As educators, we know we can change the world. In the 21st century, technology will continue to play an even more integral part in bringing the world to our students. Incorporating technology as a key component can promote a challenging curriculum and instructional practices that engage students and lead to improved student learning.

A statewide Technology Plan Certification Committee has worked with TAKE to improve the school district technology plan certification process for Kansas. The new certification process includes this challenge:

	Kansas school districts should examine their technology planning and classroom integration efforts in conjunction with their school improvement plans. i.e. How is the school district using and planning to use instructional technology to reach the goals defined in the schools’ individual improvement plans?

A quality technology plan is more than an inventory of current technologies available, more than a wish list of hardware and software to purchase in the future. Technology empowers learners and teachers alike to engage in a partnership that brings fundamental change to classrooms.

Technology plans should be learner centered rather than equipment centered. Quality integration of technology in the classroom improves the ability of all students to achieve and succeed. These goals can only be realized by strategic, systemic planning.

Life of the Technology Plan

Local Technology Plans should cover the three school years following the year in which it is approved. For instance, if the plan submittal due date is December 15, 2011 with an expiration of June 30, 2015, the Technology Plan should cover the school years 2012-13, 2013-14, and 2014-15.

Districts should edit/update their Technology Plan online as needed and are encouraged to do this on an annual basis.

Technology Plan Template/Rubric:
To guide LEAs in developing their plan and to ensure all required goals, objectives, and content are addressed, please use the template available here: http://www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=2780

Submittal Due Date:
All Kansas LEAs are required to submit their technology plans to the Kansas State Department of Education by the December 15th prior to their plan expiration. This date provides a “window” for review and recertification of technology plans prior to expiration, ensuring continuous Technology Plan coverage for E-rate purposes. Districts can find their submittal due date on the Technology Plan Due Dates page.

Expiration Date:
All Kansas LEA technology plans now have an expiration date that corresponds with the end of a school year. For E-rate purposes, this date will ensure all district Technology plans cover the entire funding year, and that there is no “lapse time” during review. Technology Plans being resubmitted for review should cover the three school years following the year during which it is resubmitted.

Extensions:
Should an extension be needed, simply submit a request for extension, including proposed submission date via email to Melinda Stanley at mstanley@ksde.org

Submitting the Plan:
All district technology plans are submitted and reviewed using the online Technology Plan Submisison Portal This portal is available through District Authentication and is currently available for districts whose plan expires June 30, 2011.