 are a result of collaboration between the technology department and members of the instructional curriculum department to determine areas of specific need with respect to technology integration.

· Chapter 14 represents the input of the school stakeholders and the technology integration needs of MCPS school sites. Technology committees were formed at each school and directed to consider instructional goals that could be met through the use of technology. Each of these committees produced a technology plan for their school. These plans were considered as a part of the district plan, thus making it very focused on instruction.

· Chapter 15 details the instrument created to assess the ability of software applications to meet the instructional needs of the Division.

· Chapter 16 outlines “best practices” that should be used by teachers as they integrate technology into instruction.

SECTION FOUR – TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATION

Section four concentrates on the administrative support aspects of technology. The use of technology is equally as important as a tool for managing schools as it is for integrated instruction. Chapters in this section provide evidence of that truth.

· Chapter 17 describes the management of student records through use of the Student Information System.

· Chapter 18 explores the mining of the wealth of data to help teachers and administrator make informed decisions.

· Chapters 19 and 20 describe administrative technology-based applications as well as the professional development provided.

· Chapter 21 provides “best practices” for use of these systems.

· Chapter 22 presents the Software Acquisition Policy to ensure technology based applications being contemplated for purchase are uniform and compatible with MCPS existing systems and educational goals.

SECTION FIVE – TECHNOLOGY PLAN EVALUATION AND ALIGNMENT

Section five is comprised of only two chapters, the Technology Plan Evaluation (chapter 23), and the Technology Action Plan (chapter 24). The chapter about evaluation assesses the prior plan and sets the criteria for measuring the progress of the proposed new Technology Plan. Through this review and evaluation the Technology Plan can be kept flexible to meet shifting needs and conditions. The Technology Action Plan is the culminating result of this technology planning process and was derived from recommendations from each chapter. The recommendations were prioritized with due consideration given to factors such as instructional impact, practicality, scope, cost, and manpower. This final product represents an action plan for the implementation of technology in MCPS.

APPENDIX

The Appendix at the end of the plan contains several noteworthy items. All of the individual school technology plans discussed in support of chapter 14 are listed in Appendix A. The workbook which contains the rubrics for assessing the plan’s alignment with the Virginia Department of Education Technology Plan are presented in Appendix B. Appendix C lists the contributors to the Technology Plan as well as an identification of the group they represent.

TECHNOLOGY PLAN LIFE CYCLE

MCPS uses the following five-year life cycle for its technology planning process.

· Year One – Implementation of the new Technology Plan

· Year Two – Adjusted implementation of the Technology Plan

· Year Three - Preliminary assessment and amendment of the Technology Plan

· Year Four - Full evaluation and commencement of the writing process for next Technology Plan

· Year Five – Completion of the writing of a new Technology Plan for the next five-year cycle

This life cycle of the Technology Plan results in a dynamic document that will remain current with the needs of the school system.

The approved Technology Plan is posted on the MCPS Website and a copy will be provided to each branch office of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Public Library.

CHAPTER ONE – VISION, MISSION, AND GOALS

TECHNOLOGY VISION STATEMENT

MCPS will use technology as an integral component in its K-12 curricular programs and administrative processes. The school system will provide students with the opportunity to develop lifelong learning skills through the use of technology in a relevant and meaningful setting. With technology as a tool, teachers, administrators, and support staff will become more effective and efficient in the educational environment.

TECHNOLOGY MISSION STATEMENT

MCPS will strive to ensure that all students acquire the technology skills necessary to be productive citizens in an information-driven society. The school system will endeavor to provide current technology tools and appropriate training to teachers, administrators, and support staff.

TECHNOLOGY GOALS

· Develop and implement system-wide standards for the replacement of technology equipment.

· Obtain funding for district-wide replacement cycle for technology software, equipment, and systems.

· Continue to evaluate and update operating systems and security software.

· Continue to update, evaluate, and implement networks, operating systems, security software, and applications.

