Technology Plan

2012-2015 30-000

ii

Hillsdale County Intermediate School District

TECHNOLOGY PLAN

July 1st 2012- June 30

th 2015

DISTRICT SUMMARY

District: Hillsdale County Intermediate School District

Superintendent: Mike Potts

Address: 310 West Bacon

Hillsdale, MI 49242

Contact: Jeremy Adams, Tech Services Coordinator

Phone: 517-437-0990 Ext. 149

Fax: 517-439-4388

Email: Jeremy.adams@jcisd.org

District Home Page: http://www.hillsdale-isd.org

Date of next review: June 30, 2015

online version of this plan: http://www.hillsdale-isd.org/Technology/

/TechPlan2012.pdf

District Profile

The Hillsdale County Intermediate School District, located in Hillsdale, Michigan,

services the local K-12 districts including: Hillsdale Community Schools, Camden-

Frontier Area Schools, Jonesville Community Schools, Litchfield Community

Schools, North Adams-Jerome Area Schools, Pittsford Area Schools, Reading

Community Schools, Waldron Area Schools, Will Carleton and Hillsdale

Preparatory Charter Schools and the Manor Foundation. The total student

population serviced by our intermediate school district is approximately 7500

students.

In addition to servicing the local districts in various capacities, the Hillsdale

County Intermediate School District services the larger community through the

Hillsdale County Technology Center, the Lochaven-Renaissance School and the

Manor Foundation.

Students and staff rely on the JCISD for leadership of applications for the latest

generation of technology. HCISD has joined with JCISD in the Schools

Technology Consortium (STC) to govern the WAN which connects all the local

districts together over a fiber network. Through the operation of the school fiber

network, the JCISD provides for a supports the infrastructure needed for HCISD to

have reliable high-speed internet access.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS I. District Statements ………………………………………………..… Page 1

Mission Statement

Vision Statement

District Profile

II. Issues ……………………………………………………………….. Page 2

III. Individual Goals/Objectives ………………………………………. Page 3 - 11

Goal I: Provide up to date technology to all students and staff

Goal II: Provide supportive services for technology

integration into the work and educational environments

Goal III: Provide sustained internal technological support

Goal IV: Services to School and Community

Goal V: Resource Development

Goal VI: Evaluation Process

IV. Infrastructure ………………………………………………..……. Page 12 - 17

V. Curriculum Integration………………………………………...….. Page 18

VI. Collaboration……………………………………………………… Page 18

VII. Professional Development……………………………………….. Page 19

VIII. Technical Support……………………………………………….. Page 20

IX. Projected Timetable……………………………………………… Page 21

X. Projected Costs…………………………………………………….. Page 22

XI. Coordination of State and Local Resources………………………. Page 23

XII. Evaluation………………………………………………………... Page 23

XIII. Internet Policy…………………………………………………… Page 24

Internet Acceptable Use Policy………………………………………... Page 25-27

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I. DISTRICT STATEMENT MISSION The mission of the Hillsdale County Intermediate School System is to provide

innovation, leadership, service, and support in a collaborative manner, for the benefit of students,

families, and community.

BELIEFS Our beliefs are central concepts represented in all aspects of the Hillsdale County

Intermediate School District. These values have not been mandated, but have emerged through a series of

formal and informal planning processes.

VISION Hillsdale County ISD will provide collaborative knowledge, leadership, experience and

support in technology, maintain the tools necessary to be innovative and to engage successful student

achievement to enhance each student‟s learning environment and fulfill our responsibilities as described

in our Mission.

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II. ISSUES In any plan intended to address immediate and extended needs, it is necessary to reflect upon and

subsequently incorporate the predominate issues facing the system. It is realized in doing so; most of the

issues discussed are not within the control of the system. However, the more we can anticipate factors, the

better able we will be to respond appropriately as they are manifested.

The state has identified five years as the life expectancy of computers and associated equipment. Several

years ago a company would have reasonable assurance any purchase would maintain competitiveness for a

minimum of three years. Now, being pushed by monthly upgrades and almost continuous new program

options, we are in constant change and constantly weighing the need for increased capability and capacity

and at the same time maintaining or surpassing external parameters.

Historically, the view held by most systems was „buy a one-time investment into technology and do some

periodic upgrades‟. Schools defined maintenance as the yearly cleaning of their facilities with periodic

renovations. Maintenance has been redefined as the systematic and constant technical assistance required

to keep an organization functioning on a daily 24/7 basis. As we discuss the need to constantly upgrade

our capacity, we have also begun to recognize the need for a systematic plan for maintaining and

supporting the system we have developed.

It is necessary to recognize several additional issues- the increasing need for an ongoing and sustainable

training program(s); the increasing demands in maintenance and on-going software/hardware support;

and increasing need for reliable intranet/internet communication. Teachers are not able to limit training

within their respective areas of study. It is also necessary to receive training to a level of competency on

the various tools now required to implement classroom activities and to successfully integrate this

technology into their daily classroom curriculum. More than ever, schools and organizations are making

daily decisions weighing the need for expenditure of resources, such as time and finances, with the need

for the maintenance of a technologically literate workforce, As the tools of our trade continue to change

and increase in complexity, all facets of the organization will continue to require assistance to remain

effective and successful in achieving student success.

With the advent of advanced Windows‟ environments and applications, the computers teachers rely upon

for day-to-day operations and training activities become heavily dependent upon being powerful and

reliable enough to run the code designed to meet the needs of today‟s instructors and students. An

integrated, technical support staff, with the necessary knowledge and experience, not only becomes a

necessity, but the availability of this support staff begins to play a much larger role in the expanding

technical academic arena.

