Red Rock Central Schools

District #2884

Technology Use Plan

Dr. John Brennan, Superintendent


Red Rock Central Elementary School


107 East Clark Street 
PO Box 68 
Jeffers, Minnesota 56145 
507-628-5521
 

Red Rock Central Junior Senior High School


100 6th Avenue East 
PO Box 278 
Lamberton, Minnesota 56152 
507-752-7361

 


March 2007


RRC TECHNOLOGYPLAN ONLINE REPORT @ http://www.rrcnet.org/~techplan









INTRODUCTION
Red Rock Central Schools serve 1800 households, and the 4000 residents of four communities and surounding townships of Lamberton, Sanborn, Storden, and Jeffers, located in southern Redwoodand northern Cottonwood Counties of southwestern Minnesota.  The RedRock Central School system partners with businesses and organizations withinthe district to provide a dynamic wide area network that provides excellentlearning opportunities for all.  The unifying organization  forthis resource network is the Red Rock Central Community Network or RRCNET. This organization, originating within the school system, provides an extendedschool to community  by providing Internet access to nearly 1000 usersin four school districts in ten communities covering more than 1000 squaremiles, including main street businesses and other businesses within ouragricultural based communities.  Our prominent collaborators includethe world's largest insect rearing facility, the University of Minnesotathrough the Southwest Research and Outreach Center, and county government.

MISSION STATEMENT

The RRC School Community will promote and provide students and staffwith a technology-rich educational environment that supports:
 
 
* Individual Needs* Awareness of Global Community * Skill Development 
* Problem Solving * Lifelong Learning * Appropriate Curriculum Use 

OUR OVERALL MISSION IS TO PROVIDE OWNERSHIP OF ALL LEARNING RESOURCES
TO THE WHOLE RED ROCK COMMUNITY



Red Rock Central 2006-2007
TECHNOLOGY PLANNING COMMITTEE
Dr. John Brennan, Superintendent of Schools
M. Bruce Olson, Secondary School Administrator
Mr. Charles Nordby, Media Specialist
Mrs. Winifred Churchill, High School Lab Supervisor
Ms. Sharon Musegades, Elementary Support Staff
Mr. Leonard Runck, RRC Network Admin.
Mrs. Paula Derickson, RRC Board Member

The Technology Planning Committee conducts the research and with instructionalstaff,  recommends the curriculum, software, and hardware procurementfor the district.  The Technology Planning Committee provides a forumfor acquiring data on staff, student, and community needs for all technologyaspects including staff development opportunities.

A needs assessment is conducted to acquire data to determine deficienciesin student performance, student access to information services, deficienciesin staff knowledge, skills, and instructional delivery techniques, andschool access to available electronic resources.  All target populationsof the school system and community will be assessed.  Criteria forneeds assessment includes, but is not limited to:

Information is collected from staff and students during April and May; andtechnology plan revisions and development evolve from the Technology Committeerecommendations.  The Technology Planning Committee strategicallyevaluates the current assessment  data by comparison to previous baselinedata to determine prioritized modifications to achieve the goals specifiedby the plan.

The Technology Plan evolution process is enhanced by a student, staff,and community survey completed every three years.  The surveyis formulated to collect data on student learning through knowledge, skills,and competencies, on staff utilization of technology and teaching techniques,and on community perceptions and learning opportunities.  The resultsof the surveys are instrumental in providing baseline data and evaluationof overall goals.

Through RRCNET, the technical training staff is certified and experiencedin Microsoft, Novell, and Unix.  The professional staff is equippedas well to provide training in a full spectrum of learning experiencesin word processing, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, electronicresearch techniques, internet web based learning, video/audio productionand editing, and computer programming languages.

The Technology Planning Committee reviews the current curriculum offeringsand opportunities, the integration of the use of technology in the entireschool program, the available hardware, software, and equipment each year. Reflective of the mission of the District, The Technology Planning Committeeevaluates the established goals for technology education.  The Committee,with the assistance of the entire professional staff, recommends strategiesto meet the needs of the students.  The Committee addresses the financialresources and outside funding sources.  The procurement of technologyis based on the comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of needs, goalsand strategies.


