Introduction | Stakeholders | Mission & Vision | Current Status/Needs Assessment | Duration | Goals, Objecives, Strategies | Integration | Professional Development | Connectivity | Educational Applications | Accountability | Fiscal Analysis | Executive Summary | Appendices 

Integration

Integration is consistently using technology appropriately and effectively to facilitate learning for all students. This element specifically addresses the equity of access, partnerships, and site-based collaborations between administrators, teachers, and students needed to integrate technology into common teaching practice.

Note: All Goals and Targets below are from the 2003-2009 Educational Technology Plan for Virginia.

 

Goal 1 • Improve teaching and learning through the appropriate use of technology.

Targets

1. Administrators have a vision and plan for technology use and integration.

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• Principals have been provided routine technology updates at Administrative Inservices
• Principals have been provided ordering information for technology items to be purchased with local funds
• Many principals participated in Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium sponsored Administrator Workshops
• All principals participated in the VITAL program
• RCPS Technology Staff has provided local inservice to administrators during Administrative Inservice on the issue of technology integration
• Many administrators participated in the development of earlier RCPS Technology Plans
• All previous RCPS Technology Plans have been posted on the RCPS website so administrators had easy access to them

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• RCPS Technology Staff will continue to provide local inservice to administrators during Administrative Inservice Week, RCPS Summer Technology Academy, and during the school year on technology integration issues
• Principals and other Central Office administrators will attend the annual Technology Leadership Conference sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.
• All principals will participate in the development of current and future technology plans.
• All RCPS technology plans, including this one, will be posted on the RCPS website so that administrators can have easy access to it.

 

2. School leaders provide support for integration of technology into instruction.

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• Many school leaders participated in Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium sponsored Administrator Workshops
• All principals participated in the VITAL program
• Many schools and PTAs have spent local monies on technology integration equipment; specifically, projection systems, mounts, interactive whiteboards, document cameras, and multimedia carts
• RCPS has designed, purchased, and assembled multimedia carts (consisting of a projection system, laptop, speakers, DVD-VHS player, and power strip) which are specifically designed for the RCPS network
• Principals have been provided ordering information for technology items to be purchased with local funds
• RCPS has outfitted each high school's Lecture Room as a technology-integration room complete with ceiling mounted projection system, sound system, networked desktop computer, etc.
• RCPS has encoporated up-to-date technology in the design of all new buildings and building additions including ceiling mounted projectors, interactive whiteboards, sound systems, and document cameras
• Many school leaders have participated in the development of earlier RCPS Technology Plans
• All previous RCPS Technology Plans have been posted on the RCPS website so school leaders had easy access to them

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• RCPS will continue to encoporate up-to-date technology in the design of all new buildings and building additions including ceiling mounted projectors, interactive whiteboards, sound systems, and document cameras
• RCPS Technology Staff will continue to provide local inservice to teachers and other school leaders during the RCPS Summer Technology Academy and during the school year on technology integration issues
• Many school leaders will attend the annual Technology Leadership Conference sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.
• All school leaders will participate in the development of current and future technology plans.
• All newly hired teachers and administrators will participate in a technology integration inservice during New Teacher Orientation.
• All RCPS technology plans, including this one, will be posted on the RCPS website so that teachers and other school leaders can have easy access to it
• Teachers will receive tuition reimbursement for coursework applied toward master's degrees in educational technology. JMU has recently started such a program.
• RCPS will continue to purchase and install the multimedia carts (consisting of a projection system, laptop, speakers, DVD-VHS player, and power strip) described above which provide teachers with the technology necessary to integrate technology into lessons.

 

3. Leaders can effectively evaluate instructional uses of educational technology.

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• Many school leaders participated in Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium sponsored Administrator Workshops focused on effective evaluation.
• All principals participated in the VITAL program

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• All administrators continue to receive training during Administrative Inservice Week, RCPS Summer Technology Academy, or during the school year on evaluating effective use of instructional technology.
• Administrators will observe and evaluate the effectiveness of educational technology using a technology integration observation tool.

 

4. Technology integration partnerships are established among educational technology stakeholders.

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• RCPS has been a founder of and active participant in the Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium
• RCPS has been an active participant in the Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium's Ed-Tech Grant
• RCPS has strong partnerships with James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University so that coursework geared specifically toward RCPS needs in Educational Technology can be offered for graduate credit at these institutions
• RCPS is an active participant in all WVPT educational technology programs, particularly those involving United Streaming.

