WVDE Policy 2470

TITLE 126

LEGISLATIVE RULE

BOARD OF EDUCATION

SERIES 43

USE OF TECHNOLOGY BY STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS (2470)

126-43-1. General.

1.1. Scope. -- This policy establishes regulations for educational technology for West Virginia public schools.

1.2. Authority. -- W.Va. Constitution, Article XII, 2, W.Va. Code 18-2-5 and 18-2E-7.

1.3. Filing Date. --

1.4. Effective Date. -- July 1, 1997 (Unless specified otherwise.)

1.5. Repeal of former rule. -- None. This is a new rule.

126-43-2. Purpose.

2.1. Students of all ages and citizens as lifelong learners require both the necessary skills and access to technology tools to take responsibility for their own learning, to be actively involved in critical thinking and problem solving, to collaborate and cooperate and to develop as productive citizens. Technology must be interwoven with educational improvements and reform to accomplish educational goals, increase student achievement and provide increased opportunities for lifelong learning.

126-43-3. Use of Technology.

3.1. Technology, especially computers, will be used to enhance both the academic achievement and the workplace readiness of all students.

3.2. The following statements delineate the responsibilities of the State Board, county boards, and individual schools for the use of technology in instructional settings.

3.2.1. State Board Responsibilities:

a. All students will be provided equal access to technology.

b. All students will graduate from the public schools with proficiency in basic computer skills.

c. Computer/technology objectives will be included as part of the instructional goals and objectives of all programs of study.

d. The State Board will collaborate with the higher education community to ensure complementary technology initiatives.

e. Administrators and teachers will be provided staff development in the use of technology and its application in the teaching and learning process.

3.2.2. County Board Responsibilities:

a. All county boards shall have a county technology team and a comprehensive technology plan that is included as part of the Unified County Improvement Plan. (December 31, 1997)

b. Computer technology skills shall be included in all programs of study, particularly in the areas of career awareness, career exploration, work-based learning and for use in accessing post- secondary education information.

c. County boards shall, whenever possible, make available facilities and technology to facilitate distance learning.

d. County boards, in cooperation with schools, shall, to the extent practicable and as funds and other resources are available, provide students (including those enrolled in adult basic education), teachers, parents and citizens access to technology, especially computers, in the public schools during non-school hours.

e. County boards shall provide staff development in the use of technology and its application in the teaching and learning process.

3.2.3. School Responsibilities:

a. Local school improvement councils shall include in the Unified School Improvement Plan mechanisms to foster the use, to the extent practicable and as funds and other resources are available, of school facilities for the purpose of accessing technology, especially computers, by students, teachers, parents and citizens during non-school hours.

b. Every school shall have a school technology team and a comprehensive technology plan that is part of the Unified School Improvement Plan. (September 30, 1997) Schools may choose to have the local school improvement council or the faculty senate or the curriculum team serve as the technology team.

c. Computer/technology skills shall be taught and utilized throughout the programs of study.

d. The Unified School Improvement Plan will include necessary staff development to enable teachers to incorporate technology into the classroom.

126-43-4. Incorporation by Reference.

4.1. A copy of the West Virginia Educational Technology Plan is attached. Copies may be obtained in the Office of Technology, West Virginia Department of Education.

126-43-5. Implementation.

5.1. The West Virginia Department of Education shall review and revise the West Virginia Educational Technology Plan as needed.

5.2. County boards and schools shall ensure implementation of this policy and the West Virginia Educational Technology Plan in cooperation with the State Board.