TECHNOLOGY PLAN TEMPLATE

North American University

Education Department
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
EDUC 5324: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO EDUCATION
Name:_Hakan Orak________________

Date: __December 4, 2016__________

This template is adapted from

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/et/rs/documents/et14techplan.doc

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND
The plan should guide the LEAs use of education technology for the next three
years.

List specific start and end dates (7/1/xx to 6/30/xx). Provide a brief overview
of the LEA, its location and demographics and/or share a link to the LEAs
website.
Harmony Public Schools ePlan for the following term:
Start Date: 07/01/2017
End Date: 06/30/2020
Brief Overview:
Harmony Public Schools (HPS) are charter public schools in Texas. There are 48
campuses in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and so on. In these 48 campuses, HPS serves
over 30,000 students.
Demographics:
Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Student: 60%
Ethnicity:
40% Hispanic
30% African-American
15% Asian
10% White
5% Other
Website: harmonytx.org

Describe how a variety of stakeholders from within the LEA and the
community-at-large participated in the planning process.
All stakeholders were included in the planning process. The HPS superintendent
oversaw the process. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) was leading the
technology committee, which was consisted of staff members from the central
and district offices as well as campuses. Teachers, librarians, students, and
parents were also involved in the process. The technology committee met
monthly for one year. Below is the list of the stakeholders involved in the
technology plan writing:
Superintendent
Chief Information Officer
Selected area superintendents
Selected principals
Selected assistant principals
Selected district IT directors
Selected campus IT specialists
Selected computer/IT teachers
Selected librarians / Media specialists
Parent feedback via survey
Student feedback via survey, questionnaires, and interviews
Summarize the relevant research and describe how it supports the plan's
curricular and professional development goals.
Summarize the plans major curricular and professional development
outcomes that are supported by research.
Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires all public schools, traditional or charter,
to submit a technology plan. For this, TEA provides an online system (ePlan) that
guides the schools to prepare their technology plans. On the TEA ePlan website,
there is an overview of the ePlan system. One of the main documents is the
Long-Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020. This report was submitted to the
Texas 80th legislature by TEA in 2006. According to this study, students will be
more successful and academically engaged by accessing technology tools and
resources 24/7. Students will also be better prepared for the future workforce,
which will depend highly on technology.
With more access to technology, educators can provide more individualized
instruction. Educators will be better prepared with 24/7 professional development
opportunities. The use of technology tools and resources will improve educators
role in the educational process. With online communication tools, there will be

more collaboration between school and home.

Describe and cite the relevant research that supports the plans outcomes.
There is enormous research showing the positive impact of technology on
student achievement. One example is the research by the Stanford University.
Stanford researchers (2014) reported that technology can boost student
achievement and engagement, especially for at-risk students. They emphasize
on the significance of having a technology plan before making any technology
purchases.
Describe the connection between the research and the plans goals.
The abovementioned research (Stanford, 2014) is significant for HPS because of
the student demographics. HPS has 60% economically disadvantaged students.
Most HPS campuses are high-poverty schools (have over 50% low-income
students based on the federal guidelines). Additionally, HPS school system is
majority minority. Over 80% of HPS students are Hispanic, African-American, or
Asian. The underserved HPS students (low-income and minority) will benefit from
the HPS technology plan as research suggests.
Describe information gathered from site visits, including best practices.
Technology plan committee reviewed other schools technology plans and
practices. Additionally, some committee members, especially administrators and
teachers, visited other schools to see their best practices. This process was
important for not only a research-based but also practice-based technology plan.
References:
Long-Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020 (November 2006). Retrieved
December 04, 2016, from
http://tea.texas.gov/Curriculum_and_Instructional_Programs/Learning_Support_a
nd_Programs/Technology_Planning/ePlan/
Technology can close achievement gaps, improve learning. (2014). Retrieved
December 04, 2016, from https://ed.stanford.edu/news/technology-can-closeachievement-gaps-and-improve-learning-outcomes

CURRICULUM COMPONENT CRITERIA.

