1. Mountain Heights Elementary School Technology Plan Submitted by Rhonda Battle E7801- Instructional Technology Planning and Management Planning and Management

2. Vision and Mission Statements Vision Statement Vision Statement Mountain Heights Eagles: Students of Mountain Heights Eagles: Students of strength, intelligence, and determination. strength, intelligence, and determination. Mission Statement Mission Statement The mission of the Mountain Heights Elementary School community is to prepare our students for daily success as well as life beyond the classroom.

3. Technology Vision Statement We believe that infusing technology into classroom instruction will create students who are academically competitive, technology literate, motivated, and engaged in the learning process. These students will also be proficient information users who have the ability to access, process and effectively communicate information in order to improve their learning and exceed in the GA Performance Standards. To help teachers in grades Pre-K – 5 enable their students to gain the technical skills, knowledge, processes and critical thinking skills needed to become capable problem-solvers and creative thinkers through the integration of technology into the regular curriculum.

4. Needs Assessment (SWOT Analysis) Potential Internal Strengths Potential Internal Weaknesses 1. Strong and dedicated faculty with high morale. Enthusiastic about using instructional technology. 1. Strong reputation for not providing adequate technology training. Teachers feel complete purposeful training is not provided with regards to available software and web/digital media. 2. Initial voting system cost is available through buildings budget. 2. Tech support specialist states software updates are not available. Teachers fear using or purchasing product if updates will not be available. 3. PTO Budget: PTO is willing to assist with purchase costs.3. PTO: Administration is uncertain if PTO will be able to spend funds (even though willing) due to other financial obligations for FY 2010. 4. Technology sub-committee with knowledgeable information as to which brands would suit our school. 4. Sub-standard classrooms. Student response systems are not present. Potential External OpportunityPotential External Threats 1. Mountain Heights is looking to become a school with 21 st Century classrooms. 1. Due to budget cuts school board may not release funding. 2. Because we are a Choice school; if we offer the community a 21 st Century School, parents may not opt to use Choice. 2. New 21 st century requirements may be added causing us to still be a step behind.

5. Goals Goal 1: Improve student academic achievement through the use of technology with a target of fully integrating technology into the academic curriculum. Goal 2: Ensure that quality teachers, staff, and administrators are involved in Mountain Heights educational plan and that they are proficient in the use and integration of technology through Professional Development. www.sun-associates.com

6. Goals Goal 3: Ensure that all K-12 resources are available for all students (regardless of race, ethnicity, income, geographical location, or disability) to become technologically literate and achieve their academic potential. Goal 4: Develop a continuous process of evaluation and accountability for the use of Educational Technology as a teaching/learning tool, measurement and analysis tool for student achievement. www.sun-associates.com

7. Summary of Goals In the 21st century, understanding and using technology will be an integral part of virtually every aspect of daily life. It is the school system's responsibility to prepare students for this future. The classroom is the primary place where this preparation will occur; therefore, every classroom must be equipped with diverse technologies to support teaching and learning. The classroom is the primary place where this preparation will occur; therefore, every classroom must be equipped with diverse technologies to support teaching and learning. Every teacher must be knowledgeable and skilled in the use of these technologies in daily instruction. When integrated into instruction, technology will support new strategies for teaching and learning by accomplishing the above four goals. www.sun-associates.com

8. Initiative Description and Rationale Mountain Heights Elementary is striving to increase the role of technology. Our students are able to access the internet and play numerous games. Most have their own email addresses with which they communicate with their peers. A computer lab is housed in the school for use during students’ activity block. However, the role of instructional technology is not current and up- to- date. Students at Mountain Heights Elementary are not fluent in using technology for instructional purposes. A computer lab is housed in the school for use during students’ activity block. However, the role of instructional technology is not current and up- to- date. Students at Mountain Heights Elementary are not fluent in using technology for instructional purposes.

9. Initiative Description and Rationale Recently, during FY 2008, Mountain Heights installed ActivBoards in each classroom. Teachers received training throughout the next school year on best practices with the ActivBoards. Currently, Mountain Heights is seeking to continue its quest in becoming a 21st Century School. According to published recommendations in becoming a 21st Century School, voting response systems were included. A SWOT Analysis was conducted to determine feasibility of incorporating this aspect of 21st Century Schools at the present time.

10. Hardware, software, and facility resource requirements Hand held device (ActiVote) for each student. Promethean Whiteboards are in each classroom, however ActiVotes do not require a whiteboard to function. 32 devices come with ActiVote, ActivInspire Professional Edition DVD, ActivHub (with extension cable and holder), Hard carry case, Screwdriver (for battery removal) ActiVotes require 3AAA alkaline batteries Excel or.txt files may be used to export ActiVote results and questions

11. Instructional Resource Requirements and Staff Development Plan Instructional Resource Requirements Person Responsible Staff Development Plan ActiVote Representative to hold in-service Instructional Technology Specialist (responsible for scheduling in-service) Completed by end of September 2010 Teachers will meet and plan lessons and activities appropriate for ActiVotes. Web pages and links will be upload to grade level files on the Share Drive. Grade chairs (responsible for scheduling) Completed by end of October 2010 To be done during grade level planning. Grade level teachers will observe the use of ActiVotes in various classrooms Instructional Technology Specialist (responsible for scheduling) Completed by end of December 2010 Video tape one member on each grade level using ActiVote for faculty review during PL sessions Media Specialist Completed by end of February 2011 ActiVote Representative to hold follow-up in-service Instructional Technology Specialist (responsible for scheduling in-service) Completed by end of March 2011

12. Itemized budget and rationale GOALSCURRENTREALITY ACTION PLAN ACTION PLAN GOALS (already have) need # unit cost total cost $sourceFY2011FY2012(6mths)FY2012(6mths) All classrooms updated to 21 st Century standards All classrooms updated to 21 st Century standards 3 Beyond ? 1/classroom(40)1,499.0059,960.00Tech(10)14,990.00(10)14,990.00(20)29,980.00

13. Itemized budget and rationale Classroom participation is a huge (and sometimes complicated) part of the learning experience. It takes courage to speak up, and nearly psychic abilities to know who understands the lesson. ActiVote offers teachers and students a clearer answer—a friendly Learner Response System that makes sure every voice counts. http://www.prometheanworld.com/server.php?show=nav.15999

14. Itemized budget and rationale With A–F voting capability, a fun to hold shape and intuitive buttons, ActiVote makes 100% class participation fast, fun and easy. Students build confidence with every vote and can track their progress through both instant feedback and scores tallied over time. Teachers find that spontaneity enters the classroom with ActiVote— polling can be performed on the fly, debate can be started at the drop of a hat, and assessment guesswork ends. Teachers find that spontaneity enters the classroom with ActiVote— polling can be performed on the fly, debate can be started at the drop of a hat, and assessment guesswork ends. ActiVote can download student results into spreadsheets and lesson plans for clear achievement records over time, and no one worries whether they’ll be called on and called out in front of the class. http://www.prometheanworld.com/server.php?show=nav.15999

15. Evaluation Plan and Timeline Teachers will be given a survey through surveymonkey.com (survey questions compiled by technology sub-committee). The survey’s goal is to capture teacher morale while implementing the use of ActiVote. In addition the survey will capture beliefs and values toward ActiVote in relation to instructional effectiveness. (October 2010, December 2010, February 2011)

16. Evaluation Plan and Timeline Students will be given a survey using ActiVote and results will be saved in Excel. Survey questions will be compiled by technology sub- committee and sent to teachers via the share drive. (February 2011 and March 2011).