Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) would like to create learning environments and access to technology that will enable students to gain the skills and knowledge they need to be leaders in today's global economy. RRISD would also like to improve administratively by using technology to increase efficiencies and improve safety and communication. To achieve this, RRISD has developed a long range technology plan.
One main goal of the plan is to improve student achievement by providing students opportunities to work collaboratively with technology tools. The plan also aims to provide students with more computer access by giving more laptops and desktop computers to the schools, including enough computers for each teacher to have their own. To keep technology up to date, the hope is to refresh the technology every five years, utilizing a bar code system. A major component of the plan is providing professional development for staff, mainly by developing online trainings. Lastly, the district's plan emphasizes maintaining the strong infrastructure in place.
Major emphasis is being placed on adequate professional development. In fact, one of the goals is to allocate at least 30% of the technology budget to ongoing professional development. The curriculum specialists and technology integration specialists are the main leaders of professional development, and five additional staff members were added to help with the demands placed on these individuals. Just in time professional development is the main type of training offered, where teachers can log on to a web portal and take classes or trainings based on individual needs. Teachers are also being encouraged to take part in statewide technology trainings and the Master Technology Teacher program. A tool has also been developed for sharing ideas and accessing databases online.
A district advisory committe was created to ensure are all infrastructure components are up to date and serving their intended function. Additionally, the district is working with outside entities to provide up to date infrastructure tools.
RRISD has allotted $2,479,000.00 over the years 2008-2010 to achieve their technology goals. Some of the funds are NCLB and E-Rate, but other funds are from technology allotment funds and local funds and even bonds. The source for $246,000 budgeted in 2010 for new equipment is unknown at this time. Unfortunately, the district has also learned they will be losing even more funding than they had originally thought, so it is possible the budget may have to be cut if the projected funds are not available.
A formal review will be conducted semi-annually and a report will be given to the school board once per year. Additionally, information will be gathered from STAR chart results, integration technology specialists, and information service department employees. Various reports will also be produced from the professional development tracking system, the budget reporting system, and the work order system. All of this information will be used to monitor progress and make changes as needed to ensure the district meets their technology goals.
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