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Tech Plan Highland County Public Schools Technology Plan 2004-20111Highland County Public SchoolsTechnology PlanJuly 1, 2004-June 30, 2011Plan Development and StakeholdersHighland County Public Schools serve the educational needs of approximately 300 students fromHeadstart through the twelfth grade who come from a very rural county with a population ofabout 2500. Our schools are fully accredited and have achieved Acceptable Yearly Progress(AYP) under the No Child Left Behind legislation. The administration and instructional stafftotal number forty five dedicated professionals, all of whom possess technology skills and theability to use them to enhance the teaching and learning experience of our students. HighlandCounty Public Schools Technology Plan has been developed and revised by these professionalstaff members over the course of the school year, 2003-04. Copies of the EducationalTechnology Plan for Virginia were distributed to those listed below so that the 2004 HCPS Planwould be fully aligned with the state plan. Meetings were held to solicit input from theseindividual representatives:HCPS Technology Team Members: Gwen Cauley, TeacherKaren Lohr, TeacherRichard Simmons, TeacherGary Lane, Network TechnicianNancy Vance, HES Librarian/Media Specialist

2Highland County Public Schools Technology Plan 2004-2011 1/20/20102VisionIt is our belief that the purpose of education is to prepare young people to be responsible, productiveand creative citizens of the home, school and global community. The society in which we live istechnology driven and the importance of technology increases daily. Technology is a powerful toolthat can be used effectively by teachers to educate of all our students. Further, in order to maximizethe effectiveness of education we must integrate technology across the curriculum. In a changingworld, all students must be able to utilize the most up-to-date information, technology hardware andsoftware in order to be prepared for their future roles as informed decision-makers and as active,responsible participants in the world community of the 21st century. If we do not prepare ourstudents to effectively and efficiently use technology, we place them at a strategic disadvantage.MissionHighland County Public Schools must provide the resources necessary for students and staff to utilize technology as a tool forindependent, active learning, while at the same time, fostering a spirit of teamwork. provide training and support so that staff can acquire skills in the use of technology, which willfurther their effectiveness in the classroom and enhance the presentation of content materials. provide students with technology skills that will enable them to broaden their knowledge throughindependent research and study as well as through cooperative learning activities.

3Highland County Public Schools Technology Plan 2004-2011 1/20/20103Current StatusIn August 1997 Highland County completed construction of and opened the new HighlandElementary School, which is located on the same site as and physically joined to Highland HighSchool. The new complex is networked with a 100 BaseT Ethernet network, which providescomputer and Internet services to both schools. Network wiring consists of category 5 wire to theclassrooms with a fiber backbone connecting the primary and backup servers.Network software includes Windows NT Iprism, Norton Anti-virus, SASIxp and IntegradePro.Other available technologies include: multi-media projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, scanners,high speed networked printers, graphing calculators, TI CBLs, probeware, and calculator viewscreens (LCD).Every classroom and office in the school complex has at least one networked multi-media PC; mostclassrooms have 2-5 computers. All PCs run Windows 98, 2000 or XP and MS Office 97, 2000 orOffice XP. Individual classroom computers have locally installed content software of the teachers’choice. Five multi-media projection systems are shared among the classrooms of the elementary,middle and high school. All classrooms are equipped with cable television.Computer labs: 20 station lab in the elementary school 2 19 station labs in the middle/high school area 7 station mini- lab in the middle school 12 station lab in the Distance Leaning Lab which also has two way video conferencingLibraries are equipped with on-line catalog and automated check-out services. Workstations withmulti-media computers and printers are available to students and staff. 2 workstations in the HES library 4 workstation in the HS library Technology staff: 1 full-time technician a four member technology resource team which includes the technicianAdministrative OfficesThe elementary and high school offices continue the use of automated student record keeping andaccounting.Standard Software: Microsoft Office 97SASIxp

4Highland County Public Schools Technology Plan 2004-2011 1/20/2010Norton Anti-virusEPES accounting software4The School Board Office is now housed in the school complex and has been equipped withadditional new equipment.Standard Software: Microsoft Office 97All offices will have access to the network or can work in stand-alone mode.NetworkDell servers running WindowsNT 4.0RouterCSU/DSUAPC UPS

