Evaluating technology use in the district to ensure its application to enhance student achievement. The primary focus of our program is to put a critical mass of technology in classrooms where students can use it to apply critical thinking and problem solving skills, along with basic skills to meet the District student achievement objectives. To accomplish this, we use a solutions approach to purchase new technology. Solutions consist of hardware, software, professional development, and model curriculum and have evidence of being effective for student achievement. Schools write and evaluate annual technology plans, which focus on how technology can meet the building's student achievement goals.
Professional development is the key to ensuring that technology is integrated with the curriculum.
We consistently spend one third of our annual technology budget on professional development. The SAS is a certified classroom teacher who understands school reform, instruction, curriculum, and how technology can enhance learning. The SAS is provided with a half to a full day of release time daily to conduct professional development in their buildings. The District and the school share the funding for the SAS position. The TLTS provides support and training for the building SAS and works under the direction of the Director of Technology, Stephen Cowdrey.