TECHNOLOGY PLAN TEMPLATE

North American University

Education Department
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
EDUC 5324: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO EDUCATION

Name:Enisa Ibrahimovic Date: 11/24/17

This template is adapted from

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/et/rs/documents/et14techplan.doc
CA Department of Education

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND
The plan should guide the LEAs use of education technology for the next three
years.

Start Date: 8/19/2018

End Date: 5/31/2021
LEA Title: Harmony School of Exploration
Grade: K-5
Contact information:
Harmony School of Exploration
9305 W. Sam Houston Parkway
Houston Texas 77099
Phone Number: 832-831-7406

A brief overview of the LEA:

Harmony School of Exploration technology plan is created and implemented to help
students gain foundation for future education. We expect technology to aid us in
closing learning gaps, and help increase student performance across all core subjects.
In regards to ESL population, we expect them to move from one level to the next. For
instance, our beginner students would become intermediate, and intermediate
students would become advanced, etc. With the help of educators, parents, and
professionals in the field we can accomplish this task.

Website:https://hehouston.harmonytx.org/

file:///C:/Users/eibrahimovic/Downloads/19212745%20(1).pdf
https://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-
district/2012/harmonyscienceacademytx.pdf

Location: Harmony School of Exploration is located in Upper Sharpstown area of

Houston, economically disadvantaged part of town. It is an urban part of city with
busy highways and intersections, surrounded by low income housing. School is
gated, under 24/7 camera surveillance, and available security guards. Exploration is
conveniently located next to the middle school, the high school, as well as the support
center, and the central office.

Demographics 2016-2017:
Students: 651

Black: 35.18%
Hispanic: 37.72%
White: 12.75%
Asian: 15.05%

Economically Disadvantaged: 78.90%

English Language Learners: 45%
Special Education: 5.90%
GT: 9.70%

Participation of stakeholders in the planning process

School Principal: Mrs. Noralba Morales
School Administrators: Mrs. Sibel Cankurt & Mr. John DeLaCruz.
IT: Mrs. Feliz Camus
Computer Teacher: Mr. Jose Huertero
Parents
Teachers
Vendors

Administration met over the summer with the advice from District Officials to determine
how technology will be utilized for closing learning gaps, and increasing rigorous state
standards for the next 3 years. Financial plan was approved by the Superintendent
and it was decided that all core teachers will have Chromebook carts with 28
Chromebooks for each classroom, serving 651 students. Two computer labs are
available for learning essential computer skills and basics. Teacher and students are
expected to implement the plan devised by the school leaders that include parent
representatives.
 Summarize the plans major curricular and professional development
outcomes that are supported by research.
Various software programs were purchased for the Harmony School of Exploration
in hopes of assisting student further advancement in K-5.
MyOn
Reading Egg
I-Read
I-Station
Alex
Study Island
STEM Scopes
Reasoning Minds
Teachers are provided with:
Laptops
Document Cameras
Projects/Smartboards
Phones
Ongoing continual training on software programs and technology
New wifi hot-spots will be installed in each classroom.

Reasoning behind heavy technology usage is that we heavily depend on technology in

todays world. Students are exposed to parents that are on their phones, computers,
laptops, and newest car features and technology. Students learn best when problems
are presented on their level and scaffolded to be moved up the learning ladder. The
software programs focus is primarily on individualized learning. The software
programs listed above ensure that knowledge takes place with optimum results.
Exploration has set high standers for teachers and students. For instance, 2017 goal
was 91% of students to be proficient in Reading and Math assessments.

Describe and cite the relevant research that supports the plans outcomes.
Retrieved from https://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/NETP-2010-final-report.pdf

National Educational Technology Plan emphasizes importance of individualized

learning, use of technology in most meaningful ways to aid in student learning.
Technology is the key for inspiration, and learning for all should take place. Engaging
and empowering students is of the upmost importance in order for them to meet their
goals, and take ownership of their learning.

Describe the connection between the research and the plans goals.
According to the National Education Technology Plan, technology is readily available
for those that are self-motivated and willing to take control of their own learning, thus
emphasizing relationship between research and goals. As far as Harmony School of
Exploration is concerned, parental involvement would be of essential importance as
parents control what their children access once they are off campus.

Describe information gathered from site visits, including best practices.

