Georgia Southern University

MEd - FRIT 8132: Administration of Technology Resources Spring 2012 Instructor: Dr. C. Hodges
Topic: Technology Plan Evaluation Update Group: Mitzi Helms, Fabrian Rankine, Jesse Scott Date: 04/17/2012

Part 1: Narrative
Introduction and Overview
Gwinnett County Public Schools and its 133 schools and other educational facilities serve nearly 162,000 students, comprising of 53.3% Caucasian, 23.6% African-American, 20.1% Hispanic, and 3% other races. Gwinnetts modern, well-equipped, and well-maintained schools provide an environment where teaching and learning thrive. Attendance zones are determined by geographical clusters. Within each cluster, there are three to six elementary schools, one or two middle schools, and one high school. Gwinnett County Public Schools published a three-year technology plan in 2009. In 2012, this plan is currently in active use, and replaces a previous plan that was published in 2006. Starting with a mission statement and vision that closely parallels the mission and vision for the Gwinnett County Public School system, the technology plan seeks to pursue excellence in academic knowledge, skills, and behavior for each student, and continues with a detailed plan that outlines how the county plans to utilize technology to achieve that vision. This plan is strong in meeting the highest requirements in several components of the technology plan evaluation rubric, but there are a few areas that can still be improved upon.

Plan for Change

The following area scored 2 (adequate) on the Helms-Rankine-Scott Scale, and requires moderate modification: Assessment of Services and Technical Support. In this area, the GCPS Technology Plan scored a two out of a possible three points on the rubric. In the area of technical

support, providing a clear and comprehensive plan for services available is needed to support technology use (network, computer, and software support), which is necessary for a strong technology plan. The Gwinnett County Technology Plan lacks the comprehensive part of the plan. The change that needs to be made in the Technology Plan is to state the requirements for services that are readily available and detailed plans for technology support. The resources required for this would be a detailed equipment analysis and/or staff surveys providing this information. In addition to above, the following modifications could be made to improve the technology plan: Identify Contributors and Stakeholders. Gwinnett Countys technology plan does identify the contributors and the stakeholders in the plan, just not in a well-organized manner. Because of this, Gwinnett County only scored a two on the Helms-Rankine-Scott scale. There is not a separate section for this with detailed descriptions of each group. The reader must search the entire Technology Plan in order to find this information. To improve the plan, contributors and stakeholders should be identified, and their jobs and contributions to the development of the technology plan should also be stated. This change would help county employees know who made the recommendations and what decisions were made. The resources used for this component would be to review other school systems technology plans for comparable examples of stakeholder groups. The Gwinnett County Technology Department does not have a detailed mission statement, but rather repeats the mission statement of the school system. To improve the technology plan, the technology department needs to develop a specific mission statement which would include why and how the technology mission is to be accomplished. This would be beneficial because this plan directs Gwinnett Countys overall goals for its technology use. Another omission from the GCPS Technology Plan is that it does not provide any standards by which to judge the technology goals. For each goal within the plan, the appropriate standards should be noted, or at very least, the plan needs to include a section with the National Technology

Standards listed for students and educators. Additionally, in comparing Gwinnett Countys Technology Plan to Dr. Paul Allens Rubric from the University of Texas, the Executive Summary was absent. In order to gain a better understanding of the countys technology situation, the reader must read the section Instructional Technology Use. This section describes the technology each school has within the system. In order to improve this score, a section entitled Executive Summary would need to be added that would clearly outline the vision, mission, goals, objectives, backgrounds, findings, issues, conclusions, and recommendations of the technology plan for Gwinnett County.

Resulting Improvements
If Gwinnett County decided to update their technology plan using these recommendations, the Technology Plan would be more comprehensive and complete. A detailed executive summary, which would include the vision, mission, goals and objectives, background issues, conclusions and recommendations, would provide a comprehensive view of the countys technology program. Broad-Based Support through identified stakeholders/contributors would ensure the technology plan would be all-inclusive and meet the various needs of the school system and the supporting community. The revision of the mission statement would enable the public to identify the goals and objectives of the technology department. The general issues component needs to be expanded to include the National Technology Standards for students and educators. To further improve the technology plan, conclusions and recommendations need to be made. Identifying problems and or challenges that the school system faces in the area of technology at both local and system level should be part of the technology plan. Recommendations to improve these problems/challenges should also be acknowledged. The technology support component was inadequate and should be stated in detail. An explanation of the technology support should describe

how services are provided and prioritized, what equipment/software is maintained, and the timeframe for completion.

