School Informatics Profile

By: Jamie DoaneEDTEC 685

Summer 2010

Interview Assistant Superintendent

Stacey Schmidt

Asst. Superintendent for the Valparaiso Community Schools this past year (2009-2010)

Principal at Parkview Elementary in VCS since 1998 (11 Years)

http://twitter.com/valpostacey

Student Information Systems

Rediker Administrator's

Plus

This will have teacher access to APweb during the upcoming school year. 

This will allow teachers to easily view PDFs of student report cards and student information (address, parent name...)

http://www.rediker.com/

Assessment Technologies/Testing and Diagnostics

Wireless Generation (K-2) at PV (State Grant)

https://dibels.uoregon.edu/ Allows DIBELS

assessment and the Text Reading Comprehension assessment along with a math assessment. 

The assessments are done on Palms. 

NWEA--K-2 : http://www.nwea.org/

Students take on the computer for LA and Math.  Next school year = Acuity for 3-8. 

STAR Reading and STAR Math, Read Naturally

Remote responders for next year at every building...

Star Readings and Math: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STAR_(software)

Read Naturally: http://www.readnaturally.com/

Curriculum Mapping Tools

No technology for this— We create our own curriculum--but as far as

pacing guides or mapping, we have not used software. 

We used to have a map that talked about introducing, expanding, and mapping. We have not kept those through the new process. 

At the elementary level we are working on creating a pacing guide that can be used if teachers do not create their own.

None of this is with purchased software though!

Web Production Services and Procedures

This is all changing now that we are revising our district website. 

Before just a couple of people worked on the website for the building--it will be much easier in the time to come. 

Also--Edline--teachers have the opportunity to put many materials online. www.edline.net

“I think our web presence will grow by leaps and bounds in the next couple of years!”- Asst. Superintendent Stacey Schmidt

EDLINE

Learning Management Systems (LMS) &

Content Management Systems (CMS)

A usable data warehouse has been a struggle.  The one we have just isn't working and hasn't been rolled out to the teachers for a variety of reasons. 

Dr. Melin (new superintendent as of July 1, 2010) is expected to address this issue quickly. 

The Learning Connection has lots of possibility--but does not yet do all we need. https://learningconnection.doe.in.gov/Login.aspx?ret=/default.aspx

“ I think it will eventually--but it's hard to wait!” –Asst. Superintendent Stacey Schmidt

Podcasting or Collaboration

Scheduled visitations by 2 technology personnel in each school buildings for regular professional development.  Teacher knowledge has grown Innovative projects involving podcasting were

evident many places.  Collaboration also grew between technology

personnel. 

“A district will always have those that run, those that jog, those that walk, and those that try to hide.  The key is to support each where they are and move them forward.  Few districts actually provide professional development trainers to help.” –Asst. Superintendent Stacey Schmidt 

Lab Management

Valparaiso High School might have this.  VCS: http://www.valpo.k12.in.us/

The Career Center has these tools to see what everyone is working on. 

We have a Sheriff program to keep

computers clear from people

downloading anything inappropriate

in the labs.

NETS 2007- StudentsThe following are what the district attempts to promote amongst teachers for improving student achievement:

1. Creativity and Innovation: Teachers are encouraged to allow students to use technology as a means of academic and self-expression through personalized learning.

2. Communication and Collaboration: Group work, projects, collaboration, learning from each other.

3. Research and Information Fluency: Provide students with digital tools. Track student data through reports and charts.

4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Decision Making: Allow students the academic freedom to learn on their own.

5. Digital Citizenship: Use technology appropriately/Monitor student use.

6. Technology Operations and Concepts: Prepare students to work with available technology.

http://www.iste.org/content/navigationmenu/NETS/forstudents/2007standards/nets_for_students_2007.htm

Essential ConditionsAreas of Success

Consistent and Adequate Funding/Equitable Access: 2010-2011 Technology Implementation Plan

(Eno Boards, Elmos, and laptops in every classroom)

Skilled Personnel/Ongoing Professional Learning/Technical Support: Instructors for technology visitations = Once

every 2 weeks for professional development. Colleague Collaboration Tech Personnel Assistance- Available

Essential ConditionsIn-Process

Shared Vision

Empowered Leaders

Curriculum Framework

Student-Centered Learning

Engaged Communities

These components are a work in

progress. Schmidt stated that the

foundation for these features will be

looked at by Dr. Melin

Essential ConditionsIn-Need of Improvement

Assessment and Evaluation: Continuing data collection consistently.

Support Policies: Focusing more on educational technology- taking those first steps.

Supportive External Context: Having majority of educators prepared for educational technology implementation- Being all on the same page.

Conclusion of Interview

Highlights after speaking with the Asst. Superintendent Stacey Schmidt:

The district is focusing more on educational technology, assessments, data collection, and professional development.

The district understands that there are a variety of paces with the use of technology. Therefore, the district finds it important to allow staff to move at their own comfortable paces.

The district encourages educators and administrators to becomes leaders for others within the district.