Purpose

__Background:__ John F. Kennedy School in Franklin, MA, is an elementary school which houses 535 students in grades K-5. There is one technology lab, consisting of 30 macintosh computers, one projector, and one Smart Board. All classrooms have at least one computer, and the 3-5 classrooms have at least 4 computers for student use. Due to budget cuts over the last few years, technology positions have been cut. Although hardware and software are supported, and trouble shooting is offered through the technology department, there is no educational support for teachers in the area of using technology as a tool for instruction. As a result, teachers are largely unaware of the technologies available. Most teachers use technology for the purpose of researching or for playing games to review instruction. Few use technology as the basis for instruction.

__Purpose:__

The purpose of this staff development plan is to ensure that all teachers are aware of the technology opportunities available at Kennedy School. Making technology the focus of our professional development will provide our staff with the opportunity to learn about and practice using the technology available. The first professional development opportunity, scheduled during a district required after school meeting, will involve a presentation about all of the workshops offered, with teachers getting an in-depth look at the content of each workshop. Teachers will then determine which technology they would like to incorporate into their instructional practices, and register for the corresponding workshop.

