5a. Describe the existing hardware, Internet access, electronic learning resources, and technical support already in the district that will be used to support the Curriculum and Professional Development Components of the plan.
Existing Hardware:
Current Hardware and Average Age Site # of Comp Avg. Age # LCD Proj Avg Age File Server Server Age Brown 150 3 yrs 32 3 yrs Virtualized 1 yr Crowell 223 5 yrs 41 4 yrs Virtualized 1 yr Cunningh
am 104 5 yrs 33 4 yrs Virtualized 1 yr
Earl 179 8 yrs 35 6 yrs 1 - Dell
T710 6 yrs Julien 156 5 yrs 25 5 yrs Virtualized 1 yr Medeiros 115 6 yrs 35 2 yrs Virtualized 1 yr Osborn 165 5 yrs 38 5 yrs Virtualized 1 yr Wakefield 200 4 yrs 33 3 yrs 1 - Dell
T710 3 yrs Walnut 200 6 yrs 40 7 yrs 2- Dell
2800 6 yrs Dutcher
Middle 184 5 yrs 32 5 yrs
1 - Dell 2800 1- Dell 4400 5 yrs 13 yrs Turlock
Jr. High 415 9 yrs 53 5 yrs
2 - Dell
T710 4 yrs Pitman
High Sch 450 6 yrs 110 7 yrs
1 - Dell 2800 1- Dell T410 8 yrs 2 yrs Turlock
High Sch 492 6 yrs 93 6 yrs
1 - Dell 2900 1- Dell
6 yrs 2 yrs
Roselawn
Cont HS 66 3 yrs 8 3 yrs
1 - Dell T710 1- Dell 1900 2 yrs 6 yrs eCademy
Charter 76 3 yrs 7 3 yrs
1 - Dell Optipliex 780
3 yrs
• All schools are using HP Procurve switches with CISCO core routers. All schools have a wireless hotspot on campus (usually in the administration building and multi-purpose rooms). Four campuses are fully wireless: eCademy Charter, Medeiros Elementary, Walnut Elementary, and Wakefield Elementary. The average age of the network equipment on the school sites is 11 years old.
• Most schools have LCD projectors in each classroom or are working towards installing them in each classroom.
• Brown, Cunningham, and Wakefield Elementary Schools have Promethean Interactive whiteboards, in addition to interactive tablets.
• Interactive tablets are in use in classrooms at additional sites, including Julien Elementary and Turlock Junior High School.
• Student laptops are used a Walnut Elementary, where there is no formal computer lab. Student laptops are also used by Julien 6th graders (currently housed at neighboring THS during Julien modernization) and by students in the STEM program at TJHS.
• Many classrooms outfitted with an LCD projector also have a document camera. • Servers at Brown, Cunningham, Earl, Julien, and Medeiros Elementary Schools have
been upgraded into a virtualized server environment.
Existing Internet Access: TUSD is running a 100 megabytes-per-second (mbps) connection through the K-12 High Speed network and is delivered through a node at the Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) by Charter Business Systems . Our LAN/WAN is also connected through a 1 Gigabit-per-second (gbps) connection with Charter Business. The connection goes from the district office to all sites except for Roselawn High School, which is connected to the internet with two T1 (3 mbps) lines with AT+T. All classrooms are connected to the Internet.
Existing Electronic Learning Resources: Existing Electronic Learning Resources: All K-6 schools are using Renaissance Learning for the enterprise version of Accelerated Reader/STAR Reading. The Ellis program is available at two schools, which focuses on ELA for English Learners. All schools have access to the internally hosted Discovery Streaming for access to over 100,000 standards aligned based videos and other programming offered by Discovery Education. Read 180 is available at the middle school/junior high school level.
Edusoft is the assessment database currently used by TUSD, in addition, the student information system is Aeries by Eagle Software, for analysis of student data.
The Follett Library and Textbook manager was also implemented. This connects all district libraries and creates a consistent program used at all sites.
All schools have Office 2010 and we are in the process of converting to Windows 7 operating system.