· Continue to evaluate and update Internet connections, networks, and bandwidth.

· Continue to update technology systems throughout the school division: telephone, public address, security, auditorium lighting, sound, and television distribution.

· Enhance the management and functionality of the Division’s Internet-based systems.

· Adopt and implement a technology salary scale that is competitive with the technology market.

· Provide technical support and maintenance for instructional and administrative technology applications.

· Staff the Technology Department at a level that maintains a capacity to be responsive to the growth of technology needs for the division.

· Continue to emphasize and improve the integration of technology in all content areas.

· All teachers will integrate technology throughout their curricula.

· Facilitate communication between home and school through the use of technology.

· Increase the awareness of all available technology resources.

· Continue to implement and support the Virginia Technology Initiative.

· Standardize the structure and use of course management software in order to effectively utilize its full capabilities.

· Integrate Internet Safety into all curricula.

· Increase participation by teachers and staff in professional development activities.

· Provide technology training lab available to all MCPS staff with video and distance-learning capabilities.

· Encourage the use of virtual education as a vehicle to help meet MCPS educational needs.

· Develop an online course delivery structure and begin developing virtual courses.

· Increase technology integration in summer programs.

· Work with Curriculum Supervisors to become involved in the curriculum adoption process.

· Implement MCPS software evaluation, adoption, purchase, and assessment processes.

· Maintain complete student records in the student information system.

· Continue to support and manage student information data for local, state, and federal objectives and reporting.

· Continue to establish processes and procedures to ensure the integrity, reliability, and usability of the division’s data.

· Research possibilities of data warehousing of Division-wide data.

· Provide appropriate training for new and existing administrative personnel to ensure effective and efficient use of related applications that support local and sate driven.

· Continue to evaluate and update plans to manage technology in the Division.

CHAPTER TWO – COMPUTER-BASED HARDWARE

INTRODUCTION

Technology continues to be a key component of instruction in MCPS. At the core of instructional technology is the desktop or laptop computer. MCPS purchases only name brand Gartner Group 1 or 2 computers listed on state contract. This ensures quality equipment, under extended warranty, is purchased at a statewide-negotiated rate.

CURRENT STATUS

MCPS depends on state technology monies to meet computer hardware needs. State initiatives often have restrictions on how the funds can be applied. For example, the State SOL Technology Initiative provides for the replacement of instructional computers, but does not address Vocational Education, Administrative computers or other technologies such as printers, PDA, scanners, projectors, network switches, servers, routers, etc.

COMPUTER INVENTORY

MCPS purchases Gateway computers. This decision is based on a combination of factors including cost, dependability, service, and support. Having a Division- wide standard improves inventory management throughout the system.

MCPS Computer Inventory

2006-2007

School	1000 Series	3000 Series	4000 Series	Laptops	Other	TOTAL
AES	0	2	205	24	11	242
AHS	5	97	112	33	7	254
AMS	1	20	79	32	12	144
BES	2	0	85	31	56	174
BHS	11	172	171	46	56	456
BMS	1	19	114	8	163	305
CPS	0	3	79	6	28	116
CES	0	13	98	2	3	116
CHS	2	147	177	40	44	410
CMS	0	27	238	13	4	282
EMHS	14	10	107	6	83	220
ELES	0	5	97	7	1	110
FBES	0	5	171	9	2	187
GLES	2	30	71	8	13	124
HAES	1	2	89	6	3	101
KES	0	1	141	0	0	142
MBES	0	20	130	0	1	151
PFES	0	2	94	10	3	109
SES	0	0	90	5	0	95
SMS	2	21	84	30	7	144
					TOTAL	3882

Student to Computer Ratio

The vast majority of the computer inventory in MCPS is purchased under the Virginia Department of Education SOL Online Testing Initiative. To qualify for funding under this initiative, the Division is required to meet or exceed a 5:1 student-to-computer ratio.