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• RCPS will continue to be an active participant in the Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium and will be represented at all monthly meetings.
• RCPS will continue to be an active participant in the Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium's Ed-Tech Grant which is focused on technology integration into the classroom.
• RCPS will continue strong partnerships with James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University so that coursework geared specifically toward RCPS needs in Educational Technology will continue to be offered for graduate credit at these institutions
• RCPS will continue to be an active participant in all WVPT educational technology programs, particularly those involving United Streaming.

 

5. Teachers effectively integrate instructional technology.

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• One hundred seventy two RCPS teachers have achieved NETS*T certification through the process outlined by the Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium Ed-Tech grant.
• Over 100 teachers have annually participated in many training opportunities including the RCPS Summer Technology Academy and various technology integration workshops during the school year.
• Over 200 teachers have participated in regional training programs involving technology integration including the National Teacher Training Institute supported by WVPT and the SVTC Ed-Tech grant.
• RCPS has provided tuition-free, graduate level coursework for at least 50 teachers per year, funded by the No Child Left Behind Educational Technology grants, both formula and the SVTC Ed-Tech grants.
• RCPS has designed, purchased, and assembled multimedia carts (consisting of a projection system, laptop, speakers, DVD-VHS player, and power strip) which are specifically designed for the RCPS network.
• The entire RCPS K-12 Mathematics and Language Arts Curriculum is available on the RCPS website. This website contains many, many resources and links.
• RCPS has created a website with over 15,000 sample SOL questions, all homemade by teachers and college students. Students access this website to practice SOL skills.
• RCPS has outfitted each high school's Lecture Room as a technology-integration room complete with ceiling mounted projection system, sound system, networked desktop computer, etc.
• Many classrooms have been retrofitted to include ceiling mounted projectors, interactive whiteboards, sound systems, and document cameras

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• RCPS will continue to encoporate up-to-date technology in the design of all new buildings and building additions including ceiling mounted projectors, interactive whiteboards, sound systems, and document cameras
• RCPS will continue to provide technology integration workshops including the RCPS Summer Technology Academy and various technology integration workshops during the school year.
• RCPS teachers will continue to participate in regional training programs involving technology integration including the National Teacher Training Institute supported by WVPT and the SVTC Ed-Tech grant.
• RCPS will continue to provide tuition-free, graduate level coursework for as many as 50 teachers per year, funded by the No Child Left Behind Educational Technology grants, both formula and the SVTC Ed-Tech grants.
• RCPS will expand the technology opportunities for teachers and students by purchasing additional multimedia carts (described above), ceiling mounted projection systems, and wireless technologies.
• RCPS will provide support for additional teachers to achieve NETS*T certification through the process outlined by the Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium Ed-Tech grant.
• Besides Math, other RCPS K-12 curriculums will be posted on the RCPS website.
• RCPS will continue to build the 15,000 item database of sample SOL questions, all homemade by teachers and college students and will refine the site to make it easier for teachers to post their own sample questions.

 

6. Teachers collaborate to improve and enrich instruction using technology.

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• Over 100 teachers have annually participated in many training opportunities including the RCPS Summer Technology Academy and various technology integration workshops during the school year.
• Over 100 teachers have participated in regional training programs involving technology integration including the National Teacher Training Institute supported by WVPT and the SVTC Ed-Tech grant.
• RCPS has provided tuition-free, graduate level coursework for as many as 100 teachers per year, funded by the No Child Left Behind Educational Technology grants, both formula and the SVTC Ed-Tech grants.
• ITRT staff provides regular and highly skilled assistance to teachers for technology integration.

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• RCPS will continue to provide technology integration workshops including the RCPS Summer Technology Academy and various technology integration workshops during the school year.
• RCPS teachers will continue to participate in regional training programs involving technology integration including the National Teacher Training Institute supported by WVPT and the SVTC Ed-Tech grant.
• RCPS will continue to provide tuition-free, graduate level coursework for as many as 100 teachers per year, funded by the No Child Left Behind Educational Technology grants, both formula and the SVTC Ed-Tech grants.
• RCPS Technology Instructional Specialists will provide a common source for teachers to collaborate and share their technology successes and challenges.
• RCPS will provide technology integration resources on its website for teachers.
• ITRT staff will provide regular and highly skilled assistance to teachers for technology integration including one-on-one assistance, group inservices, and "road shows" to each school.

