The abstract is a summary of the project and should mention the problem or need being addressed, the proposed activities, and the intended outcomes. The abstract must contain: a statement of goals, purpose and objectives; and a brief description of expected results.

Garland ISD is a large district which has been in the process of incorporating much needed technology into classrooms since 1980. Garland ISD committed to classroom technology by investing in labs on all campuses. Computers are being used to communicate with other students around the globe and for career preparation as well as for administrative applications such as accounting, word processing, spreadsheets, student record management and course reporting. In 1998, the district began the process of combining two separate departments - the classroom and the administrative perspectives of computer use. Since that time, the Technology department has been re-organized to provide better service for the staff and students of Garland ISD. The department goal is to implement technology in such a way that it enhances and supplements the learning process. Issues addressed in this reorganization included:

· Upgrading or replacing all computers in the district to run on the Windows 95 or higher operating system-This means that older 386 and 486 computers were removed from network service. Some of these older systems are presently being used in "stand-alone" mode for simple tasks such as word processing and simple software programs.

· Implementing a common e-mail system district wide - Administrators and support staff have been using a mainframe-based electronic mail system by the name of OfisLink. Pegasus mail was used by many instructors and Novell GroupWise replaced this with much success.

· Installing new Pentium class computers for instruction and administration with common software throughout the district - Because Unisys Corporation no longer supported the older OfisLink system, the district had to replace over 6000 instructional desktop PCs and over 1000 administrative desktop PCs with newer/faster Pentium class systems upgrading to Windows 95. Standard software packages include:

The wide area network (WAN) had to be upgraded to handle the increases in traffic caused by additional Internet usage in the classroom and in the administrative offices - Upgrading the district network lines to fiber optic cable will be the long-range goal. The use of T-1 lines and individual servers at each facility is the current mode of connectivity until the funds are available to further upgrade. Standard software packages include:

- Microsoft office

-Internet access browsers

- E-mail

- Virus protection

- Standardized network operating system

Upgrade the wide area network (WAN) to handle the increase in traffic caused by additional Internet usage in the classroom and in the administrative offices. T-1 lines and individual servers at each facility have been installed until the long-range goal of using fiber optic cable can be financially possible.

Combine existing separate local area networks (LANs) for administrative and instructional use into one common network with a standard operating system -The chosen network system is Novell 5.xx.

This last item has also been completed in most schools at the start of 2001 school year.

The Garland ISD Technology team plans to continue this plan for implementing technology into the campuses, but also will need to begin to upgrade to new developments in technology. Because the Internet has become such a valuable tool in the world of academia and research, in particular, the Garland ISD would like to be able to give its' students every possible advantage that other school districts are giving their students with technology. One of the many areas to improve will be high speed cable in every school with more computers in each classroom for every student to be able to access easily for help with class work. Other technology tools to be added will be computers, laser printers, projectors, digital cameras, digital video cameras, and various software programs.

Garland believes that students who are technologically educated are much more equipped to tackle a world of technology waiting for them upon graduation. For this reason, Garland is implementing a plan which will add state of the art technology to every school and more PC's per classroom to better educate and train students for a very competitive marketplace. Also, computer use will enhance and help the Special Education students who need more 'hands-on' learning activities. Computer use naturally gives this to all students. Student performance will be heightened with the addition of technology to every curriculum plan. Enough computers in each classroom will make classroom work and research much more accessible. When more computers are added to classrooms, students are able to learn technology on a day-to-day basis.

Many schools in Garland are already exemplary and these are also schools that have more computer access. There is a correlation between learning and computer use. A TIF grant will help greatly to supplement the addition of more technology to the Garland schools to realize an increase in student learning and motivation. Besides upgrading current equipment and adding more computers, printers, projectors, and multimedia, the school district hopes to add a wireless lab in every school where students will be able to work and check out laptops to take home and complete work. Workstations will be purchased and connected by wireless PC cards. These laptops will be available to students who for different reasons will not be able to attend school for an extended period of time. Rather than getting behind and in some cases, never 'catching up,' students will be able to do class work at home or in correctional facilities on laptop computers. Garland believes this to be a problem with the high number of students who never complete high school. Also, by having greater access, possibly, more students will not be in the situation of being 'behind' in school for lack of motivation. Technology use tends to give many more students motivation that has not been there in the past.

