CYPRESS

FAIRBANKS

ISD

21st Century Learning Enhanced by

Technology

Adaptation of image from NYC Bar Program Careers in Technology

District Facts

Cypress FairbanksLocated Northwest of Houston, Texas

Cypress Fairbanks is one of the largest school districts in Texas

Includes 11 high, 16 middle and 52 elementary schools, as well as 4 special program facilities (Cy-Fair ISD, March 01, 2011)

Named “Best Large School District in Texas” by the

H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards (Pape, 2012) in May 2012

Adaptation of image from www.houstonareaschooldistricts.com

District Facts

CFISD currently has:

83 campuses

106,114 students

45% of student population Economically Disadvantaged

100% of campuses have internet connectivity

3:1 ratio of students to computers

1:1 ratio of teachers to computers

Budget of $516.40 in tech expenditures per pupil (Cy-Fair ISD, March 01, 2011)

CFISD introduced computing technology into its schools before 1994. To date CFISD has seen “a rapid infusion of services and capabilities” (Cy Fair ISD, 2011) throughout the district.

District’s Vision

CFISD seeks to provide its teachers and

students with necessary tools that

enhance instruction and learning in the

digital age.

“The Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District will be an exemplary educational community, dedicated to the

highest standards of quality at all levels and in all areas of

endeavor. All students, parents, community members,

and district employees, respecting and valuing each

other, will be committed to providing all students with an

education which enables them to live successfully in an

ever-changing society” (CFISD Student Handbook, n.d., p. HB-2).

Current Use of Technology

Curriculum-based software for students PK-12 Integrated textbook software District-wide professional development in technology On-line library services (at school and from home) High speed Internet access Network storage for collaboration and sharing of best

practices Computer access and printers for teachers Electronic grades (including parent access) and e-mail Wireless laptops for students, including a 1:1 program in 11th

grade United States History Distance learning technology and web conferencing

technology (Cy-Fair, March 01, 2011, p. 4)

Current Use of Technology

24/7 anytime access for students, teachers and, in some instances, parents connection to Cloud resources like, Project Share, Read 180 Community Blogs, and Brain Pop.

http://www.brainpop.com/

http://educatorcommunity.scholastic.com/

http://projectsharetexas.org/

Current Use of Technology

Cy-Fair TV

Cy-Fair Podcasts

PDF Info Docs

CFISD Provides an Innovative District Website

Proposed Technology Expansions

1. Increase frequency and level of tech utilization in teaching & learning

2. Maintain and increase the level of and access to educator professional development

3. Continue investments in leadership and supports as well as in upgrades and new technology

4. Provide infrastructure that allows all users 24/7 access to achieve Advance or Target Tech levels consistent with Texas STaR

“In developing this plan, CFISD has used STaR, LRPT, the TEKS as well as 21st Century Learning Skills and the International Society for Technology in Education Standards as the principal determinants of need” (Cypress-Fairbanks, 2011, p. 4).

Anticipated Outcomes

Seamless integration of technology into a student centered learning environment

Increased variety and frequency of tech tools used within the learning design

Increase use of tools that demonstrate Advanced Tech collaboration and tech application

100% staff participation in at least 20 hours of technology professional development

Improved district level innovation that improves student achievement and operational effectiveness

Recommendations

1. Expand the definition of stakeholders to included viable resources that are outside of the school district.

Include collaboration with schools, institutions of higher learning, businesses, and people beyond district geography to promote an equity of access effort that allows anytime, anywhere access for all.

Recommendations

2. Create a plan and policy that allows

students to Bring Your Own Tech

(BYOT) across the district.

This would comply with the

National Education Technology

Plan 2010 recommendation that

“Internet access devices [are

available] for every student and

teacher” (Nagel, p. 2) and increase

schools’ ability to connect every

child to a computer or internet

device for instruction.

References

Cy-Fair ISD Technology Plan 2011-2014. (March 01, 2011). Retrieved from

http://www.cfisd.net/dept2/technology/Technology%20Plan.pdf

Cypress-Fairbanks independent School District. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.cfisd.net/

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Student Handbook. ( n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.cfisd.net/aboutour/studenthdbk.pdf

Durham, K., Taylor, J., & Foster, K. (2008). Cy-Fair ISD a family history. Retrieved from

http://www.cfisd.net/movies/history/history.htm

Nagel, D. (2010, November 9). National ed tech plan puts technology at the heart of education

reform. The journal. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/11/09/national-ed-

tech-plan-puts-technology-at-the-heart-of-education-reform.aspx?sc_lang=en

Pape, J. (2112, May 8). Cy-Fair ISD named best large school district in Texas. Instant news

Katy.com. Retrieved from http://instantnewskaty.com/2012/05/08/35540

[Untitled photograph of a earth with arrows]. Retrieved May 12, 2012, from

http://tourolawcso.blogspot.com/2012/03/nyc-bar-program-careers-in-technology.html

[Untitled map of Greater Houston school districts]. Retrieved May 12, 2012, from:

http://www.houstonareaschooldistricts.com/

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology. (2010). Transforming

american education: learning powered by technology, Washington, D.C. Retrieved

from http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/netp2010.pdf

Williams, J. (2007). Main title/rebel blockade runner. On A new hope [MP3]. New York,

NY: Sony Music Classical.