DETROIT URBAN LUTHERAN SCHOOL

TECHNOLOGY PLAN

Contact Information: Detroit Urban Lutheran School

8181 Greenfield Road

Detroit, MI 48228

(313) 582-9900

Fax: (313) 582-0817

District Code – School Code #82010-2284

Personal Contact: Martin Moro, Technology Coordinator

Detroit Urban Lutheran School

8181 Greenfield Road

Detroit, MI 48228

(313) 582-9900 ext 122

Fax: (313) 582-0817

Email: morom3@yahoo.com

Technology Plan URL: www.detroiturbanlutheran.com

Start Date: July 1, 2007

End Date: June 30, 2010

Plan Submitted to Wayne County Intermediate School District

INTRODUCTION

Mission Statement

Detroit Urban Lutheran School offers a quality, college-preparatory Christian education, helping each child to reach his/her greatest potential and prepare for adult life.

School Overview

Detroit Urban Lutheran School is an independent Lutheran school operating under the authority of the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. It is located on the west side of the city of Detroit where it educates children in grades kindergarten through twelve. Detroit Urban’s elementary school will begin its thirty-third year in August 2004 at the same time that its high school begins its tenth year.

There are approximately 150 students in grades kindergarten through eight and just over 100 students in the high school in the 2006-2007 school year. The vast majority of the students are residents of the city of Detroit. The school is funded primarily through a modest tuition.

The school is housed in one building and utilizes 24 classrooms including its gymnasium. Detroit Urban is staffed by 18 teachers (3 of whom are part-time administrators), 2 full-time administrators, and 9 auxiliary personnel. The school’s 22 acres provide for outdoor athletic facilities including a baseball field, a softball field, a football field, and a track.

The school’s curriculum is primarily college prep. While emphasizing academics, Detroit Urban offers a variety of extracurricular activities including athletics, music, and drama. Students also have the opportunity to further their leadership skills through participation in student government and National Honor Society.

TECHNOLOGY VISION AND GOALS

Technology Vision Statement

Detroit Urban Lutheran School will provide students and staff access to technology that will enhance teaching and learning, will connect students and staff to educational resources, and will communicate effectively to parents and the community.

Technology Goals

Technology will become increasingly integrated into daily instruction.

Student achievement in areas involving communication and problem solving skills will improve.

Teachers and students will be able to use technology as a research tool.

Teachers and students will be able to use technology as a presentation tool.

Teachers, students, and administrators will be able to share information and resources over a local area network.

Teachers, students, administrators, and parents will be able to share information and resources over the Internet.

CURRICULUM

A. Curriculum Integration (Specific Curricular Goals and Alignment with State Standards)

All students will use and transfer technological knowledge and skills for life roles utilizing the following strategies:

Students will analyze sources of information.

Students will use technology to practice research techniques.

Students will use technology to practice telecommunication techniques.

Students will use technology resources to explore career paths and evaluate various job opportunities.

Students will demonstrate proper care of technological systems and components.

All students will use technology to work with information through data entry and retrieval, and through the organization, manipulation, evaluation, and communication of that data utilizing the following strategies:

Students will work with various sources of data to enter and retrieve information.

Students will interpret, analyze, and critically evaluate information from various technology related sources.

All students will apply appropriate technologies to critical thinking, creative expression, and decision-making skills utilizing the following strategies:

Students will use a variety of technologies to express ideas.

Students will use technologies to communicate for a variety of purposes and to a variety of audiences.

Students will use technology to organize thoughts in a logical process.

Identifying and Promoting Curricula and Teaching Strategies

Detroit Urban Lutheran School will seek out and provide professional development opportunities for its teachers and staff. Opportunities that enhance the integration of technology into the curriculum and that promote effective telecommunication will be of a high priority.

