As a teacher in a successful school district, I eagerly strive to employ technology in my teaching strategies.

Technology is always advancing and becoming more entwined with the average Americans daily life. In order to best prepare our students for their technological future, the school system should evaluate our technological maturity. The following pages outline my findings concerning Pericles County Schools maturity benchmark that will explore behavioral and resource/infrastructure aspects of administrative, curricular, support, connectivity, and innovation elements. Learner Information Our district is very diverse. Our students come from many different ethnic, racial, religious, and lifestyle arrangements. Our common tie is through respect, acceptance, and the desire for the best education! In order to provide a great educational experience and to prepare our students for their future, the school system must employ technology. Herein lies the issue. A 2012 technology survey shows that nearly 55% of our middle school students have no access to computers or Internet at home. Of the remaining 45% of middle school students who have a computer at home, 30% do not have Internet access. This data shows that for a majority of our students, at home learning of technology is simply not an adequate option. The school system must carefully balance the use of technology. We must be a driving force to introduce and utilize technology, but understand that student technology use must not be expected outside of general school hours. Administrative Benchmark Emergent Policy Behavioral Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of administrative policy is in the integrated stage. The school district has implemented key technology features into administrative policy including the Digital Drivers License initiative, required use of Infinite Campus for teacher and

student/guardian access to performance records, electronic support request tools for teachers, and automated systems for school information/event dissemination. The school district also has developed an Internet Acceptable Use Policy for district wideimplementation. Emergent Policy Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of administrative policy is in the integrated stage. The school district provides the proper infrastructure to encourage the behaviors outlined in policy. A local instance of Infinite Campus is readily available and adequately managed by the school district. A simple request wizard is easily accessible from the district website and support staff frequently monitors the system for new requests. The school district provides computer labs and computers, interactive whiteboards (Smart Boards), and projectors for all teachers in the district. The automated information dissemination system is easy to use and is properly interfaced in order to quickly provide phone-call and e-mail to faculty, staff, guardians, and local news outlets. Emergent Planning Behavioral Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of administrative planning is in the integrated stage. The school district employs a group of individuals to serve as technological experts to guide our technology use plan. These individuals actively participate in events focused on educational technology and seek input from key users within the school system. The school district maintains an excellent technology use plan that is continuously reviewed and adjusted as available technology and educational needs change. Emergent Planning Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of administrative planning is in the integrated stage. The school district maintains contracts and a good working relationship with key technological vendors. The school district is adequately staffed with technology experts who are capable of administering and maintaining required technologies. Through the use of these experts and their contacts, technology-based training and development for faculty and staff is provided on a regular basis. Technology upgrades are administered per need and licensing agreements in order to stay current with technology releases.

Emergent Budget Behavioral

Islands

Integrated X

Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of administrative budget is in the integrated stage. The school district formally budgets for the implementation of technology. The school district actively seeks grants and donations to supplement the cost of technology. Fundraisers are also used as a means to acquire the funds needed for technology. Emergent Budget Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of administrative budget is in the integrated stage. Technology budget is an important part of the school districts overall annual budget. The Technology Use Plan outlines a multi-year plan for technology and provides detail on the projected budgeted needs. Emergent Administrative Information Behavioral Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of administrative information is in the integrated stage. Administrative tasks are predominately completed via electronic formats. Faculty and staff are efficient at seeking a technological solution for issues that arise. Electronic documentation, digital request wizards, and electronic communication methods such as email are greatly utilized. Emergent Administrative Information Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of administrative information is in the integrated stage. The school district provides adequate resources and infrastructure to complete required administrative tasks. Infinite Campus is available for the maintenance of student performance and attendance records. A Microsoft Exchange system is available to enable electronic communication via e-mail. Ample electronic file storage space is available for all faculty and staff.

Curricular Benchmark Emergent Electronic Information Behavioral Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of curricular electronic information is in the integrated stage. Faculty and staff are encouraged and capable of utilizing technology to use and share information. E-mail is greatly used amongst faculty members. Interactive Smart Boards are utilized within many lessons throughout the district. Teachers build and maintain their own classroom websites that serve to communicate to students and guardians of classroom requirements and assignments. Emergent Electronic Information Resource / Infrastructure Islands X Integrated Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of curricular electronic information is in the islands stage. The school district provides adequate storage space for teacher websites. The school district maintains a Microsoft Exchange system to effectively handle electronic communication via e-mail. Computer, Smart Boards, and projectors are available for all faculty members. The issue I find with electronic information resources and infrastructure is that the only electronic means of communicating class assignments is via a teacher website. The adoption of social media tools such as Facebook or Twitter, emailing lists, automatic texting or phone calls may be useful tools to implement in order to expand the reach beyond just the teacher website. Emergent Assessment Behavioral Islands X Integrated Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of curricular assessment is in the islands stage. Assessments are mostly conducted via a non-technological means. There are some cases where online quizzes and Smart Board based responder assessments are utilized, but these instances are the exception not the norm. Emergent Assessment Resource / Infrastructure Islands X Integrated Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of curricular assessment is in the islands stage. Limited access to electronic assessment is available. Interactive Smart Board assessments are available but are seldom used. No electronic testing package has been accepted as a district-wide standard solution. The school system would greatly benefit