In the ever-shrinking world of communication, speed and reliable access to the international web of the

Internet is quickly moving in to take over the classic classroom design. Electronic field trips, distance

learning facilities; web-based classrooms and learning tools are becoming an integral piece of the now-

standard classroom activities. To keep pace with this electronic shift of curriculum devices, the necessary

communication infrastructure becomes a necessity, creating an ever-increasing demand for academia to

immerse itself in network and fiber-optic technology.

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III. INDIVIDUAL GOALS/OBJECTIVES

GOAL I: PROVIDE UP TO DATE TECHNOLOGY TO ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF.

NARRATIVE: Recognizing all people have different needs, the Hillsdale County Intermediate School

District strives to promote as many avenues for learning as possible. Specifically in the area of

technology, it is important to provide a varied menu of access. Using a multifaceted communication

structure, the district can assist as many students, teachers, and community members as possible.

All areas for technology development are promoted. These include strategies involving voice, video, and

data transmission. Within each area, action plans have been developed which include: high speed fiber-

optic connectivity, state-of-the-art videoconferencing equipment, procedures and protocols, interactive

websites, and various communication models and systems. In addition to the intra-county connections,

Hillsdale County ISD also works conjointly with other ISD's, to not only expand opportunities, but to

develop an efficient system for delivering services. This has resulted in projects such as the two-way

compressed video project providing additional educational resources and opportunities, over 72 miles of

fiber-optic networking between school districts, advancement of scalable, secure Internet access and

supplemental training opportunities for staff and community members.

OBJECTIVE 1: To develop a comprehensive system for the delivery of educational activities through

distance learning opportunities for staff and students.

Activity (a): Development of a central resource bank of computers for teacher access.

Activity (b): Provide teacher workstations in each LEA for the implementation of

on-site professional development activities

Activity (c): Development of a central resources bank of computers for student access.

Activity (d): Provide student workstations in each LEA library for the implementation of on-site

classes.

Activity (e): Maintenance of a Fiber system to support online Distance Learning initiatives.

Activity (f): Provide technological resources necessary to integrate the components of

blended technology, some of which include; Fiber-WAN inner-connectivity, Internet

accessibility, Interactive TV, Audio/Video Taping, and alternative presentation formats.

Activity (g): Development of a county-wide technology infrastructure, which will support

distance learning and collaborative activities.

Activity (h): Development of a regional technology infrastructure, which will support distance

learning and collaborative activities.

Activity (i): Development of a city-wide fiber-optic infrastructure, which will support distance

learning and collaborative activities.

OBJECTIVE 2: To provide students and staff with the most current educational technology opportunities

available.

Activity (h): Provide sound field systems for the appropriate classrooms. Activity (i): Provide appropriate hardware for increased job efficiency and effectiveness.

Activity (j): Development of an equipment resource center for low incidence equipment needs.

Activity (k): Development of an educational software resource center for appropriate shared

programs.

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GOAL II: PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION INTO THE

WORK AND EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS Narrative: As with any methodology, it is necessary to integrate the process into the curriculum. In this

way the methods and strategies become part of the educational process thereby influencing the ultimate

goal of increased student achievement. The two target areas of this goal are curriculum development and associated resource development. The

curriculum development will provide an alignment with the state curriculum frameworks and the

associated benchmarks. While each district within the ISD will be developing curricular alignment at the

local level, the ISD will assist in the development of a countywide structure for curricular

implementation.

In support of curricular implementation, materials and associated resources will be developed. These

materials will range from involvement in NCA accredited project development, to local material support.

Common for all of the areas will be the implementation of a staff development process ultimately

assuring the utilization of the methods and strategies being developed.

Training opportunities will range from staff utilization to the development of an Internet support service

using web-based and CBT training.

Objective 1: Provide Staff development.

Activity (a): Provide training to staff regarding the use of the current educational programs.

Activity (b): Provide training opportunities for the training of staff on the relevant management

programs. . Activity (c): Provide distance learning alternatives to the staff related to professional

development, which include Interactive TV, online presentations.

Activity (d): Provide distance learning alternatives to specialty groups, such as administration and

content specialists, providing meeting alternatives.

Activity (e): Provide staff training in the use of distance learning as a presentation alternative,

such as online or Interactive TV classrooms and/or student forum discussions.

OBJECTIVE 2: Provide training to appropriate parents and community members.

Activity (f): Provide training to parents related to the Internet and the community Early-On On-

line Resources Center.

Activity (g): Provide training to agency personnel related to the integration of technology into the

workplace.

Activity (h): Provide training and assistance as is required for the implementation of the Work Force Development online project.

Activity (i): Provide training to meet the needs of the community at large in conjunction with the

Literacy Program. Activity (j): Provide student training for the implementation of academic online classes.

OBJECTIVE 3: Develop policies necessary for the use and integration of technology into the classroom

and work place.

Activity (k): Implement a policy regarding compliance with legal requirements for licensure of

software programs.

Activity (1): Implement a procedure regarding obtaining software programs for use by staff and

students.

Activity (m): Implement a plan, with appropriate procedures, for the acquisition of technology

equipment.

Activity (n): Implement a process regarding teacher training. . Activity (0): Implement a "User Policy" regarding the various components technology. Activity

(p): Implement a policy regarding a continued equipment re-allocation or disposal. Activity (q):

Implement a policy regarding the procurement of academic and certification credits

via online instruction

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OBJECTIVE 4: Develop an online resource center for students.

Activity (r): Develop academic class alternatives for students via online participation.

Activity (s): Implement online classes through the respective school districts

Activity (t): Provide Internet connections to student for the duration of online classes.

Active (u): Develop online instruction alternative through the manufacturing Technology

Center.

OBJECTIVE 5: Development of a virtual resource center of staff, students and community members.

Activity (v): Establish a virtual resource library on the Hillsdale County ISD web page.

Activity (w): Establish student forums on the Hillsdale County Intermediate School District Web Page.

Activity (x): Implement specialty software to enhance communication among specialty, content

groups.