B. Student Achievement

Technology Integration

At this point Detroit Urban Lutheran School has its technology for student use centralized in a couple of locations. This computer lab structure is presently used for instruction on computer use, on-line research, and document production. Some of these activities are done within the context of computer classes, but, as the labs have developed, more and more classes are visiting the labs to do research and document preparation that is integrated into curricular areas aside from computer classes. Specific examples of integration include research paper production using word processing in English classes at the high school level, on-line research in Social Studies classes at the middle school level, and some use of computer programs to review basic math concepts at the elementary level. Additionally, Detroit Urban’s new Resource Room for high school students uses a software package to individualize instruction for students with special needs, as does Detroit Urban’s Title 1 Room where elementary students with special needs receive extra attention.

As the labs become more completely developed and easier to use, teachers will be encouraged to make more frequent use of these technologies. Additionally, almost every classroom is connected to the internet through the school’s local area network. This is allowing improving opportunities for integration of technology into all curricular areas.

Time Line for Integration

2007-2008:

Continue development of the school’s local area network by assimilating recently donated computers into the network and by restructuring the existing labs to make the best use of these resources.

Each classroom has at least one computer with an internet connection. Work to acquire additional computers for each classroom that will allow an upgrade from the existing computers and allow for more than one computer in classrooms where computers will be used more often. Work to acquire additional hubs that will allow for more than one computer in a classroom.

2008-2009:

Purchase site licensing for software for use on the newly expanded local area network.

Train teachers in the use of the Internet as a communication tool and provide each teacher with an email account and a link on the school’s web page to enhance communication with the home and with other professionals.

2009-2010:

Begin the process of utilizing a hub in each classroom to provide several computers with Internet and local area network access.

Purchase additional site licensing for software for use on local area network.

Continue to train teachers in the use of the Internet as a communication tool through email and web based communication.

C. Technology Delivery

Detroit Urban offers some of its upper level high school students the opportunity to take college credit classes over the internet. These classes utilize a live connection with high school students and their instructor from Lutheran High School of Orange County in Orange, California. This opportunity is made available in part due to the broadband internet technology available on the computer network. We see this as an area for potential future expansion where more Detroit Urban students will be able to take more classes in this way and where Detroit Urban may be able to offer classes to students in remote locations.

D. Parental Communication & Community Relations

Our technology plan will be available to the community at the school web site. Portions of the plan that are of greatest interest to parents will be printed in weekly informational sheets and in the school newsletter.

Detroit Urban intends to acquire access to a web based grading and records program for our teachers. This is designed to allow parents to have access over the Internet to information on their children. They will be able to receive current progress reports on their child’s grades and attendance. The school web page will continue to be developed to provide current information on school activities and to provide links to Detroit Urban staff.

The Detroit Urban Parent Advisory Board will review the technology plan annually. This will allow parents the opportunity to provide input and to generate new initiatives.

E. Collaboration

Not Applicable - Detroit Urban Lutheran School does not offer Adult Education, ESL, or GED certification programs.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

F. Professional Development

When a new technology or a new aspect of an existing technology is introduced, workshops will be led to train all the effected staff and administrators in their use. When staff members require training in an existing program or technology instruction is offered on an individual basis and is designed to meet their specific needs.

When a teacher’s classroom is connected to the local area network, that teacher will be expected to report attendance and perform other record keeping duties on the computer. Teachers will be trained in these procedures.

When the Internet is made available to all the classrooms, the teachers will be provided workshops on integrating the Internet into existing instruction.

Time Line for Professional Development

2007-2008:

Train teachers in the uses of the local area network resources.

Provide teachers with instruction on using web based record keeping and reporting.

Provide teachers with instruction in integrating the Internet into existing lessons.

Train teachers in process of uploading information to the school web page.

Train teachers in the use of email.

2008-2009:

Train teachers in the uses of the local area network resources as these resources are added.

As additional classroom computers are connected to the local area network, provide teachers who now have access to the network with instruction on using web based record keeping and reporting.

As additional classroom computers are connected to the local area network and have Internet access, provide teachers with instruction in integrating the Internet into existing lessons.

Train teachers in producing their own web pages.

Train teachers in using newly acquired software.

2009-2010:

Review above training as needed.

