Wrapping up PSA Group Projects!

The last three weeks, I have had the pleasure of working with four wonderful ladies, Germayne, Gina, Dana and Ruth. We worked together on our PSa, Danger of Texting While Driving.
I really appreciate all the hard work they put in with getting our project together.
This is the first time I have been apart of making a PSA and I enjoyed the process. My district is requiring me to get a new certification and so I took the Tech Apps Content TExES test last night and so far this program has already helped me understand some of the key concepts of the test. I am not a good test taker, so going into it I was  a little worried, but for some reason the test seemed freakishly easy, which I am hoping to be  a good thing!!
This course, Dr. A and Creighton were great these past five weeks, I really am glad I chose this program.  I liked the fact that there were many web conferences and although my internet at home is not that good, I was able to watch the recorded session. The information from the web conferences were very helpful and calmed my nerves when I became anxious.

I hope everyone who views our PSA enjoys it and that is does make an impact on how dangerous it really is to text and drive. I have included the link!

Thanks again to everyone involved!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3brjCqmgoc

An Hour on Vacation.... You Should Try it!

There are some things in life that are just needed, such as massages!
With the semester coming to a quick end and my classes for my masters taking a break for the Christmas Holiday, I need all the relaxation I can get. I am learning a lot in my classes and I am excited to continue, but I just need a moment. This school year, and I mean work,  as I seem to have to always define which one I am talking about now, has been very stressful. It seems as though everyone and of course I'm talking about teachers :) seem to be feeling the same type of stress I am, so although I feel bad for them, I am happy at the same time to know I am not alone!
I know massages are looked at as a luxury, I even use to believe that, but I've learned recently it is a necessity, not only because it's one of the most soothing things, but because of the stress.
If you have not had the pleasure of getting a massage, I don't know what you're waiting for! At first it can be a little unsettling knowing that someone you don't know will be "rubbing" all over you... LOL it didn't sound as bad until I wrote it.. but just know they are professionals and they're there to only to benefit your well being.
I know I am going to sleep wonderfully tonight and I would encourage you to try it out.. because in that hour it's as though you have left for vacation and you don't want to come back! It will help me get through the next couple of weeks!
Thank goodness for massages and helping me not go crazy on my students!

Learning a lot in Editing

This past week has been great because of the five days I had off and got to spend time with family. But then I wasn't as productive as I was in the first week or in any of the other classes. Plus I have been dealing with Internet issues at my apartment complex and it is so frustrating, because I can write this blog, but when I try to upload a video or submit something it tells me it will take 200 min. So again I am a little down.
This week though was very informational and great because I had tried to use Audacity a few years ago to create a podcast for a professional development at work and it was a total flop. However, this week turned out well creating the podcast. It also helped to teach me how to use iMovie more in depth by creating the tutorial.
I wasn't able to attend any of the web conferences during week 2, but I did get a chance to watch the recorded conference from Tuesday and it helped clarify what was actually required for this week, because it wasn't too much work, it was just a little confusing regarding the video clip to edit and the podcast. 
I look forward to the next three weeks and creating the PSA with my group. As of now I am working with three other great ladies and we have done great helping each other understand and clarifying what we need to do. Two ideas have already been thrown out and I am ready to get started.
Although this week was very stressful for me due to all the obstacles, I made it through and and thankful for an understanding Instructional Assistant.

Telling My Story...

For the first week of my fourth class, I got the chance to make a digital story, using iMovie, a program I had never used before. At first it was difficult to decide on what I wanted to tell. At first I thought of creating a memorial for my grandma, "MawMaw" but I still wasn't sure how or what I would tell. When I was in junior high/high school I was always told how much I looked like her when she was younger and how I acted like her too. Growing up I spent most of my time with her, we were inseparable, I even would make myself sick just so I could stay with her. But still as much as I thought about this, I wasn't sure it was right.
The second idea I had was the one I stuck with and in my opinion it turned out pretty well for my first try. When I saw little, I always wanted to be with my dad, if he went to the store, I was there, if he went to work, I wanted to go too. My dad and I were so close until somewhere around my sophomore year in college... you always hear, "in college you will figure out and find who you are" and for me, that was very true. When my views began to change, we were always disagreeing and just couldn't get on the same page. It wasn't until I was well into adulthood that my dad started "accepting" how I thought, although we still didn't agree. There was a time period that we didn't talk much and I really didn't have anything to say because it always turned into some kind of mini argument. And then everything changed, although it was many years later, seeing my dad in the hospital and not knowing if he would make it through the next surgery, I decided that no matter if we had the same views or not, he was still my dad and there was no reason to be so distant.
I hope, if you view my video that you enjoy it and makes you think of someone close to you that has drifted away, but hopefully will come back.

A Whole New World.... Week 1 Reflection of Multimedia 5363

Starting this class I was a little uneasy because this is the side of journalism I didn't touch on a lot in college, voiceovers, editing clips and video, it was just the basics. But after reviewing the Week 1 assignment sheet I was understood a little better, however the web conference with Dr. Abernathy made me feel a little more ease. I attended the the web conference on Tuesday night, November 15 and it was very helpful and gave some ease before I got kicked out of the conference room. I went back and viewed the recording, it was a little overwhelming just thinking of everything that needs to get done over the next five weeks, but taking it one day at a time and one section at a time, it will be able to get done.
Working on the digital story was fun, a little difficult to narrow it down to a topic that would flow, but I think mine turned out well and especially for my first time using iMovie. I just didn't like editing because I don't like hearing myself talk.. a little part, but it's true.
I partnered with Ruth Haddick this week, but I also helped a few other classmates and although Google Docs is pretty easy to use somehow Ruth's answers were erased from the doc when the other person answered so I will need to figure out what to change when we start working in groups for the larger project.
I look forward to learning more in detail the editing process and audacity, which I tried to use for a work project with other teachers and it just wouldn't work right... maybe I will learn I wasn't doing something right.
Dr. A gave some good ideas and suggestions when it comes to working with partners long distance. I am planning on attending as many web conferences next week as possible, I looked at the assignment sheet and it was a lot to take in.

What a Whirl-wind of School Law...

The last five weeks has been interesting, stressful and a learning experience. After just finishing the school  law class, I found that I am very interested in law, I mean some of it can be repetitive and boring, but overall I was interested in learning more about the law and how to handle situations. I knew in college when I took journalism law and ethics, that I was very interested and I even thought about pursuing journalism law, but it did not work out that way and it's okay. But after taking the school law class, something in me wants to learn more, lol!
It was a little stressful only because I had a week of work-nights with my yearbook staff, so that week was very stressful and I didn't ever think I was going to finish my assignments, but I did and everything was great, thanks to Creighton!!
I was very pleased with the class format and the information provided by both of the professors. I am ready to start using my knowledge and teach others on the appropriate processes and ways to handle any situation.
The next class is Multimedia Video Technology and this is an area I am unfamiliar with this topic, so I am intrigued and nervous all at the same time... but I am ready for the challenge!! :)

Lots to Learn about Law... Week 1 5433

The weeks seem to be flying by and I just finished my first week in school law, which I can't believe is my third class, another thing I can't believe!

This first week was a little tougher than I thought,  I am not really sure what I expected though. Although I have been teaching for six years, I only knew the bare minimum about what all goes into IEPs and Special Education evaluations.  It was interesting to learn all the details. 

I also thought it was interesting to read my classmates opinions on the discussion board regarding NCLB. I look forward to learning more, I think law of any kind is good information and the more you know the more it can help.  