5Highland County Public Schools Technology Plan 2004-2011 1/20/20105Needs AssessmentOverviewCurrent infrastructure will be completed by September 2004 when the last of the hardwiring in theelementary school is completed. HCPS also uses wireless computers in selected areas of thebuilding. More wireless computers and access points are being added during the summer of 2004.Future modifications should include: The wiring of additional drops to classrooms and additional electrical outlets if necessary,especially in the middle and elementary school areas: Purchase, installation and configuration of a new server Installation of networked software Purchase and installation of hardware necessary for multimedia presentation(in everyclassroom and HS library)Technical support and service Improved technical support of software and hardwareTraining will be provided at appropriate levels for Staff Students Tech team

6Highland County Public Schools Technology Plan 2004-2011 1/20/20106Strategic Action Plan2004-2005During the 04-05 school year, HCPS plans to: purchase and install a new primary server and router continue the use of the current filter and firewall continue the use of CCC integrated learning software for the elementary school computer lab. continue the use of the Schoolwires web-host for the division web site provide continued funding for hardware, software, maintenance and staff development. upgrade or replace approximately 20% of the 200 computers in the system upgrade the present VTEL video conferencing equipmentAbbreviations: L-LocalS-StateF-FederalItemEstimated CostServer 8000CCC 8000Router 4500Filter and Firewall 1500Computers 84000Internet Line Fees 24000Equipment, Supplies 13600Maintenance 4000Staff Development 5200Technical support 15000Upgrade video conferencing 15000G-GrantFunding kins

7Highland County Public Schools Technology Plan 2004-2011 1/20/201072005-2006During the 05-06 school year, HCPS plans to: upgrade or replace approximately 20% of the computers in the system continue the use of a filter and firewall continue the use of the CCC program in the elementary school upgrade or replace about 20% of the computers in the system provide continued funding for hardware, software, maintenance and staff development.Abbreviations: L-LocalItemCCC licenseComputersStaff DevelopmentTechnical supportInternet Line FeesSuppliesMaintenanceS-StateF-FederalEstimated Cost 8000 45000 5200 15000 24000 13600 4000G-GrantFunding 1During the 06-11 school years, HCPS plans to: upgrade or replace approximately 20% of the computers in the system continue the use of a filter and firewall continue the use of various subscription software to enhance SOL Instruction such asInteractive Achievement, SOL Pass, Discovery Assessment, etc. Provide continued funding for hardware, software, maintenance, and staff development.Abbreviations: L-LocalS-StateF-FederalItemEstimated CostTech Support 15000Supplies 13600Computers 45000Software/Subscriptions 8000 Internet Line Fees 24000Equipment, Supplies 13600Maintenance, Tech Support 4000Staff Development 5200G-GrantFunding s

8Highland County Public Schools Technology Plan 2004-2011 1/20/20108Goals Formulate a comprehensive and coordinated plan for helping student’s master the technologyskills specified in the grade level skill matrix as outlined in Appendix B. Seek and secure funding to support the goals stated in this plan Provide continued support for the innovative use of technology in the classroom. Make technology an integral part of the teaching and learning process. Assist students in developing the ability to analyze, discriminate and interpret informationpresented in different formats. Teach students to express themselves effectively in written and oral form. Provide Internet Safety information to all students and staff. Develop a school staff, which uses technology to support the daily management of records and toenhance instruction. Empower students and staff to use the most current technologies to access, organize and presentinformation in a variety of formats. Provide opportunities for students and staff to be independent learners as well as contributingteam members. Provide training and services to the community.EvaluationA committee of teachers, tech team members and administration will review progress made inimplementation and achievement of the goals stated in this plan. The committee will examineprogress made in The acquisition and installation of hardware and softwareThe integration of technology and applications into instructionThe extent to which students and staff are using the available technologyThe efficiency of network and local hardwareThe effect of technology on student achievement in both academic areas and in technology skills.Forms of assessment may include interview, written survey, teacher/student narratives,examination of testing data, etc.CollaborationTechnology resources will be used for adult basic education, alternative education programs for atrisk students and for remediation, and for cooperative training programs with local businesseswhenever such programs can be arranged.