Great Falls Public Schools

Technology has become an integral part of education. Its use and cost have forced many to rethink how teaching is done. The first technology plans were written in response to the needs of E-Rate. Great Falls Public Schools has kept in stride with the evolution of technology within education as shown in current research by North Central Regional Educational Laboratories (NCREL). Technology started as a drill-and-practice resource, grew to a vital means of communication and productivity, and is now a valuable resource for student engagement, data analysis of student achievement, and effective teaching.

Past, Present, and Future

For Great Falls Public Schools, 2008 saw the district adding a key position and realigning of the technology department. We added an IIT (Informational and Instructional Technology) Director and combined the Data Center with Information Services with both being overseen by the new director. These changes, along with the continual evolution of the technology, have resulted in some major shifts which have created new opportunities and challenges. Below are some of the major changes implemented with the department reconfiguration:

Ø Continued to support Instructional Technology with Program Assistant for Information Services including technology integration and technology training.

Ø Created another Core Support level computer technician.

Ø Implemented a yearly refresh plan to replace outdated computers on an eight-year cycle. In the past, computers were kept in the district until they no longer functioned, sometimes 15 years or longer. The refresh will ensure that students are learning on more current technology.

Ø Continued to use a technology levy for major technology purchases of computers and other equipment. This year, we implemented our projector project, mounting a projector in every classroom throughout the district to be completed by 2011.

Ø Piloting an enterprise wireless LAN solution, which will be implemented at the secondary buildings in fall 2009.

Ø Currently researching proxy server options that will authenticate off Active Directory so that access level will be driven by log in permissions to be implemented fall 2009.

Ø Instituted a program called The Company at both major high school business departments, which involved updating their labs and configuring them to operate the way a real-world-business would.

Ø Moved to a fiber backbone to increase network performance and speed and also upgraded Internet service from 10 to 50 mgs. Because of increased network speed, we will be able to shift our servers to a centrally managed solution instead of building-based. This will enable faster tech support and consolidation of data and servers. This greatly reduces technology total cost of ownership. Teachers are now able to integrate video streaming as part of their lessons.

Ø Updated our eight-year old library- and textbook-management software, which will help students access books more easily and manage inventory of all district-owned books and library materials.

Ø Continue to shift to the PC platform within an active directory environment that helps teachers share materials and that allows technicians to provide remote tech support.

Ø Upgraded our gradebook system to PowerTeacher, a web-based platform that teachers can access easily from home. In addition, the companion Powerschool allows parents to log on and view their students’ progress.

Ø Continued with Web-based help-desk software, which allows staff members to generate and track help requests as well as access FAQs while the Information Services department can track the number of help tickets and manage the workload more efficiently.

Ø After a pilot year, instituted a Virtual Academy, summer 2009, whereby students may take courses online for credit retrieval or credit enhancement.

Great Falls Public Schools is in the midst of major, but positive, changes. This positive growth is due to the district’s commitment to technology and its role as a tool to increase achievement of students. This plan spans three years, but it is difficult to predict what changes and technology shifts will occur. To compensate for changes, this plan will be reviewed and updated yearly by the various committees. It will also include input from K-12 Leadership members, technology department members, and administration (see Appendix A4).

Great Falls Public Schools Vision:

All kids are engaged in learning today … for life tomorrow.

Great Falls Public Schools Mission:

We successfully educate students to navigate the future.

Vision for Instructional Technology

Goals and Objectives

It is the goal of Great Falls Public Schools to develop technology systems that are efficient, up-to-date, and available for teaching and learning and as systems support tools.

Increasing student achievement is the focus of Great Falls Public Schools. This includes meeting our five-year-plan goals in math and reading in which more than 80% of our students in all grades will be proficient in math and reading by 2010. Below are the District Goals:

Ø Reading - By 2012

§ 92% of our 4^th Grade students will be proficient in Reading

§ 92% of our 8^th Grade students will be proficient in Reading

§ 92% of our 10^th Grade students will be proficient in Reading

Ø Math – By 2012

§ 84% of our 4^th Grade students will be proficient in Math

§ 84% of our 8^th Grade students will be proficient in Math

§ 84% of our 10^th Grade students will be proficient in Math

Ø It is important that all teaching time be effective instructional time, which includes any integration of technology. The use of technology in the classroom can help accomplish the following:

o Achieve the goals of the five-year plan for reading and math (see
Appendix A1 for full plan)

o Meet the Montana Technology Standards (Appendix A2) in grades 4, 8, and 11 through district curricula and benchmarks.

Support for academic achievement can be found by incorporating programs such as Read Naturally, Accelerated Math/Algebra and Reading, Math Facts in a Flash, Lexia Reading, SuccessMaker, PLATO, Inspiration/Kidspiration, Knowledge Box, Academy of Math and other proven programs. These resources will be used to help meet student learning needs and increase achievement either through remediation, increased critical thinking skills, or providing students with necessary research and resources.

It is the goal of Great Falls Public Schools to increase basic technology skills in teachers so that 90% of teachers within Great Falls Public Schools rate themselves as “proficient” by 2013 as measured by the TAGLIT survey.

The successful integration of effective technology use in the classroom is dependant upon the basic technology skills and comfort level of the teacher with technology. Currently, 65 percent of Great Falls Public School teachers rate themselves as proficient in basic skills, which is a combination of four categories (see chart on page 13). This is a 17 percent increase from the baseline survey taken in 2002. To further this increase in basic technology skills, Great Falls Public Schools will continue to offer training and support, including offering for-pay classes for teachers.

Teachers have access to technology training through the following:

Ø High interest and classroom-applicable technology PIR courses

Ø Early-out training sessions to meet the specific technology needs of individual buildings

Ø Staff meetings

Ø District trainings and implementations

Ø Building experts with the train-the-trainer model used for district programs

Ø The position of Program Assistant for Instructional Technology provides specialized support to teachers (and students), staff, and administration on the use of technology integration in the classroom.

Ø District technology committees include representatives from every school. Committee members provide technology leadership and vision for technology use within the classroom and the district. They also serve as building experts for specific programs and implementations (see Appendix A4 for list of names and buildings).

Ø Building trainers for programs such as PowerTeacher, Successmaker, and Keyboarding are teachers and staff who are trained by the district within a train-the-trainer model. They serve as specialists and provide one-on-one support or group training sessions. They provide local support or know how to access higher-level support, depending upon need.

Ø How-to tips are posted on the webpage.

Ø Libraries/media centers have become technology hubs within schools (see Appendix A3 for state of Montana library standards).

Ø Librarians not only teach productivity skills and solutions as part of their curriculum but also provide support for programs that are district specific.

Ø Technology Support Technicians not only make sure that hardware and software are in good working order but also provide schools and staff with requested support. This support ranges from researching hardware and software, planning, and implementing technology solutions.

Ø The Help Desk provides teachers and staff with answers, guidance, and one-on-one assistance. Helping staff members through fixes for basic problems will increase technology-oriented vocabulary and understanding of hardware and software.

Ø Web-based Help Desk software provides a frequently-asked-question (FAQ) section to answer many staff questions on everyday technology items.

Ø Computer technicians can use the new Remote Desktop Assistance to guide staff members through simple technology fixes.

Ø Moodle

The goal of having all of these programs, procedures, and staff in place is to continue to increase technology skills in teachers so that by 2013, 90% of all teachers within Great Falls Public Schools will rate themselves as proficient in basic technology tools as measured by the TAGLIT survey. As programs and needs continue to evolve and change, so will the training and support.

3. It is the goal of Great Falls Public Schools for teachers and administrators to use technology effectively to assist in the data analysis of student learning and achievement as measured by a continued increase in academic achievement.

Technology within education is not a drill-and-practice medium but a productivity resource. It has become central to student information systems, grade books, communications, and presentations. It has also become integral for using data to track effective instructional programs and methods. Great Falls Public Schools recognizes the need for teachers and administrators to look at student data for information on how best to meet student needs and what needs to be taught to meet district benchmarks.

Some of the programs implemented to help create snapshots of achievement are

Ø Spreadsheets: a program resource for inputting and comparing data by creating charts and graphs.

Ø LXR: this program allows district tests to be created within a digital format. Questions are tied to curricular benchmarks. Tests are scanned and results can be aggregated by student, teacher, test, school, grade, and district.

Ø ECS StAR: this data warehouse houses student demographic data, standardized test scores, district assessments, and the state CRT scores. StAR can be accessed from any computer within the district network and is available to teachers and administrators.

Ø State data warehouse that itemizes results of the Montana CRT (criterion-referenced test), which helps administrators and teachers plan for instruction.