Train teachers in the uses of the local area network resources as these resources are added.

Train teachers in using newly acquired software.

State and National Standards

While we are aware of many of the ideas that have been accepted as standards for teachers and administrators, and while we hold to many of these ideals, these standards will be difficult to achieve until there is adequate technology in the classroom. The following standards are courtesy of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and are referred to as the “National Educational Technology Standards”:

Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts.

Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology.

Teachers implement curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning.

Teachers apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.

Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practice.

Teachers understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools and apply those principles in practice.

Educational leaders inspire a shared vision for comprehensive integration of technology and foster an environment and culture conducive to the realization of that vision.

Educational leaders ensure that curricular design, instructional strategies, and learning environments integrate appropriate technologies to maximize learning and teaching.

Educational leaders apply technology to enhance their professional practice and to increase their own productivity and that of others.

Educational leaders ensure the integration of technology to support productive systems for learning and administration.

Educational leaders use technology to plan and implement comprehensive systems of effective assessment and evaluation.

Educational leaders understand the social, legal, and ethical issues related to technology and model responsible decision-making related to these issues.

G. Supporting Resources

Our supporting resources include instructional and productivity software, supporting manuals for that software, a technology coordinator on staff, support at the offices of the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, and support at the national offices of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. At the national level, Detroit Urban is participating in a pilot program called the “National Lutheran School Portal” which will connect Lutheran schools from across the country over the Internet. Through this portal we will also be participating in another pilot program for web based grading and record keeping called “Power School”. We have support in these programs at the national level. Our teachers also have access to the Wayne County RESA.

INFRASTRUCTURE, HARDWARE, TECHNICAL SUPPORT, AND SOFTWARE

H. Infrastructure Needs/Technical Specification and Design

Infrastructure Description:

Detroit Urban has a computer local area network including fifty-seven computers. The computer network includes a fileserver, a computer lab of eighteen computers, single computers in each of sixteen classrooms, a classroom with seven computers, a classroom with five computers, a classroom with four computers, and six computers in various offices. The Internet connection is a broadband connection through a cable modem. The school houses its own web site on its file server.

Software for educational purposes includes Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, and a variety of packages on stand alone machines. Most of the machines have a Windows operating system (Windows 98 or 2000).

Infrastructure Needs:

There are many needs. The most immediate include acquiring additional computers so there can be more than one computer in each classroom. After this is the need for software of all types including productivity packages and educational software – especially that which would be suitable for use by small children. Additional needs include additional cabling and hubs to connect more of our existing computers to the existing network.

Interoperability Strategies:

While we would probably not turn down any donation as most of our technology has been donated to us, we have built our local area network with a Windows 2000 server. This is also compatible with Windows 98. Most donations that we are likely to receive will be compatible with this format or can be made compatible with this format.

Technical Support:

Our technical support consists of our Technology Coordinator and parents who volunteer their expertise to deal with specific situations.

I. Increase Access

Detroit Urban is a high need school. It is our immediate struggle to try to provide all our students with computer access. While each classroom now has a computer with access to the internet, we hope to provide additional computers to each classroom to increase student access.

FUNDING AND BUDGET

J. Budget and Timetable

2007-2008:

Internet connection costs $ 1200

Technology Coordinator stipend $ 1000

Software acquisitions $ 1000

Upgrading of infrastructure $ 1000

Maintenance $ 1000

2008-2009:

Internet connection costs $ 1200

Technology Coordinator stipend $ 1000

Software acquisitions $ 1000

Upgrading of infrastructure $ 1000

Maintenance $ 1000

2009-2010:

Internet connection costs $ 1200

Technology Coordinator stipend $ 1000

Software acquisitions $ 1000

Upgrading of infrastructure $ 1000

Maintenance $ 1000

Note – We will depend upon donations for additional computer hardware.

K. Coordination of Resources

As a non-public school, Detroit Urban is not eligible for some government funded programs, although we have been able to receive Title 1 funding in the past and hope to continue to apply for Title 1 funding in the future to assist with the acquisition of computer hardware.