NEEDS----GOALS----STRATEGIES

NEED
1. Students need to recognize, internalize and utilize individual strengthsto be effective communicators.

GOAL
1. Students will effectively communicate through oral and written languageand through presentations.

STRATEGIES
1.1 Students will create a presentation supported by a variety of multimediathat demonstrates the style and extent of their learning.
1.2 Staff will participate in training to use technology as a toolto teach effective communication in all curricular areas.
1.3 Students and staff will be trained in the use of multimedia andother technologies as an assessment tool.
1.4 Students will use word processing in the writing process acrossthe curriculum.
1.5 Staff will use word processing and desktop publishing in theircurricular and other professional needs.
1.6 Students, staff and parent community will be trained in and haveaccess to voice mail and e-mail directly linked to the classroom.
1.7 Students will have access to training in media presentations; includingcommunication, editing, advertising presentations and production.
1.8 Students and staff will be able to interpolate data from a varietyof multimedia.

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NEED
2. Students need to develop an awareness of themselves as part of thelarger global community.

GOAL
2. Students and staff will have an awareness that they are part ofa global community through a variety of meaningful experiences.

STRATEGIES
2.1 Students and staff will be able to communicate, learn, share andapply information gained on the Internet in all curricular areas.
2.2 Staff will learn and model the use of long distance technologybased resources as part of the instructional program.
2.3 Students will collaborate with other schools in a meaningful wayvia the Internet to develop and implement community projects.
2.4 Students will participate in conflict management strategies tosolve problems of a personal and global nature.
2.5 Students will create and publish newsletters in collaboration withother schools.

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NEED
3. Students need to demonstrated and utilize basic skills necessaryto function in a technology based society.

GOAL
3. Students will utilize and demonstrate basic skills needed to functionin a technology based society.

STRATEGIES
3.1 Students will use word processing to increase their writing skillsacross the curriculum.
3.2 Students and staff will be trained on various forms of technologythat they will use to complete specific tasks throughout the school day.
3.3 Staff will have opportunities to explore and experiment with variousforms of technology and instructional materials in their subject area.
3.4 Staff will maintain a database of interdisciplinary lessons thatare cross-referenced by topic, strategy and learning styles.
3.5 Students will be trained in the use and maintenance of variousforms of technology available in each classroom.
3.6 Students and staff will have access to software that includes spreadsheets,databases, graphs, and desktop publishing.
3.7 Staff and students will have training in how to set up and implementdistance learning via web based learning (example - WEBCT via Bemidji State University, web site maintance via FTP, and online encyclopedias.

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NEED
4. Students need to demonstrate an ability to use successful, creativeproblem solving strategies in real life situations.

GOAL
4. Students will demonstrate an ability to use higher order, criticalthinking skills to solve problems in real life situations.

STRATEGIES
4.1 Students will be trained to use technology to expand the resourcesavailable in problem solving situations.
4.2 Students will apply software analysis to data collected throughclass projects and field study.
4.3 Students will problem solve in groups and individually utilizingscientific equipment and methods to create hypotheses and conclusions.
4.4.Students will construct Geographic Information Systems of localfield study sites.
4.5 Given an issue or a project students, staff and community willuse available technology to come to resolution or completion.
4.6 Students will participate in Exploring Technology Education projectsin the areas of biotechnology; communications; construction; manufacturing;and power, energy and transportation.

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NEED
5. Students need to have a repertoire of skills to become lifelong,independent learners.

GOAL
5. Students will develop a repertoire of skills to become lifelong,independent learners.

STRATEGIES
5.1 Students will use technology to gain access to original documents,newspaper articles, textual records, speeches and other historical events.
5.2 Students will receive training that expands their knowledge ofreal life applications and future career opportunities related to new technologies.
5.3 Students and staff will maintain an ongoing relationship with thebusiness community which may include, career exploration, workshops andinternships.
5.4 Students will deliver instruction to peers through electronic media.
5.5 Students will participate as a class in software to help them makeinformed career, occupational, and educational decisions.