Ø DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) -- The DIBELS Data System is a web-based database which allows schools and districts to enter their data online and generate automated reports to assess student learning.

Ø Assistive software: Implementation of two computer-based programs that give detailed student-learning reports: SuccessMaker, Academy of Math.

Ø MAP assessment is used four times a year at elementary and three times at secondary schools to obtain detailed reports of student readiness in reading, math and science.

Ø Zoomerang and other surveys of student and staff to address everything from building climate to satisfaction of programs.

Ø PowerSchool: this student information system can be used to export student grades by teacher, grade level and subject taught in order to evaluate programs at the school and district level.

Access to this data is so important because if used properly, it can help make better instructional decisions.
Technology in the Schools

Introduction

Digital technology has progressed from a luxury to a necessity. It is the goal of Great Falls Public Schools for all K-12 students to have access to technology tools and instruction to assist and enhance student learning. To meet this goal, all classrooms have network and high-speed Internet access on every computer. Every school has access to a computer lab or labs. Technology criteria and implementation guides are written into every curricular subject area as each topic is reviewed and updated.

Software

In keeping with the content and philosophies of the Montana Standards and Great Falls Public Schools, technology is placed in schools not only for students to learn computer skills but also to provide activities that support and enhance the curriculum. Standardized age-appropriate software is selected that enables teachers at different grade levels to focus on specific areas of the curriculum or on different skills.

Great Falls Public Schools continues to review, update, and adopt software for the district. This ensures a standardized and controllable network environment that supports the mission of the Great Falls Public Schools.

Software is divided into two categories: standard software that is provided on all computers in a particular grade/area and approved software that may be purchased by schools or departments.

Elementary Schools

All elementary schools have access to hardware: computers, printers, faxes, clickers, LCD/DLP projectors, document cameras, scanners, digital cameras, photocopiers, TV/VCRs, SmartBoards (not at all sites), AlphaSmart keyboards (not at all sites), and DVD players. The schools also have requirements for productivity, assistive and creative software. The chart below lists the specific titles approved by the district and used at most schools:

Instructional Technology	Purpose	Implemented
SuccessMaker	Assistive	1993
Inspiration/Kidspiration	Creative/Productivity	2001
Read Naturally	Assistive	2002
Zoophonics	Productivity	2003
Type to Learn 3/Type to Learn Jr.	Assistive	2003
Accelerated/Star Reader	Assistive	2003
Accelerated/Star Math	Assistive	2003
Lexia Software	Assistive	2003
Academy of Math	Assistive	2004
Knowledge Box	Assistive	2004
Smartboard Slide Show Software	Productivity/creative	2005
Corel Suite	Creative	2005
Harcourt Brace (web-based)	Assistive	2005
Math Facts in a Flash	Assistive	2005
PowerSchool/PowerTeacher	Productivity	2005
Contribute/Composer (web design)	Creative	2005
Library Databases: Infotrac	Productivity	2006
Alexandria (library catalog/circulation)	Productivity	2008
Nvu (webpage editor)	Productivity	2008
Microsoft Office Suite 2007	Productivity	2008
MAP assessment	Assistive	2008

Additional technology tools and resources vary from school to school due to individual building needs and interests (which is in line with the district’s site-based management philosophy). Great Falls Public Schools currently has ten school-wide Title I elementary schools that have purchased technology resources for their students to increase learning for low-performing students.

New Technology Implemented at Elementary Level:

MAP assessment for all students to identify needs in math, reading and science.

Middle Schools

All middle schools have access to hardware: computers, printers, document cameras, clickers, faxes, LCD/DLP projectors, scanners, digital cameras, photocopiers, TV/VCRs, SmartBoards, embroidery machines, airliners (to control computers remotely), interactive remotes, and DVD players. The schools also have requirements for productivity, assistive and creative software. The chart below lists the specific titles:

Instructional Technology	Purpose	Implemented
Auto Cad	Creative	2000
Robotics	Productivity	2000
Inspiration	Creative	2001
Corel Suite	Creative	2002
PLATO	Assistive	2003
Read Naturally	Assistive	2003
Star Math	Assistive	2003
Building Homes of your Own	Creative	2004
Academy of Math	Assistive	2004
Smartboard Slide Show Software	Productivity/creative	2005
Contribute	Creative	2005
Microtype	Productivity	2005
PowerSchool/PowerTeacher	Productivity	2005
Language Exclamation	Assistive	2005
KeyCreator drafting program	Creative	2006
Bridges (career software)	Assistive	2006
Typershark	Assistive	2006
Library Databases: Infotrac	Productivity	2006
Alexandria (library catalog/circulation)	Productivity	2008
Google Sketchup	Creative	2008
Microsoft Office Suite 2007	Productivity	2008
Nvu (webpage editor)	Productivity	2008
Adobe Digital School collection	Productivity	2008

Additional technology tools and resources vary from school to school due to individual building needs and interests as stated before with the site-based management philosophy.