 

7. Teachers use technology-based intervention strategies to improve student achievement.

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• RCPS purchased licenses for each school for Skills Tutor, an online intervention tool which students in grades 3-6 use to improve SOL skills.
• RCPS continues to use Cornerstone software in one lab at each elementary school which assists students in grades 3-6 with mathematics and language arts skills.
• RCPS purchased Read 180 setups including server, workstations, software, and comprehensive remedial reading program for all middle and high schools. This program has proven to be very effective in working with remedial reading students.
• RCPS purchased subscriptions for many high school math classes for ExploreLearning.com.
• Individual elementary schools have purchased software, such as Computer Classroom, for their K-2 students, which support the SOLs in those grades.
• RCPS has installed various technology tools, such as ePat, for students to help prepare for SOL tests.
• RCPS has created a website with over 15,000 sample SOL questions, all homemade by teachers and college students. Students access this website to practice SOL skills.

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• RCPS will annually evaluate its subscription to SkillsTutor and/or other online services.
• RCPS will regularly update the Read 180 setups including server, workstations, software, and comprehensive remedial reading program.
• RCPS will continue to purchase subscriptions for high school math classes for ExploreLearning.com.
• RCPS will continue to evaluate and purchase software for SOL remediation.
• RCPS will continue to build the 15,000 item database of sample SOL questions, all homemade by teachers and college students and will refine the site to make it easier for teachers to post their own sample questions.
• ITRT staff will provide regular and highly skilled assistance to teachers for technology integration including one-on-one assistance, group inservices, and "road shows" to each school.

 

8. Teachers understand and model the acceptable use of technology in teaching and learning.

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• The RCPS Acceptable Use Policy was approved by the School Board in February, 1997.
• The AUP was modified and approved by the School Board in July, 2001.
• Annually, it is reviewed with newly hired teachers during New Teacher Orientation by the Director of Technology.
• In order to certify that Standard 8 of the Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel, teachers state that they "abide by and can explain to others" the AUP.
• The current AUP is scheduled to be revised in Spring, 2008.

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• RCPS will review the AUP every two years. This review will be made by a committee of teachers, students, administrators, and parents.
• RCPS will consider making AUP compliance part of the teacher evaluation instrument.
• ITRT staff will provide information to teachers regarding acceptable use and internet safety.

 

9. Students routinely use technology in a variety of learning activities across the curriculum.

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• Technology is widely used in Rockingham County Public Schools, including, but not limited to: classrooms, computer labs, math labs, science labs, libraries, special education classrooms, journalism labs, vocational programs, art and music programs, etc.

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• RCPS will continue to provide appropriate technologies for students in all settings: elementary, middle, and high school students / regular, remedial, and special education / core and fine arts classes / academic and vocational programs
• RCPS will expand the technology opportunities for teachers and students by purchasing additional multimedia carts (described above), ceiling mounted projection systems, and wireless technologies.
• ITRT staff will provide information to teachers and students regarding acceptable use and internet safety.

 

10. Students will have information literacy skills.

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• RCPS has a requirement that all seventh graders complete the former high school keyboarding course and all eighth graders complete the former high school computer concepts course. This curriculum is detailed in an Appendix to this Technology Plan.
• All eighth graders' technology skills are assessed with a locally developed online SOL test.
• Elementary students learn technology skills as they visit the general purpose computer labs at each school. Most elementary schools have two labs: one for grades 3-5 and the other for grades K-2.

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• RCPS will continue to require that all 7th and 8th grade students complete the curriculum described above and detailed in an Appendix to this Technology Plan.
• RCPS will continue to assess eighth graders' technology skills with an assessment intrument from the Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium .
• RCPS will peruse the 8th grade technology assessment resources made available by the Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium.
• RCPS will develop an assessment system for high school students to ensure that students can: (1) conduct research to locate, collect, organize, and evaluate information; (2) electronically exchange information; and (3) collaborate with others outside the classroom.

