The Frisco ISD technology plan is well defined with a vision, mission and target goals. The mission statement includes the following words, “will empower students, educators, and the community to utilize current and emerging technologies as tools for life-long learning.” At the heart of this vision is the 21st Century Learner, which is illustrated with a web graphic on the homepage.
District technology plans must meet the E-rate, No Child Left Behind, and Texas State Long Range Technology Plan guidelines. To ensure that Frisco ISD meets these guidelines, the Frisco ISD technology plan has 4 specific goals. The first goal targets effective technology staff development by assuring that every campus is assigned a Technology Integration Facilitator. These individuals must be certified teachers and are responsible for conducting on-going technology staff development. The ongoing staff development opportunities may include campus specific workshops, summer technology integration classes, job-embedded training, online training modules, and video streaming seminars.
The second and third goals target utilizing technology to enhance instruction, administrative tasks, and ultimately student achievement. Frisco ISD has introduced BYOD, or Bring Your Own Device, this year. For the first time students are allowed to bring their own ipad, itouch, iphone, laptop, e-readers, or other approved devices to school as educational tools. Teachers are encouraged to create activities where these devices can be integrated into the curriculum.
The fourth goal targets the technology infrastructure and ensures that the most current technologies are being utilized. School campuses must meet a district-wide minimum standard for technology hardware and software. Every campus is provided high-level voice and data services as well as a high bandwidth capability. Annual inventories are conducted to ensure that these goals are being maintained.
Emerging technologies are constantly researched for possible use within the district. Our technology staff attends state and national conferences and discusses best practices with other school districts. Programs are often piloted for feasibility and success before they are implemented on a larger scale.
Budgeting for current and future technologies is difficult in today’s uncertain circumstances. Funding comes from a combination of state technology allotments, property taxes, and bond funds. Alternative funding sources such as grants and federal programs are secured as needed. All available revenue sources are utilized to fund the technology program.
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