McCullough Junior High School has a detailed technology plan which includes the Technology Applications TEKS. The plan’s stated objective is ‘to ensure that all students and staff utilize technology as a tool for learning’. The plan can be divided into 5 sections: telecommunications and information technology, professional development, assessment of telecommunication services, hardware, software, and other services needed, budgeting and continuous evaluation of the plan. There are numerous strategies involved to meet each of these goals.
Telecommunications and Information Technology
Students are given the opportunity to take several different computer based courses to increase their understanding and knowledge of technology. All students have a school email account and domain access that provides online space to store files. The Student Access Center and the Parent Access Center provide students and their parents’ personal information including grades, absences, tardies, disciplinary actions, evaluation data and lunch account balance. Internet safety is emphasized to students as well as research and analysis techniques. McCullough has two 30 station Library computer labs and 6 WOW (Web on Wheels) carts that contain 28 computers each. Teachers are encouraged to utilize these computers in their curriculum and for assessment purposes. Classrooms contain 1 – 4 student computers. Students may utilize these computers to complete school assignments before school, after school and during advisory. Each classroom is equipped with a teacher computer. There are several wireless access systems available at McCullough including a guest system, student/staff system and administration system.
Professional development
Professional development is an ongoing process. Trainings have been scheduled on a monthly basis and occur during teacher conference times. During the current school year, trainings have been held on Eduphoria, and eschools Plus. Future trainings will include a refresher on the use of the WOW carts, INOVA Plus, Edmodo, Moodle, Quizlet and various ESL related tools. Additional trainings will be determined utilizing surveys completed by staff members. As these trainings are provided by district or school staff, the only expense incurred is the salary of a substitute for the staff member presenting the program. Coordination of professional development is provided by a team consisting of the principal, assistant principal in charge of technology and the technology liaison.
Assessment of telecommunication services, hardware, software, etc.
The STaR Chart survey is used to evaluate the current telecommunications services. Additionally, staff members are surveyed as to their observations and needs to increase technology use in the classroom.
Budgeting
Technology related budgeting is included in the campus budget. Current funds are limited due to the cut backs that all school districts are experiencing. There are no plans for major technology purchases. The current equipment will be maintained and repairs made as necessary. McCullough is undergoing a major construction project. Included as part of this project are a few technology related items including additional wireless access points to improve service, and internet connections and electrical outlets required for the use of technology in classrooms.
Evaluation
The evaluation process has various components that utilize data from students and staff members. A technology literacy assessment is administered through the science classes to determine areas of improvement needed within computer courses. Campus and staff formative assessments occur in November and January. The formative assessments utilized are technology professional development records and reevaluation of the campus and district technology plans to ensure these align with the technology strategies. Campus and staff summative assessment occurs in July and uses the performance indicators of the STaR report.
Technology planning is a fluid process because of the continuous development of new technology and improvement of current technology. McCullough’s technology plan focuses on meeting these ever changing needs.
Resource:
STaR Chart. Campus Statistics Statewide Annual Summary. Retrieved from http://starchart.epsilen.com/statistics.html
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