GOAL III: PROVIDE SUSTAINED TECHNICAL SUPPORT

NARRATIVE: To advance our technology at the ISD and local level, HCISD has contracted with

the Jackson County Intermediate District to provide technology support by joining their

technology consortium. Through the Tech Consortium, the Hillsdale County Intermediate School District provides direct support

to its constituents by way of multiple collaborative efforts, including full time, onsite technical staff for

continuous network/PC systems expertise and advanced systems expertise. Each including a train the

trainer model for the development of technical support service utilizing districts‟ existing educational

staff. Additionally, the Hillsdale County Intermediate School District provides purchasing support

leveraging local, web-based and national vendors for software/ hardware purchases. At other times it may

join in consortium with other districts or work through a contracted service opportunity.

OBJECTIVE 1: Provide appropriate level of personnel for equipment maintenance and system support.

Activity (a): Establish an Information Services support department with full-time management

and appropriate staff members for “on-call” services.

Activity (b): Establish one technology contact person from each district.

Activity (c): Obtain/Develop software to provide effective/efficient communication between

support and constituents.

OBJECTIVE 2: Provide additional training to technology support personnel.

Activity (d): Train the LEA technology support personnel in equipment maintenance.

Activity (e): Provide additional training to the Hillsdale County Intermediate School District

management/technician(s) targeting the development of expanded in-house functionality.

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GOAL IV: PROVIDE SERVICES TO SCHOOL AND THE COMMUNITY

NARRATIVE: The Hillsdale County Intermediate School District serves as the grant recipient and

administrative entity for the South Central Workforce Development Board/South Central Michigan

Works! (The designation of the administrative entity) is responsible for implementing employment and training programs serving job seekers and employers within the community. In addition to training and

placement service, job seekers meeting specific criteria are also provided supportive services to assist

them in finding and sustaining employment.

The system being implemented is identified as a "No Wrong Door" system whereby customers (job

seekers and employers) are provided services in a seamless system. South Central Michigan Works!,

through the Hillsdale County Intermediate School District, is responsible for administering the "No

Wrong Door" system. There are "One-Stop Centers" in Hillsdale, Jackson, and Lenawee counties

providing connection to core services for employers and job seekers. Many service providing agencies

have co- located in these centers and electronic connections between participating agencies and between

counties are being established to facilitate the seamless system of services.

OBJECTIVE 1: Develop a parent resource center, which supports Early-On activities.

Activity (a): Provide the resource center facilities.

Activity (b): Provide computer equipment for a parent virtual resource center.

Activity (c): Provide the equipment and resources for resource availability.

Activity (d): Provide the Internet connection for both the on-site center and the virtual resource

check out center.

OBJECTIVE 2: Expand services through the Michigan Works!

Activity (e): Develop ability to transfer incoming calls on 1-888-MI-WORKS line to the

appropriate Michigan Works! Service center.

Activity (f): Develop and maintain state-of-the art telephony services in and between each

appropriate Michigan Works! Service Center and administration offices.

Activity (g): Continue access to the dial-in Management Information System (MIS) network,

either as is or through an Internet based server (vs. the separate dial-in system).

Activity (h): Maintain the Internet connection for each of the respective sites, Hillsdale, Jackson,

and Lenawee counties.

Activity (i): Develop and maintain teleconferencing capability for each of the appropriate Michigan Works! Service Center and administration offices.

Activity (j): Provide contractual educational services and advanced technical expertise to each of

the respective sites, Hillsdale, Jackson, and Lenawee counties.

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GOAL V: MODIFY AND EXPAND RESOURCES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF

TECHNOLOGY Narrative: With any of development, the development of a sound resources base is instrumental in the

sustained success and growth. In the area of technology. This is not only a true statement but is

exaggerated not only by the amount of support needed, but also the diversity of needs. Within the past 8 years, technology has moved from what should have been a supportive system to other

fields of development to a department with its own unique characteristics and needs. Resources for the

area of technology are required for the continuation of internal support as well as the development of a

system which is designed to provide services to external constituents.

Internally, equipment purchasing, maintenance and updating are continual needs. In addition to the basic

support are items such as: web-site development and maintenance, software review, purchasing

consultation, network LAN/WAN implementation and maintenance and system analysis. Externally there

is a need for providing efficient and effective services to districts and personnel in the areas of systems

design, maintenance, and consultation.

OBJECTIVE 1: To align inter-departmental budget functions to support technology.

Activity (a): Determine functions consistent within the respective departments for technology

funding.

Activity (b): Develop a consistent process among all of the departments for allocation for

technological resources.

OBJECTIVE 2: Expansion of external resources

Activity (c): Continued collaboration with the Region 8 Grants committee for ISD common

resources development as well as the submission of ISD state/federal support grants.

Activity (d): Continued application for the respective local districts regarding funding

opportunities.

Activity (e): Increase in the partnerships, which offer additional grant opportunities.

Activity (f): Continued alignments of grant opportunities to internal needs.

Activity (g): Continue to work with adult literacy partners to provide community services.

GOAL VI: PROVIDE AN EVALUATION SYSTEM FOR THE DEVELOPMENTOF

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES.

Narrative: As with any program, it is necessary to not only evaluate the program effectiveness but also the

effectiveness related to the cost factors.

The district will initiate a process providing ongoing criteria for future decision-making. The areas of

emphasis will be on administrative effectiveness as well as student achievement.

OBJECTIVE 1: Develop a system for evaluation of administrative effectiveness.

Activity (a) Develop a process for evaluation

Activity (b) Assess the cost effectiveness of distance learning Activity

(c) Assess the effectiveness of inter-district communications Activity

(d) Assess the effectiveness of out of county communications

OBJECTIVE 2: Develop a system to determine the effectiveness of teacher computer usage.

Activity (e) Develop a process for evaluation

Activity (f) Assess the time efficiency of individual computer usage for report writing.

