The IUSD Technology Plan reflects the vision and effort of many people,
both inside and outside the organization.
This ( three year) plan has been certified by the Orange County Department of Education,
and the most recent update was approved by the IUSD Board of Education on December 10, 2007.
Effective July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011

EETT Tech Plan Revision Effective July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2013

EETT IUSD Technology Plan (new)

Mission

Computers and Peripherals

Video

Vision

Curriculum and Integrated Use of Technology

Internet

Web-based Learning

E-mail and Calendaring

Intranets

Wide Area Network

Maintenance, Repair, and Technical Support

Remote Access

Local Area Network

Collaboration and Conferencing

Learning Goals

Administrative Systems

Professional Development

Equal Access

Monitoring and Evaluation

Technology Plan Process Elements

Emerging Directions

Telephone System

Student Administrative System

Policies

Cost Reduction Strategies

Funding and Budget

Web Sites

Parent_Portal

Course/Class Management System

Appendices

Executive Summary

Mission

The IUSD Technology Mission is for
students to use technology as a communication and information tool
that supports thinking, problem-solving, academic achievement, and their transition to college and career

...by providing electronic connectivity
among students, teachers, parents, and the larger community,
and by providing electronic access to information sources
in the school, the community, and the world

The Vision

• Students pursuing complex questions and challenging problems
• Students communicating with experts; querying school, community and global databases
• Teachers communicating with other teachers; accessing information; engaging in professional development
• Parents accessing school and student information via secure web connections
• Students engaging in collaborative/interactive projects in the school, community and the world
• Students engaging in self-paced learning focused on grade level and course content standards
• Teachers using technology to teach, to manage instruction, to manage assessment, and to ease clerical tasks including attendance and grades
• Students accessing library/database collections: in school, other schools, community, colleges
• Students using the software and tools used in the real world
• Students simulating real life environments, conducting experiments digitally, and engaging in challenging, authentic, intellectually worthy projects
• Staff members using productivity software and administrative/information systems that are web/computer-based
• Staff members using technology and data resources to analyze data to improve instruction

Integrated Use of Technology in the Curriculum

We believe that technology is a tool for communication, for thinking, for problem solving, and for academic achievement. Not an end in itself, technology will be used by students to access information in the school, the community, and the world. Technology tools will be used to learn grade level and course content based on California standards, to analyze raw data and information, and to create knowledge. As in the real world, students will use technology to work on challenging, authentic topics, to present their conclusions to important questions, and to defend and clarify their thinking.

Objectives

Both educational and technical objectives are integral to the Technology Plan. The educational objectives emphasize the mind-work associated with communicating about complex issues, engaging with information evoked by well-formed questions, and learning grade level and course content based on California standards. The technical objectives are defined by the expected student learning results that are based on the use of computer applications pervasive in the real world.

Time Line

The IUSD Technology Plan describes for each component of the plan, the Goal, the Current Status, Near-Term Objectives (18 months), and Long-Term Objectives (3 years).

Irvine Unified School District
Technology Plan

Mission

The IUSD Technology Mission is for
students to use technology as a communication and information tool
that supports thinking and problem-solving, academic achievement, and their transition to college and career

...by providing electronic connectivity
among students, teachers, parents, and the larger community,
and by providing electronic access to information sources
in the school, the community, and the world

Vision

Our vision focuses primarily on the student use of technology to promote high level learning, and to improve learning results. The following are illustrative of such application of technology:

• Students pursuing complex questions and challenging problems
• Students communicating with experts; querying school, community and global databases
• Teachers communicating with other teachers; accessing information; engaging in professional development
• Parents accessing school and student information through secure web connections
• Students engaging in collaborative/interactive projects in the school, community and the world
• Students engaging in self-paced learning focused on grade level and course content based on California standards
• Teachers using technology to teach, to manage instruction, to manage assessment, and to ease clerical tasks including attendance and grades (at school and remotely)
• Students accessing library/database collections: in school, other schools, community, colleges
• Students using the software and tools used in the real world
• Students simulating real life environments, conducting experiments digitally, and engaging in challenging, authentic, intellectually worthy projects
• Staff members using productivity software and administrative/information systems that are web/computer-based
• Staff members using technology and data resources to analyze data to improve instruction

Components of the Plan

The components of the Plan fall into three categories: Technology Infrastructure, Administrative Application, and Instructional Application. The components are understandably interrelated and interdependent. Focus on each component separately provides clarity of function and purpose. Accompanying each component is the Goal, the Current Status, Near-Term Objectives (18 months)*, and Long-Term Objectives (3 years)**.

Technology Infrastructureand Hardware

Internet Access (World Wide Web)

• Goal: Provide access to the web for all IUSD staff and students. Move toward a web-centric infrastructure for staff and student use.
• Status: The basic infrastructure is in place, routing all Internet access from all sites is through a common Internet Service Provider, and through a common firewall and Internet filter. IUSD utilizes a fiber-based 100 mbps optical circuit to the Orange County Department of Education for access to the internet. While all certificated staff have access, not all instructional areas have sufficient access. The internet access filter is segmented by level.
• Near-Term Objectives:
• Provide additional Internet access in each classroom via secure wireless networks.

