2013-2016 Technology Plan - Osceola County School District

The award of the Race to the Top grant is the centerpiece as the District works to replace the
multiple, distinct systems with one integrated system, providing new reporting possibilities for all
stakeholders, to include:
1. Standards and Curriculum
2. Instructional Practices
3. Assessment and Growth
4. Facilitator Profile
5. Learner Profile
6. Analysis and Reporting
7. Documentation and Support
8. Data Integration
9. IT Platform and Security
The District has adopted the instructional and leadership improvement system developed by Dr.
Robert Marzano. iObservation is the web-based platform that supports administrators and
teachers in addressing student achievement gains by examining pedagogical practices.
Administrators use criteria during observations to assess the teacher’s plan in identifying and
using available technology, as well as articulating how the technology will enhance student
learning. This feedback allows a teacher to take action during the academic year, and beyond, to
improve instruction as needed.
In the realm of technology, the District uses the tools provided by the State of Florida, which are
based on the International Society of Technology in Education’s (ISTE) NETS for Students
(NETS•S) competencies, when possible, to determine the technology literacy of students.
Teachers, especially in the middle and high school classrooms discover some students have gaps
in basic technology skills. With the transition to CCSS, the District is evaluating methods to
improve student technology skills.
Teachers are strongly encouraged to participate in the Inventory of Teacher Technology Skills
(ITTS), developed by the Florida Department of Education. Results indicate that there are everpresent
gaps in basic technology skills of teachers as well. Innovative, visionary leaders seek to
make the closing of these gaps a focus in order to give to all students the very best education.
Therefore, the Media and Instructional Technology Department (MITD) resource teachers
concentrate on training and assisting classroom teachers and library media specialists in the use of
instructional software applications, technology devices and curriculum integration. MITD
resource teachers make classroom visits and model best practices to reinforce training so that
teachers may increase their comfort level in delivering instruction to students. MITD resource
teachers must update training materials to establish the latest standards for professional
development related to software applications in order to offer the most current information to
classroom teachers. They serve as consultants to the Curriculum and Instruction Department
resource teachers, and provide professional development opportunities in a collaborative learning
environment.
School administrators complete the annual Florida Innovates Technology Resources Survey,
which furnishes them with relevant, current information related to all types of technology in the
school and use of the technology resources, whether software or hardware. District personnel use
this data to generate equity reports to inform leadership in making purchasing decisions
(Appendix C: Sample Florida Innovates School TRS 2012).
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2013 Educational Technology Plan School District of Osceola County Florida