Part 2: Technology Plan Update

Executive Summary / Mission Statement Summary: This document is an addendum to the pre-existing technology plan for the Gwinnett County Public School system, which is in effect from Fall 2009 to the end of Spring 2012. The existing plan should also be viewed at the following link, and this section should be viewed as supplementary to that plan.: http://www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/gcpsimdweb01.nsf/489bc5772033f3eb85256d670066dfb8/b3e65007f463 73e2852574b900679580/$FILE/GCPS%202009%20Technology%20Pl an%20FINAL.pdf In keeping with the mission statement of the Gwinnett County Public School system, the technology department seeks to foster excellence in helping students and staff grow in knowledge and skills, particularly related to the use of technology in the educational process. In keeping with this mission, the following technology plan outlines how the GCPS system will effectively implement technology resources. The initial section below echoes the mission statement and vision of the GCPS system, and each following section outlines the procedures, process, and action points for achieving this mission of fostering measured improvement against local, national, and world-class standards. Sections following the mission statement cover details pertaining to how funding will be handled, how resources will be distributed, how staff will be developed, and how policies will affect student and staff use of technology within the system. Sections are also devoted to providing an overview of how technology will be maintained with the system. Also, a plan of action is provided that details how technology use will be encouraged and expected across the curriculum. Finally, several pilot projects are detailed, and these pilot projects are supported by recent research. Directly below is a statment of the mission, vision, and goals of the GCPS Technology Department. Mission Statement:

The mission of Gwinnett County Public Schools is to pursue excellence in academic knowledge, skills, and behavior for each student, resulting in measured improvement against local, national, and world-class standards. Vision: Gwinnett County Public Schools will become a system of world-class schools where students acquire the knowledge and skills to be successful as they continue their education at the postsecondary level and/or enter the workforce. Goals: Goal 1: Gwinnett County Public Schools will ensure a world-class education for all students by focusing on teaching and learning the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) curriculum. Goal 2: Gwinnett County Public Schools will ensure a safe, secure, and orderly environment for all. Goal 3: Gwinnett County Public Schools will optimize student achievement through responsible stewardship of its financial resources and the proactive pursuit of all resources necessary to meet current and future demands. Goal 4: Gwinnett County Public Schools will recruit, employ, develop, and retain a workforce that achieves the mission and goals of the organization. Goal 5: Gwinnett County Public Schools will meet the continuing and changing demand for essential information through technological systems and processes that support effective performance and desired results. Goal 6: Gwinnett County Public Schools will provide and manage the system's facilities and operations in an exemplary manner as determined by programmatic needs and best management practices. Goal 7: Gwinnett County Public Schools will apply continuous quality improvement strategies and principles as the way the organization does business. VISION FOR GCPS. . . As a highly regarded school system that is committed to being world class, Gwinnett County Public Schools will strive to become: a. A system that is acknowledged, accepted, admired, and emulated by customers, stakeholders, professional peers, and competitors alike as a

school system that is the best in its class. b. A system of world-class schools where students demonstrate the knowledge and skills to be successful as they continue their education at the postsecondary level and/or enter the workforce. c. A system that is the school system of choice, worthy of the publics support and confidence. d. A practicing Quality organization. VISION FOR LEADERSHIP. . . As internal stakeholders in a system of world-class schools, leaders in Gwinnett County Public Schools, regardless of position or job area: a. Are passionate about the vision, mission and goals of the school system. b. Effectively and consistently communicate to those they supervise how their work links and contributes to excellence in teaching and learning in the school system. c. Model the principles of Quality-Plus Leadership by being focused on results, valuing accountability, exhibiting high energy, energizing others, executing to turn vision into reality, and leading by example. d. Encourage and inspire others to develop the characteristics of Quality-Plus Leadership. e. Are committed to being lifelong learners. f. Accept that leadership is responsibility, not position, titles, or money. g. Believe that every employee in every area of the school system has the capacity to be a leader. h. Continually improve their own job performance so that the organization will continually improve. i. Clearly understand what constitutes effective performance in the organization in order to achieve the desired results. j. Nurture and promote a performance culture within their areas of the organization. k. Understand that communication is an indispensable, primary responsibility of leadership. VISION FOR EMPLOYEES. . .

