Irving Independent School District Technology Plan

Irving ISD current technology plan is a three year plan that covers four major areas; Integration of Technology into Teaching and Learning, Professional Development, Administration and Support Services, and the Infrastructure for Technology. This plan was prepared to define the district’s vision for technology and strategies needed to assist teachers and students in being successful in the 21^st century. It consists of seven goals. “Goal #1: Infuse higher level thinking with technology and quality instruction to ensure engaging learning experiences for all teachers and students. Goal #2: Support assessment and planning through the use of technology. Goal #3: Educate all students and teachers in responsible technology use. Goal #4: Ensure educator professional development is on-going, high quality, based on the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), and increasing in rigor so that student learning and 21^st century skills are increased. Goal #5: Ensure 100% administrative participation in appropriate, current and new software programs. Goal #6: Provide leadership to leverage technology for the improvement of teaching and learning in every classroom daily. Goal #7: Ensure a stable and robust infrastructure for technology use.” (Irving ISD Long Range Plan for Technology, 2010-2013)

“The plan is aligned to components of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology and complies with all state and federal regulations for technology planning. Other local, state, and national data that were reviewed were NCLB, E-rate, Technology Applications curriculum, SBEC Standards for teachers, ISTE, NETS standards and the Texas Star Chart results.” (Irving ISD Long Range Plan for Technology, 2010-2013)

Professional development opportunities are available throughout the school year and summer months for all staff. Some include training on acceptable use policies, internet safety, Microsoft Office, web-based data tools, digital media and online resources such as video streaming and Web2.0. All instructional staff is required to attend Levels of Technology Implementation (LoTI) Training. Those in charge of coordinating professional development opportunities include Content Coordinators, Director of Instructional Technology and Coordinators, and the Director of Staff Development. All staff will be kept up to date when new learning opportunities and new technologies are available through the Irving Independent School District website and emails.

District technology implementations are managed through project management tools with assigned responsibilities, timelines, and deadlines. Currently the district’s budget will support the non-discounted element of the plan, although it does have notations that an E-Rate discount may apply in various areas. The Long Range Technology Planning Committee meets at least once a year to review progress made toward the Long Range Plan for Technology. Reports are given to the superintendent and the Irving ISD board after each review. If there is a need the plan will be updated to reflect the current financial ability or the need to add new technologies.

Reference:

Irving Independent School District, Technology Department. (2010).  Long-range technology plan. Irving, TX: