Technology Planning Process Update for Michigan Schools 2015

Technology Planning Process Update

As of 5/30/2015, the technology planning process is no longer housed in legacy MEGS. As the technology plan requirement has been eliminated from e-rate complaince, Michigan has been able to redesign the process. The new process is housed in the ASSIST platform, allowing for a meaningful, data driven plan that is integrated with existing school improvement processes. To allow districts time to acclimate to the new technology planning process, it will be rolled out over the next few years in a phased approach. Technology plans that expire 6/30/2015 will be due 9/30/2015. All districts participating in TRIG are required to have an annually updated, current technology plan. 

To clarify, USED had required technology plans under Title II Part D. This no longer exists. If Enhancing Education Through Technology (E2T2) funds return, technology planning may be a required component.  In Michigan, all districts participating in TRIG are required to have a technology plan.  Best Practices Incentives may also include technology planning. E-rate no longer requires a technology plan for Category 2 as of FY 2015.  

The accreditation process and various grants may still require technology plans. Technology planning should be integrated into the School Improvement Process and MDE considers technology planning to be standard best practice. 

Training is currently being held for the new process. Please see http://22itrig.org/activities/activity-two/technology-planning/ for details and registration.  

 This is a Goal Building Template for private schools and schools/districts that do not participate in the school improvement process here. Districts that do use ASSIST for school improvement may also use this as a template before inputting goals, objectives, strategies, and activities into the ASSIST platform. 

MDE Memorandum April 4, 2014 - Notification of Changes in the Technology Planning Process

In the FY2015 State School Aid Act, the Michigan Legislature included a best practices requirement related to technology planning for intermediate school districts (ISDs). More information at:  http://michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-6530_6605-258500--,00.html

 CIPA - Children's Internet Protection Act - FCC Consumer Guide. - 2011 update.

The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was enacted by Congress in 2000 to address concerns about children’s access to obscene or harmful content over the Internet. CIPA imposes certain requirements on schools or libraries that receive discounts for Internet access or internal connections through the E-rate program – a program that makes certain communications services and products more affordable for eligible schools and libraries. In early 2001, the FCC issued rules implementing CIPA and provided updates to those rules in 2011.

If you have additional questions please contact Ann-Marie Smith, Technology Planning Coordinator and Communications Consultant, smitha24 at michigan.gov or 517-335-2775.