Local Area Network (LAN)

• Goal: Create a LAN for every school and administrative site with network devices such as copiers, printers, and networked storage. Make the LAN accessible to all staff and students from anywhere in the school.
• Status: A LAN has been installed in every school and administrative site. At least one drop is provided in each classroom. A wireless network has been created at most sites with remaining sites in the final stages of implementation. Students and staff have access on one network for personal machines. District laptops are on a separate network that provides full access to the network. Wireless network uses 802.1x for security and a Radius server for authentication and security.
• Near-Term Objectives:
• Add cabling to computer clusters as necessary
• Continue to upgrade security structures and procedures
• Complete wireless access at remaining locations
• Long-Term Objectives:
• Move to web-centric devices and applications for students and staff
• Incorporate student-owned devices
• Study use of and adopt standards for Windows Mobile based Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's)
• Incorporate student owned devices while providing appropriate security and virus protection.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

• Goal: Connect All LAN's to provide a common funnel for all Internet traffic, facilitate communication and data interchange among schools, and provide infrastructure for telephone system. Move any complexity in the system from end-users to central staff.
• Status: The basic infrastructure is complete. OPTEMAN system is in place at all sites providing 10mb connections to elementary sites and 100 mb connections to middle schools and high schools. The district has a 2 Gigabit backbone and a 100mb connection to our ISP. This optical fiber network carries data and voice traffic. Renovation and upgrading of district “cold room” is nearly complete. Gigabit or 100mb connectivity to the desktop is in place at school offices, computer labs and most staff desktops. Web services that are not educational in nature and require high bandwidth are blocked to optimize capacity. Increased bandwidth and traffic reduction is needed.Policy controls and central management are in place on each desktop using Zen Works. Annual password changes are mandated.
• Near-Term Objectives:
• Move to Windows based network operating system
• Replace routers at all schools with IP enabled 10/100/1000mb routers
• Enforce password creation policy via software
• Provide Back up for all data
• Long-Term Objectives:
• Centralize back-up of all servers
• Expand failover capability to additional critical services
• Add off site back up capability
• Upgrade network monitoring hardware and software to increase security of systems

Computers and Peripherals

• Goal: Provide LAN access for teachers and students in each classroom. Create computer clusters shared by several classrooms to reduce hardware costs. Achieve a 5:1 student to computer ratio. Create computer labs for training in computer skills and applied technology.
• Status: Computer clusters are in place in most schools to provide student access. With rare exception, there is at least one computer in each classroom. Current student to computer ratio is 7:1 at elementary, 6:1 at middle schools, and 5:1 at high schools. Computers are accessible to all students, even outside scheduled class time. All classroom teachers have access to a designated computer. Many computers purchased during the initial LAN development are reaching the end of their life cycle.All computers are configured with a standard software load. Security procedures are in place for all computers using ZEN policies. Additional space is required in some schools;
• Near-Term Objectives:
• Add/replace computers
• Move to Windows Vista for security purposes at all schools and offices
• Move to Window Vista for teacher computers
• Move some labs to wireless laptops
• Long-Term Objectives:
• Move to Vista as the sole OS districtwide
• Look at new devices to replace desktop computing

Video

• Goal: Create closed circuit television and video distribution capacity at each school. Install LCD projectors in all classrooms. Create video production capacity at each school. Use Channel 39 for public information purposes.
• Status: District Office video capability has been upgraded to digital video from analog video. Most classrooms are equipped with televisions. All schools have closed circuit television and video distribution capacity. All high schools and some middle schools have video production capacity. Most schools have several LCD projectors. United Streaming (video streaming) is provided for all teachers. With United Streaming added as an instructional tool, teachers have access to supplemental videos tied to the state standards.
• Near-Term Objectives:
• Create standards for digital video cameras, video-specific local storage and LAN, and video editing software
• Install LCD projectors in all academic classrooms by January 09.
• Equip classroom computers so they can record and save programming
• Provide cameras and related equipment to enhance broadcast capacity at schools (internally and externally)
• Extend the use of and create content for Channel 39.
• Extend the use of United Streaming by identifying videos that meet district standards.
• Long-Term Objectives:
• Provide capacity to broadcast to all schools from a single source from within the district

Curriculum and Instructional Application

Integrated Use of Technology in the Curriculum

We believe that technology is a tool for communication, for thinking, for problem solving, and for academic learning. Not an end in itself, technology will be used by students to access information in the school, the community, and the world, and to support the achievement of academic learning. Technology tools will be used to analyze raw data and information to create knowledge. Technology tools are used to communicate and to collaborate. The technology tools students use are tools commonly used in the real world, and are rarely proprietary. As in the real world, students will use technology to work on challenging, authentic topics, to present their conclusions to important questions, and to defend their thinking.

Teaching strategies that support the integral use of technology are among those already in use by many teachers. In general, such strategies include less telling, and more coaching; less directing, and more guiding, are designed less to fill classroom time, and more to be intentional. Teachers design learning activities and projects that require students to deal with substantive questions, to apply the skills or concepts they have learned, and to use technology as a tool in the process. Reflective of the real world, many of these projects are collaborative in nature. Models of good thinking and problem-solving are provided. Homework is assigned with the expectation that students will use their computer skills in its completion. The focus is less on the technology skills, and more on student learning.