New technology implementations for the middle schools:

Ø Most middle-school teachers created webpages and will be using web-page-creation or other software to institute e-Portfolios with their students.

Ø Autocad teacher incorporated Google’s free Sketchup software so that students could work on their architectural projects at home.

High Schools

All high schools have access to hardware: computers, printers, faxes, document cameras, clickers, LCD/DLP projectors, scanners, digital cameras, video camcorders, photocopiers, interactive remotes, TV/VCRs, SmartBoards, airliners and Vision software (to control computers remotely), embroidery machines, heart-rate monitors and pedometers, electronic microscopes, CISCO networking equipment, Modis Scan Tool and Hunter Technologies for auto diagnostics/repair, and DVD players. Some teachers have PC handhelds. The schools also have requirements for productivity, assistive and creativity software. The chart below lists the specific titles:

Instructional Technology	Purpose	Implemented
Robotics	Productivity/Creative	2000
Library databases (Infotrac, Facts on File)	Productivity	2000
Database software	Productivity	2000
Inspiration Software	Creative	2001
PLATO	Assistive	2001
Corel Suite	Creative	2002
Heart-Rate Monitors	Assistive	2004
Virtual Human Dissection software	Assistive	2004
PowerSchool/PowerTeacher	Productivity	2005
Adobe Production Studio (video)	Creative	2005
Teen Screen (Suicide awareness software)	Assistive	2005
Smartboard Slide Show Software	Productivity/creative	2005
Dance, Dance Revolution (P.E)	Assistive	2005
Adobe Creative Suite (design premium)	Creative	2005
Bridges (career software)	Assistive	2006
Win Align (automotive wheel alignment)	Assistive	2006
Snap On software bundle (engine diagnostics)	Assistive	2006
Streaming video encyclopedia and topics	Assistive/Creative	2006
Contribute/Dreamweaver	Creative	2007
Alexandria (library catalog/circulation)	Productivity	2008
Adobe Premiere Elements and Pro (video)	Creative	2008
Nvu (webpage editor)	Productivity	2008
Adobe Digital School collection	Productivity	2008
Microsoft Office 2007	Productivity	2008
Nova Net (credit recovery)	Assistive	2009

Additional technology tools and resources vary from school to school due to individual building needs and interests which are in line with the district’s site-based management philosophy.

New technology implementations for the high schools:

Ø Online classes (Virtual Academy) joint project with MSU-GF College of Technology

Ø Adobe Premiere for video editing in multimedia and video production classes

Ø Site licenses of Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium for journalism and art classes

Ø Novanet for summer school and on going credit recovery

Ø Smart Music 2005

Ø Finale 2004

Ø Clickers (Interactive remotes)

Ø IEP Web-based Software – Moodle

Ø Technology-based Academic Programs:

Ø CISCO training labs in each high school taught by CISCO certified instructors. Students can earn Level 1 & 2 CISCO certifications.

Ø Orbital drafting labs at each high school

Ø Robotics lab in each middle school

Ø Business labs at each high school where students can earn college credit through Tech-Prep or be a part of school School-to Work program. In addition, the business labs have been converted to The Company, a program whereby students operate as a real-world business process.

Ø Auto Labs where students are taught current skills with diagnostic technologies

Ø Journalism courses are 100% digital. Students learn real-world skills about publishing and production.

Ø Video production labs where students learn to edit video and create projects in a digital environment.

Curriculum Library

All schools have access to resources available for checkout through the district’s curriculum library. This library contains computers, LCD/DLP projectors, DVD players, document cameras, screens, and classroom sets of digital cameras, video camcorders and interactive remotes. In addition, the library contains resource books and training materials covering topics such as how to use specific software and how to teach classes online.

