Instructional

Technology Plan
Howe Middle School
 Introduction
Howe Middle School is apart of Howe ISD in Howe, Tx.
Howe ISD is a 1:1 district. The following information is a
guide to the implementation of technology appropriate in
nature to the classroom to meet and support the goals of the
district.
 Table of Contents
1. HMS STaR Chart Analysis
2. Vision Statement
3. Mission Statement
4. SWOT
5. Strategic Advantages
6. Strategic Challenges
7. Priority Goals and Objectives
8. Action Plans and Measures
 HMS STaR Chart Analysis

Overall STaR Chart Results for HMS

Key Area 1: Teaching and Learning Advanced Tech (15 Points)

Key Area 2: Educator Preparation and Advanced Tech (18 Points)

Development

Key Area 3: Leadership, Administration, Advanced Tech (20 Points)

Instructional Support

Key Area 4: Infrastructure for Technology Target Tech (23 Points)

Teaching & Learning
Patterns of Classroom Use:

Advanced-I chose advanced for TL1 since most teachers in my district are using technology for
teacher led instructions with some student-centered learning experiences to develop higher
order thinking skills.

Frequency/Design of Instructional Setting Using Digital Content:

Target-TL2 would be target because my district has given both teachers and students access to
appropriate technology and digital resources anytime anywhere for curriculum activities.

Content Area Connections:

Advanced-TL3 Most of the teachers in the district/campus do incorporate technology in their

subject area TEKS.

TA TEKS Implementation:

Early- TL4 K-8 teachers are aware of the TEKS and they do use TA instructional materials but
not as much as I should I feel.

Student Mastery of TA TEKS:

Developing- TL5 Based on my experience as the Technology Applications Teacher, by the time
they reach 7th grade they still know so little, regardless of having access to personal devices
provided by the school very basic skills are not being taught any earlier than my class. Seeing as
my class is not mandatory not all students are gaining those skills, but additional classes are
offered in high school.

Online Learning:

Developing- Our district has purchased the Canvas LMS to assist in online learning, customizing
lessons online etc. Last year it was mandatory that everyone use it, however this year there has
not been as much emphasis on it and many of reluctant teachers have when back to doing what
they did before with little to no online lessons.

Points: 15
Educator Preparation& Development
Content of PD:

Advanced- My district makes it mandatory for teachers to complete pd on integration of technology and use
strategies and collaborate with peers.

Models of PD:

Target-EP2 my campus/ district promotes anytime, anywhere learning with a variety of delivery systems.

Capabilities of Educators:

Advanced: EP3 My district/campus still has several older teachers that are reluctant to use
technology however most of the teachers do demonstrate four Technology Applications Standards.

Access to PD:

Advanced: Our district holds a technology conference yearly as well as has technology training
throughout the year and any employee can receive at least 19 or more hours.

Levels of Understanding and Patterns:

Developing: Most of the staff will adapt and use tech knowledge and skills they have learned for
their content area instruction.

Professional Dev. for Online Learning:

Advanced- The staff as been required to participate in PD related to teaching online.

Points:18
Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support
Leadership and Vision:

Advanced- Our campus and district admin have shared their vision for integration of technology,
and most have bought in and in those classes, we are seeing an increase in student achievement.

Planning:

Developing-The campus improvement committee has developed goals and objectives to

incorporate technology.

Instructional Support:

Target- Admin and other teachers do help facilitate and support the use of technology to enhance
instructional methods.

Communication and Collaboration:

Target- As a district/campus we use a variety of digital media to communicate and interact with all
education stakeholders.

Budget:

Target-All funding is decided in advance and laid out to help achieve the tech goal set forth.

Leadership and Support for Online Learning:

Advanced- Online learning is encouraged at all grade levels and PD is provided, each campus has
its own goals toward Online learning.

Points: 20
Infrastructure for Technology
Students Per Computers:

Target- We are a 1 to 1 district.

Internet Access Connectivity/Speed:

Target- Direct connectivity to the Internet is available in all rooms with adequate bandwidth.

Other Classroom Technology:

Target- All classrooms are fully equipped with technology to enhance student instruction.

Technical Support:

Advanced: We have at least 1 tech staff to 350-500 devices.

LAN WAN:

Target- All classrooms connect to a LAN/WAN to allow easy access to district wide resources for
staff and students.

Distance Learning Capacity:

Target: There is simultaneous access to online learning with a variety of digital media with
sufficient bandwidth.

Points: 23
 Vision Statement

Howe ISD will create individuals with the ability to thrive in

an ever-changing job market, by utilizing technology to its
fullest, supporting the continued education of staff. 
Mission Statement

Howe ISD using 21st Century skills to educate tomorrows

leaders today.
SWOT
 Strength Weakness Opportunites Threats
COVID grants and funds might
More technology staff needed allow us to increase technology Technology devices might be obsolete
One to One to reduce technology issues devices and update infrastucture. before replacement can occur.

As more curriculum resources go

Increase network connectivity STEM learning a renewd focus for digital, our network might not be able
LMS for all for one to one devices all subject areas. to handle bandwidth.

Find better content fi lter to

reduce issues of blocking
educational sites, while COVID funds could decrease and we
High Numbers of Diverse instructional reducing non educational sites wouldn't be able to purchase
programs for all students. from getting through. nessessary materials.

Dedicated technology team to handle More teacher technology Technology staging could decrease
issues/research new programs education resulting in higher response times

More demand on teachers might result

A renewed focus on digital in less of a focus on technology
network connectivity for all devices citizenship for all students. initiatives.

IT Specialist has decade of classroom Obtaining administrative

teaching experience prior to moving to support for structuring Face the obstacle of veteran teachers
Educational Technology, can relate to instructional technology as a refusing to try and use new methods of
teachers to fi nd methods of integrating separate department with in COVID has helped with the use of teaching or at least implementing
tech in real world scenarios. the district. LMS at all grade levels. technology in some form.

Has buy in fom administration at all

levels to promote and successfully run
an instructional tech program.

District successfully operates a 1:1

device program for all students nrolled
in the district.

One to One campus Teacher Buy in Content/Tech based training COVID

Pressure from the STATE on STAAR

Administration Support Atti tueds toward technology TA TEK integration scores

Organized and effi cient Technology TA TEK Knowledge Cross

Department Curricular Community involvement Advances in Technology

Avalibility of other classroom

technologies Lack of Parent Support Parent Education Uncertainty

Budget STEM LAB

Adequate infrastructure
Strategic Advantages
1. If we could only overcome the negative connotations toward technology in
education within our district, we could become a district characterized by 21st
Century Skill sets, and high levels of understanding and use of technology
within the classroom.
2. If we don't address the lack of knowledge of Technology Application TEKS and
it's uses cross curricular, we can not attempt to be the district we strive to be.
3. Having only 3 people in the IT department for the entire district is a
hindrance, if we could increase the number of staff members in the
department so that each campus would have at least 1 or 2 dedicated IT
members, it would lower the IT staff to computer ratio, increase response
time of "help tickets", and allow from more 1:1 training for educational staff.
Strategic Challenges
1. Expanding on the experience of the District Instructional
Technology Specialist, Maggie Donohoe, to obtain support
from Administration for structuring Instructional
Technology as its own department within the District.
2. We can build a STEM Lab to over come the lack of parent
involvement and increase community
involvement/education.
3. The availability or COVID funds will allow us to maintain
and stay current amongst changing/advancing
technologies.
Priority Goals and Objectives
 Priority Goals for Howe ISD
• Goal 1: Increase the percent of 3rd grade students that score meets grade level or above on STAAR
Reading from 58% to 63% by August 2025
• Goal 2: Increase the percent of All Students that score meets grade level or above on All Subjects on
STAAR from 52% to 57% by August of 2025
• Goal 3: Increase the percent of All Students that achieve Academic Growth on STAAR Reading and
Math from 65% to 71% by August of 2025
• Goal 4: Increase the number of graduates that are College, Career or Military Ready (CCMR) from
72.5% to 77.5% by August of 2025
• Goal 5: Increase the 4-year Graduation Rate from 95.9% to98% by August of 2025
• Goal 6: HOWE ISD will attract, retain and develop exemplary employees for all jobs in the district.
• Goal 7: HOWE ISD will provide facilities that are safe and conducive to learning and manage its
resources in a prudent manner.
• Goal 8: HOWE ISD will engage parent and community to be active partners in the education of our
students.
Technology Areas of Work:
1.Technology Application TEKS Implementation: 
HOWE MIDDLE SCHOOL/HOWEISD scored Early Tech for this area of Teaching and Learning. While
Teachers are aware of the TA TEKS, few make it a point to purposely plan to include them in the day-to-
day classroom. I believe many are of the mindset that Technology Application TEKS are only for the
Technology Applications class.  Our High School does offer and teach at least 4 TA classes, but I feel that
the TA TEKS in K - 8 brings it down to the Early Tech classification.