Students are taught the skills of asking good questions, and checking for a match between the question and the data. Students work with multiple sources of information, not all of which are digital. Students are deliberatively reflective about the quality of their work, and take advantage of productivity tools to refine and publish their work.

1. Near-Term Objectives

• Increase the number of students at all levels engaged in activities relating to challenging and authentic topics
• Develop web-based, searchable access to state/county-approved and IUSD-developed learning plans that incorporate technology
• Provide support to teachers to develop learning activities tied to content standards that integrate technology
• Use technology to teach, and to re-teach when necessary, grade level and course content standards
• Increase access to highly effective learning activities that are web-based and/or web-managed

2. Long-Term Objectives

• Increase the frequency of assigned learning activities that incorporate technology
• Increase collaboration among teachers of similar classes/courses
• Increase the use of technology that supports collaboration on student projects

Learning Goals

The achievement of our goals will bring our vision to reality by addressing the supporting technical sub-skills, and by focusing on the use of technology to teach and to learn. The district's academic content standards by grade level and content area provide the context for the learning of technology skills. Academic content standards are based on state standards, and district standards. Continuous Improvement Efforts are annually revised and provide focus for our schools. Technology goals are included in the district's Continuous Improvement efforts.

• Everyone Using Technology As Tool
• Information Processing
• Access
• Analyze
• Apply
• Communication
• Within the district
• Outside the district
• Productivity
• Student
• Teacher
• Administrative Staff
• Teachers Using Technology to Teach
• Presenting information
  Airliners
  Qwizdom
  United Streaming
  
• Developing skills
• ALEKS
• Read 180
• Reading Counts
• English Express
• Accelerated Reader
• Conducting simulations
• Using technology to assist in teaching difficult or complex concepts
• Inspiration
• Adapting high quality lessons that can be downloaded from the web.
• Making course materials and learning activities accessible on the web
• Blackboard.com
• ABI
• Teacher web sites
• Using Technology to Assess Learning
• Provide immediate test results to teachers, students and parents
• Reduce the time teachers spend grading papers
• Report results to parents on the web via secure passworded access
• Use test results to modify instruction as necessary
• Students Using Technology to Learn
• Projects that Integrate Technical Skills and Academic Content and Skills
• Projects that are authentic and challenging
• Learning basic skills in mathematics and language
• Learning grade level and course content based on California standards
• Multiple Information Sources
• Presentation and Defense
• Students and Teachers Learning Computer Application Skills
• Expected Learning Results for Students
• General: Using computer applications as a tool for learning and for mind work [A: Expected Learning Results: Information Literacy
• Specific (see Expected Learning Results for grade level expectations)
• Word Processing
• Spreadsheets
• Presentation
• Querying
• E-Mail
• Learning Opportunities Made Available to Interested Students college and ROP classes)
• Computer Graphics
• Video Production
• Computer Networks
• Programming : Visual Basic, Java, DotNet, etc
• Web Site Development
• Other specialized career or job-related software
• Expected Learning Results for Teachers
• General [B: Information Technology Skills Expected of all Teachers]
• Increase Professional Productivity
• Use as a Teaching Tool
• Design into Learning Activities
• Specific Desired Learning Results
• Word Processing [D: Expected Learning Outcomes: Word Processing]
• Spreadsheet [E: Expected Learning Outcomes: Spreadsheet]
• Presentation [F: Expected Learning Outcomes: Presentation Software]
• E-mail [G: Expected Learning Outcomes: E-mail]
• Browser [H: Expected Learning Outcomes: Internet Browser]
• Use Blackboard to post class information/homework/announcements
• Use ABI to post grades, attendance, calendars, announcements and assignments

Status: All classroom teachers have a multi-media computer connected to the internet on their desk. All classroom teachers have access to school computer labs to present information, develop skills, conduct simulations, and integrate technology into the curriculum. Many classrooms are equipped with an LCD projector connected to the computer.

All classroom teachers have access to high quality lessons that integrate technology. Staff has access to online grading, report cards, and the student database system (Eagle). Teachers use ABI (Aeries Browser Interface) to enter grades and attendance.

All teachers and students have access to computers to use technology as a tool including information processing, communication, and simulations. Students and Teachers have access to anytime/anywhere resources including ALEKS math, Blackboard (online course management software), and Destiny library software.

The Technology Advisory committee has adopted technology standards (both skill standards and integration standards) for teachers and students. Student skills are accessed on an annual basis in grades 3-8. Teachers and Administrative staff are surveyed annually to determine computer skill level, level of technology integration, and use of technology as a tool.

Web-based or Server-based Learning and Assessment Systems

• Goal: Provide access to web-based or server-based learning systems that augment and/or extend typical classroom learning opportunities. Provide a system that will manage assessment data and related learning activities. Reduce teacher time spent on the clerical aspects of instruction and assessment.
• Status: ALEKS, a web-based, standards-based instruction and assessment system accessible at all levels. A similar system for reading comprehension for elementary students is in use at many Title I schools. (Scholastic Read 180). Blackboard.com is used by some teachers to give web access to course materials and information. IOLA, a web-based system for student testing, querying, and reporting standards-based achievement data is in use for benchmark testing at grades 4-6, 7-8. Through PLATO data warehousing, staff are able to use historical testing and assessment data to drive decisions related to instruction.
• Near-Term Objectives
• Extend K-12 the use of Blackboard.com to make learning and assessment activities available.
• Provide online parent access to IOLA testing results
• Expand student and parent access to Destiny Library software
• Expand training opportunities for teachers to use PLATO to assess test data
• Adopt programs that address the needs of English Language Learners
• Adopt web-based instructional programs that address essential content standards
• Long-Term Objectives
• Use textbooks that have a web-based version

Equal Access to Technology

Since a high percentage of our designated special education students are integrated into regular classrooms, access to technology is equivalent to the access enjoyed by all students.

