Transforming Teaching and

Learning through Educational

Telecommunication

HIGHER EDUCATIONAL REQUEST PROPOSAL

Contact: Brownsville Independent School District

Instructional Technology Department
Brownsville, Texas 78521
Phone: (56) 548-8000, Fax: (956) 548-8010
Email: aigonzalez@bisd.us, Web Site: www.bisd.us
School Information

Simon Rivera High School

6955 FM 802
Brownsville, Texas 78521
http://www.bisd.us/rivera/

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission statement provided by Rivera High School, "Faculty, Staff, students and Community of
Simon Rivera High School are committed to the development of individuals to become academically
competent and self-reliant so that they can successfully pursue post-secondary education and/or training
opportunities to better themselves, their community, enabling them to become productive citizens with a
global and moral awareness that will impact their lives and increase their self-esteem to create a safe and
secure environment.

DESCRIPTION & POPULATION

Simon Rivera High School first opened its doors in 1988 and is located at 6955 FM 802 on the northeast
side of the city. Rivera High School consists of a story building, housing approximately 2,132 students
that are enrolled from 9th-12th grade. Simon River High School is equipped with 112 classrooms and 8
computer labs. Population consist of ninety eight percent of the population is Hispanic and less than
one percent is White, African American, Native American and Asian. Simon Rivera High School
represents the offers student the ability to work on a career pathway. The campus represents the
Magnet School for Business offering a several business and technology courses.
Project Overview

CYBER-EDUCATIONAL LAB

Abstract

The following is a proposal for the addition and implementation of technology tools such as a new
computer lab or a “cyber-educational lab”, for the Simon Rivera High School campus. The new lab will
assist students and teachers in their academic endeavors as well as research, activities and web-based
lessons. In addition the computer lab will promote quality education by integrating technology for
teacher and student interaction. It is essential for Simon Rivera High school to provide with the highest
quality and up-to-date forms of educational tools for students and faculty. By providing extra-
technology support, Simon Rivera High School seeks to improve student academic achievement and
success significantly. The main purpose is to prepare alumni with the most effective and efficient 21st
century skills and to become competent and competitive in our global economy.

Statement of the Need

With in the past 20 years schools districts around the country are been challenge to meet the global
technology expectations. Simon Rivera High School must meet the strong demand of implementing
technology in campus as well as the demand to build a competent instructor. The new computer lab
will give teachers the opportunity to deliver instruction and maintain high levels of interactions as well
as the enhancement teacher participation in trainings and professional development sessions. In
addition, the new computer lab will help in the development of a well rounded teacher with maximum
abilities in technology. The campus will undertake the great task of producing productive and
competent leaders for this community. By enhancing our campus with a new computer lab, this school
will have the opportunity to shape the citizen of tomorrow. The new facility will provide room to
implement with programs set to target “at risk” student and help them succeed. Programs such as A+,
Stars among others will be placed to help the student regain credit to graduate. Through the production
of active, engaging and life learners, Simon Rivera High School is determined to produce the 21st
century workforce. In addition, a new computer lab will enhance learning as well academic skills. It is
essential for Simon Rivera High school to provide the state of the art forms of educational tools for
students and faculty. By providing extra-technology support, Simon Rivera High School seeks to
improve student academic achievement and success significantly. The new computer lab will provide a
platform of support for all the students who have failed the TASK. Also, the new computer lab will
give teachers the opportunity to delivery instruction and will maintain high levels of interactions as
well as the enhancement teacher participation in trainings and professional development sessions.

Project Goals
The goals are to endow every student with the instruction necessary of the utilization of technology to
empower them to be competent and influential in their environment and enhance their academic skills.
Another important aspiration is to entirely incorporate technology in to every day instruction to bestow
the students with knowledge for the mastery of techniques. For our campus it is important to cultivate
an alliance with parent and the community to assist in the cognitive development and enhance the
potential of all students. To coordinate the incorporation and cooperation of administrator’s functions
and decision making to fully integrate technology in the campus. Finally, SRHS campus effort is to
establish a well functioning and high quality infrastructure with premium and superior quality for
hardware and software equipment. Most importantly, to allow student that have had difficulty in their
academic performance in class or in their TASK test to enhance their potential to succeed.

Objectives

In conjunction with SRHS administration, faculty and BISD Instructional Technology department the
objectives are described as follow:

• To have all student exhibit knowledge and proper usage of technological hardware and software
programs, as well as the comprehension of Internet ethics.
• To incorporate Internet access this will be integrate in the instructional areas for all students to
improve academic success.
• To support faculty with the training necessary to ensure proper training by encouraging
conference and workshop attendance.
• To encourage parent and community involvement with the school and actively participate as well
as assist in the usage of electronic communication learning
• To ensure optimal tools and computer hard ware for the usage of all students and administrators
and provide state-of-the-art networks and have connected devices are at peak performance.
• To implement programs to ensure student success.