Whoo hoo! Made it to Week 5, Reflection

When starting this class, I was unsure of what action research consisted of and really thought it was a simple research class. However, I learned within the first week that there were many differences and how action research is used, one specific difference is stated in one of the text included for the class, “focused on providing insight into an administrator’s own practice in an effort to make change and improve the school” (Dana p. 7). After I understood what action research I was able to understand the lectures more, because at first I felt lost and overwhelmed. I also realized I was taking part of action research on a daily basis at my school campus and did not know it, because professional learning communities are considered one type of action research. “By their own nature, then, PLCs enhance the possibilities for conducting an inquiry and cultivating a community of inquirers” (Dana 22). On my campus, we meet in these types of meetings each week, they may be called something else, but it still has the same purpose. The readings overall have helped me the most, because in both texts there were specific examples given, which allowed me to understand more for each topic we discussed. Along with the assignments, I was able to read the information and then apply it to answering the questions on the assignment sheet. These assignments gave me time to reflect on what I read and retain the information. Although I have learned a great deal and all the information has been a lot of help, I still had some challenges including time. This class began on the first day back to work and it was a little overwhelming. I felt as though there wasn’t enough time in the day to complete all the expectations at work, including lesson plans and weekly meetings, then I had the action research project when I got home at night. Although I was asking questions to my site mentors and having in-depth conversations of how my research project would and will help the school and classrooms over time. Which motivated me to continue and take it one step at a time. Once I discovered exactly what my research would cover, and I had a grasp on how to actually implement this research in my school, it became a little more manageable because I understood what needed to take place to get this research project started at my school. Another challenge was relying on others to help provide information, because with my subject I teach I do not need to rely on others much, so that was difficult in the beginning. As time went on though it became a little easier because my technology site mentor was able to provide good information and help me decide what would work best and the challenges we faced. We were also able to look into the future of where we expected this project to be handled and expanded. While there were challenges, I think the blog helped, because everyone in the class was able to view others plans and get an idea of what others were doing and going about their research. I think sharing is important, because everyone enrolled in the class could help each other through and I know I work best with viewing specific examples and although each topic was different it was still helpful to be able to see if I had applied the correct data to specific areas. I look forward to being able to complete this action research and hopefully see the students achieve more with the software we are implementing in computer classes.

Action Research Week three dizzying!

So week three was a little overwhelming to me, I am not sure if it was the fact of things at school, work, are going crazy and I just feel like I can't keep up. Originally I had emailed asking to utilize my 48 hour extension, however I really worked last weekend and got it done! I was proud to say I didn't need to use the extra time. I just hope this week isn't such a conundrum!
As far as my research project, I am interested to see if our principal will be willing to implement this program in all computer classes. It's not so much that I don't understand the purpose of the project or what I am suppose to be doing, I think it's putting it all together and time management. I am ready to see the outcome and work with teachers at my school to start using LanSchool.

Week 3 - Action Planning Draft!

Action Research Question:

How do teachers use technology that can limit student web destinations, allow teachers to monitor progress and class management, and to address questions in a crowded environment?