• Goal: Provide equal and appropriate access to all students, including GATE, English Language Learners, and disabled students. Provide equal and appropriate access to adult learners.
• Status: All Special Education, GATE, and English Language Learner students have access to technology. Specialized technology assistance is rare but provided as required. Adult learners are provided access through Adult Education Programs and Language Minority Programs. Irvine Adult Schools provide information about their programs on-line. Classes include training on productivity software and other software designed to provide job training. The Language Minority Program uses English Express to work with Adult and Student learners. GATE students have access to on-line simulations, ALEKS math enrichment, and integrated lessons using technology (see IUSD Teacher Resource Web Page). Additionally, resources for elementary GATE students are provided on the IUSD Elementary GATE resources page.
• Near-Term Objectives:
• Pilot speech recognition software for students who have mental or physical limitations to writing
• Long-Term Objectives:
• Provide special software/hardware adaptations for students who can benefit from technology- assisted efforts
• Use software designed to support acquisition of English Language Skills for English Language Learners at all levels.

Parent Portal (My IUSD.Org)

• Goal: Provide web access for parentsand students to class/course, school and individual student information
• Status: My IUSD.Org is operational at all school levels, givingparents have access to student attendance, grades, test data, emergency contact information and at the high school level, transcripts, and checks for meeting diploma or UC entrance requirements. MyIUSD also providesonline parent and student access to class events, projects, and at some schools, daily homework assignments. The system is designed to allow parents to update certain student and parent information. MyIUSD notifies parents via email about the posting of progress reports and report cards. Both are accessible from MyIUSD. The Irvine Public Schools Foundation ( IPSF) is a sponsor of MyIUSD.Org
• Near-Term Objectives
• Enhance the ABI Document management system for teachers and students
• Expand student use of MyIUSD
• Add advanced features to the ABI gradebook available to teachers
• Long-Term Objectives
• Expand the access of parents to the ABI Gradebook for daily assignments and homework
• Use MyIUSD to reduce the expense of USPS mailings

Course/Class Management Systems

• Goal: Provide web-based course/class management system for all teachers
• Status: Blackboard.com is available to teachers;
• Near-Term Objectives
• Automate updating of student rosters from Aeries SIS
• Support collaboration among students in each class
• Provide for both typical and extended learning activities
• Create discussion groups for students and for teachers
• Long-Term Objectives
• Manage digital portfolios
• Provide some critical features to ABI as an alternative

Administrative Applications

Web Sites

• Goal: Provide information about students, schools and the district to parents and the community. Provide individual student information to parents in a secure environment. Offer a convenient means by which parents, students and others can provide information to the district or a school. Make school web sites the central communication vehicle between school and home.
• Status: An IUSD Webmaster has been hired. A renovation of the public sites is complete. A renovation of the intranet is underway. The public web site has become much more an integral part of the IUSD communications plans.
• Near-Term Objectives:
• Provide remote access for webmasters to district and school web sites [I: Web Site Policies and Guidelines]
• Standardize web creation software to industry standards
• Long-Term Objectives:
• Provide increased webmaster support for district and for schools

Intranets

• Goal: The IUSD Intranet should become the main conduit for employee information. It should provide access to the internal information of the district and/or the school for staff members. Share instructional information among teachers. Replace paper-based procedures and implement more efficient ways to conduct the business of the district and the schools. Support the use of web-based applications.
• Status: The intranet is undergoing a renovation and a renaissance. Due to budget restraints, it has been some time since a comprehensive review of the intranet has taken place. The vision remains largely intact but the importance of the intranet is elevated. It is beginning to take its place as a main repository of useful and necessary information for employees. Staff and Administrative portals have been envisioned and are being designed.

• Near-Term Objectives:
• Provide secure, leveled access for staff to Intranet pages, from work and remotely
• Reorganize content for accessibility
• Review and discard outdated and erroneous information
• Replace paper forms with web forms for input to student and other databases. This is ongoing.
• Long-Term Objectives:
• Develop Intranets for schools which allow for remote access by staff
• Access frequently requested data dynamically

E-mail and Calendaring

• Goal: Promote communication among IUSD staff, students, parents, and the larger community
• Status: The basic infrastructure is in place for e-mail use by all staff members. Standard software has been selected and installed. All staff have web-based access to e-mail and calendar. E-mail use by administrative and clerical staff is extensive; use by teachers is commonplace; use by other staff is limited. (The district does not plan to serve as an e-mail provider to students.) An anti-spam filter is installed. Key internal event calendars are accessible via the Intranet. District office conference rooms are scheduled on the web. IUSD provides based web-based calendaring for school, athletic and student activity events for all middle and high schools. (WebEvents) Use of facilities by groups outside the district is calendared and managed through a web-based system, (School Dude).
• Near-Term Objectives:
• Provide web based calendaring for elementary sites
• Use e-mail as an alternative to snail mail/phone for parent communication
• Use of software to customize mailing lists for schools and district departments
• Construct a web page for mailing list signups for the public.
• Move from Groupwise to Exchange/Outlook (anticipated by Spring 08)
• Long-Term Objectives:
• Implement unified messaging
• Implement email archiving