Student-to-Computer Ratio

2006-2007

School	Number of Computers	Number of Students	Computer to Students
AES	242	578	2.39
AHS	254	388	1.53
AMS	144	285	1.98
BES	174	259	1.49
BHS	456	1216	2.67
BMS	305	801	2.63
CPS	116	485	4.18
CES	116	391	3.37
CHS	410	1084	2.64
CMS	282	818	2.90
EMHS	220	328	1.49
ELE	110	211	1.92
FBE	187	573	3.06
GLE	124	356	2.87
HAE	101	242	2.40
KES	142	544	3.83
MBE	151	411	2.72
PFE	109	226	2.07
SES	95	249	2.62
SMS	144	251	1.74
TOTAL	3882	9696

Network Servers

MCPS subscribes to Novell Netware through the SLA contract. Netware Servers are distributed to the schools to provide application, file storage, and backup services. Additionally, the Division deploys other servers at a district level for instructional applications and services.

MCPS Server Inventory

2006-2007

School	CPU	NOS	Hard drive	RAM
Auburn Elementary School	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	60 Gig	1 Gig
Auburn High/Auburn Middle	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	200 Gig	1 Gig
Blacksburg High School	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	160 Gig	1 Gig
Blacksburg Middle/Kipps	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	200 Gig	1 Gig
Gilbert Linkous Elementary School	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	60 Gig	512 Meg
Harding Avenue Elementary School	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	60 Gig	1 Gig
Margaret Beeks Elementary School	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	60 Gig	512 Meg
Prices Fork Elementary School	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	205 Gig	1 Gig
Belview Elementary School	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	60 Gig	512 Meg
Christiansburg Elem/Christiansburg Primary	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	130 Gig	512 Meg
Christiansburg High School	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	65 Gig	1 Gig
Christiansburg Middle School	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	65 Gig	1 Gig
Falling Branch Elementary School	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	65 Gig	1 Gig
SBO	3.0 G	Netware 6.0	250 Gig	1 Gig
OCMS, Phoenix, ISS & Rivendell	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	250 Gig	1 Gig
Eastern Montgomery High School	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	65 Gig	512 Meg
Elliston-Lafayette Elementary School	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	65 Gig	512 Meg
Shawsville Elementary School	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	65 Gig	512 Meg
Shawsville Middle School	2.5 G	Netware 6.5	65 Gig	512 Meg
School Nutrition	3.4 G	Windows 2003	150 Gig	2 Gig
Transportation	3.4 G	Windows 2003	150 Gig	2 Gig
WWW	3.0 G	Windows 2003	250 Gig	1 Gig
Staff/Teacher Email	2.4 G	Windows 2003	475 Gig	1 Gig
Student Email	200 M	Windows NT 4.0	6 Gig	128 Meg
Workorder System	1.6 G	Windows 2003	9 Gig	256 Meg
Web Security	3.4 G	Windows 2003	74 Gig	2 Gig
Inside DNS/Wins	2.8 G	Windows 2003	75 Gig	256 Meg
Primary Outside DNS	1.1 G	Windows 2000	9 Gig	256 Meg
Secondary Outside DNS	550 M	Windows 2000	28 Gig	128 Meg

Section 1- Vision, Mission, and Goals

Section 2 – Technology Operations

Chapter 4 - Computer Applications and Services.................................................... 17

Section 3 – Instructional Technology

Chapter 16 – Computer Best Practices.................................................................... 52

Section 4 - Technology Administration

Section 5 - Technology Plan Evaluation and Action Plan

Appendix

Appendix B – Alignment Report

Appendix C - Contributors

INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CHAPTER ONE – VISION, MISSION, AND GOALS

TECHNOLOGY VISION STATEMENT

TECHNOLOGY MISSION STATEMENT

CHAPTER TWO – COMPUTER-BASED HARDWARE

INTRODUCTION

CURRENT STATUS

COMPUTER INVENTORY

Student to Computer Ratio