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: General: Desert Sands Unified School District has designed, developed, and implemented a Technology Infrastructure that is the foundation for the administration of the school district, and that is an integral component of the delivery of curriculum at each of the school sites. The main components of the hardware are divided into:
a. Network Hardware: Switches, Routers, Video servers, Video on Demand
software-hardware components (Vbrick), VOIP phones and Call Management System. b. Classroom Hardware: projectors in every classroom, teacher computers in every
classroom, AV receiver in every classroom, student computers in some classrooms, Smart Slate in every classroom, thin client computers in some 4th and 5th grade classrooms, Renaissance Responders in the majority of classrooms used for online assessments, document cameras in many classrooms, video conference equipment available for every site to use.
Centralization: A key feature of the DSUSD Technology Infrastructure is the establishment of the district office site as a central point of signal distribution, electronic communication, and content delivery. A centralized system of this type serves to integrate the needs of all sites, and provide for cost efficiency not possible with a highly distributed system. The efficiencies are experienced in manpower, infrastructure, and equipment utilization. Although provision is made for the use of local content/file service at each of the school sites (which may be dependent upon the capability of the network serving the site), the primary path for content is via the district office. Additional local connections to services may be provided, but only for small-scale use, such as emergency failure (i.e. 911 phone services, alarms).
General: The district office and each school site have defined set resource requirements needed to support the centralized Technology Infrastructure. The district office has a unique set of
requirements because it is defined as the center of the networking system, and because it is the primary delivery, storage, and distribution point for data and content.
Existing Internet Access: DSUSD has a Technology Infrastructure that currently supports 34 school sites and the district office, utilizing the centralized network approach. All Internet access is directed to the district office for filtering and load balancing. Electronic learning resources are provided with centralized district office equipment and with distributed systems at the school sites. Existing Electronic Learning Resources: Curriculum Delivery Systems: A number of
curriculum-based systems are used at DSUSD to support the teaching process. Many have become integral components of the teaching process. Each classroom at DSUSD has at least six network drops, and some classrooms have up to 10 or more drops per classroom. The Internet is available to every workstation in the school district. Content to each school site is filtered and inappropriate sites are blocked.
Currently the following ELRs are being used in Desert Sands: DSAT (Desert Sands Assessment Tool), eSchoolPlus gradebook, DSAM (Desert Sands Achievement Manager), Renaissance Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math, CMS (Content Management System), Microsoft SharePoint Portal, Renaissance Responders, ALEKS, Destiny, SuccessMaker, Microsoft; Office, PORTS video conferencing, United Streaming, Learn 360, CaliQity, Education City, BrainPop, English in a Flash, Waterford.
Existing Technical Support: A staff of sixteen technical professionals is deployed to serve each school site to insure that the network and the attached equipment including servers and
workstations are in good working order. In addition data professionals and teachers on assignment provide user assistance, data management and administration, and training. Four computer system specialists work directly with Pentamation/eSchoolPlus (student records).
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: Technology Hardware
The set of technology hardware used to support electronic learning resources, networking and telecommunications infrastructure, and other data-related systems undergo a design, installation, monitoring, management, and replacement process that is on-going and continuous. The physical wiring and fiber infrastructure has been updated at each school site and across interconnections between sites. Network Electronics is kept repaired via the use of yearly maintenance contracts with manufacturers, primarily Cisco Smartnet. Network Electronics are updated via the use of E-rate funding at applicable sites and via the use of modernization and other equipment funding at the remainder of sites. Core and critical systems-servers are obtained with five-year warranties utilizing applicable departmental and district funding. Other technology hardware systems, needed to operate the data-network, are also obtained and managed in a similar manner. The five-year warranty cycle is staggered across a variety of the system-types, so that hardware refresh dates do not occur at the same year. System control, file service, email, learning systems, portal, and student-information systems are refreshed on separate-year cycles.