Student Administrative System

• Goal: Maintain, access, and report student data electronically in a secure environment and provide web-based access to staff.
• Status: The Aeries student system is in place for all pre-K-12 students enrolled in IUSD. Refinements and IUSD customization continue as needed. The Aeries student system meets all CSIS standards for data submission to the California Department of Education. IUSD is classified as one of the select “full production” districts. All student statewide data gathering is submitted electronically by Information Services staff. Among these are CBEDS data, the R-30 report and the Student National Origin Report (SNOR). State student identifiers (SSID), required by No Child Left Behind, are obtained electronically through the CSIS website. A web-based system (Aeries Browser Interface or ABI) for entering report card grades, attendance, and accessing student information is in place. A Web-based systemfor new student enrollment is in place district-wide. Schools use a telephone announcement service to provide information to parents. A web-based grade book system that integrates with Aeries is available to teachers through ABI. ABI is used by teachers to communicate to students and parents.
• Near-Term Objectives:
• Submit course requests on-line.
• Increase the capabilities of ABI as a management tool and as a vehicle for communication
• Long-Term Objectives:
• Switch all appropriate users to a web-based Aeries platform
• Explore IP based call system using Aeries based data for emergencies as well as routine announcements

Administrative Systems

• Goal: Maintain, access, and report electronically the necessary data for budget, fiscal, staff, payroll, purchasing and other administrative functions. Eliminate, and/or reduce the time spent on, clerical tasks.
• Status: Both the fiscal system and the HR system have been replaced by Bi-Tech and Aeries respectively. Aeries HR is a legacy system that has been upgraded but is beginning to lack critical features needed by changes in state and federal requirements. A web-based system for tracking Maintenance & Operations work orders is in place (School Dude). We have begun the process of converting paper-based systems to web-based; many subsystems are still paper-based.A web-based document management system serving Human Resources is operational. Online purchasing of technology is operational through the Dell Premier site. A web-based employment application system is operational for certificated personnel. A web-based front end for Bi-Tech users is in place. We have implemented a centralized data system (SEIS) for creating and monitoring Individual Educational Plans. We have implemented a cashless payment system for school lunches.
• Near-Term Objectives:
• Eliminate duplicate data entry among various administrative databases.
• Use SIF to achieve data communication among disparate databases
• Upgrade all administrative database systems to SQL Server
• Convert paper forms to web-based forms
• Implement a system that permits submission of complex print jobs to high speed printers from individual desktops
• Transition to an integrated HR/Business software system that includes position control, purchasing and compensation encumbrances and is SIF compliant.
• Long-Term Objectives:
• Develop paperless processes
• Transition to Online purchasing
• Use electronic archiving for records that need to be retained
• Use email archiving to meet the requirements of federal court mandates for electronic discovery

Remote Access

• Goal: Provide remote access to the network for selected users
• Status: The basic infrastructure is in place to provide remote access. Remote access via a Virtual Private Network is used by some staff members. Eagle's ABI is available to teachers at home.
• Near-Term Objectives:
• Provide access for selected users to the administrative systems: student, fiscal and human resources via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or other secure access
• Make student data available to appropriate users through windows mobile devices
• Long-Term Objectives:
• Provide remote access for staff at each site to site-based storage
• Provide remote access for students to schoolwork, and school resources
• Provide remote access for staff to files on school servers via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or other secure access

Telephone Services

• Goal: Provide a fully featured telephone services at all sites with access in or near all classrooms
• Status: A fully featured telephone system is in place at all sites with access in or near all classrooms. The telephone system shares the OPTEMAN fiber network so that VoIP shares the connection with data over the WAN at all sites. Each site has a Mitel PBX system and IP Phone switch to connect to the IUSD phone system. Voicemail is part of the Mitel Phone System, . All Irvine teachers have access to voicemail; there are currently over 2800 voicemail accounts in the Mitel System. All classroom phones are equipped with as access to the 911 emergency system. Long Distance phone service is provided by AT&T to all IUSD sites. Cell phone services are provided to IUSD by Nextel, Verizon, and AT&T. All health clerks and nurses have pagers. Pagers allow school sites to contact a health care professional in the event of a student emergency. An auto dialer is in place to allow school administrators to communicate with parents regarding special events, emergencies and student information.
• Near-Term Objectives:
• Standardize reports that monitor use through software upgrades.
• Increase monitoring of possible abuses and inefficiencies
• Convert to Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) as opportunities present themselves, particularly new schools and schools undergoing modernization.
• Long Term Objectives:
• Provide multiple language access and support. TeleParent multi-language calling service has begun at two sites

Collaboration and Conferencing

• Goal: Provide electronic support for collaborative group work.
• Status: The basic infrastructure is in place. Software, hardware, are needed.
• Near-Term Objectives:
• Provide access to a web-based conference service for internal and external use.
• Long-Term Objectives:
• Provide point-to-point video conferencing and net-meetings to the desktop among staff, and between staff and parents
• Provide for multiple simultaneous document creators, whether staff or students, within and outside the district
• Provide group video conferencing at each school

Professional Development

Professional development is a critical and integral part of our technology plan. Technical support staff must be in training perennially. A key premise in our staff development plans is that teachers must have the skills that students are expected to acquire and apply. Our initial efforts revolved around issuing laptop computers to teachers who, in turn, were trained. A variety of training opportunities are available regularly to all staff.

