New Braunfels High School Technology Integration Action Plan

Vision: The students in the New Braunfels schools deserve the best education. In order for our students to be competitive in gaining entrance to a college or university and/or competitive in the workforce, they must be prepared for their futures. Part of that preparation involves the use of technology. Students in the NBISD schools will have access to information via the Internet and on-line library databases. This access allows for real-time information presented at critical times of the instructional process, and is more authentic than using only what is provided in textbooks. Every child in America needs 21st century knowledge and skills to succeed as effective citizens, workers and leaders in the 21st century.

Mission Statement: In order to successfully face rigorous higher education coursework, career challenges, and a globally competitive workforce, New Braunfels schools must align classroom environments with real world environments focusing on 21st century skills. In order to ensure the accomplishment of the goals and objectives in this plan, New Braunfels ISD must commit to providing the highest level of technology and assistance available.

Goals: Students goals shall include:
• Information and communication skills (information and media literacy skills, communication skills)
• Thinking and problem-solving (critical thinking and systems thinking, problem identification, formulation and solution, creativity and intellectual curiosity)
• Interpersonal and self-direction skills (interpersonal and collaborative skills, self-direction, accountability and adaptability, social responsibility)
•Global awareness
•Financial, economic and business literacy, and developing entrepreneurial skills to enhance workplace productivity and career options
• Civic literacy

Needs Assessment: The district has been working over the last few years to provide equity of services to all campuses. Every campus now has a principal with additional instructional support. At the secondary campuses, there is one assistant principal for each grade level. Each campus has had one full-time library media specialist since the 2004-2005 school years. All campuses have a full time Technology Aide supported by the Technology Curriculum Integration Specialists and the Technology Department. New Braunfels ISD has received numerous TIF(Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund) grants to install networks (LANs) in all eleven campuses. The district hired a full-time Director of Instructional Technology and secretary in 1997,and a Network Specialist and PC technician in 1998. A District Technology Committee was formed in the fall of 1997 and has been very active in technology decision-making.
The StaR Chart show the trends at New Braunfels HS over the past 6 years in various areas of technology. The dramatic change in Infrastructure is probably due to aging equipment as it corresponds to a grant received in 2005-2006.

New Braunfels High School STaR

Teaching & Learning
Educator Preparation and Development
Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support
Infrastructure for Technology
2003-04
15
13
15
16
2004-05
12
14
11
11
2005-06
12
12
11
10
2006-07
13
12
14
16
2007-08
15
14
14
19
2008-09
14
12
13
16

NBHS’s Strengths
The Key Area of Infrastructure for Technology is NBHS’s greatest strength. We rated Advanced in this area, just as the majority of the campuses in the state. The number of computers to student ratio is growing as our computers are aging and many are not working now with no known plans of repairing or replacing them. Our technical support has diminished to just a few individuals servicing the entire district and many teachers are having problems with internet connectivity.

NBHS’s Weaknesses
NBHS is classified as developing technology in 3 of the 4 areas; Teaching and Learning, Educator Preparation and Development, and Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support. The area that scored the lowest with 12 points was Educator Preparation and Development. No teacher’s are allowed to attend staff development outside the district. Teachers that previously attended professional technology instruction now are only able to attend what our district provides which is minimal on the levels teachers need.

Organizational Chart for New Braunfels High School Technology Integration

Responsibilities in Area of Technology
NBISD School Board
Approve District Technology Plan and technology budget.
NBISD Superintendent
Conveys information between school board and campuses. Makes recommendations to school board.
Director of Technology
Leader of District Technology Committee, controls district technology budget, hires central office technology personnel, responsible for district technology infrastructure, district technology maintenance, computer inventory, and software licensing.
District Instructional Technology Specialist
Plans and facilitates professional development activities for classroom teachers on integrating technology into all curricular areas. Responsible for training staff in the use of programs and equipment used for instruction.
Information Systems Manager
Develops and manages the district and campus websites and is involved in the Districts Technology Committee.
Server Manager
Manages the district and campus servers.
PC and MAC Technicians
Responsible for maintaining districts technology assets and assuring that technology may be implemented into the classroom.
District Technology Committee
Composed of 28 people. Reviews and revises District Technology Plan. Recommends professional development opportunities and equipment purchases.
Campus Principal
Head of Campus Improvement Committee, directs spending of campus technology funds, evaluates campus needs, evaluates campus teaching staff, plans campus staff development.
Model Teachers
Assist classroom teachers in planning technology integration lessons and modeling lessons demonstrating effective technology integration.
Teachers
Implement the integration of technology into the classroom.

New Braunfels HS Technology Professional Development Goals:
-Enhance teaching and learning through the use of technology.
-Educators will be able to insure the integration of appropriate technology and technology application TEKS throughout the core curriculum.
-Develop new learning environments that utilize technology to where the learning is collaborative, interactive, and customized.
-Support personal growth by providing mini grant program for teachers to seek funds for professional development.
-Technology Curriculum Integration Specialists will assist teachers to be instructional leaders.
-Continue and expand the mentoring program for teachers who want to become campus leaders in technology integration.
-Develop strategies for quality implementation.

Evaluation Plan
The district evaluates the progress of technology in three consistent ways.
One, the Texas STAR Chart, allows us to take a snapshot of where we stand in the district on a yearly basis. We use this information in creating a new technology plan or in modifying the current plan.

Two, the TNA and LTTP Vision forms allow us to see more detailed data concerning the use of technology in the classroom.

Third, our monthly department meetings allow us to meet and see what needs are becoming more prevalent and how best to meet those needs.


References
Lee, Jeffrey (Information Systems Manager). Personal interview. 11 Dec. 2009.
New Braunfels ISD. (2009). Campus Improvement Plan New Braunfels Independent School District 2007-2008. New Braunfels, Texas.
New Braunfels ISD. (2009). District Improvement Plan New Braunfels Independent School District 2009-2010. New Braunfels, Texas.
New Braunfels ISD. (2009). Technology Plan for E-Rate Year 12. New Braunfels, Texas.
School Technology and Readiness: A teacher tool for planning and self-assessing aligned with the Long-range plan for technology. (2006). Retrieved November 11, 2009, from http://starchart.esc12.net/docs.