As key players in our quest to become a system of world-class schools, GCPS employees will be: a. Committed to high expectations for student learning and willingly accountable for the results achieved. b. Respectful of the cultural differences among groups of students and employees. c. Caring, competent, and passionate in carrying out their responsibilities in an ethical manner. d. Committed to continuous improvement-- customer focused, internally and externally; results oriented, and accountability driven. e. Effective communicators within the organization and with the community. f. Loyal to Gwinnett County Public Schools and supportive of its vision, mission, and goals. g. Exemplary users of technology. h. Role models for all students, the community, and those in the education profession. i. Lifelong learners committed to high standards of personal and professional growth. j. Recognized for superior skills and overall job performance. VISION FOR STUDENTS. . . As customers of a system of world-class schools, our students will: a. Perform on or above grade level as measured by the standards set in our essential curriculum, the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS), and evidenced through various local, state, national, and international assessments. b. Take responsibility for their own learning and achievement. c. Be successful after high school, whether they continue their formal education or immediately enter the workforce. d. Learn in classrooms that are safe, orderly, and free from violence or disruption of any kind. e. Demonstrate traditional values and good work habits.

f. Value and appreciate their school experience. g. Develop and exhibit leadership and teamwork skills through their daily studies and participation in extracurricular activities. h. Become effective problem solvers and communicators through the proficient use of technology. VISION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS. . . As the childs first and foremost teachers and essential, expected partners in a system of world-class schools, the parents/guardians of our students will be: a. Involved in appropriate and meaningful ways at the local school and system levels. b. Engaged with the child and the teacher(s) in the process of teaching and learning in the school, home, and community. c. Proponents of setting high academic and behavioral expectations for their child, and active participants in helping the child meet or exceed them. d. Partners in accountability for their childs achievement. e. Comfortable in all interactions with school personnel on behalf of the child. f. Supportive of the schools goals and initiatives in order to contribute to the schools effectiveness and the childs academic success. g. Diligent in communicating with the teacher and the school on a regular, ongoing basis, making use of oral, written, and electronic means of sharing information, concerns, and ideas regarding the childs learning. h. Well-informed advocates for the school systems direction and initiatives. VISION FOR CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION, AND ASSESSMENT. . . As the essential product and the core process of our system of worldclass schools, curriculum, instruction, and assessment in GCPS will be distinguished by: a. Clear alignment of the curriculum with instruction and assessment. b. The continual review and revision of the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) based on input from faculty, staff, parents, and the

community. c. Widespread knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) as a world-class curriculum. d. A clear focus on desired results. e. Teachers ability to access within and beyond the classroom the student data necessary for planning instruction. f. Assessments that are used as teaching and learning tools as well as measures of performance, including Gateway tests that are used in making promotion decisions. g. Instructional strategies that are effective, relevant, challenging, and engaging to the learner. h. Teachers ability to teach and assess reading and mathematics as priorities and the foundations for future learning. i. A commitment to providing both academic extensions to challenge students and appropriate interventions to help students who need more time and opportunity to learn. VISION FOR INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY. . . As indispensable parts of the instructional and administrative infrastructure of any system of world-class schools, information management and technology in GCPS will: a. Advance teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning and problem solving. b. Provide learning opportunities through which students and staff receive, gather, analyze, and/or present information. c. Provide all users the information, skills, and tools they need to perform their jobs effectively and make data-driven decisions. d. Help teachers facilitate and evaluate student learning through a variety of methods with anytime, anywhere access. e. Facilitate communication between the system and its internal and external customers. f. Enable the system to achieve operational and analytical excellence through the use of progressive technology solutions. VISION FOR COMMUNICATION. . .

As a vital component of a system of world-class schools, a communication culture will be embraced throughout the organization that: a. Acknowledges that communication is the responsibility of every internal and external stakeholder. b. Promotes honest, reliable, two-way communication that builds trust and meets the highest standards of candor, openness, and accuracy. c. Is grounded in a commitment to share accurate, timely, meaningful information with and by stakeholders. d. Is driven by the needs and wants of the intended audience and involves the use of multiple communication channels. e. Empowers stakeholders to be knowledgeable participants in the decision-making processes of the school system. f. Demands communication of best-in-class practices throughout the organization. While none of these statements address specific programs, the vision statements do provide an opportunity to deliver rigorous academic courses in multiple media, such as through our online campus (http://www.gwinnettk12online.net/), a collaborative streaming classroom with Georgia Tech and three Gwinnett high schools, and the provision of video streaming for certain educational resources throughout the district. GCPS Division of Teaching and Learning GCPS Information Management Division Media Specialists Local School Technology Coordinator (LSTC) Technology Support Technician (TST) System Technology Inventory Survey is mentioned in the Technology Plan Better Example of Equipment Analysis: http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2010/2010040.pdf Gwinnett Countys Action Plan exists for 3 years (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2012). Develop authentic models for assessing student achievement and diagnosing data to differentiate instruction and maximize achievement. Restructure classroom instruction to make it valid, goal-oriented, and connected to 21st Century technology. To improve student performance, collaborative partnerships are encouraged and supported between IMD and district-level staff as well