Measurable Objectives

* 30 % increase on all 11th and 12th grade level on TAKS testing resulting in exemplary status.

* 98 % increase on students’ graduation rate.

* To increase the amount of technology used in the instructional setting to benefit the student.

Population
The new computer lab will house 24 computers for 11th -12th grade “at-risk” students having difficulty
with core areas, as well as TASK repeaters as well as for students that need to regain credit. The new
facility will help instructors with research projects, web-based lessons, real time activities and
multimedia presentations.

Subject Areas
English Language Arts:

Student can benefit from gathering data and resources for their research papers and reports. With
Microsoft Word the student can not only prepare papers but for student who have dyslexia the spell
checker can greatly benefit them with grammar and spelling to draft papers. Internet services aid in the
research of articles, journals, newspapers and encyclopedias, magazines, and Wikipedia, as will as the
access to databases for tutorial/instructional lesson delivery and interaction. Google documents can help
the teacher and students create and modify papers in real time. Photo Story enables the student to create
story and presentations with narration, using pictures, audio and music depicting literary elements of a
story. Teacher and students can exchange ideas with the use of blogs, wikis and emails for the revision
papers, to communicate privately with the instructor as well as to have immediate response and
immediate grade from the teacher.

Math:

For mathematics the teacher has a vast amount of on-line resources to use for lesson planning and
instruction. For example 3D sketch and Google Earth can help the student comprehend abstract thinking
by enhancing the understanding of longitude and latitude in buildings or at any location on earth.
Teachers and students can utilize Excel as well as spreadsheets to calculate different mathematical
problem solving scenarios. There are plenty of math forums where teachers and students can acquire
lessons and assignment from math tutorials. The teachers can engage the students with a series of math
activities on http://www.howe-two.com/free/. Virtual manipulatives are fairly new but very beneficial
for students that require visual stimulation. For example at
http://www.ct4me.net/math_manipulatives.htm exist plenty of manipulatives that teachers and students
can use as reinforcement for mathematics. Also, the Internet provides a vast amount of websites for
students to prepare for the TASK. Student can practice by using different standard preparation samples
on-line.

Science:

There are plenty of tools to use for the instruction of science. Teachers can access Google Mars and
Google earth and the student can have a better understanding of two very different ecological systems.
The national geographic websites provides a vast amount of educational resources for the teacher to use
in the classroom as wells as video, podcast, pictures and games for students to participate. The
Smithsonian website not only does it provide with resources to enhance curriculum but it provides
virtual tour of a variety of museums for students to experience (http://www.si.edu). The Discovery
website includes puzzle makers as well as hundreds of original lessons plans written by teachers for
teachers and images the teacher can use to incorporate in the presentations
(http://school.discoveryeducation.com ).

Social Studies:

The area of history and sociology can greatly benefit from by using Google trends, Google Maps and
Google Earth. Google Maps and Google Earth do not only aid the teacher in explaining geographical
environments and settings, but can help in the instruction of culture beliefs systems around the globe as
well as locations. Google Trends provides an over view of all the different trends around the world at
this time. It can help the student comprehend the different perspectives and needs other cultures have
around the world. All these tools can enhance the instruction and curriculum for teachers and students.
Websites such as http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/ which provides the students with virtual tours,
different events in American History as well as interactive games. The website previously mentioned
also has teacher resources, activities, multimedia, interactive time-lines as well as virtual history and
exhibitions.

Project Time Line

August 2008 – July 2009

Meeting of committee to develop program

Writing Grant
Submission of Grant
Request of equipment
Set up equipment

August 2009
Meet 2 weeks before class starts
Teacher in-services

August – October 2009 (First Six Weeks)

Continuing with teacher training and workshops on third Saturday of the month
Begin of evaluation of student grades.
Counseling Department meeting to evaluate and list all 11th & 12th "at risk" and TAKS repeaters.

October – November 2009 (Second Six Weeks)

Begin of evaluation of student grades
Implement program to strategies to enhance academic performance
Continuing with teacher training and workshops on third Saturday of the month
TAKS Fall Testing

November 2009 – January 2010

Continuing with teacher training and workshops on third Saturday of the month
2nd Six weeks student evaluation
TAKS Fall Testing for 11th and 12th graders
January – February 2010
Commencement of committee for the cyber -educational lab review and measurements
Semester student evaluation

Begin second semester

TASK Result review for 11th & 12th grade student performance
Committee discussion for future subject areas

March – April 2010

4th Six weeks evaluation
Emergency TAKS plan (specialized program to review TEKS objectives and TAKS skills)
Continuing with teacher training and workshops on third Saturday of the month