from exploring an electronic assessment tool and implementing a system wide usage policy. Emergent Curricular Integration Behavioral Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of curricular integration is in the integrated stage. Outside of the assessment, technology is greatly integrated into the curriculum across our district. Teachers use audio and video clips, Smart Board activities, and hands-on technology within the daily instruction. Emergent Curricular Integration Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of curricular integration is in the integrated stage. The school district provides computers, projectors, and interactive Smart Boards for each teacher. A multimedia specialist is also available within each school to support media needs and facilitate the use of a computer lab. The technology staff supports and maintains all the technology that supports curriculum throughout the district. Emergent Teacher Use Behavioral Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of curricular teacher use is in the integrated stage. Most teachers utilize technology in their lesson in some manner. Smart Board activities and digital multimedia elements that accompany the course textbook are the two most used technology tools for teachers. Emergent Teacher Use Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of curricular teacher use is in the integrated stage. Teachers have access to a library of multimedia elements provided by either the multimedia specialist or course textbook resources. Teachers have access to computers, projectors, interactive Smart Boards, televisions, and CD/DVD players within their own classroom. Additional resources, such as a computer lab, are available for teacher use within each building across the district.

Emergent Student Use Behavioral

Islands

Integrated X

Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of curricular student use is in the integrated stage. Students regularly use technology within the classroom. Students routinely participate in classroom instruction that integrates Smart Board technologies. Students are required to use the available technological resources, particularly the Internet and software products available from the computer lab. Students are encouraged to visit their teachers websites and Infinite Campus Student Portal to stay current on their assignments and grades. Emergent Student Use Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of curricular student use is in the integrated stage. Students have access to resource and technology infrastructure while at school. Computers are available within each classroom and in the computer lab. Each classroom is equipped with an interactive Smart Board, a projector, television, and a CD/DVD player for student use. Unfortunately, many of our students do not have the same accessibility opportunities outside of school.

Support Benchmark Emergent Stakeholder Involvement Behavioral Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of stakeholder involvement is in the integrated stage. Stakeholders are involved in aspects of planning, budgeting, and implementing technology. Key stakeholders maintain a Technology Use Plan. Technology budgeting is given the same consideration as all other district related items. Professional development focused on technology is highly encouraged. Emergent Stakeholder Involvement Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of stakeholder involvement is in the integrated stage. Teachers are ensured that technology will be available for their needs. Computers are continuously upgraded and new software and hardware is purchased as needed. Stakeholders are aware of the technological needs as described in the Technology Use Plan and are determined to meet those needs.

Emergent Administrative Support Behavioral

Islands

Integrated X

Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of administrative support is in the integrated stage. School administrators embrace technology across the district. The use of electronic communication, technology use planning, and a records retention policy are key administrative tasks adopted district-wide. In the classroom, teachers are evaluated annually by administration on the effectiveness of classroom technology usage. Emergent Administrative Support Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of administrative support is in the integrated stage. Administrators fully support the implementation of technology. They ensure that each teacher is fully equipped with the technology they require. Administrators make it a priority to seek input from faculty and staff concerning the state of the current technology. Emergent Training Behavioral Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of training is in the integrated stage. Faculty and staff receive regular professional development sessions on technology. District technology experts share new and useful information to faculty and staff as it comes available. Teachers are encouraged to share with one another helpful tips and best uses of technology in their classrooms. Emergent Training Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of training is in the integrated stage. The school district has employed technology experts capable of providing quality training to faculty and staff. The school district has also established relationships with state and industry resources to further provide training and development. Online, self-paced training is also available as needed. The school district provides on-site training in computer labs and one-on-one training for teachers within their own classroom. Off-site training is available for highly attended training sessions.