Activity (g) Assess the effectiveness of technology as a teacher resource tool

Activity (h) Assess the effectiveness of technology as a teacher communication tool

OBJECTIVE 3: Develop a system for the evaluation of student performance

Activity (i) Develop a process for evaluation

Activity (j) Assess the ability of students to utilize the technology

Activity (k) Assess student's achievement related to the integration of technology

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IV. INFRASTRUCTURE

Hardware Standards Standardization increases efficiency while reducing costs through:

• Quantity purchases

• Ease of equipment maintenance

• Simplification of training

It is necessary that the computers and computer-based equipment (CD ROMs, printers,

etc.) used by the HCISD have sufficient power and sophistication to support the

achievement of our goals.

HCISD has joined a technology consortium with Jackson County ISD for hosted

services. All servers, applications, and file shares will be hosted in the Jackson County

ISD data center.

Due to the technology consortium with JCISD, the maintenance of the HCISD network

is limited to the core switches between buildings.

Minimum Hardware Standards:

Ipads

Fax Machines

• Criteria to be determined by individual directors

Copiers

• The Technology Committee will continually review and evaluate the availability

and utilization of copier technology within the district and to provide continuous

efforts to work collaboratively with all other districts to obtain the best copier

solution for the most cost-effective, centralized utilization.

Standard Computer Workstations

• Pentium IV 2.0ghz (minimum) • 2GB RAM (minimum)

• Removable storage capacity

• 17" color monitor

• 160 GB hard drive (minimum)

• DVD/CDRW ROM drive

• 10/100/1000 Ethernet connectivity

Portable Computers • Pentium IV 2.0ghz (minimum)

• 2GB RAM (minimum)

• Removable Storage Capacity

• 160 GB hard drive (minimum)

• 10/100/1000 Ethernet connectivity

• 802.11x Wireless/Bluetooth access

• DVD/CDRW ROM drive

Printers – all network compatible

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• Centralized network-enabled copier utilization where possible

• Laser enhanced memory and scalable fonts

• Color Inkjet

• Color Laser

Teleconferencing Equipment • HD H.324 Bridged Enterprise Communication Network • IP-TV/Streaming Video Management System

• Video Recording/Streaming System

Technical Support

The Jackson Intermediate School District provides technical support with the use of a ticket

system (http://service.jcisd.org/helpdesk/WebObjects/Helpdesk). Each user can log into the

system or call the ISD service desk. The ISD service desk will do their best to solve the issue. If

they cannot solve the issue, a ticket is created and an onsite technician will handle it. Technical

support is onsite a minimum of two days per week.

Infrastructure Considerations

Hillsdale County Intermediate School District will regularly monitor our existing

infrastructure to ensure we are providing the following:

1. Electrical service and outlets for safe equipment use.

2. Proper surge protection and grounding where appropriate.

3. A viable system of backing up files on a daily basis, with off-site storage of data

tapes.

4. Humidity and temperature controls (as determined by manufacturer

recommendations) in the server/electrical rooms.

5. An adequate number of data/voice lines. Lines will be increased as needed.

6. Building facilities easily accessible to persons with disabilities.

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Networks The District currently operates one countywide fiber optic Wide Area Network and five

local area networks (LANs). The District will perform all necessary upgrades of

network equipment as well as maintenance at the district and consortium levels.

Standardization in this area also offers many advantages:

• Simplifies installation and maintenance

• Simplifies usage of site licenses

• Provides increased administrative support

For these reasons the following standards were developed:

(All software maintained to latest viable version)

Software: Windows-Based

PC – Windows XP/Vista/7

Servers – Windows Server

email – MS Exchange

Website – MS IIS

Cabling:

Fiber - Single Mode Fiber

Ethernet – Cat5e/CAT6 (unshielded twisted pair)

Network Interface:

Switches/routers - Layer 2 & Layer 3 10/100/1000 BaseT or FDDI Ethernet

PC-Based – 10/100/1000 BaseT Ethernet

Wireless

Voice-over IP services

Network LAN/WAN Infrastructure

Power-Over-Internet Switch Technology

DDS-1 Digital Access or Direct Fiber Access to Telco

Network Services

A network offers numerous advantages, such as:

• Reduced cost of application support

• File-sharing (hosted by JCISD)

• Print-sharing (hosted by JCISD)

• Directory services

• Increased security

• Remote network management

• System Integration

• Increased efficiency/usability

• Standards

o Software

o Hardware

Therefore, the following services are available via the HCISD network:

• email and all Web-based applications

• Database Storage/Retrieval Services

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Network Resources

o Printers o Copiers o Network File Storage (hosted by JCISD) o Network Application Resources (hosted by JCISD) o VOIP Telecommunication System o Distance Learning/Teleconferencing System

Internet Connectivity & Resources

o Internet Filtering (m86) o Internal & External email

o Internal & External email Filtering

Life Cycle Technology must not be acquired for “technology's sake”; it will be acquired to

accomplish specifically defined district goals. When adequately integrated, technology

will make a positive impact on the realization of the District's Mission.

All technology has a product life cycle, which varies depending on emerging replacement

technology. Products go through three phases: • Bleeding-edge: a new or prototype product

• Leading-edge: a mature, proven product

• Back-edge: a dying product needing to be replaced or updated

The District will evaluate technologies to determine their status and will acquire leading-

edge products when appropriate and cost-effective and will attempt to replace back-edge

products before they lose value.

Replacement Program

Hillsdale County Intermediate School District‟s Mission will be used as a guide to

determine technology requirements.

The District will routinely update its hardware and software standards. In an on-going

effort to maintain a leading-edge status on all employee utilized systems, HCISD will

contract through approved process, leased PC-based systems on a three-year rotational

program. This will ensure no antiquated, difficult, unreliable technologies will negatively

impact the desired educational experiences and outcomes. The current rotation cycle is

every 4 years.