The following additional electronic learning resources are also used in the district:
• Curriculum Adoptions - Technology based curriculum components (K-12) (For example, Pearson 7th and 8th grade science has available online lessons and student textbooks available on CD-ROM)
• Ellis Program (7th-8th) • Study Island (K-8th) • HotMath (7th-8th)
• Rosetta Stone is available for English Learner students after school at TJHS.
• The STEM program at TJHS uses Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum, which includes several software components for robotics, engineering, and design.
Existing Technical Support: K-6 and 7-8 sites all share a technology support specialist (TSS) with at least one other site. TSS's are expected to help at all sites based on need and their specific knowledge and skills. The eCademy Charter School has a .5 FTE TSS. The district has a total of 7.5 TSS FTE's. At the district level there is one network technician, one data systems
coordinator, and one data processing technician. The Technology and Data Systems Department has one full-time FTE and one half-time FTE for clerical support. It has three management-level positions: a data supervisor, a network supervisor, and a director.
5b. Describe the technology hardware, electronic learning resources, networking and telecommunications infrastructure, physical plant modifications, and technical support needed by the district's teachers, students, and administrators to support the activities in the Curriculum and Professional Development Components of the plan.
Hardware Needed: In the fall of 2013 TUSD contracted with an outside company to perform a comprehensive network audit and provide steps for the district to take to create a solid network infrastructure and server environment that would support the district's 21st Century Classroom Initiative. The results of the audit are summarized below:
Phase out computers that are more than five years old. District wide, there are approximately 2700 computers that fall within this age range or are close to it. Over the next year TUSD will be identifying those devices within these 2700 that will need immediate replacement, and will then phase out or repurpose the rest over the remaining two years.
Upgrade THS cabling to CAT-5e.
Virtualize the server environment (centralized at the district office). Pilot a variety of mobile and wireless classroom options.
Electronic Learning Resources Needed:
• Continue to upgrade all schools to Windows 7 and Office 2010. We have recently upgraded the ROP Business classes in order for the student's to keep abreast of the most current Microsoft Office suite. We will need to upgrade our school offices and teacher workstations as well.
• K-6 typing programs or other options for elementary students, especially those in K-3, to gain typing and computer interface skills prior to SBAC assessments at the end of 3rd grade.
• Explore and pilot potential learning management programs, such as Blackboard, for potential use in the district.
• Web- based classroom collaboration tools, such as Google Apps for Education, Edmodo or something internal via our SIS.
• More robust means for teachers and students to communicate via the web.
Networking and Telecommunications Infrastructure Needed: Upgrade of all core network switches to allow for faster transmission of the Internet and increase in bandwidth. Move to a 1 Gbps connection from SCOE (or through another provider) and 10 Gbps internally.
Upgrade of stand-alone site based file servers and storage to a consolidated and centralized virtualized server management and file storage (SAN - Storage Area Network).
Utilize larger SAN and additional host servers for backup and disaster recovery.
Physical Plant Modifications Needed: As TUSD moves towards server virtualization, it will explore the new Operational Services Center as a point of redundancy and disaster recovery. Virtualizing the server environment will reduce our physical systems and the resources needed to maintain it. It will also save the district energy.
The network audit provided TUSD will many visuals of our IDF's, MDF's, and server rooms. Recommendations were made to help maintain the temperature, access, and services in these spaces. TUSD will begin implementing these changes in 2014.
TUSD will explore the possibility of adding UPS devices to IDF's and MDF's to assist during any power outages.
Technical Support Needed: In the spring of 2013 the TUSD Board of Trustees approved a three year Technology and Data Systems Department plan. That plan included the following:
Year 1: Create a new department clerical position and a Network Supervisor position (completed and positions filled).
Year 2: Move all technology support specialists (TSS) to full time 220 day contracts. Currently, three TSS's are on 180 day contracts and one is on a half day 220 day contract. (Change
anticipated for July 2014)
Year 3: Create an Educational Technology branch of the department, beginning with a full time Educational Technology Instructional Coach and stipends for lead Technology Teachers at each site. (Anticipated start in 2015)
As TUSD implements changes recommended in the network audit and upgrades its network to support wireless and more computing options for stakeholders, it will consider the staff support needed as well.
