TECHNOLOGY PLAN TEMPLATE

North American University

Education Department
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
EDUC 5324: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO EDUCATION
Name: Michelle Gentry

Date: November 25, 2016

This template is adapted from

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/et/rs/documents/et14techplan.doc
California Department of Education
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND
The plan should guide the LEAs use of education technology for the next three
years.

List specific start and end dates (7/1/2017 to 6/30/2020). Provide a brief overview
of the LEA, its location and demographics and/or share a link to the LEAs
website.
Start and end dates: 7/1/2017 to 6/30/2020
LEA Title: Harmony Science Academy, Sugar Land
LEA Region: 4
City, State, Zip: Sugar Land, Texas, 77478
Phone: 281-265-2525
County District Number: 101862
Number of Students: 756
Class Makeup: Kindergarten/1st/2nd/3rd/4th/5th/6th (6th Grade will transition to new Middle School
which is scheduled to open in the 2017-2018 school year.)

Website: www.hsshouston.org

Describe how a variety of stakeholders from within the LEA and the communityat-large participated in the planning process.
Stakeholders (within LEA):
The Principal
Assistant Principal of Academics
Assistant Principal of Discipline
Testing Coordinator
IT Manager
Computer Teacher

Stakeholders (Community):
Parents
Teachers (including Team Leads/Department Heads)
Students (when needed)
Meetings will be scheduled with all stakeholders. Meetings will take place
monthly regarding topics relevant to the plan in place. Discussing academic
results after the utilization of the technology in the classroom.
**NOTE: Teacher instruction will not be replaced by technology. The technology is meant to
enhance the teacher lessons and student learning.

Summarize the relevant research and describe how it supports the plan's
curricular and professional development goals.

Summarize the plans major curricular and professional development

outcomes that are supported by research.
o The curricular and professional development outcomes that are
supported by the research are to increase student achievement and
attendance by utilizing a 1:1 technology rich classroom.

Describe and cite the relevant research that supports the plans
outcomes.
o Harris, J.L., Al-Bataineh, M.T., & Al-Bataineh, A. (2016). One to One
Technology and its Effect on Student Academic Achievement and
Motivation. Contemporary Educational Technology, 7(4), 368-381.
o Russell, M., Bebell, D., & Higgins, J. (2004). Laptop Learning: A
Comparison of Teaching and Learning in Upper Elementary
Classrooms Equipped with Shared Carts of Laptops and
Permanent 1:1 Laptops. Journal Of Educational Computing
Research, 30(4), 313-330.

Describe the connection between the research and the plans goals.
o The above articles discuss the pros and cons of 1:1 technology in
the classroom. By utilizing technology the academic performance
and motivation will increase for students in the classroom.

Describe information gathered from site visits, including best

practices.
o Teachers and administrators visit area schools to learn about what
is happening in the area. Looking at how often students are able to
utilize technology in the classroom or if students must visit the
computer lab. As stated earlier, ensuring model schools are
utilizing technology in the classroom and the teachers are ever

present and guiding the students. The teachers and administrators,

along with the other stakeholders, plan to use best practices when
using technology in the classroom.

CURRICULUM COMPONENT CRITERIA.

The Plan must establish clear goals and realistic strategy for using
telecommunications and information technology to improve education services.
(Answer at least 2 questions for each subsection below)

2a. Describe teachers' current access to instructional technology and current use
of digital tools.
What technology is currently available to all teachers?
Technology that is currently available to all teachers are as follows: Laptops,
Document Cameras, Projectors, Desktop Computers (K-1 classrooms),
Chromebooks (2-6 classrooms), i-Pads may be checked out to teachers,
classroom phones, Computer Lab (check schedule), and personal cell phones
owned by the teachers.
How does technology assist with student assessment?
Students are able to take certain tests on the Chromebooks. The Testing
Coordinator utilizes the Chromebooks for MAP testing for BOY/MOY/EOY.
Students are able to log onto Accelerated Reader (A.R.) and take a quiz over a
book they have read. There are also multiple websites utilized by the teachers to
monitor and check student learning.

2b. Describe students' current access to instructional technology and current use
of digital tools. Include a description about the LEA policy, practices, and/or
replacement policy that ensures equitable technology access for all students.
Is technology currently available to all students?
All students have technology available to them in the classroom, as well as in the
Computer Lab. 2nd thru 6th Grade classrooms have Chromebooks, enough for
each student to work independently. Kindergarten and 1 st Grade classes are
scheduled for one Computer class per week, however most classes visit the
Computer Lab more often.
How is technology being used by students in the library media center and
labs?
Teachers are able to schedule extra sessions in the Computer Lab when needed.
Students are learning age appropriate skills in their Computer classes. At this
time the Library does not utilize computers other than A.R. tests.

