Technology in Carroll County Schools

The ultimate goal of Carroll County Schools' technology program is to increase various aspects of student achievement and teacher performance. For this goal to be achieved, there must be enough technology available to make a difference, teachers must be adequately trained to use that technology, and technology must be integrated into the curriculum and classroom activities.

The Carroll County School System has worked to complete network wiring in twenty-one school sites that are spread throughout the county. Network wiring with access to the Internet in each classroom and administrative office is established to support classroom instruction and improve student achievement. Internet access is being provided through ISDN lines until the fiber network is connected to a school for the purpose of establishing improved connection between all sites. Adequate computer labs in schools and computers in all classrooms and administrative offices will be networked within each facility. Wireless technology is currently being used in all mobile classrooms. All teachers and administrators will have e-mail capabilities. Appropriate hardware and software for special education students will be made available in all schools. Total interactive audio-visual distant learning capabilities will be available at the classroom level. Additional small technologies, i.e. graphing calculators and smart boards for mathematics and science classrooms are planned to enhance instruction in these areas. Technology specialists as assigned throughout the system will provide technical assistance and support at all school sites. Furthermore, technology specialists maintain system level technology systems, and the system software is provided through Software Systems Unlimited Incorporated, the software provider to schools systems for student and personnel information systems for the past ten years.

Software is selected to assist instructional needs and to promote student achievement in content areas. The emphasis of adoption of curricular software corresponds to the textbook adoption cycle; however, software will be continually reviewed to ensure current programs are available to all teachers and students. Students will be taught computer skills at an early age and progress through a sequence of computer skills needed to function in today's society as defined by the Technology Integration Standards found in the Georgia Quality Core Curriculum standards and objectives.

The training of employees to use instructional technology effectively is an ongoing process and is essential to meet the Special Georgia Teacher Certification Requirements. The Carroll County School System uses employees, RESA, the State University of West Georgia and the Educational Training Centers to provide training. All instructional and administrative staff are expected to be trained in the use of technology and will be assisted in the use of technology in the classroom. An evaluation of existing skills and individual improvement plans for all instructional staff will take place. Progress in the area of computer skills will be part of the employee's annual evaluation and re-certification process. Carroll County Schools is striving to provide the essential technology resources for the students and staff members in the schools in an effort to prepare all students to compete a technological and global society.

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