The Garland ISD already has teacher training sessions but needs more to train teachers to use the new equipment and software. The 21^st century will bring with it many new advances in technology and teachers will need to feel comfortable using all technology. More learning will take place as more activities are taught using real situations which are inherent in the various utilities technology provides. There will be master trainers working with various schools to train staff to fully integrate technology use into the daily lesson plan. These master trainers will be graduate level certified teachers specializing in Educational Technology. Other ongoing training for more advanced users will be in the form of workshops both in district and out, and online training. software will be used and developed to further train district employees in the use of technology. Also, Garland will communicate with other districts and regional service centers to further develop community collaboration which will better prepare educators to train and teach others. The TIF grant will provide necessary funds the district could not afford to fully implement the district's goals for the future of its' students.

Include statement of purpose, goals and philosophy. Clearly establish what entity is applying for funding. Describe the target population, their characteristics; and how many will be affected by the project. Explain how the project serves rural, remote, and underserved populations. Describe how organizations in the community may/will contribute to the project. Indicate whether the proposed project involves a single entity or represents a collaborative effort by more than one organization. Where the project involves more than one organization, explain the roles and responsibilities of each entity relevant to the project. Include mechanisms to promote growth, community involvement, and responsibility for self-containment.

Garland ISD is a very large district in northeast Dallas County with over 52,500 students enrolled in grades K-12. The Garland I.S.D. extends from the Dallas city limits northeast to the county line and serves the communities of Garland, Rowlett, and Sachse. Over 43% of the certified professional staff members have master's degrees, and 1% hold doctorates. The average educator in the district has 11.1 years of teaching experience. At the high school level, that average rises to 12.8 years. Pupil teacher ratios for staff currently stand at 1:22 at the elementary level, 1:23 at the middle school level, and 1:23 at the high school level. The students in the district are largely disadvantaged economically although supported by the city's taxes, the need for state and outside sources is evident.

In Garland, there are many students who do not have computer access at home so the addition of technology in the school curriculum is vital to educate them in our changing world.

Garland ISD would like to be able to give its' students every possible advantage to be successful. High-speed cable in every school needs to be added with more computers in each classroom for every student to be able to access easily for help with class work. Other technology tools to be added will be computers, laser printers, projectors, digital cameras, digital video cameras, and various software programs. These will greatly enhance the abilities of the students who have no access to computers and the learning disabled. Therefore, the primary goal in the Garland ISD is for all students to be fully prepared with technological training when they graduate. Each student deserves to receive ample training in technology so that he/she will be prepared to enter a very competitive job market and world. Student access to the WWW is vital to every student in the district as well as the training to use it.

Many schools in Garland have "Exemplary" ratings and Garland is committed to making all of its campuses of this caliber. The community will be working with the school board and the Technology Planning committee to plan for the use of technology. Also, Region 10 is an active participant in the training of instructors in the district. Currently the state has a record of 61% of its schools using technology and Garland wants to raise this figure.

Mission Statement

The Garland Independent School District will provide a quality education for all students

In a way that:

o Continually increases expectations for and achievement of every student,

o Develops self-motivation and strong work habits in all students,

o Ensures a safe, well-maintained, technologically equipped environment,

o Successfully educates a culturally and economically diverse student population,

o Stimulates continuous professional growth which ensures effective, research-based classroom instruction, and

o Engages families and the community as active and equal partners in education,

So that:

o Every student will be equipped for life-long learning, responsible citizenship, and productive employment in a rapidly changing and diverse society.

The community fully supports the integration of more technology into classrooms for the disadvantaged as shown by numerous programs citywide that offer free training to them. The school district itself offers computer classes to adults to learn technology. Also, Garland supports and encourages technology use for all students to be equally taught skills to lead them to fulfilling futures. This will continue along with the planned use of online training available to teachers to learn technology.

Students will be able to access computers from home using the wireless laptops which will be available to students who have no access from home. Also, more computers will be added to classrooms. Teachers will be trained to use software programs that are appropriate to the student in the subject area curriculum. An assessment will be done quarterly to ensure success of the project. Action research plans are already in the process of being evaluated so that the addition of more technology will be without delay. Portable workstations will be used to move around the building and projectors will be installed to help students see what is being taught. The higher grades will use more multimedia and, therefore, more projectors and digital equipment to meet the needs of career training. Students at every level will incorporate computer skills into every subject area with the addition of state-of-the-art technology. These students will be well prepared for a world with worldwide access to information.

Explain the needs and/or problems that the proposed project will address. Focus on conditions in the lives of constituents that need to be changed; specify services that are unavailable without deploying advanced technology; identify disparity in access and financial need.

Home access is necessary for students who are incarcerated, who have physical disabilities, or who have been dismissed from school for discipline. These students find it difficult to keep up with the academic schedule when not in attendance. Computer use makes it possible for these students to continue their studies on a home or borrowed laptop computer from the school district.

