Student Achievement

All students will experience a quality, standards-based technology-infused education, using 21st Century skills that maximize learning and encourages connectivity, productivity and efficiency. Ultimately, the impact that matters is student achievement, as measured by test scores and assessments as determined by curriculum and instruction, attendance and classroom behaviors. We believe in student engagement and motivation for learning. When students are motivated and engaged assessments and attendance rises and behaviors decline.

Effective Teaching and Learning Practices

The staff will readily access the technology needed to promote skills for effective and efficient enhancement of student learning along with their own personal and professional growth. NJSD will provide ongoing, differentiated professional development supporting staff to prepare students for the use of technology in learning beyond high school by offering opportunities such as blended learning, virtual learning, - create a continuum of this through the grade levels.

Access to Information Resources and Learning Tools

All staff and students will have access to the learning tools and information resources necessary to search, evaluate, analyze, manage, manipulate, communicate and construct information and knowledge in the teaching and learning environment.

Support Systems and Responsibility

The District will promote shared vision, staffing, policies, procedures, communication systems, student data safety, infrastructure and resources to ensure that all students reach the highest standards.

Five Gears

In addressing the requirements above, the Wisconsin State Superintendent’s Digital Learning Advisory Council (DLAC) established a shared vision for digital learning in Wisconsin. The DLAC was created in 2011 to provide intellectual and practical insights into all aspects of digital learning in Wisconsin. The DLAC was charged with developing a comprehensive plan for PK-12 digital learning in Wisconsin. That vision called for equitable, personalized, applied, and engaged digital learning for all students. As Wisconsin school districts begin to implement this vision, they are encouraged to consider the following areas:

• Gear 1: Instruction, Learning & Assessment
• Gear 2: Technology & Hardware
• Gear 3: Empowering, Innovative Leadership
• Gear 4: Professional Learning & Building Capacity
• Gear 5: Data, Privacy, & Security

These five components or "gears" are used as organizational headings to better structure the NJSD Information and Technology Plan to align with goals set by DPI. The skillful and equitable use of technology can transform the way teaching and learning happens in classrooms across Wisconsin. Digital tools can enhance student learning as they connect efforts to identify what students should know and be able to do as well as help students and educators assess progress toward achieving academic goals. To meet the needs of today's students and to ensure they are college and career ready, schools are encouraged to be innovative in providing student learning experiences, adopting technologies and instruction in ways which meaningfully engage the digital generation. As a result, students at NJSD will have equitable opportunities to have teachers who are trained to provide those digital opportunities that promote critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation.

NJSD Technology Department is focused on supporting that every school is a thriving school that prepares every student for college, career and/or community. Historically there have been multiple Information & Technology Plans, the latest being approved in June 2014. Necessarily, these plans were written to have a focus on hardware, software and professional development targeted on how to use the hardware, software, and new "apps". We continue to learn more about the importance of focusing of the “why” of instructional technology. This learning has encouraged Instructional Technology to continue to lead with instructional practices, student learning and foundational technology applications as the reason for our investments.