The Plan must establish clear goals and realistic strategy for using
telecommunications and information technology to improve education services.
(Answer at least 2 questions for each subsection below)

Describe teachers' current access to instructional technology and current use of

digital tools.
What technology is currently available to all teachers?
There are smartboards in all classrooms. All teachers are provided with a laptop.
There is wireless internet in all classrooms. There are also portable projectors for
meeting rooms and classrooms. There are also copiers/printers available for
teachers in the teachers workrooms. Teachers can also scan documents using
these printers.
How are hardware and software currently being used in classrooms at
each grade level and in each content area?
Smartboards make teaching easy especially in hard-to-teach subjects like Math
and Science. There are many features on smartboards that save instructional
time.
In terms of software, there is a student information system where teachers can
see students information. They also use this system for grades, discipline,
attendance, etc. This online platform is a useful tool for communication between
school and home.
There are online teaching/learning systems. There are also online resources for
teachers for lesson planning. Additionally, Microsoft Office and Google Docs are
other technology tools available for teachers.
Describe students' current access to instructional technology and current use of
digital tools. Include a description about the LEA policy, practices, and/or
replacement policy that ensures equitable technology access for all students.
Is technology currently available to all students?
All HPS students are provided with a chromebook thanks to the multi-million
funding from the Race-to-the-Top grant. Students can complete their class and
home work on their chromebooks. Additionally, there are online study platforms
such as Study Island that students can practice at home.

Do all student groups have equal and appropriate access to the

available
technology?
Chromebooks and online study resources are provided to all students.
Smartboards are also available to all grade levels. Thanks to the Race-to-the-Top
grant, low-income and minority students have equal access to technology.
Additionally, students have access to technology and online resources in the
media center and the computer lab. In short, students have all technology
necessary to be successful.

Describe goals and an implementation plan, with annual activities, for using
technology to improve teaching and learning. Describe how these goals align to
the LEA's curricular goals that are supported by other plans. Describe how the
LEA's budget (LCAP) supports these goals, and whether future funding
proposals or partnerships may be needed for successful implementation.
What are the LEAs curriculum goals and plans for assisting
students to meet content standards and demonstrate college and
career readiness?
Based on the HPS core values of:
High expectations
Dedicated staff
Working together
Character matters
STEM for all
HPS Strategic Plan 2020 was developed, which set the following goals:
Goal 1: Maximize academic achievement of every child
Goal 2: Recruit, develop, and retain a talented workforce
Goal 3: Improve operational effectiveness and efficiency
Goal 4: Strengthen financial stewardship at all levels
Goal 5: Build public support
The abovementioned core values and goals can be accomplished by a strong
technology plan. Technology tools are important for each of these items. Only
tech-savvy students and staff can make this happen.
College and career readiness is the main outcome of the above values and
goals. Students with a strong technology foundation can only reach these goals
and become college and career ready.
Are targets for improvement in student achievement being met?
HPS are highly successful schools. Even though we are majority minority schools
with high percentage low-income students, our state test results are very good.
Last year (2015-16), all HPS campuses either met or exceeded their target goals.
Many schools also received multiple distinctions.
Describe goals and an implementation plan, with annual activities, to address
Internet Safety and the appropriate and ethical use of technology in the
classroom.
What LEA board policies will be or have been developed to
implement Internet safety instruction?
HPS board has already developed policies for technology use and internet safety.
Students are educated on internet safety in computer and technology classes.

These policies are strictly implemented according to HPS code of conduct.