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NEED
6.  Automation of Management Systems and access to ElectronicGovernment Services (EGS).
GOAL
6.  The Management of student, staff, and administrative systemswill be automated with issues of privacy, security, and efficiency preserved.

CURRENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

            AUTOMATEDLUNCH SYSTEMSTRATEGIES
6.1 Administrative hardware and software will be periodically evaluatedand updated.
6.2 Access to administrative information delivered by electronic meanswill be enhanced to reach their full potential.

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NEED
7.  Departmental Technology Plan
GOAL
7.  Individual departments will dictate the overall developmentalgoals of the technolgy plan for the district.
STRATEGIES
7.1  The Staff Development program of the district will addressdeficiencies in skills, knowledge and attitudes of staff.
7.2  The Staff Development program will address the training andtime needs.
7.3. Staff will address technology integration.
7.4  Collaborative efforts of staff, administration, and communitywill be made to enhance technology implementation.
7.5  Staff will be responsible for their curriculum development.

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NEED
8.  Electronic Service Delivery
GOAL
8.The school district will collaborate to provide and maintain an activeweb presence.
STRATEGIES
8.1 Web based information will be maintained on the RRCNET websiteto provide current information related to school, community, and businesses.
8.2 The website will be continuously updated by efforts of staff, studentsand community experts.
8.3 Email accounts will be maintained and monitored for students andstaff by RRCNET.
8.4 Every effort will be made to provide content filtering and security.
8.5 Students and staff will be encouraged to use network services toobtain and submit assignment information.
8.6 School Board information will be published on the web site.
8.7 Staff vacancies will be posted on the web site.
8.8 Accessing Federal and State programs will be availed electronically.

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NEED
9. Development of Wireless Infrastructure
GOAL
9. Provide a wireless initiative to support the strategy of a mobiledata network.
STRATEGIES
9.1 Explore grant funding.
9.2 The wireless initiative will provide faster/improved access tostudents at home who are presently relying on a outdated POTS network.
9.3 This instruction network using the unlicensed 2.4 GHz ISM carrierfrequency will provide offsite training to community members and businesses.It is IEEE 802.11 Wireless Ethernet standard.
9.4 Off school site learning experiences such as data collection inthe field will be enabled.
9.5 Wireless would enable moving technology resources out of the traditionalschool building and into real life business and work experiences such asSchool to Work activities. Graduation Standard Requirement activities couldbe easily offered off-site.
9.6 TIMETABLE: Market to existing remote access users that indicate a stronginterest in the convenience, speed, and quality of aquiring a remote wirelessnetwork. We have studied the economic feasablity comparing to remote accessvia dialup network. Presently we are in the stage of implementing thisnetworks as part of our RRCNET remote access initiative.
9.6 GOAL: Expand existing wireless network capacity by implementing 5 Gigahertz wireless backbone connectivity to improve networking between communities. Funding would be derived from existing business partners.


MEASURABLE BENEFITS TO STUDENTS, STAFF AND COMMUNITY
AREAOBJECTIVEEXPECTED BENEFITMEASUREMENT CRITERIACURRENT POSITIONFUTURE 
POSITION
High SchoolIncrease student 
use of Internet
Students will access information 
for research and reports
Portfolio of student research reports 
listing Internet references
20% of students in grade 8 
70% of students in grade 9 
80 % of students in grade 12
40%-- Gr. 8 
90%-- Gr. 9 
95%-- Gr. 12
High SchoolIncrease student 
skills using network 
and computer services.
Students will show proficiency 
using computer services.
Student assignments, projects, and 
assessments
80 % of students in grade 990% --Gr. 9
High SchoolIntegrate training 
courses
Students will acquire technology 
skills in a variety of courses.
Courses offering integrated 
applications
1 required 
2 elective offerings 
4 Integrated courses
1 requried 
5 Integrated
Elem SchoolIncrease student 
competencies
Students will use computer 
technology for learning
Student assignments, projects 
and assessments
70 % of elementary 
grades completing 
projects
80 %
StaffIncrease staff use of 
Computer technology
Improved student learningNumber of teachers using computer 
technology
70% of staff80 % 
AdminIncrease productivityReduce time spent for dutiesNumber of staff using tech methods80 % of staff90%
Com- 
munity
Increase use of 
Internet
Increased community 
learning opportunities
Number of Internet accounts9001000
RRCNET 
users
Improve delivery of 
data services
Faster & reliable connection 
compared to POTS dialup 
service
Measure speed and presence. 
Monitor custormer request 
for help database utilizing Microsoft Server 2003 "Sharepoint"
150300