2.Levels of Understanding and Patterns of Use:

HOWE MIDDLE SCHOOL/HOWEISD scored Developing Tech for this area of Educator Preparation
and Development. Honestly, I was on the fence when scoring this area. Most of the teachers in my
building and district have a basic understanding of productivity tools and technology, and some have
used their tech knowledge and skills for content instruction. I came very close to placing this area in
Early Tech. 
3.Student Mastery of Technology Applications TEKS:
I choose to add this after completing the SWOT and evaluating my other identified areas of work. On
the STaR Chart Howe scored in Developing for this key area. Developing is average, however after
reviewing I debate on whether we should have scored Early Tech, regardless I believe it is directly
associated with  my other two areas of work. 
Teaching and Learning:
1.Design Professional Development program focusing on integration of Technology Application TEKs.
1. Alignment: I feel like this aligns with the Howe ISD's Goal number 6: HOWE ISD will attract, retain and
develop exemplary employees for all jobs in the district. , and Goal number 4: Increase the number of
graduates that are College, Career or Military Ready (CCMR) from 72.5% to 77.5% by August of 2025 . For
us to be a district of innovation and foster 21st Century Skills our educators must be "exemplary" and have
the skills to use and integrate the tech tools that students will need to be successful into the classroom
modeling proper use and application. This will also allow us to hold the teachers accountable if they have
had training specific to the content area on how to use and apply the TEKS to their classroom. I used the
SMART goal platform to design the goal and chose 4 for my measurable component. 
2. Objective: Create a Professional Development program to focus on integration of Technology
Application TEKs appropriate for content and grade level increasing Educators knowledge and skills
of TA TEKs by 25% in the 2022-2023 school year.
2.Increase student mastery of Technology Application TEKS. 
1. Alignment: This aligns with the Howe ISD's Goal number 4:  Increase the number of graduates that are
College, Career or Military Ready (CCMR) from 72.5% to 77.5% by August of 2025. This goal is directly
related to the other 2 goals. As I stated earlier, I decided to add this because I felt it needed to be address,
since as a district we are inadequately addressing TA TEKs cross curricular and there is no accountability for
use of provided technology in the classroom, leading me to believe that student knowledge of TA TEKs must
be lower that previously thought. With advancing technology students my know how to use and adapt to
emerging technologies to be successful and if educators are not using and requiring the use of these
technology, we can not hope to send College, Career, or Military Ready graduates into the world. 
2. Objective: Increase student mastery of Technology Application TEKS by 25% this year to assist
student mastery and growth as: successful, positive, productive, independent lifelong learners.   
Educator Preparation and Development:
1.Enhance the level of understanding and use of technology.
1. Alignment: This aligns with the Howe ISD's Goal number 6: HOWE ISD will attract, retain and develop
exemplary employees for all jobs in the district. For a district to attract, retain, and develop exemplary
employees you have it invest in those employees helping them to continue to grow and refine their areas of
expertise, but also lead with clear expectations that support your educators and the values of the district.
Although this area of work is in Educator Preparation and Development, I also feel this could be considered a
Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support issue that can only be addressed through appropriate
training and accountability. 
2. Objective: Develop the level of understanding and use of technology by staff 50% in 2022-2023 to
create interactive, collaborative learning environments for students.  
Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support:
1.Implement policy to encourage the use of technology in the classroom. 
1. Alignment: This falls under the leadership and vision of this section. I had stated on many other post that I
felt that the root of many of the issues with integration of technology is lack of Administrative support.
Policies put in place with out any kind of accountability thrust upon the educators. With out the accountability
many teachers will continue to be comfortable in what they are currently doing with no integration of
technology. I believe this aligns with the schools Goals 6 & 7. We want to develop exemplary staff then
sometimes we need to hold them at high expectations and If leadership can not maintain vision and hold those
accountable who refuse to better themselves, the school, and students  then they are not following Goal 7. 
2. Objective: Develop an accountability system that will increase the use of technology by educators 50%
at the end of 2022-2023 school year, to aide in student achievement and innovation of the district. 
Infrastructure for Technology:
1.Expand the instructional technology team as well as the technical support team for the district. 
1. Alignment: This will align with the Technical Support section of Infrastructure. Currently we only have 3
people that service the district in technical support, those same 3 people also act as the instructional
technology team. Only 1 person on the team holds a Masters in Educational Technology. They do a fine job,
but help tickets get to be overwhelming and turn around time is not as quick as it should be. I believe this
could possibly align with the Schools Goal 7: "will provide facilities that are safe and conducive to
learning". If teachers can not get adequate timely help, then we are not providing a conducive learning
environment. 
2. Objective: Increase the number of staff in the IT department to 8 by the end of the 2021-2022 school
year to better serve the district. 
Measures and Action Plans
 Action Plan One:
Objective:
Develop an accountability system
that will increase the use of
technology by educators 50% by
the end of 2022-2023 school year,
to aide in student achievement
and innovation of the district.
Action Statement:
At the end of the 2021-2022 school
year, Administrators from each
campus will form a committee to
design an accountability system that
will define and set standards of
technology use in the classroom and
should be complete and ready to
implement at the beginning of the
2022-2023 school year.
Action Plan
Priority Action Item Who Start Date End Date Cost
High Design and Accountability System for Administrators 29-May-22 3-Aug-22 (Free)
Technology Use in the Classroom.
High Define standards of Use of Technology in Instructional 29-May-22 3-Aug-22 (Free)
the Classroom. Technology
Specialist
High Introduce Accountability System to Staff. Administrators 3-Aug-22 10-Aug-22 (Free)
High Using system to hold staff accountable. Administrators 10-Aug-22 26-May- (Free)
23

