Three-Year Technology Plan

 GOAL:

The goal of the McNairy County Department of Special Education is to bring computer-assisted technology to all Special Education students in the McNairy County School District in an attempt to further their education. The 21^st Century is directed towards an instant global communication environment. In order to prepare students for this ever-changing world, they must have access to computer-based technology and its capabilities.

The McNairy County Department of Special Education will use computer-assisted technology to the advancement of the student learning process in McNairy County.

The McNairy County Department of Special Education is dedicated to utilizing multimedia, Internet, computer technology to enhance, broaden and deliver the learning process to all Special Education students.

CURRENT STATUS:

Every Special Education classroom in the district is networked and students have access to at least two Internet capable computers. There is one Special Education Computer Lab in the county and every Special Education program in the district is equipped with a laptop and computerized I.E.P. software.

 OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES:

In an effort to update our Technology Instruction Program, we are recommending the following to implement technology in our district:

 1.     To have access to one multimedia Internet computer for every Special Education student in the regular classroom. (To include laptops for upper level students to use in the regular classroom)

2.     To have at least seven computers in each Resource classroom. 

3.     To have a teacher's station with a laptop computer to be used for presentations in every Resource classroom. Teachers would be able to take the laptop home to record grades, access the Internet, and/or other professional use.

4.     To have training and support for all teachers and administrators to better deliver the instructional process within the Special Education classroom.

5.     To have training and support for all teachers and administrators to better use technology in their classrooms and homes.

6.     To begin computer education training for parents.

7.     To communicate with parents, via the Internet, concerning student reports, assignments, progress in the curriculum, and special helps.

8.     To engage our students in educational programs that will be motivational to their learning.

9.     To engage our students in using everyday technology tools (i.e. word processors, spread sheets, etc) to develop higher level thinking skills and help them be more successful in the classroom.

10.                        Advance student learning in using technology to assure that all students are prepared for high skilled, high wage jobs and to support lifelong learning.

11.                        Data retrieval long-distance, via wireless network. Data would include: score data, student management, etc…

PLAN OF ACTION: 

PHASE I 

• We will focus technology resources to improve student learning.
• We will maintain the upgrade process, involving new computer and technology equipment, throughout the school district.
• We will continue to purchase additional computers for every classroom, in order to further technology in lab and classroom situations.
•  We will provide a Technology Coordinator to assist teachers in the use of technology for instruction.
•  We will initiate a three year Technology Professional Development Plan that will equip teachers with technology skills.
•  We will purchase wireless labs for the Special Education programs in the eight county schools.
•  We will install a wireless router and ceiling mount antenna to provide wireless access to all upper level classrooms in the eight county schools.
•  We will purchase the FastForWord software and training for rapid development of language and reading skills and use it to develop and increase reading skills.
•  We will use the funds allotted by the district to upgrade present software and hardware, additional educational software and additional technology needs of the schools.

 Approximate cost $150,000

 PHASE II

•  We will seek funding via grants and other sources that may be available.
•  We will constantly strive to stay on the "cutting edge" of technology in order to give our students a global competitive edge in Technology Education.
•  We will purchase additional wireless labs so that all upper level students will have access to them all day.
•  We will install an additional wireless router and ceiling mount antenna to provide wireless access to all lower grade classrooms giving the district office wireless communication to all classrooms via the Internet.
• We will use technology to identify gaps in student learning and analyze assessment data.
•  We will use technology that is developmentally appropriate to promote active learning and individualize instruction.
•  We will use technology based materials and web based resources to support instruction.
•  We will purchase additional computers for the classrooms.
•  We will ensure access to assistive technology for students with disabilities.

 Approximate cost $100,000

 PHASE III

•  We will initiate an updated three year Technology Professional Development Plan to continue to support opportunities for teachers and administrators to develop competence in using technology to meet instructional goals.
•  We will increase the development and use of web-based resources.
•  We will provide web-based resources and tools in a manner that all teachers can easily access, find and use.
•  We will Gather and classify exemplary web-based curriculum resources making them easily available.
•  We will provide technical assistance and support for networking in schools in a timely manner.
•  We will purchase additional wireless labs for the upper grade programs.

 Approximate cost $60,000