How are students using online communication technologies,
including but not limited to social networking and instant
messaging?
Students can use their chromebooks or other computers for the courses
that require technology tools and resources. Students have access to
internet in order to use online tools, research, and submit their assignments.
While doing this, students can communicate with the teacher and other
students in the class online platform. Students also receive an email
account from the school. However, students are restricted to use social
networking and instant messaging. Additionally, students are prohibited from
using their cell phones at the school. If they bring them to the school, they
have to keep them in their lockers.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMPONENT

The Plan must have a professional development strategy to ensure that staff
understands how to use these new technologies to improve education services
(Answer at least 2 questions for each subsection below)

Summary of the teachers' and administrators' current technology proficiency and

integration skills and needs for professional development.
How does your LEA regularly assess teachers and administrators
personal technology proficiency skills?
Periodical technology surveys are conducted to learn about teachers and administrators
technology proficiency skills and needs. Additionally, teachers are evaluated by the
administrators and the department chairs during the classroom walkthroughs and
observations. Administrators are evaluated by the district staff during the campus visits.
At the admin, staff, department, grade level, and team meetings, there are discussions
about technology tools where team members share their opinions about these tools as
well as their proficiency skills. During these meetings, a quick assessment of individual
and team skills can be done. This feedback is used for determination of the professional
development activities.

What do teachers and administrators consider as their needs for

professional development?
From the technology surveys and meeting discussions, it is clear that teachers and
administrators need more professional development on the newly introduced tools and
software. Even though an initial training is given, it is not sufficient for some teachers
and administrators. Follow up trainings are necessary. Additionally, an internal system of
proficient staff members supporting the less-proficient ones is also a good practice.

At HPS, we use a lot of Google applications such as email, calendar, drive, etc.
Teachers and administrators need ongoing training and support in order to use these
tools efficiently.
Last but not least, technology skills are not enough for successful integration of
technology into education. Then, it is important that teachers and administrators
collaborate to utilize the technology tools and software with their curriculum.

Describe goals and an implementation plan, with annual activities, for providing
professional development opportunities based on your LEA needs assessment
data and the Curriculum Component of the plan.
What professional learning will be available so teachers and
administrators can make informed decisions using data to meet individual
student academic needs?
At each HPS district office, there is a data analyst that gives support to the
campuses. This person does not only analyze data but also train teachers and
administrators on how to read and analyze data. Support includes individual and
group training as well as professional development sessions during the teacher
service days before schools start and during the professional development days
during the school year.
One of the important assessment tools is MAP testing that is administered
quarterly at HPS. MAP testing helps to see students individual growth. So, it is
very important that it is used efficiently. Administrators and teachers need to be
properly trained on how to administer the test and then how to read and analyze
the results. For this, representatives from NWEA (the company that provides
MAP testing) visit the campuses and provide professional development.
What professional learning will be available so teachers and
administrators can effectively use technology to assist with student
assessment?
MAP testing is an online assessment tool that is very effective if properly used.
Administrators and teachers are trained according to the plan in the previous
question and answer.
Online grade book is a great tool for communicating student assessment with the
students and parents. Via online grade book, students and parents can track
their grades as soon as they are graded and entered to the system. Thus, they
will know their current status before receiving a progress report or a report card.
Teachers as well as students and parents have to be trained on how to use the
online grade book. Teachers will be trained during the staff meetings and on the
professional development days. Students will be taught in class how to use the
online grade book. Parents will be trained during the open houses, curriculum
nights, and parent nights as well as via online tutorials.

INFRASTRUCTURE, HARDWARE, TECHNICAL SUPPORT, SOFTWARE, AND

ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPONENT CRITERIA
The Plan must include an assessment of the telecommunication services,
hardware, software, asset management, and other services that will be needed to
improve education services.
(Answer at least 2 questions for each subsection below)