Computers are obtained in a wide-variety of methods. Sites purchase computers, both desktop and portable, from site funds, from specialty grant and categorical funding, and from other sources such as donations. Computer types are standardized through the purchasing process to ensure continuity of use and maintenance. Computers are obtained with a minimum of three-year manufacturer warranty. Teacher computers are replaced by a district
Teacher-Computer-Replacement program when needed to ensure continuity and availability of operation. Computers that are displaced by replacement are refurbished and redeployed to remove the oldest of the existing computer stock. Once computers have exceeded their useful life they are retired and removed from service.
Electronic Learning Resources Needed: DSUSD utilizes a number of electronic learning systems that support curriculum needs. DSUSD exercises a continuous-cycle of upgrade and expansion of these systems. Microsoft Office desktop products are purchased with each desktop
and portable computing device thus maintaining a continuous update of those products throughout the purchasing year. Other Microsoft server-based products such as MS SQL, SharePoint Portal, Exchange, and Server are also purchased and updated during regular development and upgrade cycles.
DSUSD hosts or subscribes to a variety of learning-systems that support and enhance curriculum requirements. Renaissance products, such as Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math, are fully deployed throughout the district. The Pearson suite of products, such as SuccessMaker and Waterford, are deployed and utilized as specific district and site needs warrant. The Scholastic suite of adaptive learning products, such as Read 180 and System 44, are deployed and used for intervention programs throughout the district. Other supported learning systems include
High-Stakes Math, APEX, Currium, ALEKS, Learn 360, Education City, BrainPop, and Curriculum Matrix.
Networking and Telecommunications Infrastructure Needed: All school sites across the district have been modernized to provide a universal data network consisting of single-mode fiber, multi-mode fiber, and gigabit copper physical infrastructures. Network electronics have been installed at all school sites to ensure modern data-rate switching of electronic signals capable of supporting learning-system and communication traffic. Cisco networking equipment has been installed across the district to support the requirements of learning system, data, and
communications traffic. Systems have been professionally developed, designed, and installed to provide a common and homogeneous platform for these signals. Monitoring, management, repair, and other upkeep of these systems are put in place to ensure high availability of these connections. Physical Plant Modifications Needed: The physical plant housing these network infrastructures have been modernized throughout the district. Each school site consists of a main switching center, and multiple intermediate switching centers. These switching centers are outfitted with locked rack systems that are professionally maintained. Main switching centers are outfitted with surveillance cameras and thermal and humidity sensors, reporting to a central monitoring and reporting system at the district office to ensure continuity of available and operation of these connections.
Growth of systems will require the addition and expansion of current server and systems centers at the district office as well as the growth and expansion of disaster and data backup centers located a strategic ends of the data network. These expansions are currently under design and have specific timeline goals established to meet the needs of learning, data, and communications systems requirements.
Technical Support Needed: Systems Support has been designed to provide management, monitoring and repair of infrastructures and for the support of data systems. A Technology Department has been designed, that reports to the Business Services Division, that provides both Educational Technology and Technical Services Support throughout the district.
The Technology Educational Services Division provides overall administration of the district's Technology activities. In particular it houses the Director of Educational Technology and Teachers On Assignment who develop, manage, monitor, and provide training for the wide variety of technology centric initiatives being implemented and utilized across the district. This division also manages the Management Information Systems (MIS) and Student Information Systems (SIS) utilized by the district. The growth of data reduction and presentation needs drives the
the Student Information System ESchoolPlus, EADMS, Sharepoint Portal Development, DSAT, DSAM, DSIT, Responder, and other data driven activities utilized across sites and the district. The Technology Computer Network Services Division manages the Networked Systems via the use of specialists in computer systems, network systems, physical infrastructure, power, cooling, and software applications. This group also provides Computer Services group that focuses on the development and support of desktop, portable, and other end-point computing devices and
systems. The Computer Services group operates a Call Center Service, receiving phone, email, and work order contacts from all staff, and provides both remote access, and on-site support of the districts desktop and portable computing devices.