• Goal: Design learning activities that help students learn grade level and course content standards, and require students to apply technology skills.Focus on computer applications that are pervasive in the real world. Integrate technology as a tool for teacher professional work. Integrate technology as a tool in student learning activities. Have all teachers meet desired information literacy outcomes. Provide a District training lab.
• Desired : [C: Expected Learning Results: Information Literacy; D: Expected Learning Outcomes: Word Processing; E: Expected Learning Outcomes: Spreadsheet; F: Expected Learning Outcomes: Presentation Software; G: Expected Learning Outcomes: E-mail; H: Expected Learning Outcomes: Internet Browser]
• Application skills
• Curricular Integration
• Delivery Modes
• Offer vouchers for training at off-site locations (annually through CTAP funds)
• Use web-based learning modules (currently available at all sites)
• Place all professional development materials on Blackboard.com (currently available at all sites)
• Enroll in OCDE classes (currently available at all sites)
• Conduct sessions using teachers as trainers (annually during staff development time)
• Provide a staff development training institute that offers training during the school year and during the summer
• Provide staff development training for all new hires during the summer
• Offer salary credit in exchange for training
• Provide rotating subs for training sessions on campus
• Provide a training center where large groups of staff members can meet for technology inservices (current capacity is 50 trainees at a time)
• Status: Approximately 70% of our teachers have met the expected learning outcomes in word processing; 50% have met the expected learning outcomes in presentation software; and nearly 100% have met the expected learning outcomes in e-mail, and internet browser. Funding for training comes from outside the general fund. Recent state budget reductions have eliminated all staff development efforts at this time except for the limited funding provided by CTAP. Digital High Schools have coordinators who monitor staff development and plan activities. These activities are provided on a monthly basis. Included in this training are: Blackboard, electronic grading, electronic attendance, web searches, integrated lessons using technology and lesson plan development
• PAR
• Title II
• Near-Term Objectives
• Provide multiple training options for learning technology skills
• Design pilot student projects that integrate technology and applied learning
• Increase the use of web-based instruction for computer applications
• Make accessible to teachers concrete examples/models of integration of technology into curriculum
• Increase the use of just-in-time training
• Integrate training into regular meetings of Administrative Assistants and Clerks
• Long-Term Objectives
• Incorporate into every course challenging, authentic projects that integrate technology, and applied learning

Monitoring and Evaluation

Our assessment is aligned with our goals, i.e., the application of technology in high level learning, and the acquisition of the technical sub-skills. Monitoring of the IUSD Technology Plan including benchmarks and timelines is the responsibility of the Technology Advisory Committee. The committee meets on a regular basis to receive input from sites, teachers, staff, students and parents on the status of the IUSD Technology Plan. The Technology Advisory Committee hold the IUSD Information Technology departments responsible for implementing the technology infrastructure goals and monitors their progress on a regular basis. The Technology Advisory Committee set priorities for the future and assesses progress. Goals are divided into immediate, near term (within one year), and long term (three to five years. Based upon the availability of funds, the Technology Advisory Committee recommends priorities for the expenditures of funds in the areas of professional development, infrastructure upgrades, computer equipment and support.

• Goal: Assess concurrently thinking/problem-solving, applied learning, and use of technology
• Thinking Performance [M: Performance Assessment Design Elements]
• Computer Application Skills
• Status: Computer skills in keyboarding and word processing are assessed at the elementary level; performance assessments are being designed; principals are responsible for oversight; computer lab instructors perform the annual assessment of computer skills; classroom teachers provide integrated instruction using technology. The Director of Information Technology monitors each site for equipment needs; inventory; and staff technology skills. This information is sent to the Technology Advisory committee for review and recommendations. Annual Continuous Improvement Efforts are modified to reflect the current status and the goals set forth by the Technology Advisory Committee. The Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services heads the annual review of the Continuous Improvement Efforts. The committee that recommends the Continuous Improvement Efforts includes teachers, parents, administration and School Board Members. Annually sites are required to report on the status of their technology and technology integration using the California's Department of Education Technology Survey (http://www.cde.ca.gov/edtechsurvey/index.html). Annually sites are surveyed to review the status of teacher/administrator skills and usage. Results from this survey are used to report to the Technology Advisory Committee, Director of Information Technology, and Superintendent on the status of IUSD's technology. Current goals, timelines, and implementation strategies are then developed and adopted. The Technology Plan is then revised to reflect the status, near-term objectives (within one year), and long-term objectives (within 3 years)
• Keyboarding [N: Fifth Grade Keyboarding Assessment]
• Word Processing [O: Sixth Grade Word Processing Skills Assessment Summary]
• Assessment is performed annually by the Computer lab instructor
• Annual assessments including CDE Technology Survey, Technology Skills survey of staff, Technology Usage survey of staff
• Near-Term Objectives
• Assess computer skills as Middle School exit outcomes
• Assess frequency of technology use by middle and high school students
• Long-Term Objectives
• Pilot performance assessment of Thinking as Constructing Support, with technology integrated
• Pilot performance assessment of Problem-solving, with technology integrated
• Make 'Thinking as Constructing Support', with technology integrated, a graduation requirement

