Wilson+County,+NC+Technology+Plan

__**Wilson County, NC Technology Plan** __ **K. Oddo**

http://www.wilson.k12.nc.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=46736&catfilter=ALL&PHPSESSID=8185d57e3a403762e0ca1deceba64bf8#showDoc

//__Goals Established __//: Wilson County Schools’ Technology Program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to help them to be successful in an ever-changing, technological society. Specific goals are to (1) improve student achievement, (2) increase the technological knowledge and skills of staff members and students, and (3) increase the utilization and integration of technology to support instruction. Their technology plan supports the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s mission of globally competitive students, 21st century professionals, healthy and responsible students, leadership that guides innovation and 21st Century systems.

**//__Methods for Accomplishing Goals: __//** Their goals are reached through Strategic Priorities (similar to Ohio Standards) See Sample below. ** (Human & Material) ** || ** Person(s) ** ** Responsible ** || ** Budget Needs ** || ** Funding Sources ** || ** Time-line ** ** (Proposed Beginning & Ending dates) ** || ** Method of Evaluation ** || ** Evaluation Results **
 * ** Strategy ** || ** Resources Needed **
 * July, 2013 ** ||

The Wilson County Schools believe that technology is a tool that can help every student and teacher to be successful in an ever-changing world. Technology is an enabler; it can reduce geographical and financial barriers that limit access to information and resources. Through technology, students and teachers can interact with the world.
 * __Globally Competitive Students__**

Technology has also impacted the safety of the school environment. Proper building design and planning that incorporates technologies such as integrated security and protection systems, video monitoring, and telephone and intercom systems in classrooms, help to maintain a safe and orderly school environment. Smart network infrastructure design and management that incorporates security and online protection are also key components for maintaining a safe school environment.
 * __Healthy and Responsible Students__**

From an administrative perspective, technology can reduce time spent on paperwork, increase productivity and foster communication and the sharing of resources among educators. All of these improvements allow for more time to be spent working with and for students. From an instructional perspective, educators can have local access to tools such as North Carolina Window on Student Education (NCWISE), Transportation Information Management System (TIMS), Human Resource Management System (HRMS), Budget Utilization and Development (BUD) and Comprehensive Exceptional Children Accounting System (CECAS) for managing information for students with disabilities which allow for real-time management and analysis of student, school and district data. Technology also promotes ongoing and focused professional development by providing a myriad of opportunities for lifelong learning via online classes and distance learning.
 * __21st Century Professionals__**

Through effective leadership, the barriers to involvement and partnerships with schools and their constituents are being dissolved through the impact of technology. E-mail, web pages, telephones in classrooms, and other resources are allowing for better communication and partnerships with families, schools and communities. Technology can also be used to extend the learning process to environments outside the school setting and school day. __21st Century Systems __ Online applications that support school operations such as NCWISE, TIMS, HRMS, BUD, and CECAS for managing information for students with disabilities have brought about more streamlined reporting and information management for school systems. Through strategic planning and communication among all stakeholders, investments in technology can support all operations of a school system and allow for growth and change. As the number of school operations and processes that incorporate and rely on technology continue to increase, it will be necessary to monitor the level of technical support and increase the amount of planning for future needs to maintain the high level of trust and support of all technology initiatives.
 * __Leadership that Guides Innovation__**

//__Necessary conditions to effectively leverage technology for learning __// __Shared Vision__ The goals are noted above. __Empowered Leaders__ Administrators to parents are mentioned throughout the plan. __Implementation Planning__ The plan is noted above. __Consistent and Adequate Funding__ Funding to support technology infrastructure, personnel, digital resources, and staff development is noted under the budget. __Equitable Access__ The plan lists the hardware available at each building and the ratio of technology to students. __Skilled Personnel Educators__, Professional development is included in the plan. __Ongoing Professional Learning__ Technology-related professional learning plans and opportunities are general but not specific in nature. __Technical Support__ Support is mentioned throughout the plan. __Curriculum Framework__ Content standards are noted. __Student-Centered Learning__ The plan is centered around planning, teaching, and assessment of the needs and abilities of students. __Assessment and Evaluation__ Continuous assessment is noted by who along with a due date. __Engaged Communities__ Partnerships and collaboration within the community is noted as well as their specific business partner. __Support Policies__ Policies, financial plans, accountability measures are in place. __Supportive External Context__ __Budget Allocations: __**//They are noted throughout the technology plan. Funding looks good!//**