7.1 Requirements for Local Planning
7.2 Time Lines for Education Techonology Implementation
in Schools and Districts
7.3 Long-range Planning and Updates
7.4 Reporting and Evaluation
7.5 Public Information Strategy
Back to Table of Contents
The implementation of a comprehensive state technology plan must
be accomplished incrementally. The Mississippi Council for Education Technology
believes that education technology can enable Mississippi educators to
transform the classroom of the future into one where teachers and students
are partners actively engaged in learning.
Local districts are required to submit a local technology plan in order
to be eligible for Technology Enhancement funds. Although it is recommended
that local schools develop technology plans, only submission and approval
of the district plan is required. Plan timelines may span no less than
three or more than five years. Detailed local technology plan guidelines
will be distributed by the Office of Leadership & Professional Development to district
technology contacts in a separate document by November 1, 1995. Local technology
plans may be submitted to the Office of Leadership & Professional Development anytime
after November 15, 1995 for Technology Enhancement funding. Districts unable
to comply with these guidelines should contact the OLPD for assistance.
Local technology plans submitted to the Office of Leadership & Professional Development
will be reviewed by a team of the MDE and outside consultants using the
pre-established criteria set forth in the guidelines document. Plans must
be comprehensive. They should include all activities that relate to the
integration of technology into the district, not just those that can be
funded by the Technology Enhancement Act funds. Once approved by the review
team, the recommendation for funding must be approved by the State Board
of Education. Once approved by the State Board of Education, the district
will be notified and the funding allocation will be made to the district.
If a district plan does not meet all of the criteria, the district
technology coordinator will be instructed as to the corrective action(s)
that should be taken.
Mississippi districts and schools are in different stages of technology
integration. An infusion of technology across the district is necessary
if the nature of teaching and learning is to change. However, although
the plan should address comprehensive technology needs, Technology Enhancement
fund expenditures will not meet all current and future needs. Therefore,
it is recommended that districts analyze their immediate and long-range
needs and identify funding sources other than Technology Enhancement Act
funds to satisfy identified needs.
The following goals have been identified in SB3350 and are to be used
as a guide for the development of the local technology plans by the district
technology committee. The use of these implementation strategies are suggested,
not required.
GOAL 1: To provide access to individualized instruction through
computer-based technology, video and other technology-based instruction.
STRATEGY: Focus on classroom infusion.
GOAL 2: To improve teaching and learning and the ability to
meet individual students' needs to increase student achievement.
STRATEGY: Focus on curriculum integration.
GOAL 3: To improve curriculum delivery to help meet the needs
for educational equity across the state.
STRATEGY: Focus on connectivity.
GOAL 4: To improve delivery of professional development.
STRATEGY: Focus on professional development.
GOAL 5: To improve the efficiency and productivity of administrators.
STRATEGY: Focus on reporting and accountability.
GOAL 6: To encourage development by the private sector and acquisition
by districts of technologies and applications appropriate for education.
STRATEGY: Focus on emerging technologies.
GOAL 7: To ensure efficient and equitable use of technology at
all levels from kindergarten through higher education, including vocational
and adult education.
STRATEGY: Focus on maximization of investment.
7.3 Long-range Planning and Updates
The following table represents the schedule for long-range
planning and plan updates at the state and local level.
Table 7-1: Schedule for Long-range Planning and Updates
Local technology plans must include a schedule of yearly evaluations
of accomplishments and activities described in the plan to help monitor
successes, and possible failures. The effectiveness of the technology plan
increases as evaluation is made an integral part of planned activities.
Reporting and evaluation strategies should include the following:
In order to ensure a focused vision and effective plan implementation, a comprehensive public information strategy must be developed. In order for the plan to be supported, plan content and strategies must be understood and communicated to all Mississippi citizens. The strategies will be developed by the Council for Education Technology and the Project Advisory Committee representatives in cooperation with Office of Leadership & Professional Development. Public information strategies will address multiple audiences through a variety of media. A myriad of topics will be covered including plan content, support structures, processes for local district planning, training opportunities, impact on citizenry, policy and procedures for implementation, and awareness of emerging technologies.