5306 – School or District Technology Plan

The McKinney ISD Technology Plan is somewhat extensive. The goals are as follows:

1. “Improve student academic achievement with technology resources ubiquitously integrated in curriculum and instruction” (Crowe, 2009). (5 objectives, 13 strategies)
2. “Improve efficiency and effectiveness of all business operations and processes” (Crowe, 2009). (5 objectives, 13 strategies)
3. “Improve the capacity of all teachers to integrate technology effectively into curriculum and instruction” (Crowe, 2009). (4 objectives, 10 strategies)
4. “Provide an efficient and effective information infrastructure to enable successful application of technology throughout the district” (Crowe, 2009). (4 objectives, 11 strategies)
5. “Improve communications between schools, teachers, parents, and the community” (Crowe, 2009). (3 objectives, 9 strategies)

The district has aligned each strategy to Texas Long Range Plan for Technology (LRPT), No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and the E-Rate (ER) program. For more detail go to http://www.mckinneyisd.net/information/docs/MISD%20Technology%20Plan%20Final%202-26-09.doc

According to the plan, McKinney ISD intends to create a staff training classroom which will include all types of district provided technology and a content creation lab to enhance professional development. Unfortunately, according to the plan evaluation, the project is behind schedule or over budget. I know this because of the evaluation tool in place. The plan evaluation describes a color-coded system attached to the strategy chart. RED indicates that the project is behind schedule or over budget. At the other end of the color spectrum is BLUE indicating that the project is implemented.  The district has most of the plan’s infrastructure in place and is on target with implementation and sustainment.  Financial support of the non-discount part of the plan is at risk.

References

Crowe, T. McKinney Independent School District, Technology Departmnet. (2009). Strategic technology plan 2009-2014 Retrieved from http://www.mckinneyisd.net/information/docs/MISD%20Technology%20Plan%20Final%202-26-09.doc

E-rate discounts for schools and libraries. (2010, JulY 14). Retrieved from http://www.usac.org/_res/documents/sl/pdf/E-rate-Overview.pdf