EDLD 5362 Information Systems Management

In EDLD 5362 I learned about student information systems and their impact on school and district technology plans. I learned that the Student Information System (SIS), Chancery, which was implemented recently, is to meet the reporting requirements for monitoring Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Chancery has fully integrated PEIMS (Public Education Information Management System) reporting capability that meets the reporting requirements for the Texas Education Agency. Administrators, staff, and teachers were all trained on the basics of how to use Chancery.

After talking with the data clerk and teachers I learned that most did not actually know how to use the new SIS after we were trained by district technical training. We still needed one-on-one assistance when it was time to actually use the system. According to the National Staff Development Council, "...adults learn better from actively constructing knowledge through solving problems or producing products with peers than they do from passive, traditional [sit and get] modes of instruction" (as cited in Williamson & Redish, 2009, p. 107). Teachers worked together to effectively track attendance and learn of other features such as the ability to access student schedules and parent contact info.

The new SIS required changes to the school technology plan, which I outlined in a PowerPoint presentation I created in the week five assignment. According to Solomon and Schrum"...the confluence of having new tools (both pedagogical and technological), the future economic need, the access to bandwidth, and tech-savvy students are driving change" (2007, p. 22). The need for change became clearer once Chancery was implemented. All teachers received new desktops primarily for taking attendance and grades, but this slowed network access. Outdated equipment and slow network access led teachers to stop creating lessons that required internet resources. As stated in the Texas Long Range Plan For Technology (TLPT) "The educational system must be equipped with ample digital tools and resources for all learners" (Texas Education Agency, 2006, p. 2). After reflecting on the available technology in the building I was able to develop a new school technology plan that combined the requirements laid out in the TLPT, the district's Technology Initiative, the Campus Improvement Plan, and the old campus technology plan.

As Technology Leader I continue to use Chancery I continue to explore and learn new features that I can utilize and share with teachers. I will also collaborate with my colleagues to utilize the technology we do have available to improve productivity and student success.

References

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0: new tools, new schools. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

Texas Education Agency. (2006, November). Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020 (Rep.). Retrieved from http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=5082&menu_id=2147483665

Williamson, J., & Redish, T. (2009). ISTE's technology facilitation and leadership standards: what every K-12 leader should know and be able to do (p. 107). Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.