Broad-Based Support

Needs Assessment

Action Plan/ Multi-year Planning Program Integration

Curriculum Integration

as with educational personnel. These partnerships provide access to materials and resources that support the use of technology in teaching, learning, and instructional management. Evaluation 1) Regularly scheduled monthly scans at schools and data centers are now part of normal operations. 2) GCPS has developed surveys and will begin sending them to principals. 3) TSTs have been directed to document daily tasks using BMC Magic tool. 4) IMD plans to roll out teacher service requests tooldependent upon pilot results. 5) First surveys have been completed and results sent to principals. Survey results are positive. Reports are being developed and will begin regular circulation at the beginning of 2009-2010 school year. 6) We are beginning to work on surveys specific to different tech support teams, as well as associated goals. 1. Creativity and Innovation Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. a. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes b. Create original works as a means of personal or group expression c. Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues d. Identify trends and forecast possibilities 2. Communication and Collaboration Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. a. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media b. Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats c. Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures d. Contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems 3. Research and Information Fluency Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. a. Plan strategies to guide inquiry b. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media c. Evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks

Standards

d. Process data and report results 4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. a. Identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation b. Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project c. Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions d. Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions 5. Digital Citizenship Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. a. Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology b. Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity c. Demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning d. Exhibit leadership for digital citizenship 6. Technology Operations and Concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. a. Understand and use technology systems b. Select and use applications effectively and productively c. Troubleshoot systems and applications d. Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students.aspx Funding Alternatives School Pilot Projects/Educational Research Funding is provided via local funds, SPLOST funds, and eligible E-rate awards. There are 2 Pilot Programs which would fit perfectly within the Gwinnett County System, in accordance with the Technology Plan. The first pilot program would deal with ePortfolios. This pilot program would have a teacher track and a student track. The teacher track will focus on English teachers converting current paper documents into an online format. For the pilot program, two teachers and their respective classes will be chosen. The track would focus on Lesson Plans, Powerpoint Lessons, Worksheets, and Teacher-Made Evaluations becoming a part of each teachers ePortfolio. The teachers would take an 8 semester course learning about how to develop ePortfolios. Teachers will also be taught how to utilize their ePortfolios with their students and teaching their students how to develop ePortfolios. Students will be

responsible for posting class work and blogs about the ePortfolios effect on their learning experience. The goal is to have all English classes fully immersed within 2 years. Reference: Kirkham, T., Winfield, S., Smallwood, A., Coolin, K., Wood, S., & Searchwell, L. (2009). Introducing Live ePortfolios to Support Self Organised Learning. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 12(3), 107-114. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. The second project will focus on Online learning as remediation and enrichment. The pilot program would focus on 2 math classes, Algebra II and Pre-Calculus. Students who have failed the course would be presented with this option to retake the class via an online method using Moodle (A free e-learning online module). Students would take the full course within an 8 week summer course. Passing this course would satisfy the requirement for graduation. Uniquely, this course would also be presented to students who have passed the pre-requisite classes in the spring semester. These students would have the opportunity to take the course in the summer and receive full credit for the course upon receiving a grade of B or better in the class and an 85 or better on the final exam for the class. Reference: Thomson, D. (2010). Beyond the Classroom Walls: Teachers' and Students' Perspectives on How Online Learning Can Meet the Needs of Gifted Students. Journal of Advanced Academics, 21(4), 662-712. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. Model Classroom Configurations New schools and those schools with upgraded technology also receive a "base technology package" that supports the planned activities at the school. For example, each newly constructed or upgraded classroom includes a teacher laptop, a desktop printer, a television, and two network connections. Classrooms meeting the baseline standard for a 21st Century classroom have the following components: Two to five modern computers (laptops or desktops); An LCD projector (ceiling-mounted or cart-mounted) with at least 1600 Lumens and all necessary cabling to connect to instructional devices; Interactive whiteboard (wall-mounted or stand-mounted) with accompanying software; A student response system Standard Ed Specs 2000 Basic Equipment is being installed into building additions as they open in FY2009-2012. SPLOST III & Bond funds are

