District Technology Plan

The FCC “E-rate” fund was established to help schools and libraries afford telecommunications and internet access. In order to apply, schools or districts must establish a Technology plan that includes goals and strategy for using the technology, a professional development strategy, an assessment of services needed, and an ongoing evaluation process. Previously, a budget resources section was also included, but that requirement has been removed beginning with FY2011.*

The District Technology Plan for Carroll ISD is currently under revision, so the following is a summary of the Keller ISD plan for 2009-2011.** The Keller ISD plan includes clear technology goals that closely mirror the NETP model of learning powered by technology.***  Major strategies include approaches to teaching and learning, professional development, administrative needs, and infrastructure.

For teaching and learning, the district goals include appropriate integration of technology in all subject areas, improving communication with all stakeholders, and compliance with Technology Application TEKS.

Professional development goals include increasing technology literacy skills for all employees, providing opportunities to attend conferences and participate in online learning communities, and mentoring.

Administrative objectives include establishing a comprehensive technology plan, participation across all departments in data-driven planning, utilization of technology for student management, and including the community in planning.

Infrastructure goals include increased network capability, internet connectivity, and exploration of innovative technologies.

The Keller ISD plan lists specific strategies to help reach each of their stated goals and objectives, including the budget plan support the initiatives, timeline, and status. It also includes lists of services and funding needed, and an instrument for tracking status of initiatives. The technology plan is clear and detailed, and, I believe meets the standards requested by the USAC for E-rate applicants. It might be possible to improve the plan by including more assessment information for tracking and evaluating progress toward goals. Currently the status evaluation choices are “in progress” or “completed”.  Breaking down the larger goals to allow closer evaluation of progress would make the plan even more useful.

*Universal Service Administrative Company. (2011). Step 2: Develop a Technology Plan. Retrieved from www.usac.org/sl/applicants/step02

**Keller ISD. (1009).  District Technology Plan. Retrieved from http://www.KellerISD.net/Community/ Technology/Documents/District_Technology_Plan/District_Technology_Plan.pdf

***U. S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology. (2010). Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology (National Education Technology Plan 2010 Executive Summary).  Retrieved from http://www.ed.gov/Sites/Default/Files/netp2010-execsumm.pdf