 

11. Student learning and achievement will be enhanced through the effective integration of technology.

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• Over 100 teachers have annually participated in many training opportunities including the RCPS Summer Technology Academy and various technology integration workshops during the school year.
• Over 100 teachers have participated in regional training programs involving technology integration including the National Teacher Training Institute supported by WVPT and the SVTC Ed-Tech grant.
• RCPS has provided tuition-free, graduate level coursework for as many as 50 teachers per year, funded by the No Child Left Behind Educational Technology grants, both formula and the SVTC Ed-Tech grants.
• RCPS has designed, purchased, and assembled multimedia carts (consisting of a projection system, laptop, speakers, DVD-VHS player, and power strip) which are specifically designed for the RCPS network.
• One hundred seventy two RCPS teachers have achieved NETS*T certification through the process outlined by the Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium Ed-Tech grant.

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• RCPS will continue to encoporate up-to-date technology in the design of all new buildings and building additions including ceiling mounted projectors, interactive whiteboards, sound systems, and document cameras
• RCPS will assess to find the percentage of students who are routinely engaged in technology-facilitated learning activities that incorporate one or more of the following characteristics: self-directed learning, multidisciplinary activities, peer collaboration and interaction, and higher order thinking skills to solve real problems
• RCPS will continue to provide technology integration workshops including the RCPS Summer Technology Academy and various technology integration workshops during the school year.
• RCPS teachers will continue to participate in regional training programs involving technology integration including the National Teacher Training Institute supported by WVPT and the SVTC Ed-Tech grant.
• RCPS will continue to provide tuition-free, graduate level coursework for as many as 50 teachers per year, funded by the No Child Left Behind Educational Technology grants, both formula and the SVTC Ed-Tech grants.
• RCPS will expand the technology opportunities for teachers and students by purchasing additional multimedia carts (described above), ceiling mounted projection systems, and wireless technologies.
• RCPS will provide support for additional teachers to achieve NETS*T certification through the process outlined by the Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium Ed-Tech grant.
• ITRT staff will provide information to teachers and students regarding acceptable use and internet safety.
• ITRT staff will provide regular and highly skilled assistance to teachers for technology integration including one-on-one assistance, group inservices, and "road shows" to each school.

 

12. Student learning and achievement will be enhanced through the use of advanced technologies.

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• Eleven RCPS teachers have achieved NETS*T certification through the process outlined by the Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium Ed-Tech grant. By become NETS*T certified, teachers earn $2,000 for advanced technologies for their classrooms.
• RCPS has purchased some advanced technologies including SmartBoards, probes, wireless technologies, etc.

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• RCPS will provide support for at least 50 additional teachers to achieve NETS*T certification through the process outlined by the Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium Ed-Tech grant.
• RCPS will continue to purchase and teach with advanced technologies including, but not limited to, SmartBoards, hand-held devices, probes, wireless technologies, etc.
• RCPS will expand the technology opportunities for teachers and students by purchasing additional multimedia carts (described above), ceiling mounted projection systems, and wireless technologies.
• ITRT staff will provide information to teachers regarding acceptable use and internet safety.
• ITRT staff will provide regular and highly skilled assistance to teachers and sudents for technology integration including one-on-one assistance, group inservices, and "road shows" to each school.

 

13. Computer/Technology Standards of Learning (SOL) are fully integrated across all curriculum areas.

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• RCPS has developed a matrix of technology skills for each grade level, K-5, so that by the time students complete Grade 5 they have mastered the 5th grade Computer/Technology SOLs.
• RCPS has not developed a means of assessing 5th grade students on the Computer/Technology Standards of Learning since the state stopped offering state-wide testing of these SOL.
• Many, though not all, curriculum areas integrate the Computer/Technology SOL.
• Since all middle school students take two full years of formal instruction in technology, high school students are able to use these well-developed technology skills in their high school coursework.

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• RCPS will begin assessing fifth graders' technology skills with a locally developed online SOL test.
• Schools will include a technology integration section in School Improvement Plans. This technology plan will be made by a committee of teachers, administrators, and parents/students.
• RCPS will expand the technology opportunities for teachers and students by purchasing additional multimedia carts (described above), ceiling mounted projection systems, and wireless technologies.

 

14. Instructional personnel meet Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel (TSIP).

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• All RCPS teachers/administrators have completed the RCPS requirements to certify that they possess the Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel.
• RCPS has provided tuition-free, graduate level coursework for as many as 50 teachers per year, funded by the No Child Left Behind Educational Technology grants, both formula and the SVTC Ed-Tech grants.
• One hundred seventy two RCPS teachers have gone well above the TSIP and achieved NETS*T certification through the process outlined by the Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium Ed-Tech grant.