As the demands for networked systems and staff and student equipment support continues to increase, providing better and more opportunities for learning success, the needs to increase teaching, specialist, and technical staff will also continue to increase. Initiatives will continue to be required that will help to support staff and students, and to increase the efficiency and
effectiveness of this support. Hardware Needed: End Users
Teachers’ computers are being upgraded every four year by the district. Students’ computers in the classrooms are being upgraded by principals as needed for special groups or classrooms.
Computers in the classrooms are upgraded at the Principals’ discretion. Smart slates, projectors, responders are being upgraded when the equipment fails or is beyond 5 years or more. Tablets are being provided to school administrators and district administrators by the district.
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.
Hardware, infrastructure, learning resources, and technical support are addressed by DSUSD through a master plan of tasks and updates. The near-term benchmarks and activities include current initiatives that are supported through various and available funding sources and directives. Current systems such as email, VoIP, SAN, learning systems (including Pearson, Scholastic, Renaissance, and other learning systems), SIS, networking, and other systems and equipment are described and detailed according to these initiatives and directives. For Each year, and into the near future, including the next five years, it is expected and planned that server equipment, storage, network equipment, and the physical plant of racks and interconnections will be maintained and expanded according to usage needs of the district particularly related to classroom needs and requirements.
Expansion of the physical plant including the district office server facility, and three designated disaster recovery/service center sites will continue. This activity focuses upon housing the technology needed to support classrooms and district technology requirements and at the same time will seek to utilize advancing technologies that reduce the physical size, power consumption, and cooling requirements of these systems. These expansions, then also work to consolidate equipment and connections to specific locations where service and support activity can be optimized.
Desktop computing equipment and support is focused upon the Teacher computers, keeping that inventory updated and cycled so that the optimum use of teaching materials can be made available to the classroom. This includes communication and resources such as email, file sharing, video connections, student information access, grades, and measurements of student progress. This replacement program also seeks to remove the oldest of student computers from stock replacing them with refurbished teacher computers and depends upon sites, grants, and other programs to continue to increase good, working, student computer assets.
Staffing is expected to remain static, particularly over the coming years. The current organization of Committees and Support groups, and the Technology Department, will provide advisement as to how to most efficiently and effectively guide the expansion, organization, and deployment of various classroom related connections, equipment, and learning and support systems. The
efficiencies of support systems are needed to support an expanding set of classroom needs against a static or reducing set of staffing capability.
Current software will be replaced as upgrades become available. Technology teachers on assignment will continue to attend conferences, webinars, etc to learn about new ELRs. Those ELRs found to be appropriate for the learning communities in DSUSD will be further evaluated and piloted by a controlled group of classroom teachers before possible district implementation. In 2013, it is anticipated that an LMS (learning management system) will be implemented in the high schools with further expansion to the middle schools the following year.
Year 0 Benchmark (2011-12):
Recommended Actions/Activities Timeline Person(s) Responsible Microsoft Exchange migration to Exchange
2010 - existing MS Exchange system servers and software to be upgraded and users migrated from the old to the new system.
2011-2012 Fiscal Year
Chuck King, Manager of Computer Network Services.
Sungard E-School Student Information System Equipment and Software Upgrade. Servers will be refreshed and converted to the virtual server environment. Additional Storage-Area-Network components to be obtained and installed to support this activity. Sungard to install the latest versions of the ESchool product on the new equipment.
2011-2012 Fiscal Year
Dr. George Araya, Director of Educational Technology to obtain funding and engage DSUSD MIS and Sungard Staff. Chuck King, Manager of Computer Network Services to perform hardware, virtual systems, and SAN update.
VoIP System Upgrade - Cisco Call Manager System requires an upgrade of hardware and software. Core components of Call Manager and Unity will be upgraded. Phone routers at sites and on trunk-lines will be updated to the lates Internal Operating System (IOS) and tested to the new standards.