It is further recommended that the District evaluate the feasibility of divesting itself of

back-edge technology. Back-edge technologies can be:

• Distributed to local schools.

• Sold to students or staff.

• Offered to public non-profit agencies.

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Conference Areas Recent changes in the management of educational institutions have intensified the

demand for conference, meeting and training facilities. In order to adequately address

these needs, the District must not only provide the facility, but also ensure that all support

systems are in place. The ideal or model facility would have the following services

available:

Model Conference Area Services • Telephone – conferencing and speaker capabilities

• Large retractable screen(s) (100” diagonal ; 16:9 ratio)

• TVs & a VCR Player

• Interactive white boards

• Hi-Rez computer projection capabilities

• Network and Internet access

• Easels, document cameras and overhead projectors

• Access to audio/visual communication services and media equipment

• Access to video conferencing equipment

• Access to video conferencing recording and streaming equipment

• Basic needs:

• Refreshment facilities

• Bulletin board or "strips"

• Coat rack

• Adequate storage

The HCISD Department of Information Technology Services will continue to evaluate

our existing infrastructure to ensure it has the capacity to meet the District‟s continually

evolving technological needs. Every effort will be made to ensure that our equipment is

distributed to the most accessible sites for staff and student use.

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Technology Proficiency Listed below are the HCISD Department of Information Technology Services'

proficiency objectives for district personnel. The desired level of proficiency in each area

of focus is presented in terms of Bloom‟s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. These

should be reviewed annually and used as a basis for professional development activities.

Areas of Focus Admin. Clerical Certified Aide Other Support Technology

Word Processing

3

3

3

3

Staff

3

Staff

6

Spreadsheet 4 3 2/3 1 1 6

Database 3 3 2/3 1 1 6

Basic Computer

Skills

Operating Systems

3

1

3

1

3

1

3

1

3

1

6

6

Desktop Publishing 2 3 1 1 1 6

Multi-Media 2 3 3 3 3 6

Telecommunications 3 3 3 3 3 6

Programming 1 1 1* 1 1 6

*Depending on job assignment

Bloom's Taxonomy:

1: Awareness 2: Comprehension 3: Application

4: Analysis 5: Synthesis 6: Evaluation

Standard Software Applications Hillsdale County Intermediate School District has identified the following programs as

standard applications for use within the district.

PC

Application Software

Word Processing Microsoft Word

Spreadsheet

Desktop Publication

Presentation

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Publisher

Microsoft PowerPoint

Database Microsoft Access

Finance Skyward for Windows

Electronic Collaboration Microsoft Exchange

Application software that is utilized by HCISD should ensure that our staff is able to make

maximum utilization of available hardware and to maximize productivity and service to our

clients. Conformity to applications used by our local districts will be a strong factor when

evaluating new software purchases or upgrading existing software.

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V. CURRICULUM INTEGRATION In our role as an intermediate school district, we offer a variety of classes to our local

schools districts‟ special need students. Our Special Education Director works closely

with our internal staff, and local school district students and staff to ensure that all

technology is integrated appropriately into the existing curriculum.

Hillsdale County Intermediate School District also strives to:

• Promote local district adherence to the Michigan Department of

Education‟s published Technology Standards and Benchmarks for K-12

students.

• Provide professional development activities that support and demonstrate the

integration of Michigan Department of Education Technology Content

Standards and Benchmarks and National Education Technology Standards.

• Provide meaningful training opportunities to support the use of Michigan

Department of Education technology integration resources, such as MiClimb,

Teacher Technology Initiative, Michigan Teacher Network, and Work Keys

Career Development system. • Provide facilities, equipment and support to alternative education opportunities,

such as electronic field trips and NovaNet Assistive Education, available to

students.

• Promote utilizing technology as a tool to enhance the curriculum in all

subject areas and at all grade levels.

• Supplement Career and Technical Education offerings available to local

district students, through the Technology Center.

• Utilize the HCISD web page and PowerSchool as a means of

communicating initiatives and offerings to parents.

• Work with parents to set goals (IEP) for special education students,

often integrating the use of assistive technologies.

• Promote and train the teachers on the use of iPADS in the classroom.

VI. COLLABORATION

Community Access and Use The computer lab at the South Central Michigan Works Service Center will be available

to the community during specified time periods throughout the year for Internet

browsing. Technology classes will be offered for community education, in conjunction with the

South Central Michigan Works Service Center and our Technology Center.

Continuation of International Student Newspaper, “Time4US.org” in collaboration with

the Lee County School District, Ft. Myers, FL.

Provide interactive parental content via the district collaborative web site.

Additional collaboration: In joined efforts with other intermediate school districts and local government agencies,

Hillsdale County ISD to partner in and support the Link Michigan Project. The Link

Michigan project, in coordination with the Broadband Authority and Merit Networking,

is working to map the high speed data access throughout the State of Michigan. Other

collaboration efforts include multi-county Rural Utilities Service Grant to provide

additional distance learning capabilities.

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VII. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Hillsdale County Intermediate School District will continue to provide sustained, ongoing professional

development training to help ensure that all District employees have the technical skills to effectively

utilize appropriate technology. Sources of training will include workshops offered by the HCISD

Department of Technology and outside vendors.

The HCISD Technology Department will:

Strategies and Supporting Resources TIME LINE

Provide website Help Desk with links for tutorials, troubleshooting

tips, etc.

