A Brief Summary of the Technology Plan for Klein ISD

Klein ISD is committed to increasing productivity by assuring that all students and staff meet the standards set by the State of Texas for technology applications. In order to do this, Klein ISD is dedicated to expanding technology throughout the school district to enhance learning and instruction. The technology plan for Klein ISD includes four primary goals: implementation of 21st century teaching and learning strategies; continuation of professional development; increasing productivity through the use of technology; and improving the existing infrastructure.

Klein ISD continues their commitment to incorporate 21st century tools into the classroom. Teachers use data gathered by the district to assess student academic needs so that they can develop individualized student learning plans. This analysis allows teachers to implement 21st century learning skills through the use of technology. Additionally, teachers can use district data to determine critical instructional needs such as credit recovery and remediation for at-risk students. In order for the school district to determine compliance with state mandated curriculum, student progress is monitored by the administration of periodic benchmark assessments. All teachers in Klein ISD are required to maintain a web page as a communication and instructional tool for students and parents.

Over 75% of professional development opportunities in Klein ISD are centered on the use and integration of technology within the classroom. Teachers are expected to meet or exceed SBEC technology application standards for beginning teachers. Each campus provides professional development opportunities based on data acquired from the Texas Teacher STaR Chart and other appraisal instruments that are modified to include mastery of the SBEC technology applications. Klein ISD offers a variety of professional development opportunities that include classes before and after school, and distance learning. Additionally, Klein ISD has increased training opportunities for non-instructional personnel and community members. At least 80% of the technology budget is set aside for professional development. Coordination of professional development for the school district is the responsibility of the Associate Superintendent of Instruction and Student Services, the Director of Educational Technology, and campus principals.

Klein ISD is devoted to increasing student and staff productivity through the use of technology. Teacher websites, email, listservs, and electronic forums maintain communication between the school district and the community. Another key element to productivity is assuring that all systems and databases are interoperable. To meet the growing needs of the school district, Klein ISD has provided a student information and a professional development management system. The school district will continue to provide resources that enhance learning through the use of technology.

In order for Klein ISD to meet the goals set forth by their technology plan, it is imperative that they provide a stable and secure infrastructure that allows for continued growth. As more schools move toward the 1:1 initiative, the district will plan and prepare an infrastructure that meets the needs and demands for new and existing facilities. The increased demand for high-speed filtered access to the Internet will result in a need for new equipment that is capable of maintaining the existing infrastructure. It will be necessary to add additional technical and instructional technology staff to support the implementation of new technology systems.

Klein ISD formally evaluates their district technology plan annually and updates the plan every three years or earlier if necessary. The effectiveness of the plan is evaluated against the district, campus, and teacher STaR charts. Progress is monitored by the amount of teachers that attend technology-related professional development courses, lesson plans, documentation of community access to technology resources, and technical support records.

Klein ISD (2010). Klein ISD Technology Plan for E-Rate Year 13. Retrieved from http://www.kleinisd.net/docs/1-it.TechPlan.pdf

Technology Assessments

Educating students in the 21st century requires teachers to use new skills and tools in the classroom. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires students to be technologically literate by the end of eighth grade. In Texas, teachers are required to integrate technology in courses at each grade level. Teachers must complete the Texas School Technology and Readiness (STaR) chart each year to monitor their progress toward meeting these goals.

By assessing teacher knowledge of technology and skills, school districts can evaluate the data to identify the technological strengths and weaknesses of educators. This information is necessary for the creation of professional development opportunities based on the technical abilities of educators. It’s imperative that teachers receive professional development that supports them in their task of integrating technology into their curriculum. If a teacher is comfortable utilizing digital tools in the classroom, he or she is more likely to explore more innovative ways to make use of technology. As a result, students will be more engaged in the learning process.

Even though our students are competent at using technology outside of school, it doesn’t mean that they are proficient in using technology to learn. It is not enough that teachers integrate technology into their curriculum. It is necessary that students become skilled at using technology to learn. According to Willamson and Redish (2009), “mastering core academic content as defined in the past is not sufficient to prepare students for meaningful participation in today’s global economy” (p60).

Even though teachers are required to complete the Texas Teacher STaR Chart annually, that doesn’t mean that it accurately reflects true progress. Despite this drawback, the Texas Teacher STaR Chart lays the foundation for school districts to determine how to best support teachers in transforming their classrooms using technology.

Williamson, Jo, and Traci Redish (2009). ISTE’s Technology Facilitation and Leadership Standards. Eugene, OR: ISTE.