2011-2012 Fiscal Year
Chuck King, Manger of Computer Network Services
Additional Storage Area Network (SAN) Storage Space. Each year, additional storage space is required to keep up with systems expansion and data-expansion.
2011-2012 Fiscal Year
Chuck King, Supervisor of Computer Network Services
PDH and LQH VoIP system installation. Summer of 2011
Chuck King, Manager of Computer Network Services
VoIP System Installation for remaining schools not yet on VoIP: Carter, Earhart, Ford, Monroe, Truman, Glenn Middle, La Quinta Middle
Completion by December 31, 2011
Chuck King, Manager of Computer Network Services
Pearson Learning Systems Update - using existing, warrantied servers, re-establish Pearson Learning System products such as Successmaker and Waterford so that they are effectively
load-balanced across the district server assets. This assures proper operation and continuity for the coming school year.
Summer 2011 Chuck King, Manager of Computer Network Services
Scholastic Learning Systems - Server systems upgrade and software updates. New server system refresh and upgrade software to the latest revisions. This includes the Read180 and System 44
remediation systems
Summer 2011 Chuck King, Manager of Computer Network Services
ERate Network Systems Upgrades. Additional networking equipment including routing,
switching, wireless, and VoIP core equipment to be update at 90 and 80 percent sites, as allowed and provided by the ERate program.
2011-2012 Fiscal Year
Dr. George Araya, Director of Educational Technology
Teachers’ Computers: the district will replace 100 computers according with established plan
2011-2012 Fiscal Year
Chuck King, Manager of Computer Network Services
Students computers: the district will add 100 computers to the classrooms according with the yearly upgrade plan.
Approximately 350 computers for students will be upgraded by principals from different school sites.
2011-2012 Fiscal Yea
School principals
Year 1 Benchmark (2012-13):
Recommended Actions/Activities Timeline Person(s) Responsible New Network Operations Center (NOC) at District
Education Center (DEC). NOC to include new server spaces for consolidation of energy efficient servers and network systems to include reliable and efficient cooling systems.
2012-2013 Fiscal Year
Peggy Reyes, Director of Facilities Services, Chuck King, Manager of Computer Network Services
Obtain and Install more energy efficient server systems in new NOC at the DEC. This is part of the normal 5-year warranty and refresh cycle for servers and network systems.
2012-2013 Fiscal Year
Chuck King, Manager of Computer Network Services
Jefferson Network Node Site - install generator, cooling, and rack spaces. Jefferson Middle provides a data node where some central switching, phone, and disaster backup systems reside. Expansion of power, cooling and operation at that site ensures continuity of operations district wide.
2012-2013 Fiscal Year
Peggy Reyes, Director of Facilities Services. Chuck King, Manager of Computer Network Services
SAN Storage Expansion - as required for expanding systems. This to include disaster recover backup systems and data storage spaces.
2012-2013 Fiscal Year
Chuck King, Manger of Computer Network Services
Teachers’ Computers: the district will replace 100 computers according with established plan
2012-2013 Fiscal Year
Chuck King, Manager of Computer Network Services
Students computers: the district will add 100 computers to the classrooms according with the yearly upgrade plan.
Approximately 350 computers for students will be upgraded by principals from different school sites.
2012-2013 Fiscal Yea
School principals
Year 2 Benchmark (2013-14):
Recommended Actions/Activities Timeline Person(s) Responsible Continued SAN Storage Expansion -- Expected
demands for virtual servers and expanded data storage needs will drive the expansion of Storage Area Systems. Additional SAN components will be required. Some will reside at the district office new server facility; some will reside at Disaster Recovery (DR) Node sites including Jefferson Middle, Shadow Hills High, And Palm Desert High Schools. Sizes and types of storage will be determined by district needs, improving and advancing storage technologies, and connections between the district office and the three DR sites.
2013-2014 Fiscal Year
Chuck King, Manager of Computer Network Services will provide design oversight and coordination of this activity.
Expansion of operational systems and DR at SHH