Instructional Technology Levy Update

To: Tech Point People

Please share this announcement with your staff!

This update covers the following topics:

1. Instructional Computer Roll-out Plan (including timeline of when your school will receive equipment next year)
2. New Instructional Technology Coordinator Position
3. Gateway and Apple are our Selected Vendors
4. Models of Laptops are Determined

1.      Instructional Computer Roll-out Plan

http://www.edmonds.wednet.edu/capitallevy/technology/administrators/rolloutplan.htm

The roll-out schedule was determined by lottery at the March 15^th P-12 Administrators meeting.

Schools were clustered into groups based on:

• proximity of schools
• Grade/Level
• Start times

CTS Timeline

Schools will need to select training dates within their 2-3 week window. A school may opt to be rescheduled to the last wave. The initial rollout will include a 3 hour after school model, broken down by skill level. District trainers will provide training with the help of building leads and coaches.

Two district days will be provided as “make-up days” for those not attending earlier sessions. Arrangements will be made for teachers coaching or running after school programs.

Each building uses:

• Building leads help organize and facilitate trainings. These teachers will be compensated for providing training if it is outside of their contract day.
• Buddy system - partners more experienced teachers with less experienced as informal coaches for support after the trainings.

School-wide Out of Box training

Schools will be asked to arrange the following Out of Box (OBT) sessions:

Preview – 30 minutes: (approximately 3-4 weeks before Rollout)

·         Preview of what’s to come led by IT Coordinator or Teacher Trainer. Talk to teachers at staff meeting about roll-out, timeline, levels… Build excitement, set expectations.

Complete Compliance Agreements - 30 minutes individual or group time

·         View video of rules/regulations, policies….

·         Sign contracts

·         Complete paperwork

Each staff member must view video and turn in all paperwork BEFORE participating in OBT.

OBT initial training - 3 hours

4 levels of training will be available. Teachers will self-select their level. Levels will be described at initial staff meeting. Trainers will be provided by the Instructional Media Dept. All sessions will be fun, friendly, and supportive of the learner.

Early Birds

Some computers will be rolled out early to build:

·         capacity within the buildings

·         excitement and interest

Issue computers early (Spring/Summer ‘05) to:

Next Step for Schools:

Complete the Levy Implementation Checklist

June 3  Choose your platform (Principals notify Cynthia Nelson)

·         Mac/PC

·         Laptop/Desktop (HS only)

If you are undecided, contact Kim for assistance in facilitating staff conversation.

More info, visit: http://www.edmonds.wednet.edu/capitallevy/technology/

Technology Integration Coaching Applications

More info, visit:  http://staff.edmonds.wednet.edu/imd/it/TIPAppInfo.htm

Questions?

Levy                  Kim Mathey              ext. 7299

Coaching                 Lori Soderberg          ext. 7291

2.      New Instructional Technology Coordinator Position opening

http://www.edmonds.wednet.edu/capitallevy/technology/staff/ITCoordinator.htm

We will be hiring an additional Instructional Technology Coordinator (one year only) so we can ensure that all schools will complete the computer component of the Classroom Tech Station roll out next year. This one year position will assist with the Classroom Tech Station computer roll-out, including designing curriculum, coordinating building roll-outs, delivering Out of Box training, and follow support for buildings.

The job posting should be out in April. The successful candidate will retain their placement at their current building and will move back into their building at the beginning of the 2006-07 school year.

For additional information about this position, contact Kim Mathey, ext. 7299.

3.      Gateway and Apple are our Selected Vendors

After working through an extensive process, our district will standardize all future computer purchases to two vendors. Gateway will be our PC vendor and Apple computers will remain the Mac vendor.

The process involved:

Feb. 18^th Focus group

Vendor Presentations by Dell, HP, and Gateway. Member rated vendors based on hardware, service, reliability, and ease of use.

Feb. 22^nd RFQ

Review of written quotes from these vendors on some specific configurations and estimated quantities. 

Reference Checks

Gateway was very strong in the product and price areas.  Both Federal Way SD and Spokane Public Schools have had many years of experience with Gateway Computers and had glowing comments about their service and product.

Based on this data, we have concluded that Gateway Computers will be our “standard” PC vendor.

This announcement was made at the P-12 Administrators meeting on Tuesday, March 1st.  It was emphasized that this decision applies to all PC purchases, not just Levy funded purchases. 

Special pricing is available for employee purchases.

Contact Cynthia Nelson for questions or more information about the process.

4.      Models of Laptops are Determined

We have identified the 2 laptop models that will be available for the Classroom Tech Station.

You can find more info about these models at:

http://esource.gateway.com/edmonds

http://www.apple.com

Contact Kim if your school would like a preview of either or both of these computers.