Jen_Kym_Rodney_Final

Point Pleasant Boro Elementary School


 * Fast Facts ||

====Point Pleasant Boro Elementary School is a Title I school located on the south side of Richmond, Virginia. The demographics of our school are 87% Black, 3% white, and 10% Hispanic. Currently, 91% of Point Boro’s population is considered economically disadvantaged, which is determined by the number of students receiving free or reduced lunch. ==== ====There are 531 students currently enrolled in grades pre-k through five. There are 26 regular education teachers with 10 exceptional education teachers. The student-teacher ratio is twenty to one. ====
 * ===Grade === || ===Number of Students === ||
 * ===Pre-k === || ===42 === ||
 * ===Kindergarten === || ===85 === ||
 * ===First === || ===83 === ||
 * ===Second === || ===74 === ||
 * ===Third === || ===68 === ||
 * ===Fourth === || ===<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">89 === ||
 * ===<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Fifth === || ===<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">90 === ||


 * Focus Areas for Point Boro ||

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">We will focus on the following areas:

 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Continued growth in SOL achievement including pass/advanced rates ======
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Reading is a concern throughout the school based on an analysis of SOL and PALS data ======
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Comprehension and Word Analysis are strands that need specific attention ======
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Math data shows that there are opportunities for improvement school wide ======
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Number and Number Sense, as well as Computation and Estimation, are areas the data revealed as weaknesses for our students ======
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Integration of current technology and Web 2.0 tools, across all grade levels ======
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Implementation of reading and math remediation programs based on 2009-2010 SOL data ======

Instructional Uses [|Uses of Technology at Point Boro Elementary School]

[|Great video about why teachers should use technology and some examples of how to incorporate it in the classroom.]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">There are 20 interactive whiteboards in our school. Each classroom has four desktop computers, two laptops, a document camera, and a projector. Point Boro Elementary also has a lab with 26 computers and teachers sign up as needed. While some teachers feel confident using technology, others are striving to gain experience integrating new tools into their lessons. The ITRT assigned to our school has recognized the inexperience of some of the teachers, and has made it a goal to provide meaningful professional development utilizing the latest technology.

istation <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">istation Reading is a data-driven reading intervention program for students in Pre-K through Grade 5. istation Reading promotes reading acceleration and progress through a high-interest online interactive curriculum.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Compass Learning <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Web-based learning that provides instruction, review, practice games, and assessments for all core subjects. It varies the level of difficulty by grade level and provides great data for teachers and administrators. Compass Learning is a great tool for students because they are able to use it at school and at home.

Brain Pop <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">A great website that has videos on hundreds of topics, in all subjects. After watching the videos, students can complete activities before they take the online quiz.

United Streaming Educational movies that can be searched by topic or even SOL standard. Searches can also be refined by grade level and subject.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|Arcademic Skill Builders] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">"Research-based and standards-aligned free educational math games and language arts games will engage, motivate, and help teach students."

Student Access
====<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">﻿ All students at Point Boro will have access to technology at all times. Each classroom is equipped with four classroom computers, a teacher and student laptop computer, LCD projector, TV/DVD player, document camera and a Smartboard (whiteboard). Also, there are two computer labs on every grade level in which all teachers are required to spend five hours a week focusing on technology learning and skills necessary to function in a 21st century society. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Our new computer based reading program istation, requires that students spend 120 minutes a week on a computer, working on Language Arts skills. This program measures and builds skills appropriate for each child’s academic level. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Students will also have access in our after-school remediation program. This program helps provide extra assistance to students who are not grasping concepts during whole group instruction. Parents and students will also have access each week during Technology Thursdays. Technology Thursdays occur from 5-7 every Thursday night. It allows parents to see what their students are working on during the school day. Parents will also have the opportunity to sign up for free classes that promote computer literacy for adults. ====

Internet Safety ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Our school offers Internet access to its students at all grade levels. Appropriate use of the Internet provides valuable opportunities for both students and faculty members for research, instruction, curriculum support, and career development. One concern that comes with using the internet is possibility that students will be exposed to materials that do not have educational value or that is inappropriate. Therefore, we feel that safety measures, such as filtering, are necessary. However, we feel that use of a blanket filtering program might limit the extent that useful resources could be incorporated into instruction. It is the responsibility of the school leaders to come to a consensus regarding the issue of filtering. Our community of teachers, media specialist, ITRT personnel, and experts in this area will continue to monitor this issue in the hope that decisions will be made to promote education, and at the same time protect our children from negative internet influences. We will provide guidelines about how to provide access to technology without compromising safety. This includes guidance for appropriate internet practices, and procedures on how to handle cyberbullying, use of social networks, and filtering practices. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">All members of the school community will be required to sign the district’s internet code of conduct, which states these policies of acceptable use. We will ask that parents and guardians also sign this code, as we ask them to monitor their student’s use of technology following the same guidelines at home. A violation of the terms of this Acceptable Use Policy may result in suspension or termination of network access privileges (other than directly supervised access during classroom instruction) and may also result in other disciplinary action consistent with the disciplinary policies of the district, and could also result in criminal prosecution where applicable. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">This policy was created by the school’s internet policies committee, which includes administrators, teachers, parents, and computer specialists from the district. They will meet regularly to set the guidelines of the policy. If a violation of the policy is reported, the committee will respond in a proactive manner before a problem becomes widespread. The intent of this policy is to ensure that students utilize access to technology in a responsible manner consistent with the purpose of providing students the opportunity to engage with technology in a positive manner. In order for students to learn the best practices for safety, it is imperative that all staff members model appropriate use. Members of our school community are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or school building. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. Here are some general guidelines that all staff members should follow: ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Should a user encounter any material that they feel may constitute a threat against their personal safety or the safety of fellow students, staff members or the school, that user is obligated to report their discovery of such material to a teacher or to the principal. Students should be instructed to immediately disclose to their teacher any message that they receive that they believe is inappropriate or that makes them feel uncomfortable. In the event that there is a claim that a student has violated any of the guidelines in this policy, they will be provided with written notice of the suspected violation and an opportunity to be heard. The school will cooperate fully with local, state, and federal law enforcement officials in any investigation relating to any illegal activities conducted through the school’s computer network. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">The goal of this policy is t﻿o help all school members feel protected throughout their interactions with technology. Frequent and appropriate technology use is both important and expected. This can help provide teachers with the opportunity to teach our students in a problem-based learning environment, where they are able to think freely and learn through self-discovery. As previously mentioned, our school policy is an ever-evolving document, and will be reviewed regularly as to keep up with the ever-changing applications of technology. ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Keep personal information such as last names, addresses, telephone numbers, and photographs private to help maintain security. ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">All individuals should keep their passwords private, and should use only one password. Also, when a session has been completed, all individuals should log out of whatever programs they have used. ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">As with all internet use, all community members should present themselves with integrity and in an ethical manner in regards to others. ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Professional and appropriate language should be used in all public and private communications. The language we use should be respectful of the diversity of all community members. ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">All materials used should be appropriate, and accessed to achieve the goal of improving the educational experience of all students. ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Users should assume that all materials available on the Internet are protected by copyright, and follow appropriate standards for use. ====

