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1Coahulla Creek High School: SHARED VISION & RATIONALE

Bridging the Technology Gap

Julie Norton

ITEC 7410

Summer 2015

Dr. Shirley Campbell

Bridging the Technology Gap

2SHARED VISION & RATIONALE

Vision Statement

The vision focus for Coahulla Creek technology integration is development and

implementation of a clear and evolving plan to acquire and maintain adequate, up to date

technology resources and corresponding professional learning. The plan should include a

focus that aids teachers in technology integrated instruction, develops opportunities to en-

gage learners and has relevance to the school community’s needs. (see Appendix B)

Rationale

Technology implementation begins with planning that incorpo-

rates goals that are set by the district and school. Coahulla Creek High

School’s aim is to increase student achievement, develop curriculum

that engages students and prepares students to enter the world after

they graduate from Coahulla Creek. The vision includes each of these

goals as they refer to technology.

Two main areas of need with reference to a developing plan is

that of up to date equipment and student to computer ratios. The

school principal desires to focus some funds on acquiring more com-

puters in an effort to get as close to 1:1 student:computer ratio as pos-

sible. With this goal in mind, he also believes that there should be a

balance in purchasing upgraded materials on a regular basis and pur-

chasing new equipment. (See Appendix A) Teachers also need up-

graded computers periodically according to the principal. As an exten-

sion of ESPLOST that has upgraded the district’s network and some


hardware, the school will allocate funds more specifically for acquisi-

tion of new equipment that interfaces with existing equipment.

According to the survey answers (See Appendix C) engagement

in relevant learning experiences was the highest need determined by

those surveyed. The evolving plan will include experiences that incor-

porate hands on relevant learning and ongoing professional develop-

ment for teachers in technology skills and technology integration in the

classroom. Teachers will also be given help in their specific areas of in-

struction as to how they can integrate current technology into instruc-

tion to improve the student achievement.

Teaching strategies must be examined to determine first if they

are effective, second if the students are engaged and lastly if the

teacher and students would benefit from technology integration. The

data collected from this examination will help drive specific profes-

sional learning opportunities and the planning of those sessions. The

professional learning that is needed will be determined by the re-

sources that are available, and relevant to the teachers and students.

In addition, the needs of the students and teachers will help determine

where funds will be allocated for acquisition of new equipment.

A student centered culture will engage students in technology re-

source learning and use. Open opportunities for students will be pro-

vided to close the gap and address equitable access to all students.


Opportunities include access to technology tools before, during and af-

ter school to complete assigned projects and independent learning.

Diversity Considerations

The demographics of Coahulla Creek are very diverse, especially

in socio-economic categories. Opportunities for students who lack

technology resources will be provided at the school before, during and

after regular schools hours. (See Appendix F) Extra support will be pro-

vided by teachers who are trained to help. Special education and ESL

teachers will provide support to students who need the support while

using technology at their disposal.

Stakeholder Roles

The school administration needs to become technology leaders.

They will guide teachers in implementation of technology in the class-

room, equitable access for students and provide professional learning

opportunities that are relevant to the school’s needs. Professional de-

velopment could be provided individual educators in the school that

are fluent in software or hardware and are available to share with other

teachers. In addition, the school could have professional learning op-

portunities and support from the Georgia Department of Education as

they have already on SLDS.

Teachers should be open and willing to developing their knowl-

edge of technology language and tools that aid in instruction and com-


munication with co-workers, students and parents. They should also

be available to help students when they are able and develop lessons

that integrate technology and engage students in learning. (See Ap-

pendix B) They need to be aware of teaching strategies that are data

proven effective in increasing student achievement. Teachers will pro-

vide experiences that are relevant to students lives presently and in

the future.

Students need to be open to learning new techniques and willing

to try something that they have not previously tried in the area of

technology. They should seek out technology hardware and software

that aids in their learning. Students should be an advocate for them-

selves in preparing for their future post high school and even before.

Parents should remain involved in their students education. (See

Appendix E) They too should remain engaged in learning especially in

technology knowledge. Parents need to ask questions, prepare to sup-

port students in technology use and do their best to provide opportuni-

ties, such as taking students to school early or allowing them to stay

after school or even taking them to the public library to learn indepen-

dently. All stakeholders should take active roles in learning a common

language of technology and raising student achievement through en-

gaging students in technology by integration in the classroom and in

their daily lives.

References


Whitfield County Schools Strategic Planning Team. (2015). Whitfield

County Schools Five Year Strategic Plan 2015-2020. Retrieved

from http:// files.whitfield.k12.ga.us/comm/

strategic-plan/wcs-strategic-plan-en.pdf


Appendix A

Interview questions for Principal

1. What technology needs do you feel that our school has, ei-

ther hardware or software?

2. How do you envision supporting a revised technology plan

for our school that is current and relevant to all our stakeholders?

3. Could you provide time to allow some technology integra-

tion professional learning in the mornings or after school? Do you

think any specific professional learning offered to staff would bene-

fit the school? If so, any suggestions.

4. Are you aware of any system-wide initiative or plan for

technology integration in the classroom?

5. Is there a technology budget for our school? How are

funds allocated?

6. What skills do you see in the work force that all our stu-

dents should possess when they leave CCHS? Are we currently fo-

cused on those needs while students are here? How can we im-

prove readiness of our students as they go to college or career?

7. What is your vision for technology in our school?


Appendix B

Question 1 on Survey


Appendix C



Appendix D



Appendix E



Appendix F



Appendix G



Appendix H



Appendix I


Appendix J



Appendix K


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