2c. Describe goals and an implementation plan, with annual activities, for using
technology to improve teaching and learning. Describe how these goals align to
the LEA's curricular goals that are supported by other plans. Describe how the
LEA's budget (LCAP) supports these goals, and whether future funding
proposals or partnerships may be needed for successful implementation.
How are/will Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) being used to
ensure the quality and implementation of the plan?
PLC will be an important aspect to the success of this plan. Teachers will get
together with others in the field to discuss the pros and cons of this plan and
others plan from other districts. This will also give insight to creating an even
better plan in the future for our school. Feedback and discussion will help keep
teachers and administration on track.
Have one-time costs been identified as well as ongoing costs?
The cost of the plan has been added to the current budget with projected costs
for the upcoming years the plan is in place. Each year the budget and costs will
be analyzed to ensure the budget reflects needed amounts.

2d. Describe goals and an implementation plan, with annual activities, to address
Internet Safety and the appropriate and ethical use of technology in the
classroom.
What are the Local Education Agencys (LEA) curriculum goals and plans
for assisting students to meet technology literacy and information literacy
skills?
The Central Office sets the curriculum goals, however teachers are able to be
creative in the classroom to incorporate technology into the lesson when
applicable. Computer classes are offered to Kindergarten-5 th Grades weekly,
with the possibility of extra time in the Computer Lab and Chromebook time.
What LEA adopted curriculum (matrix, and/or scope and
sequence, i.e. International Society for Technology in Education
[ISTE] Standards for Students) supports the acquisition of
technology and information literacy skills?
Learning.com is the suggested curriculum for Harmony Science Academy.

2e. Describe goals and an implementation plan, with annual activities, to

address Internet Safety and the appropriate and ethical use of technology in the
classroom.
What materials will be used to instruct students about Internet safety,
including how to use technologies to protect themselves and their privacy
online?
The Dean of Students and the I.T. Coordinator will ensure all students are given
and understand the Internet and computer usage policies. The computer teacher
will be able to add some in depth lessons regarding the usage policies for the
campus. Students using the Chromebooks are given a handbook and asked to
sign the Chromebook page understanding the usage policies for the
Chromebook. Parents are also asked to sign this page to ensure the students
understand their responsibilities.
How is access to only appropriate educational online resources
accomplished?
The Central Office and the I.T. Coordinator work together to ensure the firewalls
on campus are up and working properly. If there is an issue it is addressed
immediately and a course of action is developed to solve the problem. If needed
discipline consequences are given.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMPONENT
The Plan must have a professional development strategy to ensure that staff
understands how to use these new technologies to improve education services
(Answer at least 2 questions for each subsection below)

3a. Summary of the teachers' and administrators' current technology proficiency

and integration skills and needs for professional development.
Are administrators able to support teachers with the integration of
technology into daily curriculum?
The administrators are able to support the teachers with the integration of
technology into daily curriculum. Not only the administration supports this, but
the Central Office is very supportive as well. Harmony was awarded a Race To
The Top Grant, which has helped to instigate this plan.
What do teachers and administrators consider as their needs for
professional development?
Teachers are looking for Professional Development (PD) for the different types of
technology that is being introduced each year. More PD is needed for teachers
to stay abreast of the trends and hot topics. Not only this but the devices and
applications being developed.

3b. Describe goals and an implementation plan, with annual activities, for
providing professional development opportunities based on your LEA needs
assessment data and the Curriculum Component of the plan.
What professional learning will be available so teachers and administrators
can make informed decisions using data to meet individual student
academic needs?
The Central Office ensures there is information and data to support, or deny,
decisions made by them or at the building level. Data is analyzed and given to
the teachers and administrators to make decisions regarding student learning
and needs.
What professional learning will be available so teachers and administrators
can effectively use technology to assist with student assessment?
Curriculum Coaches visit the schools to assist with feedback to the teachers and
administrators. They also provide data to support the technology use in the
classrooms. This information is used by the teachers and the administrators to
increase and better use technology for assessment and gaining data on how it is
best used.

INFRASTRUCTURE, HARDWARE, TECHNICAL SUPPORT, SOFTWARE, AND

ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPONENT CRITERIA
The Plan must include an assessment of the telecommunication services,
hardware, software, asset management, and other services that will be needed to
improve education services.
(Answer at least 2 questions for each subsection below)

4a. Describe the existing hardware, Internet access, electronic learning

resources, technical support, and asset management already in the LEA that will
be used to support the Curriculum and Professional Development Components
of the plan.

What technologies are available to facilitate home/school communication

such as email, web pages, and voice mail?
Harmony Science Academy utilizes many different technologies to facilitate
home/school communication. All teachers are equipped with an email address to
contact parents, students and administrators when needed. The school has a
website, a Facebook page, and a Twitter account. They also send out a weekly
newsletter, Wednesday Mail, with information and upcoming events. The
database is available to parents, teachers and students to check assignments
and grades. SchoolMessenger is used to send text/email messages to parents,
voice messages are used for emergencies only.

Is the current Internet service provider /Wide Area Network Connection

speeds able to meet the LEAs needs?
The current Internet service provider is able to meet the LEAs needs on a normal
day. It is difficult to maintain a connection, for the students, when there is a
bunch of classes using the network at the same time. This may happen when
the students are MAP testing or some other scheduled event that will utilize the
Chromebooks.
4b.Describe the technology hardware, electronic learning resources, networking
and telecommunications infrastructure, physical plant modifications, technical
support, and asset management needed by the LEA's teachers, students, and
administrators to support the activities in the Curriculum and Professional
Development components of the plan.
Can existing equipment be modified to meet certain needs identified in the
plan?
The Chromebooks that are currently onsite will be used for the 2 nd-6th Grade
students, next year 2nd-5th Grades. Each student will have access to their
account and be able to work independently, with the teachers support, each day
or when needed. Kindergarten and 1st Grade students will continue to gain
understanding and basics of the computer before using the Chromebooks
independently.
Are the storage rooms and classrooms in which infrastructure, hardware,
and electronic resources reside secure or do they require modification to
become secure?
The security alarm is set daily to ensure the safety and security of the building
and grounds. All Chromebooks and other technology devices are located in the
buildings and secured in the classrooms. The teacher upon leaving the building
locks classrooms each day, Chromebook carts also are able to be locked.
MONITORING AND EVALUATION COMPONENT
The plan must include an evaluation process that enables the school to monitor
progress toward the specific goals and make mid-course corrections in response
to new developments and opportunities as they arise.
(Answer at least 2 questions for each subsection below)

5a. Describe the process for evaluating the plan's overall progress and impact on
teaching and learning.
Who will participate in the monitoring and evaluation process?
The teachers and administration will be the first line of monitoring and evaluation.
The Central Office will also be involved with this process using the support of the

Curriculum Coaches who visit the buildings weekly/monthly. The stakeholders

will also be able to view the information provided to help make informed
decisions regarding the plan for future decisions to be made.
What criteria will be used to measure success (e.g., test scores, student
portfolios, percentage of students attaining grade-level content standards,
attendance, dropout rate, matriculation to college, or full-time
employment)?
Many criteria will be used to measure the success of the plan. Student test
scores (STAAR) and MAP results will be an indicator of the success of the plan.
Attendance, pass rate of the students, and employment of teachers will also play
a large roll in the measurement of the success of the plan. Teacher and student
surveys will be conducted to get feedback regarding their thoughts regarding the
use of technology in the classroom. Parent surveys may be conducted as well to
gain their perspective towards technology in the classroom.
5b. Describe the schedule for evaluating the effect of plan implementation,
including a description of the process and frequency of communicating
evaluation results to tech plan stakeholders.
How will teachers, parents, and other stakeholders provide suggestions
and opinions in the evaluation process?
The main Stakeholders will meet monthly to give feedback and discuss issues
that may arise to possibly solve the issues early. They will also have an end fo
the year meeting to discuss all pros and cons to the plan and make any alteration
needed for the upcoming year(s).
Surveys will be conducted for teachers, parents, students and other stakeholders
regarding the implementation of the plan.
How will technology success stories be documented and publicized?
Harmony Science Academy will publish success stories in the school website,
Facebook and Twitter accounts. Parents, stakeholders, students and teachers
are asked to like our pages so they are able to get updates and information when
it is posted.
Harmony also has a newsletter for all campuses. Each campus is able to submit
stories to be added to the newsletter that is sent out to parents, stakeholders,
teachers and can be added to all accounts for publication.