Action Planning Template
Goal: Help teachers with classroom management in a larger computer classroom and help students achieve a better understanding with direct interaction with the teacher To use common available technology to produce student engagement and stop distractions in an enlarged computer classroom setting
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Examine the work: Setting the Foundation: Collaborate with technology mentor to understand where we would like to be by the end of the year	Myself, Teacher, IT Specialist	Beginning research, allow one week	Software, computers and test class	Evaluate if the software is installed on all computers and working along with teacher computer
Analyzing Data: With a 30-day trial in one or two classes, allow teacher and students to use all the features of the program to determine if achievement is being made in the class.	Teacher	30-day Trial	Computers, software	Teacher evaluates the use of interacting with students through the program
Developing Deeper Understanding: Along with the data provided from the teacher in the test class, I will use research from other schools and districts that are using LanSchool and ask what worked and what did not. I will also use data provided by LanSchool of complaints and how were it was handled and corrected.	Myself, IT Specialist, Teacher, Other districts, LanSchool data	After the 30-day class trial, until I get the information needed	Software Company, Other districts, reports, data including what worked and what did not	Evaluate what strategies other educators using this program has encountered, whether good or bad.
Engaging in Self Reflection: During this process I have spoke with many individuals in my school that would like to see this software/program implemented. By collaborating with my technology mentor, he has helped guide how we can get this into our computers classrooms to begin using, but there are a few questions.	Myself	Ongoing through research project	Myself, technology mentor, teacher	Evaluate if the right information is being researched and if anything needs to be improved and how to make it more effective.
Exploring Pragmatic Patterns: During this time in the research, I will need to sit down with the teacher of the trial class to determine if the software/program was effective in engaging students and helping with classroom management.	Teacher, Myself	One week after 30-day trial ends.	Teacher will show student work, quizzes, questions and surveys given during the trial and after.	This data allow the committee to see actual work from students within the trial class and what they answered on their surveys of what they thought was helpful as a student and what could be improved.
Determining Direction: At this point, the committee would determine if LanSchool is something that is right for our school and present it to the principal to purchase it for all other computer classes.	Teacher and Principal, myself	One week	Data collected over the 30-day trial, student work, research from LanSchool and other districts’ information regarding the program.	Hopefully by this time we will be able to evaluate how many computers we are purchasing for and how long it will take to install.
Taking action for school improvement. Having CTE teachers in a training to explain the software and through professional development allow them to practice with each other before using it with students in a classroom setting	CTE Teachers, IT Department	Allow two weeks for teachers to understand all the features	Software, click-sheets for teachers to follow. Software	Teacher who participated in the 30-day will present to peers with It Department.
Sustain Improvement: Once the software has been in use for two or three years and offers more data on student/teacher achievement we will be able to share with other schools in the district or outside to show how effective or not effective the software is within the computer class setting.	Teacher, Principal, Administration Staff.	Start: Following School Year.	Professional Development	Allow teachers using the software to continue ongoing training when it’s available to stay up on the changing of the software and new features.

Week two and the learning continues!

In week two I had the opportunity to view three interviews from different leaders in the education field. Listening to each of these leaders helped me have a better understanding of what kind of research can be conducted and hearing suggestions from those that have already conducted an action research plan. Dr. Lewis encouraged future leaders to make sure the research is practical because the information will be more interesting, the researcher will be more focused on the outcome and students on the leader's campus will benefit more if the research being sought is practical.
I plan to make sure to follow these suggestions while I am conducting my research.

Educational Leaders and Blogs

Educational leaders can use blogs as a place to store thoughts, that “can serve as a sort of ‘online diary’ where administrators can post commentary or news about the research they are currently engaged in” (Dana 87).  These blogs will not only be available to you anywhere Internet is available, but these blogs may also help other administrators wanting to conduct the same type of research.

What is Action Research?

Over the last week, I have been studying and learning what action research is and how to implement it in schools. Although I had heard of this type of research, I really didn’t know how to implement or go about conducting research of this nature.
Action research requires administrators and teachers to be active in the process and work together in professional development to have a plan in place to recognize the practices that need to be improved. By asking questions and collecting data a plan is created to follow for  a better understanding of  what needs to be done to make changes. This not only helps administrators recognize what changes need to be made on the administrative side, to deliver information to teachers, but it also helps teachers see how their method of delivering lessons to improve student achievement.
Although action research may take more time and more people involved, they are useful for many different topics. For example, one administrator might want to know what could be done to better the process of discipline and if the procedures in place are effective. While another administrator wants to know if the Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are effectively delivering information to teachers and are they able to implement that information in the classroom.
Action research is very helpful for all stakeholders of the school. It offers questions to think about and the evidence of what needs to be changed to be more effective.

Ready or Not, It's here anyway!

