Introduction

The Menomonie Area School District Information and Technology Plan has been developed to allow the district to identify through in-house assessments, program data retreats, student achievement data and strategic planning what systems, people, and resources impact student achievement and support information technology resources for staff. This plan is a flexible but specific document used as a guideline in decision making and budgeting. It is the intent of the Menomonie Area School District to make decisions regarding
information and technology with specific goals and objectives in mind.  It is flexible to address the rapid developments in the field of technology, to allow the district to embrace new technologies that will enhance student achievement.  This plan has been developed to fulfill the requirements as outlined by the Wisconsin Department of Instruction (Standard H and K of the 20 Wisconsin Educational Standards, ESEA, and the Universal Service Program) and to meet the requirements necessary to comply with state, federal law, and to access certain federal and state funds.
 
The recommendations contained in this plan are to provide direction for the Board of Education, superintendent, principals, directors, teachers, support staff, parents and students in planning for information and technology initiatives.
 
This plan focuses on the steps needed to reach the next level of development. The plan outlines the needs in hardware and infrastructure to support the significant impact that information and technology have on the education in our District. This plan will help prepare future workers with the necessary technological skills for employment. This is in keeping with our mission statement  “The School District of the Menomonie Area, by embracing the unique needs and using the strengths of our diverse community, is dedicated to preparing ALL students to become lifelong learners, caring individuals, and responsible citizens.”
 
The Menomonie School District plan continues to base technology decisions on the alignment of National Educational Technology Standards for the use of information (library media) and technology for the district during the 2010-2013 school years.  Specifically the district has four broad goals:

1. Student Achievement – Students will have equal opportunities to access information and technology resources and use these resources to support their academic achievement efforts.
2. Staff Effectiveness – Staff will be competent and effective in accessing technology and resources and in integrating technology into the curriculum and their instructional practice.
3. Information Resources and Learning Tools- Students, staff and parents/community members will have equal opportunities to access information resources.
4. Support Systems and Leadership – Appropriate technologies, including shared vision, staffing, policies and procedures, communication systems, infrastructure and resources, will be provided by the district to enhance the teaching and learning experience and administratively support that experience.

 
The technology plan will provide direction for the immediate future and beyond.  The research clearly supports the need for the integration of technology and information literacy skills.  The School District of Menomonie has made it a priority to provide the technology and support necessary for our students to live prosperous and productive lives in the 21st century.