Emerging Technology Directions

While pursuing each of the components in our Technology Plan, we are aware of emerging technologies, and the potential application of those technologies that are likely to impact our plan. Decisions made today, attempt to take into account these emerging directions that will affect us tomorrow. The Technology Advisory Committee reviews relevant education technology strategies and incorporates those strategies into the district's technology direction. The district uses the following resources:

• Technology Information Center for Administrative Leadership (http://www.portical.org/research.html)
• Technology Applications Center for Educators (http://www.tcet.unt.edu/START/)
• CEO Forum (http://www.ceoforum.org/)
• IUSD Teacher Resources (http://www.iusd.org/teacher_resources/)
• CTAP (http://ctap.k12.ca.us/)
• SCORE (http://www.score.k12.ca.us/
• Blue N Web (http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/bluewebn/)
• Additionally, over 1000 resources are available to teachers, administrators, and staff members on the IUSD web.

IUSD provides the following resources to assure students receive rigorous course content where insufficient resources exist:

• ALEKS math (http://www.k12.aleks.com/): Math skills from basic skills K-8 to Pre-Calculus are provided for students ranging from Extended Learning (students at risk) to Accelerated Learners.
• READ 180 (http://teacher.scholastic.com/read180/): READ 180 is a comprehensive reading intervention program designed to meet the needs of students in elementary to high school whose reading achievement is below the proficient level.
• IUSD Blackboard (http://blackboard.iusd.org/): Blackboard.com is a comprehensive and flexible e-Learning software platform from Blackboard Inc. IUSD Blackboard delivers a course management system, customizable institution-wide portals, online communities, and an advanced architecture that allows for Web-based integration with administrative systems.
  

Technology Plan Evaluation & Process Elements

The continuous process of monitoring, evaluating, and revising our Technology Plan incorporates a range of contributing constituencies.

• Annual update, revisions and improvement projects monitored and approved by the Technology Advisory Committee. The Technology Advisory Committee is composed of Teachers, Technology Specialists, Administrators and members of the IT staff[AA: Technology Advisory Committee]
• Continuous status assessment, and continuous prioritization for improvement
• Ratio of students to computers [Q: Ratio of Students to Computers]
• Internet Service Provider capacity
• WAN capacity
• LAN capacity
• Server Capacity
• Funding Priorities
• Research and adoption of latest technology models and strategies
• Annually, community members are invited to comment on the Technology Plan. This includes parents, business leaders, community leaders, members of the Technology community, U.C. Irvine technology experts, the Irvine Public Schools Foundation and the Irvine Company
• Validation by community experts
• Web page review with comments invited. The IUSD webmaster regularly receives comments from the community regarding technology issues. These issues are reviewed by the Technology Advisory Committee and where appropriate incorporated into the Technology Plan.
• Regular review by Board of Education
• Dissemination of plan to Schools, Parent support groups, Community members, Civic Leaders, and Business Leaders. The technology plan and additional resources are available on line @ www.iusd.org.

Maintenance, Repair, and Technical Support

Maintenance and support represent primary concerns given the level of school funding. In order to reduce costs, we have adopted narrow hardware and software specifications, and embarked on an extensive training program.

• Goal: Move any complexity in the system from end-users to central staff.
• Status: District maintains WAN and LAN. Local sites maintain computers and other end-user devices. Support to maintain the network and the devices on the network exists, but is inadequate. Students assist with technical support at the high schools. Zen Works has beenimplemented. ZEN Imaging isroutinely used to repair inoperable computers. A help desk has been created for Lan Admins. Move all Office computers to Vista. Through ZEN works the district provides Remote Technical Support. All computer imaging is done at the site using ZEN.
• Near-Term Objectives
• Move all Office and critical support machines to Windows Vista
• Centralize tech support and troubleshooting to the maximum extent
• Create server routines that automatically re-imageor restore computers using ZEN
• Cease service to computers more than 5 years old.
• Increase PC Support to at least a ratio of 500:1 [R: LAN Administrator Responsibilities / Site-based]
• Expand District Level Technical Support [S: Information Technology Organization Chart]
• Make additional tech support documents (How to Doc's) [AB: Tech Support] accessible on IUSD Intranet
• Develop a LAN Admin Portal

• Long-Term Objectives
• Train students who can provide assistance at district and at schools with Web Site Maintenance, and PC Maintenance and Repair [T: Guidelines: Technical Assistance from Students]
• Install a help-desk system to track service requests
• Move all IUSD computers to single Vista operating system

Funding

Historically, nearly all of the funding for new equipment and infrastructure has come from funds other than the General Fund, primarily parent fund-raising and grant sources. State categorical funding and E-rate have also been significant sources. As state funding becomes available, the Technology Advisory Committee takes input from staff on how to distribute these funds and sets priorities. The Technology Advisory Committee's recommendations are forwarded to the Superintendent for final review.

