Executive Summary

 

 

Dixie School District Technology Plan

July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2010

 

 

We live in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex society with unprecedented quantities of information for consideration. Technology can help students develop skills, knowledge and insights necessary to meet rigorous content standards and make a successful transition to the world beyond school. In order to live productively in the 21st century our students need skills in critical thinking, problem solving, decision-making communication and collaboration. The purpose of this technology plan is to provide a framework within which further integration of technology will continue to support learning.

 

Technologies of all kinds are pervasive in the lives of the students in the Dixie Elementary School District. The incredible resources that is the WEB is changing much about what we can do with our curricula and our students. The classroom is no longer restricted to four physical walls and it is becoming a truly collaborative space in which to learn.  Every student is a contributor of knowledge to the world.  This networked classroom is a more complicated place for teachers, but it's also one filled with incredible potential for learning.

 

At the heart of our technology vision is the Apple Institute that is an intense professional development opportunity for the teachers in the Dixie District.  It is supported by the District SMART goal that was developed to support and extend our innovation of technology. This plan has been developed not only to set future directions for the use of technology in teaching and learning, but also to help the school district qualify for District e-Rate benefits and potential State and Federal funding through educational technology grants. Dixie School District technology committee has updated our district technology plan for a new three-year cycle in order to meet certification requirements of the California Department of Education. Having a current State-certified technology plan qualifies us to receive Federal Formula funding under the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) grant and future grants such as ATTAIN (Achievement Through Technology and Innovation), which is scheduled to replace the current Title II D grant. 

 

This technology plan provides a guide for helping students develop skills, knowledge and insights necessary to meet rigorous content standards and make a successful transition to the world beyond school.  The district plan will serve as a framework within which technology-enriched curriculum will support learning objectives and boost students' achievement.

 

For each goal the Technology Master Plan outlines the concrete objectives that will effectively support the Dixie Elementary School District mission. The plan identifies a need and method for routine review and revision of the plan itself, with the related site plans, to insure continuing alignment of technology with curriculum development and the district's mission. The plan will be reviewed annually and specified areas may be reviewed more frequently, as indicated.

 

 

---

 

District Mission Statement

 

 

The mission of the Dixie School District is to provide a kindergarten through eighth grade system of education, which will graduate students with the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to live rewarding and productive lives in a rapidly changing world. This entails a solid and broad based academic foundation, an appreciation of art, respect and tolerance of individual and cultural differences, and an understanding of importance of personal and civic responsibility.   The Dixie School District shall challenge students to achieve the highest standard possible. Individual excellence, not adequacy, shall be the standard for student achievement.   In fulfilling this mission, the goal of the Dixie School District is to produce students who become productive and contributing citizens of their community, their country and the world.

 

 

 

Dixie Board/of Education and Superintendent's Priority Goals for 2007/08 and Future Implementation

 

(    ) Technology: To fully implement the District's 2005-2008 Technology Plan. To improve the understanding of the role of technology in education for staff, parents, and students, and develop a district-wide technology architecture. To provide consistent differentiation of instruction through improved technology.

 

(    ) Improvement of Facilities: To redo the bond/facility master plan, and provide context, cost, and timetables to the master list of facilities projects in a Board meeting presentation. Include construction projects, improvement projects, fields analysis, and the impact of the Kaiser project. To complete the district's final bond projects, and creatively maximize existing district assets to benefit students. Develop a funding plan for critical infrastructure needs.

 

(    ) Emergency Communication System: To implement a turnkey emergency communication system for families and staff district-wide in order to maximize safety for all and provide the broadest, most accurate communication possible in the event of a natural disaster or civil emergency. This system will be incorporated in the district's updated "School Safety Plan," and coordinated with Terra Linda High School.

 

(    ) Fiscal Health: To conduct a School Services or FCMAT analysis of the district's financial systems, organization, and management in order to improve same. To better communicate the district's budget in a user-friendly fashion, and produce improved forms and documentation as needed.

 

(    ) Professional Development: To become a "model" district with regard to participation in county-wide professional development partnerships, and to continue to implement our own long range plan (see attached) for the Professional Learning Community (PLC) vision.

 

(    ) Foundations: To support the work of the Dixie Education Foundation, Dixie Children's Fund, and Coordinating Council, and to develop standards for our enrichment programs, maintaining high standards for curriculum, communication and equity in all school programs.

 

(    ) Assessment Data: To increase the use of formative and summative assessments and close the achievement gap in all areas of our elementary and middle schools, using a variety of local, state, and national indicators.

 

(    ) Student Support: To meet the needs of all students through staff development, curriculum, and interventions, and to communicate progress to stakeholders. Includes clear implementation of next steps for the GATE program, esp. in the area of professional development; providing English as a Second Language (ESL) support from Terra Linda High School at Vallecito Elementary; providing diversity training for staff at Vallecito Elementary and Miller Creek Middle School, and other sites as needed; and determination of best programs for growing number of special education kindergarten students from preschool SDC programs.

 

(    ) Policy Work: To update and clean up Board policies and regulations, including development of Anti-Bullying Policy and amendments to the existing Homework Policy as needed.

 

 

 

 

 

---