Detroit Urban has received USF funding in the past and hopes to receive it again in the future. Application for USF funding will be the responsibility of the Technology Coordinator.

Detroit Urban has also benefited from some private donations in the past and hopes to continue to benefit from these types of donations in the future.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

L. Evaluation

The technology coordinator will administer technology use surveys at least once each semester. The technology coordinator, guidance counselor, and achievement testing coordinator will monitor changes in student scores on standardized tests to assess the impact of technology use on student achievement.

After reviewing the effect technology has had on student achievement, areas of weakness will be targeted for strengthening through strategies involving the implementation of technology.

M. Acceptable Use Policy

Detroit Urban Lutheran School students, teachers, and staff will have access to the Internet at school this year through the school’s local area network. The Internet offers many educational resources to our school family and its use and the use of the local area network is to be encouraged. There is, however, the potential that someone using the Internet may encounter materials that are contrary to the educational goals or religious values of our institution. While this possibility does exist, we feel that the educational benefits of Internet use and instruction outweigh the potential hazards, and its use at Detroit Urban will be encouraged, but with some guidelines. Students who refuse to abide by these guidelines will be subject to immediate termination of their network and Internet rights on Detroit Urban computers. The guidelines are as follows:

Acceptable Use – The use of school technology must be consistent with the educational goals and religious values of Detroit Urban Lutheran School. The use of any other organization’s network and/or computing resources through the Detroit Urban computer network must comply with the rules and/or policies appropriate to that network in addition to the Detroit Urban network. Furthermore, transmission of any material in violation of any state or federal laws or regulations is strictly prohibited. This includes (but is not limited to) all copyrighted material, any threatening material, any obscene material, and material protected by law governing trade secrets. Use for commercial activities, including product advertisement, requires prior permission form the school principal or his designee. Any services accessed which require a monetary charge or financial commitment shall be the responsibility of the individual requesting such services. Use for partisan political lobbying is prohibited.

Privileges – The use of technology at Detroit Urban Lutheran School is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use of that technology will result in loss of that privilege. Students will receive access to technology only after agreeing to the terms of the Detroit Urban Technology Use Agreement. The principal or his designee will have the final say on what is or is not appropriate use of technology.

Security – If a security problem is identified on a computer or on the Internet, notify a member of the staff. Do not use another person’s account without written permission from that individual. Do not attempt to log on to the network using a login other than the one you have been assigned.

Vandalism – Do not damage school property or the property of others. This includes computer hardware, computer software, and computer data. This includes but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Vandalism may constitute a criminal offense any may result in criminal prosecution.

Network Etiquette – Proper network etiquette is expected while using the computer network. This includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviors:

Be polite in your network communication.

Use appropriate language. Coarse or vulgar language is prohibited. All communication deemed illegal by any applicable federal, state, or local ordinances are strictly prohibited.

Do not reveal your own personal information (address, phone number, full name, etc.) to a stranger on-line.

Do not reveal any personal information about anyone else to a stranger on-line.

Note that e-mail is not private and that people who operate computer systems have access to these messages. Electronic communication, while not private, remains the property of the author.

Do not use the network in ways that would disrupt its use for other users.

Do not use the computers to view or share material that is inconsistent with the educational goals and religious values of Detroit Urban Lutheran School.

Disclaimer – Detroit Urban Lutheran School makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the service it is providing. Detroit Urban Lutheran School will not be responsible for any malfunctions or service interruptions of the local area network or access to the Internet. Use of any information obtained from the Internet or the local area network is at the user’s own risk. Detroit Urban Lutheran School is not responsible for the reliability of any information obtained over its network.

Enforcement Provisions – While the system administrators make every effort to respect the privacy of network users, it may become necessary to monitor any or all activity on the network to see that it is being used properly. Any files saved on a school computer may be deleted by the system administrator. Those who abuse the school computers by violating the guidelines listed above may have their computer privileges terminated.