Technology Assessment 2015

Submitted and presented by: Kevin Schwartz, CETL – CTO - Clear Creek ISD

Victor Valdez, CETL – CTO - Pflugerville ISD

Technology Assessment

Project Scope & ObjectivesThe purpose of this report is to provide the superintendent, staff, and the Board of Trustees with an objective analysis of the District’s current readiness to deliver technology services for day-to-day operations and in its support of multiple student learning initiatives. Northwest ISD faces challenges and opportunities, particularly with regard to fast-growth, an established 1:1 tablet computer initiative in grades 6-12 with plans to extend device infusion into elementary classrooms, and organizational realignments related to the recent addition of a new chief technology officer. This assessment consisted of document reviews, onsite interviews with stakeholder focus groups, and a final report of findings, with commendations, concerns, and recommendations. Within CoSN’s Framework of Essential Skills, this assessment reviewed the following areas:

Technology Assessment

Essential Skills•Leadership & Vision•Strategic Planning•Ethics & Policies•Instructional Focus & Professional Development•Team Building & Staffing•Stakeholder Focus•Information Technology•Communication System Management•Business Management•Data Management

Technology Assessment

The scope of this assessment includes a review as requested by Northwest ISD of network infrastructure bandwidth, business system strategies, inventory processes, and instructional implementation of technology. It also includes a review of technology staffing levels, organizational structure, time management observations, and also general findings for the overall current condition of the District’s resource capacity. This report will examine each area in more depth and will include commendations, concerns, and recommendations for each area. The report contains: 1) an executive summary, 2) in-depth narrative of the findings, 3) commendations, concerns and recommendations for each area under review, and 4) resources for further study. The District may use this report as a planning tool for future actions to improve their program and plan for implementation of technology-rich learning environments.

Technology Assessment

Executive SummaryNorthwest ISD faces several challenges and opportunities relating to overall growth in enrollment to date and as projected for the coming decade. It has been noted that many of the practices that have allowed Northwest ISD to prosper may not be as successful at the larger scale of 20,000+ students. Demographic surveys indicate that the school district will continue to increase enrollment at a fast pace, and it is perceived that increased student enrollment will only further stretch the existing organizational capacity.

Technology Assessment

NISD has elected to add a chief technology officer to lead multiple branches of technology services. We concur that this is a positive approach which should pay immediate and long-term dividends. According to CoSN’s Framework of Essential Skill, an effective CTO should possess the following core values: •Communicator•Exhibits courage•Flexible and Adaptable •Results-oriented•Innovative

Technology Assessment

• Our interviews with the newly hired CTO, Mr. Adam Feind, as well as interviews with district staff show that he does indeed possess these core values. This positive move, nonetheless, is creating a great deal of “change”. Change is stressful. That stress can be mitigated and turned to a positive force if six specific components exist in the organization. These 6 components are: Beliefs, Vision, Mission, Incentives, Resources, and Skills. Mistrust is the most common symptom in organizations without a clear vision. Confusion occurs when the mission is not clear. Frustration fills the vacuum without resources, and anxiety exists without skills. (Schlechty, adapted from Knoster, “Managing Complex Change”, 1991)

Technology Assessment

In order to assist Northwest ISD in the expeditious evolution of technology services, we offer the following recommendations:

•Replace the Checkpoint firewall due to bandwidth limitations of the existing system.•Mitigate the excessive bandwidth usage of the video surveillance system.•Establish automatic identity management for user accounts.•Upgrade wide area network equipment between data centers and campuses to provide for current and future throughput and bandwidth standards (10Gb, 100Gb). (note: Purchases have been proactively made to relieve network congestion prior to the delivery of this assessment.)•Upgrade campus network equipment to provide for current and future throughput and bandwidth standards (10Gb, 40Gb). (note: Purchases have been proactively made to relieve network congestion prior to the delivery of this assessment.)

Technology Assessment

(contd)•Upgrade and increase the quantity of wireless access points to provide for current and future throughput and bandwidth standards (802.11 AC, 1Gb). (note: Purchases have been proactively made to relieve network congestion prior to the delivery of this assessment.)•Define specific stratification of duties between varying layers of technology positions.•Establish a Technology Project Management Office (PMO) for oversight of both local and bond funded technology projects.•Establish capital expenditure funding plans and priorities.•Create cross-functional teams to foster shared expectations.

Technology Update

Current projects•Replace firewall – new firewall in testing now•Upgrade Core Network/WAN – in process – core switches have been installed along with 10GB WAN to all high schools •Replace old SAN (complete) - DR storage (complete)•Increase Internet Bandwidth – complete (10GB connection with 2GB Data) – firewall and WAN must be complete for delivery of bandwidth•Wireless access points – replacement starts in February•User Account Passwords - in process