Describe the existing hardware, Internet access, electronic learning resources,

technical support, and asset management already in the LEA that will be used to
support the Curriculum and Professional Development Components of the plan.
What technologies are available to facilitate home/school
communication such as email, web pages, and voice mail?
HPS has a main website. Additionally, all campuses have their individual
websites where they can provide information and news from their campuses. The
school websites are important communication tools both for current and
prospective parents. Additionally, HPS campuses send weekly online newsletters
to their stakeholders with the recent news, announcements, etc.
All administrators, staff, and teachers have email addresses where they
communicate with parents. Parents can find these email addresses from the
student information system, which is another communication tool where students
and parents can see students grades, discipline, attendance, etc. information.
Teachers also provide their email addresses in their syllabi at the beginning of
the school year.
HPS uses a mass communication tool called School Messenger in order to
communicate school-wide news, announcements, etc. with the parents and staff.
School Messenger can send voice messages as well as mass emails.
Last but not least, there is an online communication tool called Lets Talk where
parents, students, staff, administrators in short all stakeholders- can
communicate their feedback, concerns, complaints with the campus, district or
central offices. This tool is more like an online grievance. It is very effective and is
taken seriously by the central office.
Does the LEA have an inventory system or does one need to be
developed to track the type and age of hardware?
HPS started to use an inventory system this school year. The contracted
company visited every campus to put tags on all assets worth of 50 dollars or
more. The software is very detailed. The purchase info such as date and price
are also entered for all items. This will help to track the type and age of
technology equipment.

Describe the technology hardware, electronic learning resources, networking and

telecommunications infrastructure, physical plant modifications, technical
support, and asset management needed by the LEA's teachers, students, and
administrators to support the activities in the Curriculum and Professional
Development components of the plan.
What technologies will teachers and administrators need to successfully
implement the plans goals and benchmarks?
All teachers and administrators need a computer, preferably a portable one, that
they can use both in their office/classroom, at other locations in campus, and
outside campus. They also need wireless access in order to connect to online
technologies and email server. Additionally, teachers need smartboards in their
classrooms.
Both teachers and administrators need online tools. For teachers, educational
and assessment tools are necessary. On the other hand, administrators need
technologies to support their administrative duties, for example online teacher
evaluation systems.
What emerging technologies could be used to implement the plans
goals?
Recently, a lot of smartphone applications have been emerging. It looks like these
mobile apps will support or replace many computer-based applications. Teachers
and administrators should familiarize themselves with these new mobile tools.
Another necessity is to combine available online technologies as much as possible.
Otherwise, there are numerous data and tools everywhere. Thus, it is important that
each campus has its own server and combines these tools in this server so that
teachers and administrators can reach them from one location. With a dedicated
server, these online technologies should be accessible not only on site but also when
staff is away from the campus.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION COMPONENT

The plan must include an evaluation process that enables the school to monitor
progress toward the specific goals and make mid-course corrections in response
to new developments and opportunities as they arise.
(Answer at least 2 questions for each subsection below)

Describe the process for evaluating the plan's overall progress and impact on
teaching and learning.
How will the LEA know whether implementation of this plan has made
a positive impact on teaching and learning?

The best way to assess the impact is to check student achievement. This can be
done by the in-class assessments. Individual student grades will be compared to
their old scores from the similar subjects. Additionally, overall class grades will be
compared to the past scores in the same class.
The other way to check student achievement is through standardized tests. We
will use two different tests. One is the MAP test, which is given quarterly. With
MAP test results, we will see the progress in student learning during the school
year.
The other standardized test is the annual mandated state tests. With these tests,
we will see the annual change in student scores. We will compare the scores
with the previous years.
Who will oversee the data collection, analysis, and program modification
process?
The HPS Superintendent will oversee the overall process. The Chief Information Officer
(CIO) will oversee the data collection and analysis. The CIO will work with the
technology committee to evaluate the data and to propose any program modification to
the superintendent.

Describe the schedule for evaluating the effect of plan implementation, including
a description of the process and frequency of communicating evaluation results
to tech plan stakeholders.
How often will data be collected and summarized? Who is responsible?
Data will be collected and summarized quarterly by the campus Dean of
Academics. The campus data will be submitted to the district office where the
district data analyst will combine the data and analyze it further at the district
level. The district data will be submitted to the central office. Finally, the overall
data will be analyzed by the technology committee.
How often will the status of plan implementation be reported to the LEA
superintendent? To the local governing board? To other stakeholders?
An annual report on the implementation of the technology plan will be presented
to the superintendent. The superintendent will share this report with the HPS
board. Then, the board can make recommendations for the following year. This
reporting will be done for the first two years. At the end of the third year, there will
be a final report.