Technology Skills Assessment

All Great Falls Public Schools teachers take part in the Taking a Good Look at Instructional Technology (TAGLIT) Technology Skills Survey. This is one of the choices of the evaluation requirements for Title II, Part D technology integration funds. TAGLIT is used to assess the following objective:

Measurable Objective 3.1: Ninety percent (90%) of district teachers will rate themselves as a “3” or better as measured by the Teacher’s Technology Skills section (basic tools, multimedia tools, communication tools, research/problem-solving tools) of Taking a Good Look at Instructional Technology (TAGLIT) by spring 2013.

Even though the categories are self-assessed, the data are valuable in showing how teachers perceive their own technology skills and how they integrate technology into the classroom.

TAGLIT Data:

The Teacher Technology Skills results are used to assess Goal 3 and Objective 3.1 of OPI’s Technology Plan. The survey was given in 2003, 2004 and again in 2006.

The results of the Basic Skills section show that about 65 percent of Great Falls Public Schools teachers rate themselves as proficient in basic technology skills. This means that teachers will have to increase proficiency of basic skills at an average of eight percent per year to achieve the goal of 90% proficiency by 2013. This can be achieved by offering effective technology training opportunities and strengthening support systems such as technology committees, improving building trainer models as well as providing readily available technology resources such as Great Falls Public Schools Help Desk and Technology Resource information on the Internet.

Comparison of TAGLIT Results:

Survey Analysis

During 2007-2009, the district targeted multimedia (our lowest area on the survey) and basic skills (since we regressed in this area) by offering more professional development in these subjects. The data show the attention provided substantial growth in both categories. GFPS will need to continue to offer opportunities for teachers to learn how to use multimedia tools and incorporate these tools into their classroom activities. Our building-level technology teachers have been teaching mini lessons at faculty meetings called the Tech Ten to help reinforce the use of technology in the classroom. We have disagreggated the data to find the lowest subcategories: using spreadsheets to create charts, video and image editing, web authoring, and using probes and graphic organizers. In addition, the libraries have become technology hubs within the schools, and the library media specialists have striven to help teachers use the new equipment and software (see Appendix A3 for library standards).

Professional Development

2002-09 (Historical Data)

Pupil-Instruction Related (PIR) Technology Training:

During 2005-2009, Great Falls Public School saw a decrease in the number of teachers attending technology PIR classes. This is due to the decrease in Title II D dollars that were used to pay instructors to offer and/or take classes. Since we didn’t have as much money, we could not offer as many classes. During the last year, a change in administration brought a new emphasis in technology use and willingness to spend district monies, therefore, producing a slight increase over the previous three years. Also, our teachers have been receiving instruction as part of faculty meetings and early-out days, which are not reflected in the numbers below.

In addition to the formal PIR courses, the Program Assistant for Information Services has offered many mini courses after school, particularly on early-out days. Courses were offered in webpage development, PowerTeacher (electronic grade book), video editing, SmartBoards, electronic surveys, computer tips and tricks, Excel, Type to Learn, e-Portfolios and webmail. Tips and tricks, e-Portfolios, and Excel were also offered to district-level non-teaching staff.

Current Course PIR offerings

These courses were offered during the 2008-09 school year as PIR options for teachers and staff. They focused on technology tools to enhance instruction and increase the technical literacy of teachers. All course proposals were screened to make sure they meet Montana technology and curricular standards.

2008 – 2009 PIR Technology Trainings	Number taught
Adobe Premiere Elements	10
Advanced Microsoft Word	6
Building Homes of Your Own	9
Computer Boot Camp using VISTA	5
Computer Troubleshooting	4
Create a Web Page	58
Digital Photography, Classroom Usage	16
Drivers Ed Technology	3
Gotta Have Gadgets	12
Interactive Remotes (Clickers/CPS)	13
Laser Engraver, Practical	13
Microsoft Office 2007	11
MT Institute on Educational Technology	8
Online Learning	6
PowerGrade/PowerSchool	17
Putting EXCEL and WORD to Work for You	8
SMARTBoard Basics	11
SuccessMaker for Intervention	6
Technology in Math Part I	10
Technology in Math Part II	7
Tips, Tricks, and Right Clicks	8
What's New From NCCE?	6

Additional Technology Training for 2008-09:

Training in technology occurs in addition to PIR offerings. The following are technology trainings that occurred due to need or by request:

In-district training	Out of district training or trainer
Technology team training once per month on various topics	Montana Institute on Educational Technology for district tech team and technology teachers
New teacher training: phone system, PowerGrade, PowerSchool, Quickmail Pro, and SuccessMaker, Type to Learn	Northwest Council for Computers in Education conference for district trainers, State Tech Convention
Windows MovieMaker	Adobe Premiere Elements
Read Naturally and SuccessMaker training for summer school teachers	SuccessMaker software application training for district trainers
Academy of Math Training for Specialists and Tutors	Desire to Learn online learning management system
Technology summer institute training	Active Directory for Techs
Microsoft Vista training for technicians	Wireless LAN training for technicians
Building-level training for SuccessMaker	CPS Interactive Remotes
PowerSchool training for office staff and administrators	PowerSchool data processing department and office trainers
Web page creation using Nvu	Adobe Dreamweaver for Business Teachers and tech team
Interactive Remotes	Alexandria Library software
SmartBoards	Web 2.0 tools
Early outs: technology topics to meet site-specific needs: data analysis, PowerTeacher, SmartBoards, Video Editing, Windows Vista/Office 07, Quickmail/webmail, PowerPoint, PIR eCentral, webpage creation, Active Directory, passwords, webmail

2010-13

Pupil-Instruction Related (PIR) Technology Training and Additional Technology Training Needs:

These training topics will be covered as suggested by the district technology teams from findings on various evaluation devices listed below the suggestions.

Ø Web 2.0 Tools

Ø Using new computers with Vista and Office 2007

Ø District programs and program support (Academy of Math, Creative Suite, Contribute, SuccessMaker, Type to Learn, PLATO, Microsoft Office Suite, to name a few)

Ø PowerTeacher reporting

Ø Use of digital cameras and video camcorders

Ø How to be your own tech

Ø Interactive remotes

Ø Pod casting

Ø Video editing

Evaluation of Professional Development

There are several ways that technology training and training needs are evaluated:

Ø Needs are assessed from the feedback given on PIR evaluations. One of the questions is “What future in-service would you find helpful?” The evaluations for training sessions in technology also indicate which trainings were or were not successful.

Ø Great Falls Public Schools participation in the TAGLIT survey will also provide needed data. The information gained from this survey will assist schools and the district in providing training for teachers in areas of need. Some schools also included students in the survey, which will help them in assessing the technology needs of their students.

Ø Every spring, the district conducts an online survey of all staff asking for input on technology training. These results are reviewed by the PIR Evaluation Committee and Technology Committees.

Ø All year long, the Help Desk tickets are monitored and training provided as the needs become apparent based on the tickets.

These evaluations and analysis of technology skills will assist Great Falls Public Schools in tailoring technology training and implementations to meet Montana technology standards with staff and students.

Instructional Technology Support

Planning and Implementation of Technology:

There are three levels of technology committees within Great Falls Public Schools:

District Technology Review Committee consisting of administrators, supervisors, teachers, and support staff.
An Elementary Technology Committee consisting of teachers and administrators representing K-6 and a Secondary Technology Committee consisting of teachers and administrators representing grades 7-12.
Some buildings have technology committees, which may include administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, and students.

These committees review current technology implementation, discuss needs, and review possible technology solutions/adoption. Members of these committees help plan and provide training and facilitate new technology implementation.

Technology Support

Technology is supported within the district and its schools in many ways and levels. GFPS conducts an annual survey to assess technology needs. The feedback is reviewed by the strategy team to improve technology support to staff and students in the schools. Besides the computer technicians and Information Services department, the following also provide aid:

Ø Technology committees meet monthly to provide suggestions and help plan technology implementation in the schools.

Ø Teacher trainers are trained in specific software, for example, PowerGrade, Type to Learn, and SuccessMaker. They then provide support for their individual schools in the use of these programs.

Ø Library media specialists, located in each school, provide support in software use and simple hardware troubleshooting (see Appendix A3 for library standards).

Ø Program Assistant for Instructional Technology provides support for instructional technology at a student, teacher, and administrative level. This is a district-wide position to assist in coordinating technology at all levels.