Measurement:
Principals will measure the effectiveness of the Accountability system that focuses on use of
technology, through formal an informal observations and data gathered will be evaluated with
feedback provided by the end of the year if not before.
 Action Plan Two:
Objective:
Develop the level of
understanding and use of
technology by staff 50% in 2022-
2023 to create interactive,
collaborative learning
environments for students.
Action Statement:
Staff will be responsible for
participating in professional
development delivered by the IT
staff and upholding the standard of
the new accountability system
designed by Administration to be
implemented beginning August 3,
2022; and concluded May 26, 2023.
Action Plan
Priority Action Item Who Start End Date Cost
Date
High Staff will be offered training during the IT Department 3-Aug- 10-Aug- (Free)
welcome back week at the beginning of 22 22
the school year.
High Staff will attend 3 mandatory classes and a Teachers 3-Aug- 10-Aug- (Free)
minimum of 2 of their choice based on 22 22
their Content area.
High Introduce Accountability System to Staff. Administrators 3-Aug- 10-Aug- (Free)
22 22
High 1:1 training will be offered through the IT IT Department 10-Aug- 17-Aug- (Free)
Department throughout the week to help 22 22
with the integration of technology into the
lessons.
High Teachers will implement lessons Teachers 18-Aug- 26-May- (Free)
incorporating technology to foster 22 22
student lead learning and collaboration.

Measurement:
Teachers will be asked to provide documentation of training that they have attended to their
campus principal. IT department, Principals, or Vice Principals will conduct informal
observations to determine if teachers are attempting to incorporate technology into lessons
and if training is needed.
 Action Plan Three:
Objective:
Increase the number of staff in
the IT department to 8 by the end
of the 2021-2022 school year, to
better serve the district.
Action Statement:
The IT Director will create a
description of job qualifications at
the beginning of the second
semester, that will be posted to
Teacher job network; by the end of
the school year a committee will
interview and hire qualified
applicants.
 Action Plan
Priority Action Item Who Start Date End Date Cost
High Get approval from IT Director 4-Jan-22 January Salary
Superintendent for new hire of 5 6,2022
IT positions.
High Create a list of necessary job IT Director 6-Jan-22 10-Jan-22 (Free)
qualifications.
Med Review list of job qualifications Instructional 10-Jan-22 12-Jan-22 (Free)
created by IT Director and give Technology
feedback. Specialist
High Submit to the Superintendent IT Director 13-Jan-22 14-Jan-22 (Free)
High Post job opening with Superintendent 14-Jan-22 14-Jan-22 (Free)
qualifications to Teacher Job
Network.
High Pull Resumes of qualified IT Director 1-May-22 1-May-22 (Free)
applicants.
Med Create interview committee IT Director 5-May-22 6-May-22 (Free)
High Schedule interviews. IT Director 8-May-22 10-May-22 (Free)
High Conduct Interviews with IT Director 15-May-22 17-May-22 (Free)
Committee
High Narrow pool for possible second IT Director 20-May-22 20-May-22 (Free)
interviews.
High Recommend for Hire to IT Director 22-May-22 22-May-22 (Free)
Superintendent.
High Offer contract Superintendent 26-May-22 26-May-22 Salary