2012-15

Provide web-streaming tutorials to staff on the use of available

software applications in the District

2012-15

Provide training to the staff on the use of communications and

collaboration tools available on our network

Ongoing

Provide summer workshops and Professional Development days for

integrating technology into the curriculum

Ongoing

Provide information to staff about state and national technology

standards

Ongoing

Provide teacher training opportunities through Jackson County ISD

and Michigan Virtual University

Ongoing

Provide staff with links to National (NETS) and Michigan Educational

Technology Standards (METS)

Ongoing

Attend conferences relating to technology integration Ongoing

Subscribe to many podcasts, wikis and listservs that provide for the

interchange of technology ideas

Ongoing

Continue to collaborate with Technology and Curriculum Directors at

other districts in the area

Ongoing

Continue to seek grant opportunities for support and various

technology Professional Development needs

Ongoing

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VIII. TECHNICAL SUPPORT As technology becomes more complex and widely utilized, the need for technical assistance increases. We have the following staffing needs for personnel to:

• Support our internal staff and local school districts with assistive technology issues.

• Provide sufficient training opportunities for staff.

• Provide leadership and support to Local Districts.

• Troubleshoot hardware and software problems.

• Helpdesk support available via telephone and web-based support system.

• Assist with district and departmental web page development.

• Install and upgrade software and hardware throughout the district.

• Perform equipment diagnostics and basic repair.

• Perform preventive maintenance of existing equipment.

• Maintain a software/hardware inventory.

• Maintain effective data and voice communications at all sites.

A full complement of technology staffing would include:

• Director of Technology

• System‟s Administrator

• Network Engineer

• Database Administrator/Design Engineer

• Technology Technician

• Minimum of one high-school technology co-op student or a college technology intern as

resources permit.

Either through internal staffing or purchased services, Hillsdale County Intermediate School

District will provide adequate technology staffing to address the needs as identified above.

Currently the technology support at HCISD has contracted with the Jackson County Intermediate

District to provide technology support by joining their technology consortium. They provide all

necessary staffing and additional resources based on need.

SUPPORT RESOURCES To support available technology, HCISD will purchase a variety of tutorial software, assorted training manuals and will establish a library of technical reference manuals. The reference library

will be housed in the Office of the Director of Technology.

Some additional supporting resources include: Access Michigan, Microsoft reference materials,

and numerous online resources provided by REMC resources.

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PROJECTED TIMETABLE

By June of 2013 Update the HCISD Technology Plan.

Continue the improvement of the technical equipment pool concept.

Present an update of the Technology Plan to the HCISD Board of Education.

Investigate and seek federal and state funding opportunities, including: USF, Eisenhower

Math/Science, MDE Technology grants.

Ensure that issues referenced in this plan are acknowledged when formulating future

HCISD budgets.

Arrange for and coordinate training in the use of technology.

Purchase outside technical services, as appropriate.

Update our technology inventory.

Evaluate/improve our existing technological security system.

Evaluate/improve the operation of the voice mail and phone systems.

Evaluate/improve the training services/curriculum for classroom technology integration.

Set structure for evaluation of project initiatives.

Develop a coalition of services and technology in collaboration with County partners

in technology.

By June of 2014 – Same as June 2013, but in addition:

• Work with the Technology Committee to refine the project evaluation process. Projects will

be evaluated relative to project goals on an ongoing basis.

• Ensure that the HCISD local and wide-area networks are fully operational with network hardware/software upgrades, as necessary.

• Continue to enhance and investigate additional “distance learning” technologies and

evaluate the feasibility of additional offerings.

• Plan for future expansion of the training options during the school year, including the

feasibility of additional “Smart” interactive technology integration.

• Plan for future expansion of the Summer Technology Academy to provide increased

technology training opportunities for internal and local staff.

• Strive for the establishment of a year-round, countywide staff development program.

• Continue to upgrade and replace existing technologies, as necessary.

• Continue to explore technology utilization that will enable the HCISD to provide maximum

services to our clients.

• Continue with a feasibility study for remote access to the network.

By June of 2015 – Continue to monitor issues referenced above.

Implement a tech steering commitee

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X. PROJECTED TOTAL COSTS 2012-2015

Technology Proposed Budget 12-13

Proposed Budget 13-14

Proposed Budged 14-15 Account

Bandwidth $75,000.00 $75,000.00 $75,000.00

JCISD Tech Consortium Contract $267,050.00 $281,141.00 $295,198.00

Contracted Services $4,000.00 $4,000.00 $4,000.00

Maintenance & Licensing $35,000.00 $35,000.00 $35,000.00

Video Streaming $7,500.00 $7,500.00 $7,500.00

Supplies $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00

Equipment $79,000.00 $79,000.00 $79,000.00

Sub Total $472,550.00 $486,641.00 $500,698.00

Fiber Optics

Account

Fiber Insurance $3,400.00 $3,500.00 $3,600.00

Legal $1,100.00 $1,700.00 $2,300.00

Fiber Optic Annual Pole Cost $4,000.00 $4,000.00 $4,000.00

Fiber Maintenance Costs $46,000.00 $24,000.00 $24,000.00

Supplies $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00

Fiber Equipment $7,200.00 $7,200.00 $7,200.00

Fiber Optics Principal Payment $39,250.00 $0.00 $0.00

Fiber Optics Interest Payment $2,200.00 $0.00 $0.00

Sub Total $104,150.00 $41,400.00 $42,100.00

Grand Total $576,700.00 $528,041.00 $542,798.00

Technology Support Staff:

• Director of Technology, System‟s Administrator • Network Engineer, Database Administrator/Design Engineer, Technology Technician

• Network/PC Specialist – Internal technical support

• Contracted Technical Services – External technical support

• PC/Software Training Services – Internal/contracted technical certified training support

Support Services:

• Bandwidth – Annual Internet charges, support of the fiber network • Software – Upgrades and new purchases - Windows, Office, SDS, etc.

• Network hardware – Servers, routers, switches, fiber test equipment, wirelsess

• Hardware – Computers, printers, mainly departmental expenditures

• Phone system – NBX VOIP maintenance/support, new phones

• AV equipment – TV‟s, overheads, projectors, VCR‟s, teleconferencing equipment, etc.

• Countywide PD – Technology Academy, other ongoing professional development

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XI. COORDINATION OF STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES

Funding Considerations The District will seek to enhance the educational process through the proper use of technology.