MANAGEMENT POLICY
MANAGEMENT OF LEARNING RESOURCES

Technology resources acquired for RRC Schools will be carefully managedand equitably distributed. The District Technology Coordinator, BuildingAdministration, Media Specialist, and Technology Committee will work togetherto maintain an accurate inventory of the hardware and software available,and will be responsible for scheduling their equitable and effective use.Staff and students trained in technical  troubleshooting will be available,and these people will be on-call to help when needed.  Technical supportresources outside the professional and student staff will be hired onlyas needed.  This technical staff will research and make recommendationsfor issues of security, updating/replacing hardware, and disaster recovery.

Systems Development Life Cycle.  Technology resources availablewill be evaluated by the Technology Planning Committee on an on-going basis. Replacement of components of the infrastructure from workstations, hubs,routers, switches to internal cabling will be made as deemed necessaryin a timely fashion as specified in the inventory schedule.  The replacementof components will occur when the device no longer meets the basic technicaland operational requirements.  The replacement schedule will be coordinatedwith funding resources available.



Technology Support Staff and Skills
TitleNameSkillsAssignment
Network AdministratorLeonard RunckUNIX 
Linux 
Novell Certified 
Microsoft Certified
RRCNET Administrator 
Dial-up Project Coordinator 
Technology Coordinator 
Tech Support
Media SpecialistCharles NordbyElectronic Media 
Web Development
Librarian/ Instructor
Technology CoordinatorLeonard RunckMultiple OS 
Softwares
Instructor- Computer Applications 
Tech support Elementary 
Tech Support- Administrative JMC
Industrial Tech InstructorSteve WegmanCISCO & Novell Certified 
Microsoft
Novell instructor 
Industrial Tech instructor
Computer Lab SupervisorWinifred Churchill & Sharon MusegadesMicrosoft 
Novell
Lab Supervisor
StudentJosh FredericksonWindows supportRRCNET Tech Support
StudentChristina LarsonAccountingRRCNET Accounts Manager



STAFF/SUPPORT STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional development provides all administrators, teachers, instructionalassistants, clerical staff, food service workers, and custodial staff alogical, sequential series of steps focused on the ways in which the schoolcommunity can be strengthened and enriched through a wide range of technologicalapplications.  Staff development opportunities will be availed tostaff and administration.  These activities will be provided by in-housetrainers and outside professional resources.



 
 

ON-GOING DEVELOPMENT

TECHNOLOGY INVENTORY
***Red Rock Central Schools maintain a complete itemized electronic inventoryof all hardware and software.***
TYPE OF 
EQUIPMENT
DESCRIPTION 
OF USE
HOW MANYREPLACEMENT 
CYCLE
Novell Server 
DELL
RAID Level 5 disk drive redundancy
Instructional/ Administrative storage and 
retrieval
1 replace every 5 years - present age, 2002 model
Macintosh workstations >180 MHzComputer lab and classrooms155 years
Macintosh workstations < 180 MHzComputer lab and classrooms402 years
Novell ServerStorage, retrieval, and processing 
of Staff and Student data
15 years
PC WorkstationLibrary Circulation15 - 8 years
PC LaptopAdministrative Use14 years
PC WorkstationFood Service Management15 years
PrintersAdministrative35 years
PrintersInstructional83 years
LCD PanelInstructional5 years
Flatbed ScannerInstructional15 years
TYPE OF 
EQUIPMENT
DESCRIPTION 
OF USE
HOW MANYREPLACEMENT CYCLE
Novell Server 
DELL
RAID Level 5 disk drive redundancy
Instructional/ Administrative storage and 
retrieval
1 replace every 5 years - present age, 2002 model
Internet Server
DELL
RAID Level 5 disk drive redundancy
Web page Internet & email server1replace every 5 years - present age, 2002 model
Accessory ServersInternet and Novell6replace every 5 years
Novell Training ServerNovell Class15 years
PC WorkstationsComputer Labs and Classrooms703-5 years
Macintosh WorkstationsComputer Lab and Classrooms403-5 years
Projection DevicesInstructional2 5 years
ScannerInstructional25 years
PrintersIntructional152-5 years
PC /Mac WorkstationsAdministrative61-5 years
Digital CamerasInstructional21-3 years
Wireless Inventory & Dial-up Modem ServersRRCNET Remote access21-7 years