Facilities

used to retrofit all elementary schools. Technology equipment is deployed and can be used to access information. Maintenance/Support All GCPS schools are either new, retrofitted within the last four years, or in the process of being retrofitted. This means that schools are consistently operating modern computers, have the highest level of network available, and are able to accommodate instructional software throughout the schools. Software Agreements Available software packages within the district are Accelerated Reader, BrainPOP, HyperSnap, Get Moving, Harcourt Math website, ClassXP, and Go Gwinnett Portal. Appendix A: Acceptable Use of Electronic Media for Students (Version 050509) The Board recognizes that electronic media, including the Internet, provides access to a wide variety of instructional resources in an effort to enhance educational opportunities. Use of electronic resources must be in support of, and consistent with the vision, mission and goals established by the Board and for the purpose of AKS instructional support. All users of the district wide area network and/or other electronic informational services must maintain strict compliance with all applicable ethical and legal rules and regulations regarding access. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that all GCPS technology users share the GCPS technology resources in an effective, efficient, ethical and lawful manner. GCPS technology should be used for legitimate educational reasons only, and not for personal use. Strict compliance with all applicable ethical and legal rules and regulations must be maintained by all users of the wide area network and/or other electronic informational services including electronic mail (e-mail). Users must respect intellectual property rights and understand that school system data accessible over the network, regardless of the computer or device being used, constitutes property. All electronic, telephonic, and communications transmitted by, received from, or stored in these systems are property of the Gwinnett County Public Schools. Users of such systems should have no expectation of privacy. Student e-mail use for legitimate educational purposes will be subject to monitoring and review, including review of text and attachments that are related to that student or students. At NO TIME should a student consider GCPS e-mail private or confidential in any way. It is important to note that with a global network it is impossible to control or predict all materials a user may accidentally or purposefully

Copyright/ Acceptable Use Policy

discover on an electronic resource. Gwinnett County Public Schools personnel will make every effort to educate and guide all users in the proper use of electronic media, including the Internet. Because access to the Internet provides connections to other computer systems located all over the world, users (and parents of users) must understand that neither the Gwinnett County Public Schools nor any district staff member controls the content of the information available on these other systems. Some of the information available is controversial and sometimes may be offensive. Gwinnett County Public Schools DOES NOT CONDONE the use of such materials. Therefore, it is imperative that the user be held accountable for the appropriate utilization of this technology. Login information, usernames, and passwords are confidential. YOU are responsible for keeping logins secure. At no time should someone log in with your user name or password, and you should not use someone elses information. Students should never log into a teacher or staff members computer; this must be done by the teacher or staff member. ACCESS IS A PRIVILEGE - NOT A RIGHT! Inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of these privileges as well as possible assignment of disciplinary action consistent with the policies and procedures of Gwinnett County Public Schools. Local schools may establish additional regulatory guidelines for use of electronic resources that include, but are not limited to, guidelines established by this systemwide procedure. Building administrators shall establish a process for informing students and staff about the district and local school Acceptable Use Procedures. The definition of GCPS information and data resources will include any computer, server or network, or access provided or supported by GCPS, including portal-delivered applications and the Internet. Use of computer information and resources includes the use of data/programs stored on GCPS computing systems, data/programs stored and/or delivered through magnetic tape, floppy disk, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs computer peripherals, or other storage media, that is owned and maintained by the GCPS. The user of the system is the student using GCPS technology. Access is a privilege, not a right, and all students are expected to treat this learning tool with respect. GCPS technology and electronic resources must not be used to: Harm other people. Interfere with other peoples work.

 Use a computer to steal property. Gain unauthorized access to other peoples files or programs. Gain unauthorized access to on-line resources by using someone elses password. Make changes to the hardware or software configuration of any machine, including installing or deleting any software. Improperly using the network, including introducing software viruses and/or bypassing local school or office security policies. Steal or damage data and/or computers and network equipment. Access, upload, download, and distribute pornographic, hate-oriented, profane, obscene, or sexually explicit material. Failure to follow these guidelines can violate the Official Code of Georgia, O.C.G.A., Codes 16-9-90, 16-9-91, 16-9-93, and 16-9-93.1 as well as Title XVII of United States Public Law 106-554, known as the Childrens Internet Protection Act. Such use can also lead to disciplinary actions, up to and including loss of access to GCPS technology resources and further disciplinary actions as defined by existing GCPS policies. Appendix B: Acceptable Use of Electronic Media for Personnel, Intern/Student Teachers, Substitute Teachers, Volunteers, and Vendors (Version 050509) The following document outlines guidelines for use of the computing systems and facilities located at or operated by Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS). The definition of GCPS information and data resources will include any computer, server or network, or access provided or supported by GCPS, including the Internet. Use of the computer facilities includes the use of data/programs stored on GCPS computing systems, data/programs stored on magnetic tape, floppy disk, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, computer peripherals, or other storage media, that is owned and maintained by GCPS. The "user" of the system is the person requesting an account (or accounts) in order to perform work in support of the GCPS program or a project authorized for GCPS. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that all GCPS technology users share the GCPS technology resources in an effective, efficient, ethical and lawful manner. The Board recognizes that electronic media, including the internet, provides access to a wide variety of instructional resources in an effort to enhance educational opportunities. Use of electronic resources must be in support of, and consistent with the vision, mission and goals