This detailed plan will guide our work throughout the current year. The educational

outcomes from the use of this plan will benefit students, teachers, and staff. Hillsdale

County Intermediate School District will seek a variety of funding sources for the

implementation of the plan by exploring:

• Partnerships with community businesses.

• Grant opportunities including: Eisenhower Math/Science, Michigan Department

of Education technology grants.

• Utilizing revenues from the sale of any “back-edge” technologies.

• Leasing vs. owning options.

Universal Service Funds (USF) will be applied for annually to provide the district

with discounted services in following areas:

• Telecommunications.

• Internet access.

• Internal connections.

XII. EVALUATION

Evaluation of the Technology Plan The HCISD Department of Information Technology Services will, on an annual basis,

evaluate our existing Technology Plan, focusing on the evaluation process. Input for a

“data-driven” evaluation will be solicited by surveying all of our users (students, staff,

administrators, parents). The HCISD Department of Information Technology Services

will be responsible for creating the survey questions and the defining the exact evaluation

strategy and process. The evaluation process must be directly related to our stated internal

and external goals.

Once the data is gathered and reviewed, the HCISD Department of Information

Technology Services will create a summary of goals met (accomplishments), goals not

met (short-comings) and will recommend options that would allow us to reach our

“unmet goals”. Requests for input and discussion from departmental staff will be made

before a final revision to the Technology Plan occurs.

The data driven evaluation process will provide us with valuable information regarding

our current utilization of technology and will assist us with our future technology

planning. An end result of this process is that the district will be better able to prioritize

the utilization of available technology funds and determine areas of need (hardware,

software, curriculum integration, training) when applying for state or federal grants.

On a per project basis, the technology committee will utilize the HCISD “Evaluation

Framework”, to determine if resources will be expended on the implementation of

projects. During the project implementation and at the completion of the project, the

Evaluation Framework document will be used as a guide to evaluate the project relative

to state goals.

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XIII. INTERNET POLICY

The Board of Education of the Hillsdale County Intermediate School District, recognizes that as

technologies affect the manner in which information may be accessed, communicated and transferred by

members of society, those changes may also alter instruction and student learning.

Telecommunications, electronic information services and networked services significantly alter the

information landscape by opening schools, classrooms and library media centers to a broader array of

resources. The Board generally supports access by students to rich information resources along with the

development by staff of appropriate skills to analyze and evaluate such resources.

Telecommunications, including video, audio and text services, because they may be connected to any

publicly available source in the world, will open classrooms to electronic information resources which

may not have been specifically chosen or previewed for use by students of various ages.

Access to these resources can yield individual and group projects, collaboration, curriculum materials and

idea sharing as well as various non-educational and objectionable material, access and ideas. Internet

access also makes contact with people all over the world, bringing into the classroom experts and

inappropriate unwanted characters in every content area.

It is the policy of the Board to maintain an education and work environment which is free from all forms

of bullying and unlawful harassment. Bullying or other aggressive behavior toward a student by electronic

means (cyber bullying) is strictly prohibited.

Additionally, it is the policy of the Board that the District will maintain full compliance with the

Children‟s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

CIPA is a federal law enacted by Congress in 2000 to address concerns about access to offensive (or

threatening) content over the Internet on any school or library computers. A more detailed description of

CIPA is available at http://www.fcc.gov/consumerfacts/cipa . FERPA is a federal law enacted in 1974

that protects the privacy of student educational records and “directory” information. A more detailed

description of FERPA is available at http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/ferpa .

The Board has implemented policies, in accordance with the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA),

procedures and protocols to safeguard the internet and other telecommunications access by students,

teachers and employees of the Hillsdale County school districts. The Hillsdale County Intermediate

School District Internet access is safe-guarded with the following

Internet filters and services:

• M86 Content Filtering

• Sonic Wall Firewall

• Bandwidth Optimization Management

• Barracuda SPAM Filtering Services

HILLSDALE COUNTY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

310 W. Bacon St. * Hillsdale, MI 49242 * 517-437-0990 www.hillsdale-isd.org

Superintendent Mike Potts

Hillsdale County Intermediate School District Network/Internet Acceptable Use Agreement

Board of Education Parke D. Hayes, President Donald Stiverson, Vice-President Judith Glei, Secretary Sarah S. Lisznyai, Treasurer Harold Ferry, Trustee

The purpose of this agreement is to provide Network (Electronic Mail and Electronic Bulletin Board)

and Internet access, hereinafter referred to as Network, for educational purposes to the staff and

students. As such, this access will (1) assist in the collaboration and exchange of information, (2)

increase productivity, efficiency and effectiveness of employees/students, and (3) enhance information

gathering and communication skills. The use of District and/or Network resources is for the purpose of

support of the instructional/administrative programs and operations, telecommunications, general

information. The intent of this agreement is to ensure that the Employee/Student will comply with all

Network and Internet acceptable use policies approved by the District. In exchange for the use of the

Hillsdale County Intermediate School District (or, Hillsdale County ISD or, HCISD) resources, I

understand and agree to the following:

A. The use of the Network is a privilege, which may be revoked by the District. Appropriate reasons for

revoking privileges include, but are not limited to, the altering of system software, or introduction of

harmful programs on or through the computer system in either public or private files or messages. The

District reserves the right to remove files, limit or deny access.

B. The District may require demonstrated proficiency on systems software and network prior to

authorizing use of the Network or Internet. Training shall be provided for all employees/students.

C. The District reserves all rights to any material stored in files and will remove any material which the

District, as its sole discretion, believes may be unlawful, obscene, pornographic, or discriminatory. An

Employee/Student will not use his/her District approved computer account/access to obtain, view,

download, or otherwise gain access to such materials.