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• All newly hired teachers/administrators will complete TSIP requirements.
• RCPS will continue to provide tuition-free, graduate level coursework for as many as 50 teachers per year, funded by the No Child Left Behind Educational Technology grants, both formula and the SVTC Ed-Tech grants.
• RCPS will continue to provide support for additional teachers to achieve NETS*T certification through the process outlined by the Shenandoah Valley Technology Consortium.
• ITRT staff will provide information to teachers regarding acceptable use and internet safety.
• ITRT staff will provide regular and highly skilled assistance to teachers and sudents for technology integration including one-on-one assistance, group inservices, and "road shows" to each school.

 

15. Students meet Computer/Technology Standards of Learning (C/T SOL).

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• RCPS has developed a matrix of technology skills for each grade level, K-5, so that by the time students complete Grade 5 they have mastered the 5th grade Computer/Technology SOLs.
• RCPS has not developed a means of assessing 5th grade students on the Computer/Technology Standards of Learning since the state stopped offering state-wide testing of these SOL.
• Many, though not all, curriculum areas integrate the Computer/Technology SOL.
• Since all middle school students take two full years of formal instruction in technology, high school students are able to use these well-developed technology skills in their high school coursework.
• RCPS has provided regulated, filtered student e-mail and digital lockers for middle and high school students.
• ITRT staff has provided information to teachers and students regarding acceptable use and internet safety.

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• RCPS will begin assessing fifth graders' technology skills with a locally developed online SOL test.
• Schools will include a technology integration section in School Improvement Plans. This technology plan will be made by a committee of teachers, administrators, and parents/students.
• RCPS will expand the technology opportunities for teachers and students by purchasing additional multimedia carts (described above), ceiling mounted projection systems, and wireless technologies.
• RCPS will continue to provide regulated, filtered student e-mail and digital lockers for middle and high school students.
• ITRT staff will continue to provide information to teachers and students regarding acceptable use and internet safety.

 

Goal 2 • Improve statewide equity in the implementation of technology-enhanced teaching and learning.

Targets

1. Educators and students have access to technology to support instructional goals.

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• There are currently approximately 4,500 computers available to students, teachers, and administrators in RCPS.
• Each high school has at least one business education lab plus at least three mult-purpose labs.
• Each high school has one or more a mobile, wireless laptop lab(s).
• Each middle school has 7th and 8th grade labs sufficient to support the middle school curriculum (including as many as four labs at two middle schools) plus at least one 6th or general purpose computer lab.
• Each elementary school has two labs, one for grades 3-5 and another for grades K-2.
• School libraries have multiple computers for research and general purpose.
• High school technology education departments have many computers, including wireless laptops, for use.
• All schools have a T1 connection to the Internet.
• Students in all schools have a network environment such that student and teacher files can be accessed on any computer on the network.

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• RCPS will continue to purchase mobile, wireless laptop labs for general purpose use in all high schools and middle schools.
• RCPS will upgrade the internet connection at middle schools to 10 MBPS and to high schools to 100 MBPS.
• RCPS will replace all computers which are at least five years old.
• RCPS will continue to encoporate up-to-date technology in the design of all new buildings and building additions including ceiling mounted projectors, interactive whiteboards, sound systems, and document cameras
• RCPS will retrofit all existing classrooms to have the same technologies in them as with new construction
• RCPS will expand the technology opportunities for teachers and students by purchasing additional multimedia carts (described above), ceiling mounted projection systems, and wireless technologies.

 

2. Appropriate technology-based instructional strategies are used for students with unique needs.

Current Status of this Target in RCPS

• Many adaptive devices have been purchased for special needs students in RCPS. Training has been provided for these technologies by RCPS and by James Madison University staff.
• RCPS purchased seven Read 180 setups including server, workstations, software, and comprehensive remedial reading program. This program has proven to be very effective in working with remedial reading students at middle and high school.

RCPS Action Plan for this Target

• RCPS will continue to purchase and support adaptive devices for special needs students. Training will continue to be provided for these technologies by RCPS and by James Madison University staff.
• RCPS will expand the use of remedial programs such as Read 180 in all middle and high schools.

 

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