Today was the first day back.
I thought I was ready to start the school year and get into a routine, but I quickly figured out that I am not ready in any capacity.
Listening to people talk at you all day, is not ideal, for me anyway. But one part of me feels like it's really time to go, leave this school, whoops.. too late for that this school year, however there is another part that's telling me I am here for a reason. Let's hope it's the latter, because I may lose it this year.
I have noticed as I get older, the more emotional I get and over stupid stuff, I want the old me, the unemotional one, where no feelings are shown. Like today for instance, I started tearing up over something so minor, so petty, but at that moment everything in my mind and body began to tell me what if this... what about this... All I did was begin to look at the past, not the present.
So, after a long day of meetings and sitting on my butt, then a wonderful visit with two of my darlings, that have graduated and off to college in the fall, I prayed and listed to kind words from friends, I am going in this year positive, and whatever is thrown my way I am ready, because the Lord has prepared me and I know I have His strength in me to make it through.
Tomorrow begins a new day. One filled with more meetings and people talking at you about policies and expectations. Maybe I am ready for the kids to be back, maybe I am ready to be back in a routine, but I know I am definitely not ready for a bunch of mess and fake people. As I go to bed, I will remember tomorrow God will bring a new day and I get to start over, put on a smile and know you will bless someone today! That's at least what is going to get me through this coming school year.
Bring it on!

5306 Course Reflections

Over the past five weeks I have worked with new technologies to me. I was familiar with some of the information, but did not fully understand. Below is my course reflection of the past four weeks.

1.     What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?

Coming into this program, I was a little nervous because I have been out of school for so long. When I entered the course I was hoping to get a good grasp of what technology resources are available to teachers and how to implement them in the classroom. I did get great resources; I may even be presenting one or more of these topics during our professional development in the weeks to follow. The course aligned with mostly what I envisioned for this class. I am excited to take what I learned and start the year and see what I can utilize in my classroom and hopefully as I learn I will be able to bring ideas to the administration to help implement new ways to integrate technology into all classrooms. I have already started using Google docs and wikis with my yearbook staff and how we edit and review stories and class announcements.

2. To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?

Yes, they are very relevant, because for my journalism classes students are always turning in written articles. Having each student set up a Google account to use for the class will be helpful for me to see the work and for students to collaborate on each other’s work. As I stated in number one, we have already started utilizing some of the resources for the yearbook to communicate and see documents for the class. I feel all of the information presented in this course will be helpful to starting the year. There are many aspects of what I have created and worked on over the past four weeks that I will be able to carry through into my classroom. The wikis are good for class collaboration and group projects. It will also be exciting for me to help other teachers see the benefits in technology and how to apply existing lesson plans with implementing technology.

3. What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?

Overall, I believe I have achieved my outcomes. However, during week 5, I feel as though I have been behind because for some reason I am confused on the types of activities needed for the internship plan. My secondary mentor, our school directory of technology has helped me and given me examples of how we are we doing things at our school and what works best with students. I am hoping to get a clearer view of the technology facilitators and applying them to help me and help the school as I learn I can present it to them and try to help other teachers. Other than those small issues, I think I am achieving all the outcomes I envisioned for this course. After taking the post-self evaluation I rated myself higher because I not only knew about these items listed, I understood and can relate the information into my lessons and hopefully as the program continues I will be more available as a source for other teachers.

4.     Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?

In the beginning I was worried I would not figure out my time management, but overall I have been successful in carrying out the course assignments. However it was a bit confusing on the paragraph we were to write on the web conference, because it was to be submitted by the end of the third week, and there was a place on both week 2 and week 3 to submit, so that was discouraging. When you take each assignment and assess what needs to be done for the week and break it down into sections, it makes it easier to understand the material. Or then there are times, like week 5, where I started working on different sections and then go between each, making sure I have made progress each day. I am glad to have started the class and program during the summer, to see how it would work and learn how to work my time management and be able to apply those items when school starts and I become busy with work.

  

5.     What did you learn from this course…about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?

I have learned about many different resources, such as wikis that I knew and heard others talking about, but I was not fully aware on how to use them and implement them in the classroom. About myself, I learned that I am pretty tech savvy, however I need to learn how to use it in the classroom and teach students how to use the same resources to help with learning. I have leadership skills; I just do not use them or show them as much as I probably should.  It was interesting to take the personal learning assessments. In the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, I learned I was the Guardian, but before I new this was my temperament I read the summaries of each and automatically thought to myself, “I am probably Guardian” and it is true. For the Multiple Intelligence, the main one my personality fell under was Interpersonal, which also follows with the temperament. I like to talk to people and learn from what they have taught or experienced for themselves.