April – May
5th Six weeks evaluation
TAKS evaluation on 11th & 12th test repeaters.
Continuing with teacher training and workshops on third Saturday of the month
Review student’s performance statistics
Complete teacher’s evaluation and program evaluation
May – June 2010
Committee gathering to discuss programs performance, goals and objectives attained, plan
improvement and modifications

Measurement Outcomes
The implementation of a new computer lab in the Rivera High School campus will aid in the
enhancement of “at risk” student and for those students having a difficulties with TAKS test.
The cyber-educational lab will create an engaging and productive environment for students’ learning by
utilizing the proper technology hardware and software. The students will engage in multimedia
presentations and will participate in activities that incorporate technology. By incorporating
technology in their instruction the students will regain or enhance their high order thinking skills for the
necessary academic improvements. The cyber-educational lab will serve as a support service to aid the
student in problem-solving skills and mastery in all subject areas. Distance education will be available
to those students incapable of attending on-campus classes. Also, the new technology implemented in
the computer lab will allow students the opportunity to use and improve their technical skills by
utilizing different types of technology that will be available to them. The student will witness their
improvement by developing a portfolio that will measure their progress from the beginning to the end
of the school year. This will allow the student to see their growth and will carry out a self-assessment
of their performance as well as identifying point of weakness. By doing, so the student will create his
or her own objectives and goals for next academic year. Most importantly, the new cyber-educational
labs will options to all students that really want and need the necessary support to succeed.

Teaching Outcomes
The technology implemented in the new computer lab will serve as a resource and instructional tool for
teachers. It will support and facilitate the necessary knowledge for the development of curriculum to
promote meaningful learning for all students. The Rivera High School faculty will have access to
Internet based reference material and streaming video for the delivery of instruction and will have the
proper amount of hardware as well as effective and efficient software. The cyber-educational lab will
allow teachers to focus on communication, collaboration and creative problem solving as well as
technology connected lessons. The teacher will use the technology available to increase student’s
motivation to learn and help others learn. In other words, technology will be used as a cooperative and
engaging tool. With the support of a new lab the teacher will serve as a facilitator and guide to construct
knowledge. Mainly the instructor will create a student-centered environment with project-based
learning activities and provide opportunities of student collaboration. The new cyber-educational lab
will function as cyber-educational lab where learning will be accomplished by the combination of
appropriate and effective use of technology making a dynamic and rich environment. In order for
teachers to maintain a high level of effectiveness, The Instructional Technology Department will offer
CPE and stipend based Saturday training sessions for teachers in basic computer and technology related
applications based on SBEC technology application standards I-V for educators. Teacher will be
assigned to professional development session as well as special training throughout the academic year.
They will be asked to attend workshops and conferences. The lesson plans will be evaluated to identify
different levels of technology implementation. Every single faculty member and user of the new
computer lab will be asked to fill a survey and provide feed back or suggestions for improvement.

Project Team
Name Title Responsibilities

Tim Snyder Principal Project Supervisor

Mary Garza Dean of Instruction Will maintain an organized planner

or all teachers and student utilizing
the cyber-educational laboratory
Hugo Garza Math Teacher To accurately provide the
information of all students needing
assistance in the core areas and
TAKS.
Yolanda Cavazos Social Studies To accurately provide the
information of all students needing
assistance in the core areas and
TAKS.
Christina Soto Science To accurately provide the
information of all students needing
assistance in the core areas and
TAKS.
Aimee Reed English To accurately provide the
information of all students needing
assistance in the core areas and
TAKS.
Miguel Molina Technology Support Teacher Will help set up training sessions
for faculty. Will help with the
purchasing of equipment as well as
the configuration of the lab.
Robert Fisher IT Administrator Will supervise infrastructure of the
new computer lab.
Gloria Vargas Counselor Will provide the information
necessary of all "at risk" senior
students. Will maintain evaluation
of progress of students.
Rudy Juarez IT Lead Teacher Will provide faculty and
administrators with curriculum
development
Salvador Gonzalez Network Administrator Will perform installations of
hardware and software.
Aide Gonzalez HSTE Teacher Will help with the implementation
of the cyber-educational lab.
Julie Ramirez Business Teacher Will help with the implantation of
the cyber-educational lab.