established by the Gwinnett County Board of Education and for the purpose of AKS instructional support or administrative functions. All users of the district wide area network and/or other electronic informational services must maintain strict compliance with all applicable ethical and legal rules and regulations regarding access. As a GCPS employee, volunteer, or vendor, you will be expected to maintain appropriate passwords to obtain access for your job and/or tasks. All GCPS-issued passwords should be changed within one week of issuance by the user if the application enables the user to do so. Not all applications allow this, but the applications where the password should be changed immediately include Novell, Lotus Notes, the GCPS Portal (go.gwinnett) and SASIxp / CLASSxp, should you be provided with these resources. Passwords should be changed every 90 days thereafter to maintain the integrity of the GCPS network. Login information, usernames, and passwords are confidential. YOU are responsible for keeping logins secure. At no time should someone log in with your username or password, and you should not use someone elses information. Students should never log into a teacher or staff members computer; this must be done by the teacher or staff member. Additionally, GCPS technology and electronic resources must not be used to: Harm other people. Interfere with other peoples work. Use a computer to steal property. Gain unauthorized access to other peoples files or programs. Gain unauthorized access to on-line resources by using someone elses password. Make changes to the hardware or software configuration of any machine, without following local school procedures for approval. Improperly using the network, including introducing software viruses and/or bypassing local school or office security policies. Steal or damage data and/or computers and network equipment. Access, upload, download, and distribute pornographic, hate-oriented, profane, obscene, or sexually explicit material. Failure to follow these guidelines can violate the Official Code of Georgia, OCGA, Codes 16-9-90, 16-9-91, 16-9-92, and 16-9-93, as well as United States Public Law 106-554, known as the Children's Internet Protection Act. Such use can also lead to disciplinary actions, up to and including termination of employment or contract with GCPS and criminal prosecution.

At no time should student names be broadcast or disclosed in unauthorized communications sent outside the GCPS network. For example, a teacher-initiated progress report sent through email to a parent is appropriate, but posting individually-identifiable student testing data on a non-GCPS website is not appropriate. Teachers should closely monitor classroom activities where students are communicating outside of GCPS. Such activities might be classroom-to-classroom collaborative projects, pen pals and web-site-related instructional activities. At no time should student privacy be compromised in these communications, nor should students work be delivered outside of GCPS without direct supervision of the students teacher. Student and staff data may be transmitted periodically to educational and government entities for required business purposes, but these transmissions are managed in a secure environment to maintain student and staff confidentiality. Finally, please note that GCPS technology use is subject to auditing for legitimate purposes, as well as live monitoring where appropriate. Appendix C: Acceptable Use of Electronic Media for Technology Team Personnel: Central Office Technology Personnel, Technology Support Technicians, and Local School Technology Coordinators (Version 050509) The following document outlines guidelines for use of the computing systems and facilities located at or operated by Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS). The definition of GCPS information and data resources will include any computer, server or network, or access provided or supported by GCPS, including the Internet. Use of the computer facilities includes the use of data/programs accessed through GCPS computing systems, data/programs stored on magnetic tape, floppy disk, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, computer peripherals, or other storage media, that is owned and maintained by the GCPS. The "user" of the system is the person requesting an account (or accounts) in order to perform work in support of the GCPS program or a project authorized for GCPS. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that all GCPS technology users operate the GCPS technology resources in an effective, efficient, ethical and lawful manner. The Board recognizes that electronic media, including the internet, provides access to a wide variety of instructional resources in an effort to enhance educational opportunities. Use of electronic resources must be in support of, and consistent with the vision, mission and goals established by the Gwinnett County Board of Education and for the