 

I'm not afraid of needles... Just the dentist and dry socket!

The dentist... that is a dreaded word, for me anyway. For one I don't like my face touched by other people, as weird as it sounds, it kind of freaks me out.. maybe I was traumatized, who knows with me. Four years ago I had to have a back tooth pulled, not a wisdom tooth either, and it was very painful one of the worst things I have had to deal with and I have a high tolerance for pain. I thought that was the end of my dental nightmares. But no, of course not, with my luck why did I even think that. Again here I am with a hole in my head, literally, that throbs and is filled with weird looking gunk...  I know that gross, sorry. I told the girl that pulled my tooth I was afraid this would happen, but no, I don't know what I am talking about. It has becoming a numbing sensation on my right side of my face. This just makes me dislike the dentist even more and I am grown-woman. So hopefully I can get into the office tomorrow to see a dentist and get the relief I need. I just dope I can make it one more day.
Although it seemed as the only option was to pull the tooth, I don't know if I am going to be so ready to say sure, go ahead, rip a tooth away from the bone and out of my head unless the dentist agrees to stitch me up! My teeth are pretty on the outside, but really the inside is another story. Hopefully it will all be corrected and I can start eating normal.

Where did the summer go...

Sitting here tonight, I couldn't believe it's already August. I feel like life is flying by and I haven't even seen it. I'm still getting use to this whole 30 thing, I don't feel any older and it seems everyone else thinks I am only 19.. lol! Not sure if that's a good thing, I guess thanks, I have good skin! I just got back from a cruise with my mom, aunt, grandmother and cousin, we had a good time.. however I think I might be cruised out, even though it's really the only way to really get away from everything.
School starts in less than two weeks for teachers, but that's ok, I think I am ready to have a routine again. The sooner the year starts, the sooner it will be over and I'll be closer to finishing my masters.. yippee!
With the end of summer, that means I am only a few weeks from my audition for the voice, that I am so excited to even do this whether I make it to the next round or not, it's just the fact I am finally doing something for myself.  I seem to be rambling tonight, but also with the end of summer means I am finishing my first graduate class... It's a lot of work for one week, but I am getting the hang of it and again it's hard to believe five weeks has almost passed. I hope I do well on the final, I suck at testing, no really. I think the information could be glued to my hand and I would still miss questions. Hopefully it will be different.
I read about a documentary that recently came out, The Bully Project, the trailer itself made me sad, but I would like to watch to understand, and I still want to see Waiting for Superman.
My dad is scheduled to have his surgery tomorrow afternoon, I am just glad we are all back and here for him I know he is nervous and scared, but we pray and hope for the best outcome.
This blog started about the summer, but somewhere took a turn into many ramblings all things that needed to be expressed, I guess.
Did I mention I my be homeless soon, only because my apartments are trying to raise my rent a ridiculous amount, I just hope it all works out the way it's suppose to... I am trying to keep from trying to do it my way, because that never works out.
Well I didn't really talk about much of anything this time, but hopefully next time I will have something prolific to say and teach someone something!

July 21 Web Conference

This week was I had the chance to participate in a web conference, which I have never done before. I thought it was interesting and good for me because I am a visual help me understand more. Although all the participants’ cameras and sound were not working, it was very easy to communicate through the written log on the side of the screen. The web conference answered many questions I had concerning the internship and what to expect over the next 18 months. I am not sure how the web conference could be used in my school unless a teacher held a tutorial session where students could log in to get extra help with lessons or information taught in the classroom. I look forward to participating in more web conferences and learning more in-depth ways to teach and use technology. 

E-Rate and HISD Presentation

Get your own Widget

District Technology Plan

The Houston Independent School District Long Range Strategic Plan for Technology (LRSPT) is made up of 13 goals that fall under the four categories presented in the Texas Long Range Technology Plan 2006-2020. Each goal is listed and within that goal, the district shows different objectives and strategies and budget needed to make the goal a reality. Each goal, objective and strategies are listed in groups and it includes who would oversee the operations, the timeline given for each and evidence that support the strategy.