Ø IIT Department provides support for all staff on a district-wide level.

o IIT Director who oversees all aspects of the department

o Technology Architects – to configure and maintain servers, building networks, library system, wireless WAN, NORTEL phone system and Active Directory implementation.

o Core Support Technicians – focus on web development, assessment programs, instructional support, hardware/software research, Help Desk, and backup needs.

o Technology Support Technicians – support and maintain building hardware and software needs and staff the Help Desk.

o Library Research/Resource Assistant – support and technology equipment maintenance and repair.

o Office Assistant – Administration Library – support and central library processing

o Administrative Assistant-Information Services – support for technicians, libraries, and information and instruction technology director.

o Supervisor Data Processing – department administrator

o Support Technician – support for technicians and administrative staff

o Tech Architect – support for networking and Active Directory

o Collaboration Systems Analyst – specialist in collaborative technologies and business continuity expertise

o Computer Analyst – support for district business systems

o Coordinator of Student Services/Programmer - support for student systems and backup for business systems

o Programmer/Operator - support for student and business systems

o Computer Operator – runs daily activity for all systems in the evening

Technology Resources

Ø Web-based Help Desk software is available to all employees of Great Falls Public Schools. At this site staff can put in a request for technology repairs and quotes for equipment. This resource also offers a frequently-asked-question (FAQ) section on how to handle simple technology tasks.

Ø The GFPS Help Desk, staffed by a computer technician, is accessible by phone to help staff walk through issues or create help tickets on a staff member’s behalf.

Ø Remote Assistance technology that the Help Desk and other technicians can use to guide staff members through simple computer fixes and software help.

Infrastructure

Great Falls Public Schools is now PC-based with an Active Directory network. The district still has some older Macintosh computers as well, which will be phased out next year.

Current Hardware Standards:

Desktops/ Laptops	Dell	State Contract
Printers	HP	Best Source
Phone System	Nortel	Best Source
Wireless LANs	Meru	Best Source
Switches	3COM	Best Source

The network at Great Falls Public Schools is in a constant state of change. This is the result of ever increasing demands and software/hardware needs. The possibilities of change are numerous and can change daily with the discovery of new technologies and future implementations.

Currently

Converted WAN to fiber connectivity with 100mg to all schools except for CM Russell and Great Falls High. Those two schools have 1 Gig connections.
4 gig fiber connection from District Offices to Bresnan Communications for WAN connection and telephone system.
A 50 mb wireless connection to Internet service provider.
Revamp of our Active Directory system including network disk and planned consolidation of our Active Directory servers to the central offices.

Plans are to increase the network infrastructure:

Ø Changes and upgrades in hubs and switches

Ø Changes and upgrades in wiring as needed

Ø Changes and upgrades in servers and server software, including centralizing and virtualizing servers

Ø Additions of server storage farms

Ø Possible addition of parent emergency and even notification system

Ø Possible VOIP or new digital phone system

Technology needs continue to grow and change. We will be upgrading the internal networking and infrastructure such as switches, servers and wiring, as necessary. It must be a priority to continually research and monitor where the district is and where it needs to be. Flexibility is the key to meeting future needs.

Budgets and Funding

Introduction

Technology funding is critical to keeping systems current and compatible with new hardware and software. Great Falls Public Schools technology funding comes from many different sources:

General Fund

Wherever needed

Title II, Part D

Title II, Part D funds are used for staff training and hardware/software purchases. These funds have been cut significantly since 2004.

Technology Levy

Upgrade and replace hardware/software.

Microsoft Settlement Monies

Purchase hardware and software

Perkins Grant

Upgrade and replace hardware/software

State Land Grant Money

Technology upgrades, new purchases

Competitive Grant Awards

For whatever is stated within the proposal

Title I Funds for Title schools

To grant additional resources and programs to raise student achievement in high-poverty and low-proficiency schools.

E-Rate

To purchase needed technology to meet federal guidelines and recommendations.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

o To purchase needed technology using federal guidelines

Many long-term technology programs/projects end up being a blend of funds. An example is a program that started as a Perkins Vocational Education Grant may later be continued or upgraded with district money. Technology purchases as a result of original E-Rate funds may no longer qualify for E-Rate now even though hardware needs may be the same, which means that other funding sources need to be tapped. Title II, Part D has been used mainly to upgrade equipment and provide technology training for teachers. However, this resource is being phased out, so the district has started to supplement Title II, Part D money so that we can continue our strong teacher professional development program in technology. This blending of funds (where appropriate) allows Great Falls Public Schools to juggle monies from multiple sources to meet the demands of ever-increasing technology needs.

Great Falls Public Schools follows a site-based management system that creates some interesting dynamics within technology purchases and resources. Although all schools have core programs that include specific hardware and software, other technologies will vary greatly from building to building. Any additional technology resources available depend on the philosophy of the building administrator or direction of the building technology committee.

