The Department of Education is pleased to announce the release of the Arkansas School District Technology Planning Guide. This guide will help districts meet planning requirements for state and federal technology funding sources. It is an electronic publication you can access from the Information and Technology Section's home page (http://arkedu.state.ar.us/infomati.htm) or get a direct link to the guide at, http://arkedu.state.ar.us/ade-guide/.
The Technology Planning Guide is a very important and helpful tool to assist school staff in developing or revising their district technology plans. The Planning Guide is designed to provide a roadmap that will help a district follow a path that makes it more likely that their technology plan meets the requirements set forth in federal and state initiatives (i.e. Goals 2000 and Technology Literacy Challenge Grants, Title I, and E-rate).
The Planning Guide has the following three fundamental features, 1) the plan outline which describes the essential topics to be addressed in the plan; 2) a detailed overview of the six key plan components; and 3) electronic links to technology planning resources.
The Technology Planning Guide was developed under the leadership of the Arkansas School District Technology Planning Committee established by the Arkansas Department of Education. The committee devoted considerable time in making certain the plan would be a beneficial tool for local school districts as they develop a meaningful technology plan. They are to be commended for their work.
Remember, the electronic Planning Guide can be accessed at http://arkedu.state.ar.us/ade-guide/. As you use the guide you are encouraged to provide us with feedback in the "Comments and Suggestions" area. Your comments and suggestions will be considered as periodic up-dates are made to the guide. Please share this letter with your campus principals and technology coordinator. We hope that the electronic Technology Planning Guide becomes a meaningful tool as you plan to prepare children and staff for the challenges of the 21st century.