District Technology Plan

Shepherd ISD is a 3A school district that has around 2,000 students. SISD is striving to improve their district technology for the benefit of their students and community. There are five main goals that SISD is looking to improve. The main goal is to improve the integration of technology into the classroom. This is to ensure that student achievement continues to increase. The administration would like to increase the amount of distance learning and video conferencing opportunities for staff and students. This is so students can have access to classes that Shepherd may not be able to offer. It is also a source for professional development . Teachers are encouraged to use technology for all aspects of classroom learning. The use of DMAC and WEBCAT to evaluate strengths and weakness of students has been added in the last couple of years. All campuses are to improve and use websites and on-line grade books to increase communication with parents, staff, and the community.

Another goal is focused on making sure that all faculty will meet SBEC standards and all students will meet the technology TEKS. Teachers will continue to have professional development to make sure that they are progressing with the state standards. The administration will use surveys to help determine what type of training to present to teachers. Also, all teachers have access to on-line resources for continuing education. Students will continue to have technology curriculum embedded into their course work to increase their understanding of the technology TEKS. Seperate technology classes will also be offered.

The district will continue to improve the technology infrastructure and work towards meeting all state and federal levels. The biggest goals in this area are to increase the number of computers and replace outdated equipment. More internet drops are needed in the classrooms. Most classrooms have only one or two at this time. Administration is leaning towards more wireless technology to help with this problem.

All campuses will use technology to improve efficiency in which student records and school information is accessed. With the new technology the district has more opportunities to communicate with parents, staff, and the community. All of these resources are to be used to improve communication. Also, emergency backup systems and security need to be addressed.

Shepherd’s professional development opportunities are planned through the Director of Curriculum, Superintendent, and campus principals. These opportunities are offered during in-service before school starts, at the region center, on-line or on staff development days throughout the school year. In the past no one is usually turned down for asking to go to a training session, but with all the budget cuts coming down the line, most of ours will probably switch to on-line classes. Currently Shepherd has about 40,000.00 budgeted for Staff development and distance learning/video conferencing courses.

With the help of grants and special funds Shepherd has been able to upgrade their technology within the last couple of years. There is still a lot of work to be done though. The district has about $400,000 budgeted for all technology programs across the district. As state funding being cut, it will be harder for the school to spend as much on this area. More staff development and training will be switched to on-line and web conference learning methods. Better surveys are needed to pinpoint areas in which teachers need help in. At the moment STaR chart is the only way in which teachers are assessed to determine their technology needs.