5c. List of clear annual benchmarks and a timeline for obtaining the hardware, infrastructure, learning resources and technical support required to support the other plan components as identified in Section 5b.
The findings of the TUSD network audit generalized several major areas of concentration: WAN/LAN upgrades to support wireless connectivity and more robust connections within and out of the district; server virualization to reduce the management of a prolific amount of physical servers and centralize our data system; and strategic classroom technology piloting to ensure appropriate support for students and teachers moving forward with Common Core and Smarter Balanced Assessments.
Year 1 Benchmark: 60% implementation: LAN/WAN- identify sites with most urgent network upgrade needs and replace necessary infrastructure, such as switches and cables; after
SBAC field test use data to determine need to upgrade to 1gpbs connection through the K12 Highway. Server environment- Complete elementary school server virtualization. Learning Resources- Where possible, pilot new classroom student technology; replace/refresh first phase
of teacher and student computers (over 5 years old). Technology support- Move technology support specialists on 180 contracts to 220 day contracts.
Recommended Actions/Activities Timeline Person(s) Responsible
LAN/WAN- upgrade switches at selected sites to support wireless (POE) and a move to a 10 Gbps standard. Standardize switching environment. Expand IP subnets.
2014-15 Technology and Data Systems administration, Business Services administration, Asst. Sup for Fiscal Services.
Server Environment: Merge/delete SAN and VMware snapshots older than 1 week. Reconfigure volumes on existing SAN to thin provisioning. Bring firmware and software up to date with current licensing. Virtualize host servers at selected sites.
2014-2015 Technology Department adminstration; possible contract with private agency.
Collect accurate inventory of office and classroom equipment to enact part one of phase-out plan for equipment that is more than five years old. Consider more mobile options for teacher workstations, such as laptops or tablets.
2014-2015 Technology and Data Systems administration, Business Services administration, Asst. Sup for Fiscal Services.
2-5 classroom technology pilots at each grade span (K-6, 7-8, and 9-12). Pilots include mobile options (tablets, Chromebooks, etc.), teacher professional development, learning management systems, and web-based collaborative tools.
2014-2015 Technology and Data Systems administration, Educational Services Administration.
Year 2 Benchmark: 70% implementation: LAN/WAN- Continue with next phase of infrastructure upgrades and begin to strategically deploy wireless at sites that have the infrastructure updated to support it; evaluate options and determine means for increasing bandwidth at Roselawn High School. Server environment- Continue server virtualization for secondary sites and additional departments. Learning Resources- strategically deploy mobile 1:1
or 1:2 student technology after conducting pilots in phase one; replace/refresh second phase of teacher and student computers (5 years or older). Technology support- Open Educational
Technology Coach position and create stipends for site lead technology teachers. Recommended Actions/Activities Timeline Person(s) Responsible
LAN/WAN- upgrade switches at selected sites to support wireless (POE) and a move to a 10 Gbps standard. Review existing wireless at sites for possible upgrade. Review density for existing wireless and replace with access points that support 30 client devices per AP.
2015-2016 Technology and Data Systems administration, Business Services administration, Asst. Sup for Fiscal Services.
Server Environment: Virtualize host servers at selected sites and departments. Possible move to a virtual desktop infrastructure.
2015-2016 Technology Department administration; possible contract with private agency.
Replace equipment that is more than five years old in phase two of refresh. Replacements for teachers allow for mobility. Possible phase out of document cameras in favor of tablets/laptops connecting wirelessly to a device capable of projection.
2015-2016 Technology and Data Systems administration, Business Services administration, Asst. Sup for Fiscal Services.
Classroom mobile deployment at select sites/grade levels(tablets, Chromebooks, etc.), teacher professional development, learning management systems, and web-based collaborative tools.
2015-2016 Technology and Data Systems administration, Educational Services Administration.