Measurement:
The Superintendent will approve all hires to ensure highly qualified staff are joining the
district.
 Action Plan Four:
Objective:
Create a Professional Development
program to focus on integration of
Technology Application TEKS
appropriate for content and grade
level increasing Educator’s
knowledge and skills of TA TEKS by
25% in 2022-2023 school year.
Action Statement:
A training program designed by the
Instructional Technology Specialist
will be implemented beginning
Aug 3, 2022; utilizing new
technology staff to provide one to
one training through out the
school year to be concluded and
evaluated by May 26, 2023.
Action Plan
Priorit Action Item Who Start Date End Date Cost
y
High Staff will be given a survey to access the Instructional 1-May-22 10-May-22 (Free)
level of knowledge of TA TEKs cross Specialist
curricular and responses will be
evaluated.
High Based on the evaluation of survey Instructional 10-May-22 2-Aug-22 (Free)
answers, the instructional technology Specialist
specialist will design a professional
development program .
High Staff will be offered training during the IT Department 3-Aug-22 10-Aug-22 (Free)
welcome back week at the beginning of
the school year.
High 1:1 training will be offered through the IT IT Department 10-Aug-22 17-Aug-22 (Free)
Department throughout the week to help
with the integration of technology into
the lessons.
High Teachers will implement lessons Teachers 18-Aug-22 26-May-22 (Free)
incorporating technology to foster
student lead learning and collaboration.

Measurement:
The Instructional Technology Specialist will maintain and monitor the training to ensure that
the staff is taking advantage of the training offered. During the week back she will conduct
walk throughs to each campus spending a few moments with teachers who accepted 1:1
assistance gathering feedback on their experience and addressing other concerns or
scheduling more training opportunities.
 Action Plan Five:
Objective:
Increase student mastery of
Technology Application TEKs by
25% this year to assist student
mastery and growth as: successful,
positive, productive, independent,
lifelong learners.
Action Statement:
Teachers will be responsible for
creating interactive learning
environments that will promote
opportunities for student lead
learning by evaluating,
understanding, analyzing, applying,
and creating using a variety of
multimedia resources beginning
the 2nd semester of the year and
concluding on the last day of
school.
Action Plan
Priorit Action Item Who Start Date End Date Cost
y
High Techers will design lessons that Teachers 10-Aug-22 26-May-23 (Free)
require students to research, use
multimedia platforms, apply, and
share that knowledge using TA
TEKs.
High Teachers will implement lessons Teachers 18-Aug-22 26-May-22 (Free)
incorporating technology to
foster student lead learning and
collaboration.
High Students will be required to Students 18-Aug-22 26-May-22 (Free)
apply what they have learned by
creating/communicating
information through multimedia
means.

Measurement:
Teachers will evaluate students work to ensure they can effectively use TA skills.
 Educating the Hope of Tomorrow

The schools of Howe ISD provide quality curricula, co-curricular, and

special services to meet the needs of
our student population. The faculty, administration and
support staff are all committed to high educational standards and to the
development of individual potential.

SCHOOL SONG
"Howe School will always be the best school.  We all can make it so.  Our
Pride, Our Glory and Our Honor will guide us as we go.  The teachers always
help to lead us on to reach our goal.  Howe School will always be the best
school, 'til rivers cease to flow.  Go Bulldogs!  Fight Bulldogs! Win, Win,
Win!!!"
For additional information please
email Summer Winters at
winters.summer@howeisd.net