D. All information services and features contained on District or Network resources are intended for the

official District business use by its registered users and any use of these resources for commercial-for-

profit or other unauthorized purposes (i.e. advertisements, political lobbying not authorized by the

district), in any form is expressly forbidden.

E. The District and/or Network resources are intended for the exclusive use by their registered users.

The Employee/Student is responsible for the use of his/her account/password and/or access privilege.

Use of an account by someone other than the registered account holder is prohibited.

F. Misuse of the account may result in suspension of account privileges and/or other disciplinary action

determined by the District. Misuse shall include, but not be limited to,

seeking information on, obtaining copies of, or modifying files, other data, or passwords belonging to

others or misrepresenting oneself as another user; disrupting the operation of the Network through abuse

of the hardware or software and/or interfering with others‟ use of the Network; illegal installation of

copyrighted software or unauthorized downloading, copying, or use of licensed or copyrighted software.

G. The District does not warrant that the functions of the Network will meet any specific requirements

the user may have, or that it will be error free or uninterrupted; nor shall it be liable for any direct or

indirect, incidental, or consequential damages (including lost data, information, or time) sustained or

incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use the Network.

H. The District reserves the right to monitor computer use and to monitor fileserver space utilization by

users. The District reserves the right to remove a user account on the Network. The Employee/Student

shall diligently delete old email messages from the individual mail directory to avoid excessive use of

the electronic mail disk space.

I. The District agrees that in the event an employee/student is disciplined due to a violation of this

agreement, it will provide access to all information gathered or recovered by the District to facilitate

processing a grievance, including any deleted files recovered by the District.

J. Employee/students may not disclose, use and disseminate personal identification information

regarding minors via the Internet.

K. In compliance with the Children‟s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Michigan PA212, the agency

may filter Internet access that protects children from child pornography, obscene materials or materials

harmful to minors, and adults from child pornography and obscene materials at schools and libraries.

L. Students: The following activities are prohibited under this agreement:

Access to inappropriate materials on the Internet and the Web. Unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information when using the Internet including electronic communications such as email and chat rooms. Unauthorized access, including “hacking”, and other unlawful activities.

This policy on hardware and software applies to all staff, contractors, students and volunteers who use

information systems technology regardless of job position. Hillsdale County ISD provides employees

with the hardware and software needed to perform their jobs in an efficient and effective manner. The

software used by employees is provided under license agreements that tell how and where the software

may be legally used. It is the policy of the Hillsdale County Intermediate School District to comply with

these license agreements.

Hardware and Software Asset Management: Hillsdale County ISD is liable for the contents of the hard

disk drive and related storage devices. Management and individual employees may also be held

personally liable for the contents of storage medium.

System Audits: The HCISD Department of Information Technology Services may conduct periodic

audits of computer hardware (including portables) to ensure the legal use of software and provide better

management of the agency‟s assets. This audit may be done with or without prior employee notification.

Acceptable Use Agreement Rev. 08-24-07

Proof of Legal Software: The legal use of software will be ensured through possession of the original

(or copied) dated purchase materials such as purchase orders, packing slips, invoices and original

license agreements.

Screen Savers/Wallpaper: Non-Windows screen savers/wallpapers are not allowed on Hillsdale County

ISD computers.

Agency-Owned Software: Agency-owned software is defined as software purchased by and/or licensed

to the Hillsdale County ISD for use on individual workstations and/or network servers in accordance

with the software license agreement. Only agency-owned or approved software shall be installed and

maintained.

Personally Owned Software: Personally owned software is defined as software purchased by an

individual employee (not HCISD). The use of personally owned software is not allowed on agency

computers without approval from Technology Services.

Acquisition of Software: All software acquired by Hillsdale County ISD must be purchased through the

HCISD Department of Information Technology Services , and approved by the departments Director.

Software may not be purchased through individual credit cards, petty cash or reimbursed through

travel reimbursement forms.

Expense reports submitted for software purchases will be returned to the end user. It is necessary for

Technology Services to have a complete record of all software that has been purchased for HCISD

computers and in order to register, support and upgrades the software accordingly. When the software

arrives, it must be checked in and installed by a member of the Technology Services Department so

software can be registered in the name of Hillsdale County ISD. The software will also be retained by

the Technology Services for backup purposes.

Shareware: Shareware is copyrighted software that is distributed freely through online services. It has a

preview/evaluation period after which the user is required to send the developer payment for the right to

continue its use. The use of shareware software imposes on the agency‟s liability associated with

software copyright infringements and the risks of virus infections. The use of shareware is not

permitted.

Freeware and Public Domain: Freeware is copyrighted software but does not require payment for the

right to use it. Public domain software comes into being when the original copyright holder explicitly

relinquishes all rights to the software. The use of freeware and public domain software increases the

potential spread of computer viruses from unknown and/or unreliable distribution sources with no

recourse. The use of freeware or public domain software is not permitted.

Penalties and Reprimands: According to the United States Copyright act, illegal reproduction of

software is subject to civil damages of as much as $100,000 per title infringed and criminal penalties,

including fines of as much as $250,000 per title. A Hillsdale County ISD user who makes, acquires, or

uses unauthorized copies of software will be disciplined as appropriate. Hillsdale County ISD does not

condone the illegal duplication of software.

Acceptable Use Agreement Rev. 08-24-07

In consideration for the privilege of using the District and/or Network resources, and in consideration for having access to the information contained on the Network, I hereby release the District, the Network operators and administration from any and all claims of any nature arising from my use, or inability to use, the District and Network resources. I agree to abide by such rules and regulation of system usage as may be further added from time to time by the District and/or Network Administration.

I hereby comply with the 4-page Network/Internet Acceptable Use Agreement policy and

guidelines.

User Name (Please Print)

Signature of Staff Member Date

Signature of Student (Guardian Signature also required) Date

Signature of Guardian (Required for Student) Date

Acceptable Use Agreement Rev. 08-24-07