Students and teachers are increasingly finding new ways to enhance the learning environment by relying on technology to open an electronic window to information and interactive exchanges around the world. Educators are introducing new technology resources to supplement existing instructional materials in the District's schools. The Board of Education of the Cherry Creek School District believes that the primary focus of technology is to enhance student achievement and to advance cost-effective operations in all schools and departments. Technology purchases, expenditures, and applications must be justified on a "return on investment" basis in terms of enhancing student achievement, advancing program goals, and/or decreasing costs.
The Board believes there are numerous effective ways in which technology can support learning and achievement. New technologies allow students to connect with people and resources anywhere at any time. Technology, when used effectively, promotes acquisition of knowledge and understanding of ideas. Advanced skills, including the ability to organize complex information and draw inferences regarding trends and patterns, and personal development are also a direct result of access to these versatile resources.
Making technology services available in schools requires careful planning, strong professional development programs and sufficient notice to students, parents and staff as to the expectations and potential hazards that accompany technology privileges. A District technology plan supporting this policy shall be created and updated regularly by the District's Chief Information Officer or his or her designee. This plan shall be developed with input from users and shall specify priority projects to receive funding and support from available District resources and personnel and shall provide a long-term purchasing strategy.
The Chief Information Officer shall establish annual priorities for all budgetary matters related to technology and establish standards for the purchase, support, and inventory of hardware, software, and networks. The District technology plan, which shall specify funding amounts needed for the installation, support, and replacement of new and existing technology, shall make equipment and home/school connections available at the most reasonable price possible. The District shall provide an information "highway" system that links buildings and departments and facilitates access to resources and curricular programs outside the District while supporting specialized needs at specific sites.
This policy will create additional capacity for student records and data analysis. However, the District shall establish safeguards within this information system to maintain the confidentiality of student and personnel records.
The key challenge in creating a healthy environment for effective technology use is to balance the potential learning benefits against the potential concerns and then develop the best approach for the District and the community. The Superintendent is directed to develop a set of technology policies and regulations consistent with this policy, as well as to develop safeguards within information systems to maintain the confidentiality of student and personnel records.
Adoption Date: June 13, 1994
Last Revised: March 09, 2009
| Cross References: | EHC - Networked Electronic Information Resources |
| EHCA - Web and Internet Publishing | |