 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT



Capital Sources

The Technology Planning Committee will review the collaborate with theDistrict Administration and School Board to reach concensus on annual purchasesof technology hardware and software systems.
 
 
YearTotal Budget CommitmentDetailAmount
200430000Hardware 
Software 
Staff Development 
Maintenance
24000 
1000 
1000 
4000
200530000Hardware 
Software 
Staff Development 
Maintenance
24000 
1000 
1000 
4000
200640000Hardware 
Software 
Staff Development 
Maintenance
34000 
1000 
1000 
4000

MEASUREMENT AND ACTION PLAN
Measurement

A formally conducted survey was completed in May 1994; May 1997; May 2001; and January 2004.  This survey was completed by students, all staff, parents and communitymembers.  The tabulated results of this survey  provided baselinedata for improvement plans for technology programs in the district. The updated survey will be completed in March 2004.  Surveys, interviewsand informal discussions with teachers, students and parents will be conductedat the end of each year to evaluate the effectiveness of the managementsystem.  A formal survey instrument used in 1994,  1997, 2001 and2004 will be modified and adapted to provide suitable evaluation of districttechnology issues. The 2007 survey will be conducted online, utilizing Microsoft Server 2003 software.
 
 

Action Plan

This Technology Plan intends an on-going commitment to facilitate the useof technology resources available to the students, staff, and communityserved. The NEEDS, GOALS, AND STRATEGIES section of this plan lay out theexpectations and direction of energies and focus for the district.  The expected timelines for implementation of this plan are from schoolyear 2007- 2009.  Publication of the progress and implementation ofthis plan will be included in the School District Annual Report on Curriculum,Instruction, and Student Performance.
 
 

Evaluation

Technology implemention as specified by the scope of this plan will beevaluated by the Technology Planning Committee.  This evaluation willinclude measurement of progress on:Formative evaluations will be conducted throughout the technology planimplementation and will help in developing ongoing updates to the plan. Evaluation strategies include:
Survey

During January and February of 2004 an online survey was conducted of community members, high school teachers, elementary teachers, paraprofesionals, administration, staff and students. Web site links of these surveys are as follows:

http://209.105.74.151/hs = High School Student Survey

http://209.105.74.151/paraprof = Paraprofessional Survey

http://209.105.74.151/elemk2 = K - 2 Elementary Student Survey

http://209.105.74.151/elem36 = Grade 3 - 6 Elementary Student Survey

http://209.105.74.151/elemteach = Elementary Teacher Survey

http://209.105.74.151/teachers = High School Teacher Survey

http://209.105.74.151/community = Community Survey

The survey server was setup as a Microsoft Front Page Extentions server using Windows Server 2003 Operating System software. Results were similar to past years as the students and teachers are asking for new workstation hardware and the community requesting that the school web pages be updated more frequently.

Footnote

Red Rock Central School has established a commitment to providing thebest available resources for its technology program with the limited fundsallocated in a very tight budget.  This technology program is aprogressive, efficient, and comprehensive program that can rival any commercial or school technology program in Minnesota. The success of the program is evidenced by the excellent competency levelof students completing the school program and the unparalleled communitydevelopment fostered by the RRCNET dial-up & wireless access project.  Our students,staff, and communities are very well equipped for the 21st century.

The Red Rock Central School Technology Team is pro-active.  Technologydevelopment, implementation, and maintenance at Red Rock Central Schoolis accomplished by doing.

The 2006 Technology Committee.