Running head: BENCHMARK – TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION PROPOSAL 1

Benchmark - Technology Integration Proposal

Laura Ray

Grand Canyon University

TEC 530

December 6, 2017
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St. Francis Xavier Catholic Elementary School Technology Education Plan Proposal

Statement of Mission

St. Francis Xavier School, in keeping with Jesuit philosophies, is dedicated to the total formation
of the child by preparing them for a global society through innovation, problem solving, and
cross curricular collaboration.

Statement of Vision

The vision of St. Francis Xavier School’s Technology Education Plan is to meet the needs of a
diverse population of learners, through the characteristics of a STREAM (Science, Technology,
Religion, Engineering, the Arts, and Math) school as defined by the National Catholic
Educational Association (NCEA).

As a STREAM school, St. Francis Xavier seeks to integrate Catholic identity into every aspect of
the curriculum. They manifest this intent through projects based in social justice as well as in-
depth experiential instruction in the teachings of the Church.

As a STREAM school, St. Francis Xavier provides a challenging learning environment focused
on science, technology, math, arts, and the integration of education in the faith that inspires the
joy of discovery and an authentic culture of faith based on the doctrinal precepts of church
teaching.

As a STREAM school, St. Francis Xavier promotes a culture of innovation as well as a

commitment to ethical behavior (Gossart, 2017).

Objective #1 – Digital Equity

St. Francis Xavier recognizes the digital needs of our school community with regard to
educational success in digital equity for all students. Both access to and use of devices in
meaningful ways constitute digital equity (Zielezinski, 2016). As part of our Cura Personalis
(Care of the Person) program, St. Francis Xavier School provides digital access and quality
digital education to all students.

Equitable Access to Devices

The students at St. Francis Xavier in grades K-5 have access to all digital classroom
materials, including iPads, printers, computers, and internet. Students in grades 6-8 are provided
with a Chromebook to use for educational purposes while students at SFX. Students in grades 6-
8 may take the devices home and are responsible for their school-issued device.

Equitable Access to Internet and Digital Services

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The students at St. Francis Xavier are provided with student Google emails upon
enrollment. Student emails are activated in 3rd grade at the discretion of the teacher. Students
can access digital services such as web mail applications through their student email and Google
Apps for Education. Students who do not have access to the internet at home can seek assistance
with the Community Outreach Director to gain access to the internet through public programs at
reduced or no cost.

Objective #2 – Technology-based Learning

St. Francis Xavier recognizes the need for students to engage in technology based learning in
order to prepare to be globally connected citizens. The teacher is essential to the learning
process as facilitator of technical and ethical learning outcomes. The learning objectives meet
the standards set forth by the Diocese of Phoenix Technology Standards, the ISTE Standards,
and the needs of the individual learner.

Technology Based Learning

The students of St. Francis Xavier school will participate in directed instruction in the
area of digital literacy through their weekly computer class and instruction.

The students at St. Francis Xavier school will engage in a variety of cross-curricular
technology based learning opportunities in an integrated classroom setting. These activities are
designed to challenge students in their knowledge of content areas as well as enhance their skills
in the areas of digital creation and collaboration.

Technology Based Instruction

The teachers of St. Francis Xavier School seek to model digital citizenship and
technology skills by maintaining current knowledge and skills relating to the creation of
technology based lesson plans and digital literacy skills.

St. Francis Xavier school offers extra-curricular courses to further meet the needs of
diverse learners. Classes such as Coding, 3D Printing, Filmmaking, and Computer-Aided
Design allows students who so desire the opportunity to further their depth of knowledge in the
digital realm.

Technology Leadership

St. Francis Xavier School provides teachers with professional development opportunities
to further their knowledge in the areas of technology and digital literacy. As professional
educators, teachers seek out professional development in order to remain current in these areas.

St. Francis Xavier School provides teachers with the technology needed to provide
current digital literacy instruction. This includes teacher laptops, iPads, projectors, digital
cameras, and online technology support of curriculum.
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St. Francis Xavier School, provides support to the teachers by way of the Tech Team.
Through the efforts of teachers from all grade bands, the Tech Coach and the Technology
Coordinator, the Tech Team seeks to provide teacher training and support, as well as facilitate
collaboration and continuity of instruction across grade levels. The Tech Team serves as a base
for digital literacy learning and models digital ethics for all teachers.

The St. Francis Xavier School Administration and governing board provides funds that
allow students access to technology and teachers to resources to teach current and emerging
digital skills.

Objective #3 – Digital Citizenship and Global Awareness

St. Francis Xavier School recognizes the need for students integrate faith into the digital culture
of today. Through a faith-based curriculum rooted in social justice, students learn to be
responsible global collaborators and digital leaders.

Digital Citizenship

The students of St. Francis Xavier School, as global citizens and Christians, bring the
values of solidarity and kinship to the digital realm, modeling understanding of digital ethics in
all manners.

The students of St. Francis Xavier School participate in lessons that teach digital ethics
and behaviors. Students uphold the ISTE Student standards for positive, safe, legal, ethical
online behavior (ISTE, 2017).

The teachers of St. Francis Xavier School participate in digital citizenship training and
are certified by Common Sense Media in digital citizenship.

The teachers of St. Francis Xavier School uphold the ISTE Educator Standards (ISTE,
2017) and model digital ethics in their teaching practice.

Global Awareness

St. Francis Xavier school, as a model of Christian values, seeks to share the Gospel with
all people. Understanding that global collaboration is vital to learning, teachers actively engage
students in activities that encourage respect for diversity, deep understanding of global issues,
and compassion for those in need.

As companions to all humanity, the global classroom offers opportunity for students to
engage in meaningful contact with students throughout the world. Students participate in
activities that deepen their understanding of the care for all people and the earth, our common
home (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2015).
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References

Gossart, H. A. (2017, May 11). 10 characteristics of a STREAM school. Retrieved December 5,

2017, from
http://www.ncea.org/NCEA/Learn/Resource/Academic_Excellence/STREAM__Science_
_Technology__Religion__Engineering__Arts__Math_/10_Characteristics_of_a_STREA
M_School.aspx?WebsiteKey

ISTE. (2017). ISTE standards for students. Retrieved November 29, 2017, from
https://www.iste.org/standards/for-students

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2015). Laudato Si: On care for our common
home. Retrieved December 6, 2017, from http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-
see/francis/pope-francis-encyclical-laudato-si-on-environment.cfm

Zielezinski, M. B. (2016, July 10). What a decade of education research tells us about technology
in the hands of underserved students. Retrieved December 5, 2017, from
https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-05-19-what-a-decade-of-education-research-tells-
us-about-technology-in-the-hands-of-underserved-students