Questions

=February 2009= As of February 2009 the suggested 2007 Framework had not been fully adopted. Various reasons follow:

1. //**Scheduling:**//
 * The current MS IT Integration Specialist was hired with the primary directive being to facilitate the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) 21st Century Skills into the broader MS curriculum (see **//Partnership for 21st Century Skills//** [|Overview] and [|Technology Skills]). An open schedule was therefore adopted to enable the availability of the IT specialist each period of the day.
 * In 2007-08 the MS IT electives were reduced to a single yearly course (Cross Grade Level, 6-8). Due to enrollment numbers in August 2008 the class was split into two sections. By November 2008 it became evident that the abilities of the two classes were diverse enough to require a differentiation approach to the curriculum (one class being primarily grade 6 students and the second class being primarily grade 8 students). In January 2009 the two sections began to follow different IT curriculums, ones that better suit the abilities of the students while still addressing the MS Standards and Benchmarks (see Block A and [|Block F]).
 * The 2007-08 year saw the MS/HS IT Facilitator responsibilities reduced to addressing only Middle School. Any IT integration with High School classes occur only in blocks when the MS IT Integration Specialist is not required by a Middle School class.

=February 2007=

Structure & Vision for the Integration Process:

 * Has the school adopted our Tech Vision (as of March 2006)? Adopted - will be finalized at Admin Council.
 * What is the shared responsibility for teachers regarding technology integration? Where can teachers find this information? (addressed here, here and here)
 * What are the expectations of the Technology Integration Specialist? Where can the specialist find this information? (addressed here, here and here)
 * We need to develop a shared understanding of technology integration for all faculty. An experience to enhance both the teaching and learning. (addressed here, here and here)

Administrative Support of the Integration Process:

 * What administrative support will be given to the Technology Integration Specialist in terms of developing new units? (addressed here, here and here)
 * What steps will the administration take to ensure the continuity of the 6-8 IT program? (addressed below)

Recommendations for teacher scheduling to ensure the success of middle high IT integration: Rationale for elective: a number of key standards and benchmarks can not be addressed through regular embedded experiences, without the elective the responsibility for every teacher increases.
 * MS/HS IT Teacher || MS/HS IT Facilitator || HS IT Teacher ||
 * IT6 Exploratory || Grade 6 Integration || IB Computer Science ||
 * IT 7 Exploratory || Grade 7 Integration || Digital Technologies ||
 * IT8 Exploratory || Grade 8 Integration || Digital Design ||
 * IT Elective 6-8 || Grade 9 Integration || Graphics ||
 * Audio Engineering || Grade 10 Integration || Multimedia ||
 * What steps will the administration take to ensure the comfort zone for the new teacher? (addressed here, here and here)
 * Will integration release time be provided for the new teacher? Will the proposed increase for release time be implemented in 07/08 or 08/09 (if exploratories are dropped, sufficient time must be allocated to ensure the integrity of IT integration). (addressed above)
 * Will the new IT Coordinator's position allow sufficient release time for integration in grades 9 - 12? (addressed above - teaching commitment not required)

Planning for the Success of the Integration Process:

 * What PD will be available to support integration? (addressed here, here and here)
 * Is there a road map for common planning time with core teachers and the integration specialist? (addressed here, here and here) Recommended grade 8.
 * Do we have strategies for the one-computer classroom now that teachers have laptops?
 * How will technology be authentically assessed as part of the reporting process?

**Practicalities of the Integration Process:**

 * What is the process for developing integrated units? (addressed here, here and here)
 * What is the expectation for the number of integrated units per year?
 * Is there a budget for tech integrated units that will support this process? (for example: heart rate monitors) (addressed here, here and here)
 * Will a lab assistant be hired to deal with hardware/tech support when teachers are implementing integrated projects? (addressed here, here and here)

Next Steps:

 * Adopt vision, formalize mandate, document expectations and communicate to teachers (9th March)
 * Assessment
 * Working with Curriculum Coordinator to finalize static units for 07/08
 * Adapt for Elementary & present to Elementary Facilitators and Principal
 * In depth work on MKIStech Middle School pages