purpose of AKS instructional support or administrative functions. All users of the district wide area network and/or other electronic informational services must maintain strict compliance with all applicable ethical and legal rules and regulations regarding access. As a GCPS employee, you will be expected to maintain appropriate passwords to obtain access for your job and/or tasks. All GCPS-issued passwords should be changed within one week of issuance by the user if the application enables the user to do so. Not all applications allow this, but the applications where the password should be changed immediately include the GCPS Portal (go.gwinnett), Novell, Microsoft Active Directory Services, Lotus Notes, and SASIxp / CLASSxp. Passwords should be changed every 90 days thereafter to maintain the integrity of the GCPS network. Login information, usernames, and passwords are confidential. YOU are responsible for keeping logins secure. At no time should someone log in with your username or password, and you should not use someone elses information. Students should never log into a teacher or staff members computer; this must be done by the teacher or staff member. Technology Team Personnel should not maintain a list of passwords unless there is a current support activity that requires the use of the user's password. Under no circumstances should a computers administrative passwords be changed. The access of the network for specific GCPS employee monitoring activities, commonly referred to as "sniffing" the network or eavesdropping, is not a function of the technology team in a school. The monitoring of student technology uses is within the role of the school technologists. The Division of Information Management has been given the charge to perform network monitoring to include specific investigations. If a technology team member feels that such an investigation should occur, he or she needs to contact his/her supervising administrator, then the supervising administrator should contact the Superintendent and the Chief Information Officer. Additionally, GCPS technology and electronic resources must not be used to: Harm other people. Interfere with other peoples work. Use a computer to steal property. Gain unauthorized access to other peoples files, data, email, or programs. Gain unauthorized access to on-line resources by using someone elses

password. Improperly using the network, including introducing software viruses and/or bypassing local school or office security policies. Steal or damage data and/or computers and network equipment. Access, upload, download, and distribute pornographic, hate-oriented, profane, obscene, or sexually explicit material. Many system administrators and central office personnel have responsibilities to maintain the network resources and networked data. The following guidelines should be enforced at all levels to protect the rights and privacy of students and employees: Use and disclose the users data and information only to the extent necessary to perform the work required to assist the user or complete job-specific tasks. Particular emphasis should be placed on restricting disclosure of the data/information to those persons who have a definite need for the data in order to perform their work in assisting the user. Do not reproduce the GCPS employee or staff member user's data and information unless specifically permitted by the user or in conjunction with an officially authorized activity, such as an investigation. Refrain from disclosing a GCPS employee or staff member user's data and information to third parties unless the user provides written consent. Since the GCPS network is monitored and all traffic may be subject to review, under no circumstances are passwords to be transmitted electronically in a broadcast fashion. Obtain an Acceptable Use Policy agreement or Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to allowing individuals to access data. These may be obtained from the GCPS Division of Information Management and the Office of the Superintendent. School principals may authorize the development or creation of student password lists only, but NOT for GCPS employees. It is recommended that student password lists be maintained by specifically designated personnel, such as the LSTC, TST, and school administrators, and be treated with appropriate care to maintain privacy on the network. Currently, specialized access exists for the Local School Technology Team, including the Local School Technology Coordinator (LSTC), the Technology Support Technician (TST) and the Media Specialist. They are charged with the responsibility of maintaining many of the rights to GCPS network resources. In the area of technology standards, telephone communications, and network configurations, the GCPS Division of Information Management has the final right, authority, and responsibility to review enterprise practices and ultimately resolve any discrepancies with regard to issues

of security and access. As stewards of the network in schools and specific locations, technology team members are ethically charged to troubleshoot within their area of responsibility ONLY, meaning their specific school or department. To that end, at no point should a technology team member provide or use access to network resources outside of their own areas of responsibility. Great care should be taken to use email appropriately, as email communication can easily be distributed to the wrong audiences. Failure to follow these guidelines can violate the Official Code of Georgia, OCGA, Codes 16-9-90, 16-9-91, 16-9-92, and 16-9-93, as well as United States Public Law 106-554, known as the Children's Internet Protection Act. Such use can also lead to disciplinary actions, up to and including termination of employment. The only exceptions to this policy are those employees who, for legitimate and legally appropriate reasons, need special access to accomplish their tasks, such as with School Resource Officers. All such exceptions will have to be cleared through the chief executive of the GCPS Division of Information Management. At no time should student names be broadcast or disclosed in communications sent outside the GCPS network. Teachers should closely monitor classroom activities where students are communicating outside of GCPS. Such activities might be classroomto-classroom collaborative projects, pen pals and web-site-related instructional activities. At no time should student privacy be compromised in these communications, nor should students work be delivered outside of GCPS without direct supervision of the students teacher. Student and staff data may be transmitted periodically to educational and government entities for required business purposes, but these transmissions are managed in a secure environment to maintain student and staff confidentiality. Technology team members are not immune from disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment and legal prosecution, should infringements occur. Tampering with, deleting, or editing information or evidence that may implicate a technology team member during an investigation may also be grounds for disciplinary action. Gifts and Disposal Gifts All funds held by the Gwinnett County Board of Education and its local schools, regardless of the source, are held in public trust. As a result, Gwinnett County Board of Education employees will approach all purchasing and procurement decisions as responsible stewards of public funds.