After looking over the LRSPT, the goals mentioned seem very general to me, as if they were produced to just the minimal to apply for E-Rate.  Although there are multiple objectives under each, which I am sure the district would like to make a reality, it’s just not quite there on how to actually get the whole district to these levels. The budget identified in the LRSPT is over a period of three years and it has allotted for E-Rate money, when the district isn’t sure if it will even get the money. Each school in HISD is trying to take this large document and break it down so it works for each school.

The evaluation process identified was made up of 50 focus groups that stakeholders made sure technology was the driving force behind instructional, business and operational duties. During the development of the plan it was determined there were over 200 items were needed.

I have listed the 13 goals below with the first objective. To see the full report please click on the following link. http://www.houstonisd.org/Technology/Home/Forms%20&%20Documents/2009-2012%20HISD%20TECH%20PLAN.pdf

Goal 1. HISD students will become technology literate and will acquire life-long knowledge and skills to be successful in the 21st century.

This goal is to help develop instruction for student learning by grade level.

There is not a budget allotted for this particular goal and there are six different strategies listed with an ongoing timeline.

Goal 2. Assure equity and access to technology-enhanced curriculum and resources district-wide.

To help integrate technology into everyday classroom practices... that support teaching and learning of technology applications.

Goal 3. Promote responsible and appropriate technology use.

This goal is to help to provide opportunities to orient in the proper use of technology applications.

Goal 4. Create a framework to provide anytime, anywhere, professional development opportunities for teachers, administrators, and support staff to facilitate a technology-enhanced learning environment.

This to help staff self assess set goals… measured by the Texas STaR Chart.

Goal 5. Increase the amount of training received by all educators on innovative and effective strategies for integrating technology into all areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in order to increase student achievement.

The objective is to increase teacher and administrator participation in instructional technology training through HISD professional development services.

Goal 6. Develop a comprehensive, ongoing, Long Range Technology Planning process that includes input from all stakeholders, meets all local, state, and federal requirements, and creates a positive district culture.

Increase district staff participation of technology planning.

Goal 7. Encourage community interaction in HISD’s educational programs in order to improve public support and confidence in schools.

Student and teacher accessibility by increasing parent involvement at all campuses …

Goal 8. Identify and implement instructional programs that extend instruction beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom setting through the increased use of technology to provide additional educational opportunities to all students.

Staff and students increase using online state aligned materials to provide courses to areas with limited access.

Goal 9. Provide technology tools to increase management efficiency and to support data-driven, sound, decision-making.

“Increase the use and mastery of technology tools by staff to support data-driven, sound, decision-making with an emphasis on the development and utilization of on-line performance management systems and the reported results of the STaR Chart data collection process to ensure that these process and accountability measures are effective in assisting all students in achieving technology literacy as an integral part of their overall academic achievement.”

Goal 10. Align the district’s enterprise level applications into a centralized, secure, integrated system that combines all data to provide a single, reliable, source for all departments.

“Integrate 100% of HISD’s individual enterprise-level business, operation, and academic databases into a real-time, centralized, data access and reporting system over the next three years to ensure that process and accountability measures are employed in order to evaluate the extent to which activities are effective in: (1) Integrating technology into curricula and instruction; (2) Increasing the ability of teachers to teach; and (3) Enabling students to reach challenging State academic content and student academic improvement standards, and (4) Improving the business efficiency of the district.”

Goal 11. Expand the reach and capacity of HISD’s network to provide a secure and robust infrastructure that supports teaching and learning with technology, as well as other district initiatives.

Available connection points throughout HISD increased to ensure all staff and students are meeting target STaR Chart areas.

Goal 12. Create a strategy to optimize network infrastructure and the operation and management thereof, making it more agile, efficient, and secure.

Over the next three years, consolidate campus-based serves to district network operations.

Goal 13. Reduce the environmental footprint of HISD’s technology infrastructure.

 District needs to make sure it is complying with environmental laws and policies.