The students in the Garland ISD have limited access to computers and more computers need to be set up in classroom so they can all use the technology of today. The addition of more equipment that is available is more than the Garland tax base can support. Garland has done an almost adequate job of giving access to students, but more is needed. Statistics show that more students do better with the availability of all kinds of technology on TAAS scores and will show even more on the TAKS scores. To better reach the district goals a grant is needed to add much needed computers and other technology to the schools, so that our students will be able to be productive members of the community. Many students cannot afford to go to college and will not attend, so they need to learn job skills while still in school. The addition of new

technology will give greater ability to these disadvantaged students.

Identify project objectives and the methods or activities that will occur to meet the stated objectives. Objectives should be specific, identify what needs to be done, and be directly related to solving the needs defined in Form 6. Clearly describe project activities, state reasons for selection of activities, describe sequence of activities, describe staffing selections.

1. Install more IBM-compatible PC-based computers; at least one PC per five students per classroom, a portable workstation per campus with laptop, projector, and printer attached. Also, each campus will have available enough laptops to be able to check out if students are sick or in alternative education facilities.

All of the equipment will be purchased and begun to install by the beginning of the next school year (2002). All equipment will be installed and the existing system will be expanded to include the improvements. The addition of more PC's per student will provide the classroom with extra availability for all students access computer use during class time and for projects needing research and/or computer program skills to complete. The projectors in each building on the workstation will give teachers options to utilize technology to the best of our ability as we know it. With these projectors students will be able to view teachers lessons visually as well as auditorially. Thus, learning will be greatly enhanced and students will have life-long learning. Multimedia will be used in this process to further help students to achieve. At this time, T-1 lines are used as connections, but these will be replaced by fiber optics as finances allow.

2. Garland ISD will have staff and administrative training for all educators to best apply the uses of new technology as mandated by the state of Texas.

All teachers, administrators, and support personnel will be trained in the use of computer applications and basic programs. For teachers who will be teaching the more advanced technology, there will be training,development,and assessment. These teachers will need to be masters in the area they teach,so that students can best be served to meet the new state standards in place. This training will also include curriculum planning, with technology fully integrated into daily lesson plans. Online software programs will be developed to offer courses for students who cannot attend traditional school. Other online training will be available for educators to work on skills at home or their leisure. Administrators will be required to display technology skills in appropriate areas to model schools that promote technology education and application. The Region X Service Center and TIFB will give training to all educators in the use of the Internet, research, and the use of technology in every classroom in every subject area.

Communities of learners will emerge as teachers collaborate with each other to work together as a whole to help students learn better and with life-long characteristics.

3. Students who have been placed in off-campus locations will have high priority access to the Internet and computer utilities.

These students form the basis of a large percentage of dropouts and have great needs. Some of them are learning disabled students who have been removed from the regular classroom for behavior or physical disabilities. Others are being disciplined for misbehavior, and still others are incarcerated. These students cannot attend school on campus and need alternative instructional capabilities. Computer access provides this,and will become more of an option as more software and online classes are developed for the K-12 age group and recognized as valuable learning tools.

4. The computer skills/programs will be assessed, improved and changed over time.

Quarterly, an action research team will survey and track the improvements students will have with the addition of new technology tools that the Garland ISD has incorporated. All subject areas will be assessed to determine progress as teachers are trained to use it. As problems occur, changes will be made to guarantee students the ability to become proficient in technology. The district will collaborate with other districts and universities to further improve the program and add new technology as it is developed. Every subject area will be integrated with technology that enhances curriculum. Educators and students will be able to use the Internet tools such as researching online, projects, web page creation, and other applications that are relevant and useful to everyday life and work-related projects. TAAS and TAKS skills tests will be compared with and without technology in the schools.

METHODS

1. Training

To fully utilize computers and web-based learning into classrooms with the addition of new equipment that makes possible more access to students who previously did not have access, all staff will be trained on an ongoing basis to actively promote change in the current system. All personnel will be completely trained to use technology in every subject area with re-written curriculum plans. Expert technology trainers will attend TIFT training and Region 10 training. Other multimedia training will be given to teachers of multimedia and web mastering. Basic knowledge will be the norm and more technology training will be given to those who need and use it in the classroom. State standards will be expected as results of this training. Online training will be encouraged.

2. All subject curriculum

Every subject area and department will follow the TEKS guidelines and standards as set up on the Texas Education Agency website. Master trainers will train and mentor other teachers on campuses to establish technology as an area that will be a necessity for all students to excel. Online classes will be established to further training modules within subject areas.

3. Class action

Every classroom will have accessible computers for the use of research activities that each student can use to work on class work, projects, and homework. Every class period will give students an advantage in using computers as a way of life, and not just a class that lasts for 40 minutes or an hour a day. Students will be able to learn in a practical environment that promotes learning in a community of learners in a real-life way that is meaningful for them. Students who had limited or no access, will have full access and capabilities that all students have.