Gwinnett County Board of Education employees shall not engage in unethical behavior or compromising practices in relationships, actions and communications with present or potential suppliers. Further, Gwinnett County Board of Education employees shall avoid the intent and appearance of unethical behavior or compromising practices in relationships, actions and communications with present and potential suppliers. Gwinnett County Board of Education employees or consultants are expressly prohibited from soliciting, demanding or accepting directly or indirectly, any economic opportunity, future employment, gift, loan, gratuity, special discount, trip, favor, or service in connection with the following: Approving, disapproving, recommending, or preparing any part of a program requirement or purchase request; Influencing the content of any specification or procurement standard, rendering of advice, investigation, or audit; Awarding a contract. Any Gwinnett County Board of Education employee who observes or suspects unethical behavior in the procurement of goods or services should report that behavior to the following individuals or offices, as appropriate under the circumstances: The individual's supervisor, or The Director of Purchasing, or The Office of Internal Resolution, Division of Human Resources, or The Superintendent's Office, or The Board of Education. Disposal When property owned by Gwinnett County Public Schools is no longer of economically sound use for meeting a system need, then it shall be disposed of by the most cost effective of the following six methods: 1. Property shall be sold to the highest bidder via a competitive bid process, spot bid sale, or auction. This may include electronic or virtual auction methods. Such events shall be advertised in appropriate media, sufficiently in advance of the sale date to provide a competitive environment for maximizing system revenues. School district employees empowered with the responsibility of declaring items surplus shall be excluded from bidding only on the items they have

declared as surplus. 2. Property shall be sold in an "over the counter" manner to the public at any time based on prices established by the Assistant Director of Environmental & Supply Services and approved by the Director of Environmental & Supply Services. The prices charged will be based on prices received in the most recent spot bid or auction sale of a like item. 3. Property shall be transferred at no charge to an agency of the Gwinnett County Government in response to a written request. Gwinnett County Government will affirm in writing its agreement to accept the transferred property and will be responsible for retrieving the property from Gwinnett County Public Schools. 4. Property shall be transferred at no charge to a non-profit organization in response to a written request. The non-profit organization will affirm in writing its agreement to accept the transferred property and will be responsible for retrieving the property from Gwinnett County Public Schools. 5. After six months or a spot bid sale or auction, surplus items not claimed or purchased will be disposed of in a manner determined by the Assistant Director of Environmental & Supply Services. 6. Unserviceable/Unusable Surplus Property -- These items may be disposed of in the best interest of the School System as approved by the Assistant Director of Environmental & Supply Services. Items that can be recycled in a cost effective manner shall be. Staff Development The following staff development resources are some of the opportunities available for teachers to further integrate technology into their daily instruction: 1 Staff may engage in partnership with the Educational Technology Training Center. This partnership provides technology training sessions for LSTCs, media specialists, and media clerks. 2 Staff may engage in a Train-the-Trainer program (for upgrades and new school technology deployment and laptop rollouts). The Train-the-Trainer initiative demonstrates a consistent process-based approach to educate LSTCs on how to provide basic training to teachers during laptop rollouts. Train-theTrainer models were used as part of the deployment model in which LSTCs were organized together into groups and taught how to present training to their local faculty. They received

manuals as education material and were given timeline schedules. The program concluded when the LSTCs sign off that training was complete. Staff may engage in competency testing or course completion to renew teaching certification. The State has required teachers to either pass a competency test or take a course in order to get their teaching certificate renewed. To help teachers meet these requirements, GCPS offers access to the Georgia Assessment online test. Teachers can come to a GCPS location and take the test, but they must obtain a certain score to determine that they are technology competent. They also have the option of taking the Gwinnett Technology Academy for Teachers class. It is a 50hour course. Administrators are required by the state to take this course to renew their certificates. A portfolio option was offered to complete the class requirements and to allow teachers to submit a portfolio to be evaluated for competence. The five-year cycle for this requirement is near completion. In June of 2006 everyone must have met that requirement in order to get their certificate renewed. Staff may engage in identification of technology needs for media specialists and LSTCs. Each year, media specialists and LSTCs fill out surveys to describe their experience and opinion of the types of technology training they have received. The purpose of these surveys is to evaluate the functions that these groups perform in the school system, and based on the results, determine ways to increase their instructional support role. From those surveys, professional development planning sessions are designed or the ETTC is contacted to supplement training activities.