• Goal: Provide an ongoing, stable revenue stream for technology.
• Status: One-time technology costs are funded primarily through school fund-raising efforts and grants. E-Rate provides significant support for the telephone system. Most schools find it necessary to augment their LAN administrator allocation from local sources. Costs of equipment are declining; the need to replace out-dated equipment presents a major funding challenge. No state funding for technology is expected in the next several years.
• Current Funding Sources
• SIP: Occasional
• Irvine Public Schools Foundation
• E-Rate: $239,000 in 2007-2008
• California Technology Funding (CTF) Reduces amounts left by E-rate in half.
• School Fund-raising: estimated $500,000 annual (District matching funds of $496,000)
• General Fund: Infrastructure and General Technical Support
• CFD funds: where available, are used to update/augment infrastructure
• Modernization funds: where available, are used to update infrastructure
• Near-Term Objectives
• Identify a stable annual funding source for replacement of equipment
• Take advantage of all E-rate opportunities while providing for funding of non-erate portion
• Take advantage of grant opportunities offered by state, IPSF
• Expect reduced unit cost of end-user devices; possible thin clients
• Long-Term Objectives
• Accommodate and support parent-purchased computers for students
• Near-Term Expenditure Plan
• District provides a matching replacement program for computers, printers, and LCD projectors

Budget

Vendor Support Contracts

Site LAN Administration Support:

Equipment/Software:

Cost Reduction Strategies

Anticipating perpetually inadequate resources, several procedural and infrastructure elements of the plan are designed specifically to reduce initial costs and/or on-going support costs. The following strategies represent the IUSD total cost of ownership program:

A. Hardware

• Limit PC purchases to approved vendors; only one if possible
• Purchase all hardware under CMAS or bid
• Limit end-user devices to PC platform
• Place standard file server with configuration at each school
• Place common router with standard configuration at each school
• Place common hubs and switches at each school
• Route all internet traffic through network to a common ISP
• Purchase refurbished equipment with as new warranty
• Purchase PC's with extended warranty

B. Software

• Place standard software load on all PC's
• Limit PC OS to Windows XP / Vista
• Limit end-user software to Microsoft Office, MS Internet Explorer, and Outlook
• Limit NOS to Windows Network
• Eliminate use of UNIX except in closed boxes

C. Other

• Use web-based software for remote administration of servers and PC's (ZEN)
• Use network operating system software for remote software installation (ZEN)
• Use Wide Area Network infrastructure for both data and voice
• Use policy control software on all student computers to prevent modification of system (ZEN)
• Maintain spare components, where appropriate, rather than relying on expensive emergency services
• Automate ZEN image updates to repair inoperable computers
• Move complexity from end-user to central staff (ZEN)
• Move to web-based disk storage for students provided by others
• Move to web-based e-mail & calendar services provided by others
• Move some labs to wireless laptops

Policies

Policies that affect our use of technology range from official policies of the Board of Education to formally developed guidelines.

• Technical Resources Acceptable Use Policy
• Use of Technological Resources
• Electronic Mail, Voice Mail & Telephony
• Copyright Infringement of Computer Software
• Internet Filter: Centralized filter of adult and violent web sites
• Standardizing on a Single Computer Platform
• Equipment and Software Standards
• Technical Assistance from Students
• Gifts, Grants and Bequests
• Sales and Disposal of Books, Equipment and Supplies, Personal Property
• Web Site Purpose, Content and Safety Policy
• School Web Site Configuration
• Password Security Policies
• How To Schedule Your Backups

* Near-term: Goal to be achieved by Spring 2008
** Long-term: Goal to be achieved by Fall 2011

Table of Appendices

• Expected Learning Results: Information Literacy
• Expected Learning Outcomes: Word Processing
• Expected Learning Outcomes: Spreadsheet
• Expected Learning Outcomes: PowerPoint
• Expected Learning Outcomes: Presentation Software
• Expected Learning Outcomes: E-mail
• Expected Learning Outcomes: Internet Browser
• Web Site Policies and Guidelines
• Equipment and Software Standards
• Integrating Technology In The Classroom
• Classroom Usage Checklist
• Office Usage Checklist
• Computer Upgrade Paths
• Reducing Total Cost of Ownership
• Reducing and Containing Technology Support Costs
• Office Computer Replacement and Support Policy
• Performance Assessment Design Elements
• Information Technology Skill Set for All Teachers
• All Students Information Technology Skills
• Student to Computer Ratio
• LAN Administrator Responsibilities / Site-based
• Information Technology Staff Responsibility
• Guidelines: Technical Assistance from Students
• Policy: Acceptable Use Policy
• Policy: Use of Technological Resources
• Policy: Electronic Mail
• Policy: Copyright Infringement of Computer Software
• Standardizing on a Single Computer Platform (Excerpted from Technology Plan Update May 1997)
• Policy: Operations Gifts, Grants and Requests
• Policy: Sale and Disposal of Books, Equipment and Supplies, Personal Property
• Technology Advisory Committee
• School Web Sites
• Password Security
• Authorized Users of the IUSD Network

Technology Advisory Committee