According to Explorations policy we want to create a culture of lifelong learners. We
want to set the foundation for future exploration. According to National Education
Technology Plan, we need to empower students to take control of their own learning.
We need to develop students that are effective and efficient decision makers.
Students that are resourceful and persevere despite challenges. We need a
generation of skilled technology users.
CURRICULUM COMPONENT CRITERIA.
The Plan must establish clear goals and realistic strategy for using
telecommunications and information technology to improve education services.
(Answer at least 2 questions for each subsection below)

What technology is currently available to all teachers?

Teachers have unlimited access to the following during the contracted school year:
Laptops
Projectors
Printers
Phones
Smartboard
Skyward Database
Curriculum Website
Eduphoria
On-going PD programs to support technology use.
Various Software program (MyOn, IStation, I-Read, Reading
Eggs, ALEX, Study Island, Reasoning Minds)

How is technology currently being used by teachers and administrators

to promote effective classroom instruction and school management?
Professional Development is available once a month. During Summer All technology
software programs are reviewed and training is provided. Professional Learning
Committees (PLCs) grade level and subject meet once a month and utilize technology
for effective classroom instruction and management.

Is technology currently available to all students?

Yes, all students have access to technology. At the beginning of the year all
technology agreements are signed by parents giving permission for their child to use
technology. The agreements hold parents accountable for any damages to school
Chromebooks or computers caused by their child. Technology is available throughout
the school year and Chromebook are available in students homeroom classes.
Clever application allows students to access all software programs available to a given
student 365 days a year, at home and in school.

What replacement cycle has been built into the plan; and what funding is
needed to support the replacement policy?
Since Harmony School of Exploration is priority campus any new needs for
computers/technology are readily available to campus. Upgrades, new Chromebooks,
new Chromebook chargers, wifi hot spots, projectors, and any other technology needs
are readily met by the District. Typically needs are assessed over the summer break.
 What are the LEAs curriculum goals and plans for assisting students to
meet content standards and demonstrate college and career readiness?

LEAs curriculum writers meet over the summer and plan the lesson plans to be
implemented by all the school in the district, including Exploration. If the school is on
the priority list due to low achievement, LEA has the right to change the courses
offered in order to utilize more technology in order to close the achievement gap.
Currently, Spanish, Social Studies, Turkish, and STEM lab has been removed from
our school in order to utilize more technology such as MyOn, IStation, Alex, and
Reasoning Minds. Our students have something called Enrichment Period or Power
Hour where they either get extra time utilizing technology programs, or are being
individually tutored by Interventionists and Specialists. Essentially, we heavily
depend on technology as campus because we have such large population of At Risk
Students. Technology is a must and will help our students reach their goals, today,
and in the near future. Technology is inevitable, unavoidable and our students must
be ready for competitive workplace.

How will technology be used to create more powerful learning

experiences to improve student academic achievement?
We are data driven campus and are heavily focused on intervention. We use
technology to track and target student progress. We use assessments to guide our
lessons in the classroom. We track District Assessment Results and re-teach
essential skill students must have. All of this would not be possible without
technology. Professional Learning Committees (PLCs) also focus on collaborating
and creating powerful plans to increase, and overall improve student achievement.
Our goals as teachers is to develop students capable of higher order critical thinking
skills.

What LEA board policies will be or have been developed to implement

Internet safety instruction?

Mr. Jose Huertero and Mrs. Feliz Camus have checked and updated all the computers
and Chromebooks students will be utilizing. They have made sure to place necessary
blockers. During class, Mr. Huertero teaches students internet safety protocol and
goes over internet use policies, re-teaching them throughout the school year. All
parents are required to sign updated technology agreement, agreeing to our terms of
policy use. If a student should attempt to change any of the settings or visit
unapproved sites; Mr. Huertero and Mrs. Camus are immediately notified and can
report the student to our Dean of Discipline and Dean of Academics.

What materials will be used to instruct students about Internet safety,

including how to use technologies to protect themselves and their
privacy online?