Network Design and Justification

Schematic

Budget
DESCRIPTION QUANTITY SOURCE COST
Adjustable Classroom Table 60" 24 www.versatables.com $5,976.00
Basic Task Chair 24 www.versatables.com $3,936.00
Office Depot Brand Folding
Table, 29"x 96" w x 30" D, Light 1 www.officedepot.com $59.99
Walnut
Office Depot Brand State Street
Executive Desk, 30 3/8"H x 59
1 www.officedepot.com $220.99
1/2" W x 31 3/4" D, Canyon
Maple
Photo Story 24 www.microsoft.com Free
Windows Movie Maker 24 www.microsoft.com Free
OptiPlex 755 Small Form
FactorCore 2 Duo www.dell.com
24 $28,080.00
E6550/2.33GHz,4M,VT1333FSB www.bisd.us/at
(223-6836)
HP Color LaserJet 47000dn,
www.utechusa.com/bids/PrintQuoute.asp
31ppm, 600 sheets input, 100,000
1 www.bisd.us/at $2, 096.00
pages monthly duty cycle
3yr warranty included
HP Mono LaserJet P4015N,
52ppm, 600 sheets input, www.utechusa.com/bids/PrintQuoute.asp
1 $1,184.00
225,000pages monthly due cycle www.bisd.us/at
3yr warranty included
64" 660 SMART Board
1 www.dataprojections.com $1469.00
w/wireless slate
Dell M209WX Ultra Moble
1 www.dell.com $899.00
Widescreen Projector
Dell Mounting Kit for Projector 1 www.dell.com $299.99
Nikon CoolPix P60 – Digital
1 www.techdepot.com $229.99
Camera
Logitech Clear Chat ProUSB
24 www.dell.com $791.76
Headset
Office Pro 2007 Win32 All
Languages w/o FrontPage 24 SHI Government Solutions $1,014.00
(License only)
Office Pro 2007 Win32 All
Language w/o Front Page (CD 1 SHI Government Solutions $26.00
only)
Latitude D630 Laptop with 3 year
1 www.bids.us/at $1,419.00
warranty
Drive Shield 24 http://www.centuriontech.com $1,199.76
Net Op N40 C 7010 1 www.NetOP.com $875.00
Total $49,776.48

Purchasing Justification

The budget presented above describes and specifies the equipment needed to furnish the new computer
lab. All the equipment the equipment necessary has been research and listed. Equipment includes
software, furniture and hardware. Some materials and supplies will be provided by the school. After
successfully meeting with the cyber-educational lab committee, we concluded to purchase equipment
with dependability and upgrade-ability as well as capacity, ram, capabilities and storage. All equipment
was approved and will be considered for purchase.

Equipment: The cyber-educational lab will consist of 24 computers, one LCD projector and a Smart
Board, all which will be used to deliver instruction and promote interaction. LCD projector will be
mounted on the ceiling with the Dell Mounting Kit for Projectors. Two printers will be set up, one is
monochromatic and the other is a color printer. Both will be used by faculty and students working in the
computer lab to print documents. A camera will be provided, for student to use and take pictures for
their projects and/or activities and the scanner will allow them to scan and upload picture to their
computers. The headset will be utilized for distance education purposes.
 Software: Microsoft 2007 will be installed upon arrival of the computers as well as Drive Shield to
provide high levels security and stability in multiple settings. This software will prevent students from
manipulating the desktop, install unwanted software, change the settings or download dangerous files.
NetOP School will allow the teacher to record student PC activity and have a classroom view as well
student group view. The teacher will have multi-monitor support and monitoring as well as to broad cast
video and demonstrate specific desktop area.

Furniture: Furniture was chosen to comfortably accommodate 24 computers. The computers will be
placed on the CTL Series Classroom Table 60" which has been considered one of the most advanced in
the educational setting. This table was chosen due to its extreme durability, functionality and endurance
to wear and tear and lifetime warranty. The Versa Pneumatic-Ergo Task Chair is exclusively created for
the educational setting to meet the high demands of every day users as well as the comfort and
durability. The folding table will maintain the two printers at the back of the room as well as the
scanner. It is scratch resistant; features include leg locks, industrial-grade foot caps and edge molding as
well as a 1- year warranty. A desk for the teacher will be provided to create a comfortable working area.

Topology and Architecture Justification

Rivera High School is equipped with one layer as well as switches with multiple V LANS. The V
LANS is configured to allow E-mail, file sharing, IPTV, IP Telephony, Data Networks, video streaming
among other applications. The cyber-educational lab at Rivera High School is supported with direct
optic connections to a framework through a Gigaman providing 1000 MB access. Two servers as well
as 100% of the entire campus are supported through the CISCO switches. In order to comply with the
IT Department, the cyber-educational lab will maintain the districts’ Star topology. The two
servers will share functions. Server one will maintain an active directory allowing multiple servers and
computers. Both the serves and computer will be under one Domain. It will also allow the
development of secured student and teacher accounts for access. Server two will serve as an application
server, which will allow the sharing of instructional software throughout the campus network and
printers.

References:
Mission Statement provided by Rivera High School. Retrieved on July 20, 2008
from http://www.bisd.us/rivera/campusinfo.html