4. Assessment

All computer programs including hardware and software will be continually monitored and updated to maintain the best state-of-the-art technology program possible. Tracking will be done and surveys conducted to maintain this attitude. Learning will be ongoing and encouraged. Teachers, staff, and administrators will be assessed to determine if they are implementing technology into curriculum appropriately. The PDAS teacher evaluation and the administrator evaluation will reflect new technology practices.

Address ways applicant organization intends to secure future funding to sustain project. Examine different outlets for local funding, community in-kind donations and cash, Federal and other State grants. Discuss measures that employ cost-effective procedures for implementing the project.

Equipment needed for this project will be servers for additional wireless labs, additional PC's, hubs, computer workstations, laptops, laser printers, antennas, wiring, and wireless PC cards. Software will be used for educators to fully access what is available from the internet. The Technology team will oversee the project and upgrade appropriately. Everything will be approved before the Board of Trustees.

Maintenance will be maintained by the district technical employees. Professional development will continue ongoing throughout the year. Any warranties and maintenance programs will be adhered to.

Include a detailed timeline for installation of equipment, training, and project activities. Document when outlined objectives are expected to be met as well as major milestones projected over the life of the project. Refer to the RFP for anticipated starting and ending dates for the grant project. All obligations of funds for activities and services conducted shall occur within those dates.

Purchase order for hardware, Financial Officer 6/1/02

software, PC's laptops, hubs,

servers, wiring, etc.

Action research plan begun Project Director 6/15/02

Install, connect, test Project Director 9/1/02

Training begins Master trainers 9/15/02

Required TIF status report Project Director 9/20/02

Evaluation data collected Project Director, Researchers, 10/20/02

School staff

2^nd required TIF status report Project Director 12/20/02

Report assessment data to Project Director, Principal 2/20/03

Board of Trustees and staff

Improvement plan Project Director, Staff 4/15/03

3^rd required TIF status report Project Director 4/20/03

Improvement plan begun Project Director, Staff 6/20/03

4^th TIF status report Project Director 7/30/03

Final report Project Director 11/15/03

Applicants must include the following information in their evaluation plan: * Who is responsible for conducting the evaluation plan; * Defined evaluation criteria that relates to stated objectives; * How evaluation data will be collected throughout the life of the project; * How evaluation data will be analyzed; * How evaluation data will be reported and used to improve project.

All educators, principals, other administrative positions, teachers and staff who are using technology to teach students will be monitored and assessed. The Project Director will be in charge of this effort by organizing and implementing it. The results will be reported to the Board of Trustees, teachers, administrators, and staff.

The Project Director and his/her team will decide what items to purchase, purchase them, and design a plan to install and train. Surveys will be done to determine computer usage and any problems that might occur. Close monitoring of the systems will be done both by the Technology Team and the Action Research Team by conducting surveys and consulting with staff on a daily basis. A data collection system will be set up so that others might be able to view the progress taking place. Repair of equipment and maintenance will be done by the Technology Department when any problem occurs.

As teachers and other staff is trained in the use of multimedia tools, an ongoing assessment will be created and utilized. The action research project will be doing surveys and reporting to the Technology Team. Both will work together to seek areas of need in the training of teachers and staff. The master trainers will document every step of the plan in place, report to the Technology Team, and to the Action Research Team. Observations of classrooms will be done to view the practical application of technology use and the results of training of teachers. Teachers of every subject, as well as administrators, will be expected to learn new technology and apply it within a particular time frame and will be evaluated on this. They will develop lesson plans exhibiting what they have learned and found helpful. Also, the surveys will give valuable information to develop better technology skills. Examples of technology use will be compiled within each school within each department to display the abilities of each campus. As staff become more proficient, so will the learning of the students. This will be seen in the results of the TAKS testing. Needs and modifications will be discussed and implemented.

Finally, the community will be informed of the plan and surveyed to determine any outside sources that would be of help in determining new plans of action. Parents and business leaders will be asked for suggestions and support. Training will also include anyone who wants to learn technology. Communication will be established from the school district via e-mail, conferences, and web pages. All tools of technology will be evident in the process of fully integrating technology into the school system and the community. Volunteers from the community will be placed in various schools to mentor students and establish healthy communication between school and community.

All of the information data will be centrally organized and reported to the Board of Trustees, teachers, staff, and administrators. Changes and improvements will be done at that point and new plans put into place. This ongoing and continual process will be the norm for the next coming years until every school, teacher, staff and student is aware and knowledgeable concerning technology. There will be good communication between all staff when this plan is put into place so that all students will become the best that they can be in a very technological world.