The goals and objectives of the Angleton Independent School District (AISD) Long-Range Technology Plan (LRTP) outlines and supports improved student achievement through use of technology in schools by promoting high-quality professional development, increased access to technology and the Internet, the integration of technology into curriculum, and the use of technology for promoting parental involvement. ("Long-range technology plan," 2010)It is the belief that technology should be integrated into the everyday lives of administrators, teachers and students. There are four goals of the AISD LRTP which are as follows: teaching and learning, educator preparation and development, leadership, administration and instructional support and infrastructure for technology. These goals mirror the national plan and E-Rate, but specifically identify the needs and procedures of the district itself. Specifically for AISD, in Goal #1, the district will improve student achievement and teacher effectiveness through integration of technology at every grade level. Goal #2 will provide district wide staff development to improve technology effectiveness and increase teacher productivity. Goal #3 provides administrative leadership and tools, appropriate staffing and adequate funding to support improved student learning, to increase productivity and to ensure efficient operations through technology. Finally, Goal #4 seeks to enhance the quality of instruction through district wide implementation of state-of-the-art technology connectivity, hardware and software as an integral part of the learning environment. ("Long-range technology plan," 2010)
Goals are supported by objectives with specific strategies to accomplish these goals. Strategies include timelines, staff responsible for implementation; budget allocated and target evidence that these objectives have been accomplished. Also included is how these goals and objectives correlate with the National Long Range Technology Plan, No Child Left Behind and E-Rate criteria.
In AISD, technology professional development opportunities are available several times a week during the school year and also during the summer months. AISD has a Coordinator of Technology Staff Development, who was instrumental in sending me the information, including the District Long Range Technology Plan during the Thanksgiving holidays. This person coordinates all professional technology development for the entire district. Staff is apprised of all professional development activities via email and a periodic newsletter. Local and state funds provide for these classes, and hardware and infrastructure is provided through the local technology budget and private donations. AISD does utilize and files for E-Rate funds yearly for telecommunications. At this time, there is sufficient budget allocated, but each year more programs are added and budgets are becoming leaner. The Academic Excellence Indicator System, Texas STaR Chart and National Speak Up 2010 help to assess and evaluate the technology plan as well as the district technology committee and Computer Applied Technology Specialist, or CATS, members.
Two specified technology groups meet several times throughout the year to evaluate and develop technology strategies. First, is the District Technology Committee, which is comprised of representatives from all campuses and programs, community, parents and administration. This committee meets four times a year. They help to write goals, objectives, activities, and strategies of the AISD LRTP. Secondly, the CATS team meets five times a year. The team is comprised of teachers and librarians with a strong knowledge of technology and a desire to teach co-workers, integrate technology into the curriculum, and raise the level of technology awareness on the campuses. In addition, there are campus technology technicians that provide support and maintenance utilizing an in-house helpdesk system for ongoing evaluation and instructional technology support for administration and faculty.
The AISD Technology Department is working with AISD Curriculum Departments to ensure that the Technology Application TEKS align and a scope and sequence is developed. It was noted that AISD students are lagging behind on technology skills; however, state adopted on-line software programs, specifically TechKnowledge and TechConnect are being utilized for the second year which should improve students’ technology skills as teachers implement it.
Angleton Independent School District, Technology Department. (2010). Long-range technology plan. Angleton, TX.
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