Year 3 Benchmark: 80% implementation: LAN/WAN- Finalize infrastructure upgrades to provide wireless coverage for 80% of the district. Server environment- Finalize virtualization projects to have 80% of server environment virtualized; expand SAN at OPS center for disaster
recovery. Learning Resources- continue deployment of 1:1 or 1:2 mobile devices for students with options for connectivity outside of the school day for all students; replace/refresh third
phase of teacher and student computers (5 years or older). Technology support- Evaluate technical and network support in light of network upgrades, server virtualization, and increased
device use district-wide (ratio of 1 TSS to 600 devices). Recommended Actions/Activities Timeline Person(s) Responsible
LAN/WAN- finish switch upgrade. Wireless connectivity in 80% of district. Review internal connectivity to ensure 10 gbps connection and move to increase bandwidth from K-12 Highway to 10 Gbps.
2016-17 Technology and Data Systems administration, Business Services administration, Asst. Sup for Fiscal Services.
Server Environment: Expand SAN at DO if necessary. Expand SAN at OPS center for full disaster recovery.
2016-2017 Technology Department administration; possible contract with private agency.
Replace equipment that is more than five years old in phase threeof refresh. Replacements for teachers allow for mobility. Possible elimination of aging LCD projectors in favor of flat-screen televisions.
2016-2017 Technology and Data Systems administration, Business Services administration, Asst. Sup for Fiscal Services. Maintenance and Operations Administration.
Classroom mobile deployment at select sites/grade levels(tablets, Chromebooks, etc.), teacher professional development, learning management systems, and web-based collaborative tools.
2016-2017 Technology and Data Systems administration, Educational Services Administration.
5d. Describe the process that will be used to monitor Section 5b and the annual benchmarks and timeline of activities including roles and responsibilities.
The TUSD Board of Trustees makes final decisions related to major resource allocations and district initiatives. Generally, their decisions come under the advisement of the district
superintendent, who in turn receives support and recommendations from a variety of sources in the district, including, but not limited to, cabinet-level personnel, site administration, advisory committees, and staff specialists. The process of monitoring technology resource allocation benchmarks falls under this district structure, and as progress is reviewed and evaluated, that information is used to inform decision-making related to technology. Resource oversight includes the following entities:
Technology and Data Systems:
Technology department administration (director and supervisors) will meet weekly. During these meetings staff will review progress on current technology initiatives and consider plans for future implementations.
Technology and Data Systems falls under the purview of the Assistant Superintendent of
Business Services. The Director of Technology and Data Systems will meet weekly with the AS of Business Services and other Business Services directors and supervisors. Staff will review progress on technology initiatives that are related to physical plant modifications, major
hardware refreshes, and infrastructure upgrades. Questions/concerns related to technology from cabinet-level meetings will be shared.
Educational Services:
The Director of Technology and Data Systems sits in on Educational Services Team meetings on bi-monthly basis. Even though the Director of Technology and Data Systems does not direct report to the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, the person in that position must work closely with educational services staff members to monitor the progress of staff
professional development related to technology, hardware usage related to learning and
assessments, and learning resources. This team will look closely at resource benchmarks related to classroom instruction, student and teacher device usage, and professional development. Fiscal Services:
The Director of Technology and Data Systems will meet periodically with the Assistant
Superintendent of Fiscal Services to review the funding sources the district will use to enact the activities described in this section of the plan.
Human Resources:
The Director of Technology and Data Systems will work with the Director and Assistant
Superintendent of Human Resources to enact the staff changes that are part of this section of the plan (increasing technology support specialist days; adding Ed Tech staff). These staff changes were approved by the TUSD Board of Trustees in the spring of 2013, with specific changes taking place throughout the duration of this plan.
Advisory Committees:
Multiple advisory committees exist that will review the progress of resource upgrades and provide feedback and suggestions for the entities listed above. These committees include, but are not limited to, the TUSD District Technology Committee (made up of representatives from each site, will meet quarterly), School Site Councils, and parent groups (PTA, ELAC).