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 18px;">The following websites provide resources for educators and families about the importance of internet safety:
[|kidshealth.org/...net_safety.html] This site gives a good overview for parents about internet safety laws, online protection tools, how parents can get involved with their kid's online activities, and basic guidelines about what to look out for when monitoring a child's use of social networking tools.

[|cybersmartcurriculum.org/...lessons] This site gives activities for grades 2 - 12 to talk about cyberbullying with students. Each lesson can be printed out, and also has a Web 2.0 option.

[|www.wcs.k12.va.us/...cyberbullying-for-teachers.pdf] This site provides clear examples of the different types of cyberbullying, as well as possible consequences school districts can use against it.

[|www.doe.virginia.gov/...index.shtml] This site is from the Virginia Department of Education, and provides resources and programs related to internet safety.

[|www.commonsensemedia.org/internet-safety] This site provides materials and suggested curriculum for educators as well as resources for parents about how they can stay informed about the internet tools their students are using.

[|www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying] The National Crime Prevention Council’s site specifically provides resources on cyberbullying.

Professional Development

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">All professional development at Point Boro Elementary will be based on needs assessment. The needs will be assessed by surveys filled out by staff, students, parents, and the community. These surveys will measure everything from technology usage to school lunches. We, at Point Boro, believe that proper professional development is the key to being able to meet and satisfy the needs of our students and community. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">In addition to the needs assessment surveys, all staff must attend VSTE Virginia Society of Technology Educators Conference. This conference ensures that all staff at Point Boro are best trained to prepare your child for a 21st century education.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">[|PD 360] "An on-demand library of professional teacher development resources that leverages technology to make professional learning more effective, convenient, and sustainable. With over 200 hours of research-based video content, plus tools for follow-up, tracking, reflection, and group training, PD 360 is the most comprehensive solution to your professional teacher development needs." [|www.nsdc.org/standards] National Staff Development Council standards for staff development. This site provides examples of how to best incorporate effective staff development in the field of technology.

Funding

====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Funding of our school’s technology resources will come from a number of sources. From the federal level, such as ARRA funds, Title I and Title II funds, the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act), and the EETT Program (Enhancing Education through Technology). We will also look to state and district funding to help us reach our educational goals. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Along with these sources of funding, we will look to local resources, such as business and community partners to help meet our funding needs. We will have an ongoing relationship with these resources, and seek their input about things that are working in our plan, and areas which they feel could be improved. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">We will use our technological funding and resources to meet the teaching and learning of the diverse learners found in our school’s population. This will include both hardware and software, as well as online programs. We will be responsive to our faculty and staff when deciding which programs should be adopted. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">When developing our plan, we will look to align our goals with those that have been set by the district in terms of how the ARRA funds can help to meet our school’s needs. Also, our plan will be developed along with research that shows how the use of technology will improve student achievement. To best implement new technology for our teachers, we will make sure to include funds for professional development in our plan. Beyond training sessions, we will also consider adding pay for substitutes to allow teachers to visit classrooms where their peers are using technology effectively. This modeling approach will allow teachers to develop concrete ideas about how they, too, can engage students using technology. ====

These websites contain a wealth of information on the different strategies we plan to use to incorporate effective funding for technology as well as research that supports technology integration at our school. = **Integrating Technology in the Classroom:** = CoSN | [|www.cosn.org] Resources and information on technology and learning

George Lucas Educational Foundation | [|www.edutopia.org] Videos and sample lessons of technology-supported instructional activities

Partnership for 21st Century Skills | [|www.21stcenturyskills.org] Includes the 21st-century skills framework and several relevant publications

= **Research that Supports Technology Integration** = The Learning Return on Our Educational Technology Investment [| www.wested.org/online_pubs/learning_return.pdf] Report conducted by WestEd, a national education nonprofit research, development, and service agency

CARET | [|http://caret.iste.org] Links to multiple studies related to technology in education

NETS | [|www.iste.org/NETS] Information related to ISTE’s educational technology standards for students, teachers, and administrators. This site also includes findings from research on technology integration.