Budget Charts

The following information is a breakdown of general budget numbers:

Item	2008-09	2009-10	2010-11	2011-12	2012-13	Funding Source
Data Processing Salaries	160,779	170,779	$208,341	$211,466	$214,638	General Fund
Internet Filtering	$4,000	$4,000				General Fund
Maintenance Contracts	$72,500	$72,500	$200,000	$320,000	$320,000	General Fund
Library Online Databases	$5,310	$5,310	$5,310	$5,310	$5,310	General Fund
Network/Telecommunications	$71,000	$109,610	$163,667	$163,667	$163,667	E-Rate and General Fund
Internet Service Provider	$17,700	$26,917	$40,800	$40,800	$40,800	E-Rate and General Fund
Cell Phones	$10,000	$12,470	$26,020	$26,020	$26,020	E-Rate and General Fund
Long Distance Service	$9,000	$9,000	$3,000	$3,000	$3,000	E-Rate and Federal Fund
Special Education Hardware	$130,000	$130,000	$130,000	$130,000	$130,000	IDEA-B, General Fund
Desktops and software for Workforce Dept.	$78,082	$78,082	$78,082	$78,082	$78,082	State Career & Technical Education Perkins Grant
Internal Connections	$195,000	$195,000	$112,500	$112,500	$112,500	General Fund
Technology Support Salaries	$400,000	$420,000	$395,000	$400,925	$406,939	General Fund
Hardware Maintenance	$38,000	$40,000	$54,000	$54,000	$54,000	General Fund
Toner Cartridges	$27,000	$28,000	$28,000	$28,000	$28,000	General Fund
Hardware (Computers, projectors, Smartboards, cameras, printers, etc.)	$330,000	$340,000	$600,000	$400,000	$400,000	Technology bond, Title funds, General Fund, Impact Aid, E-Rate,
Software	$310,000	$320,000	$320,000	$320,000	$320,000	Technology bond, Title funds, General Fund, Impact Aid, E-Rate,
Technology Professional Development	$54,000	$54,000	$62,500	$54,000	$54,000	Title IID, General Fund, ARRA.*

*America Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds available for 2009 – 2010.
Community

Information and communication with the parents, organizations, businesses, and the general community is vital. Community access to school district information and programs is needed on a daily basis. Digital technologies allow easy access to this important information.

Ø The district webpage http://www.gfps.k12.mt.us contains volumes of information that is easy to access at any time. One of the features is a web calendar that contains sub calendars for each school as well as each department. Staff, parents and community members can view all events or filter by type of event, by date, or by school. It is a priority that all District information be kept as current as possible.

o Parents can access lunch menus, curriculum, sports schedules, music schedules, school directories, technology resources, student information and grades, the district report card, the district profile, and other information. Several schools hold an open house where parents and students can try the school’s technology resources and learn about educational websites they can access from home.

o Community members can search the library database and access the district profile, district report card, school-board contact information, school directories, technology resources and school calendar information.

o A new searchable Indian Library reference data base was added to the webpage. It is organized by topic, tribe, title and author, and also lists the grade level of the book.

o Students can access vital information such as the Homework Hotline, student information and grades, and the Student Handbook.

o School board member names and contact information, agenda and past meeting minutes are posted for concerned community members to see.

o Employment notices are updated weekly so that current openings are available to in-district and out of district applicants. Application forms are now available electronically.

o Most schools have their own pages which post information unique to that school.

o Teachers can create their own class pages where they can post homework info, class schedules, resources, and research.

o District and individual school “report card” information will be posted to meet state and federal mandates.

Ø The digital phone system allows quick, convenient access to teachers and parents. This phone system also allows for message centers and homework hotlines. District phone numbers are easily located via the directory posted on the district website.

Ø As more and more people have access to the Internet, e-mail continues to grow in value. Now parents and teachers can communicate quickly and effectively with little time impact.

Ø With the implementation of PowerSchool and PowerTeacher, parents and students have access to student information, including absences, course grades, and assignments. Many schools are planning Parental Portal training on how to use these items.

Appendix A1

Great Falls Public Schools

Comprehensive

Five-Year Plan

Currently

Under

Revision

Appendix A2

State of Montana

Office of Public Instruction

Technology Standards

Appendix A3

State of Montana

Office of Public Instruction

Library

Standards