Per Student Handbook and Technology agreement, all students are taught internet
safety at school and at home. Parents also have this information readily available on
our school website and in the front office. All students are offered technology classes,
and all teachers are required to actively monitor students while they are using
technology.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMPONENT

The Plan must have a professional development strategy to ensure that staff
understands how to use these new technologies to improve education services
(Answer at least 2 questions for each subsection below)

How does your LEA regularly assess teachers and administrators

personal technology proficiency skills?
Monthly PDs train teachers on newest software. Software programs also come with
built in training programs that teachers can complete on their own. Department heads
and mentors are also available for teachers on weekly basis to help teachers
struggling with the newest technology. Thus, the only reason why a teacher would not
be proficient is by choice, as all hands are on board and ready to help, including our
wonderful IT department.

What do teachers and administrators consider as their needs for

professional development?
Teachers and administrators rely heavily on District Trainings to provide and explain
newest technology additions to the curriculum. Professional Learning Committees
(PLCs) are also a huge plus as they are small and highly specialized, thus majority of
learning for teachers occurs here.

What professional learning will be available so teachers and

administrators can make informed decisions using data to meet
individual student academic needs?
Teachers will be required to meet with Department Heads on Weekly basis to analyze
data. Meetings with Dean of Academics and Professional Learning Committees will
take place on monthly basis. All student assessments will be analyzed (grades,
weekly assessments, monthly assessment, unit assessments, and district
assessments) and instruction will be targeted based on these findings. Teachers will
also communicate this information with parents to ensure academic success of
students. Testing Coordinator will aid with data analysis and ensure proper testing is
taking place.

What professional learning will be available so teachers and

administrators can effectively use technology to assist with student
assessment?
Weekly meetings with Department heads. Analyzing grades and providing quick
feedback to students. Assigning and differentiating materials based on students
learning level will also help students get a grasp on material to be mastered.
Essentially differentiation with the help of technology and media, interactive game
reviews, etc.
INFRASTRUCTURE, HARDWARE, TECHNICAL SUPPORT, SOFTWARE, AND
ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPONENT CRITERIA
The Plan must include an assessment of the telecommunication services,
hardware, software, asset management, and other services that will be needed
to improve education services.

(Answer at least 2 questions for each subsection below)

What technology access do parents have at home? What technologies

do parents prefer for home/school communication?
Our parents have smartphones, computers, laptops, and tablets at home. They prefer
phone calls or text messages, as well as emails. Parents also receive remind me text
messages, school reach phone calls, and emails.

What hardware/infrastructure currently exists at each school site?

Our school has computers, monitors, headphones, laptops, Chromebooks, and
printers. They are utilized on daily basis and need frequent updates. Our
headphones have to be constantly replaced due to wear and tear. Students can also
purchase their own headphones from the front office for $3.

What technologies will teachers and administrators need to successfully

implement the plans goals and benchmarks?
Currently we have two computer scanners used for benchmark assessments. They
are fully equipped and updated and fixed by our trusty IT professionals.

What emerging technologies could be used to implement the plans

goals?
In order for our plan to be implemented we needed better internet connection. We
had the approval and new wifi hot-spots were placed in each classroom. We had
internet problems because we were shearing internet with the Central Office. Central
Office received priority and our internet would disconnect several times a day. Our
students would not be able to log onto software programs we required them to use.
Our lesson plans heavily depended on visuals and utilizing technology. Something as
simple as better internet connection will help us accomplish our goals.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION COMPONENT

The plan must include an evaluation process that enables the school to monitor
progress toward the specific goals and make mid-course corrections in
response to new developments and opportunities as they arise.
 (Answer at least 2 questions for each subsection below)

Who will oversee the data collection, analysis, and program modification
process?
Usually, our Dean of Academics and Testing coordinator with the help of IT
Department will collect, analyze and notify us of modifications that we need to
implement. Lately, it has been the job of our Director Megan Spears.

Who will participate in the monitoring and evaluation process?

Our District Director of Academics, Megan Spears has taken over the monitoring and
evaluation process since the school became the lowest performing in the District.

How often will data be collected and summarized? Who is responsible?

Currently District Director of Academics, Instructional Coaches, Principal and Dean of
Academics are closely monitoring and evaluating our data. Principal was approved to
hire two more interventionists. Any changes that the Director wants us to implement
are discussed in weekly meetings with the core teachers.

How often will the status of plan implementation be reported to the

LEA superintendent and the stakeholders?
LEA superintendent and the stakeholders will evaluate the plan yearly.