Emergent Technical / Infrastructure Support Behavioral

Islands

Integrated X

Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of technical/infrastructure support is in the integrated stage. The school employs technology experts to support all technological systems. Faculty and staff have easy access to request assistance. Emergent Technical / Infrastructure Support Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of technical/infrastructure support is in the integrated stage. The district has employed a support model that allows teachers to electronically request assistance. This system logs each request and routes the request to the appropriate party. The support staff is very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. The district is well-equipped to solve any technical issue that may arise.

Connectivity Benchmark Emergent Local Area Networking (LAN) Behavioral Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of Local Area Networking (LAN) is in the integrated stage. Faculty and staff use local drives to store electronic documents. These files are shared amongst teachers and are easily accessible. Teachers also use local network printers to print material as needed. Emergent Local Area Networking (LAN) Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of Local Area Network (LAN) is in the integrated stage. A local file server is available for storing electronic documents. Shared printers are available within each building for printing via the LAN.

Emergent District Area Networking (WAN) Behavioral

Islands

Integrated X

Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of District Area Networking (WAN) is in the integrated stage. Teachers use this system to access District wide tools such as Infinite Campus and other Internet resources. Teachers fax, e-mail, and print documents across the district. Teacher websites are stored and updated across the WAN. Emergent District Area Networking (WAN) Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of District Area Networking (WAN) is in the integrated stage. A dedicated web server is available for all teacher and district websites. Infinite Campus and other administrative tools are available via the WAN. Internet and WAN access is controlled via a firewall maintained by the districts technical support team. Shared printers and drives are also available. Emergent Internet Access Behavioral Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of Internet Access is in the integrated stage. Teachers have access to the Internet within the classroom and often rely on it for media and instruction needs. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate the requirement of Internet usage into projects such as research papers. Teachers may access school appropriate Internet content at any time. Students and guardians may check the status of their grades over the Internet using Infinite Campus. Emergent Internet Access Resource / Infrastructure Islands X Integrated Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of Internet Access is in the islands stage. Internet is available and limited to school appropriate sites via a firewall. Each teacher has access to the Internet in his/her classroom. Although Internet is readily accessible, a wired connection is still required. Implementing wireless Internet would greatly increase the opportunities to utilize the Internet in the classroom including the use of mobile devices. Another minor issue is that the firewall blocks Netflix. Netflix is a resource that the school might be able to use if access is granted to the streaming videos.

Emergent Communication Systems Behavioral

Islands

Integrated X

Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of communications systems is in the integrated stage. Faculty and staff rely heavily on electronic communications. Teacher discussion and important faculty news is generally delivered via e-mail. Guardians are encouraged to have direct contact with their students teachers through e-mail. Guardians can also keep up with their students performance via communication posted to teacher websites and Infinite Campus. Information such as PTA meetings and school closing are communicated through an automatic telephone call system and linked to local news outlets. Emergent Communication Systems Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of communication systems is in the integrated stage. The school district has a fairly intricate system for managing communication. A Microsoft Exchange system is in place to handle electronic communications via e-mail. A service request tool is available to faculty and staff to help manage project requests. A web server is available for teachers to place messages on their websites to communicate with students and guardians. Teachers may communicate their absence to an automated system and important school announcements are automatically provided to all parties.

Innovation Benchmark Emergent New Technologies Behavioral Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of new technologies is in the integrated stage. Although no formal Facebook or Twitter presence is required, teachers understand the power of these tools and incorporate concepts within their classroom. One particular example is that students are required to make a Fakebook page of what a Facebook page may look like for a famous person in history. Tablets are utilized within the classroom. Emergent New Technologies Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of new technologies is in the integrated stage. Technology support staff members ensure that our current hardware is equipped with the most up-to-date software versions. Although not as widely deployed as projectors, Smart

Boards, and desktop computers, tablet computers are supported. The infrastructure around electronic communication allows for faculty and staff to check their school e-mail from their smart phones or home computers. Emergent Comprehensive Technologies Behavioral Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The behavioral aspect of comprehensive technologies is in the integrated stage. The school district has a well-rounded view of technology. Administrators see the value in technology but realize the cost issues that are associated with implementation of new technology. Administrators and teachers embrace technology and are open to the adoption of technology to accomplish tasks. Emergent Comprehensive Technologies Resource / Infrastructure Islands Integrated X Intelligent

The resource/infrastructure aspect of comprehensive technologies is in the integrated stage. Our school district has a wide range of technology. Technology is available in every classroom in the way of computers, projectors, interactive Smart Boards, televisions, and CD/DVD players. An electronic communication system is in place that handles e-mail and community notification of school events. The Internet is accessible to all teachers and students. The use of tablets is on the rise.