Vista del Lago High School Science Department Technology Plan

School Description and Mission Statement  Vista del Lago High School is Moreno Valley’s newest high school. Vista del Lago opened in September 2003 with ninth and tenth grade students. The school currently has ninth, tenth and eleventh grade students. Vista del Lago has 60 regular education teachers and 8 special education teachers. Class size in the core areas does not exceed 35 students with a total of 165 students per teacher. It is the goal of Vista del Lago to serve the needs of all students on site. All programs are designed to offer students a high level of independence and consequently students will become better citizens. There are four educational pathways that offer students an opportunity to become marketable. All pathways offer college preparatory classes as well as certifications. Our goal is that all students will attend college or be able to move into the world of work. Students who wish to enter the work force immediately upon graduation are assisted through the career educational planning and work experience classes.  In recognition of the partnership that exists with higher education, Vista del Lago High School, a diverse educational community, integrates technology and provides a rigorous and innovate instructional program through various career pathways. A collaborative team of educators, students, parents, and community members will assist students in acquiring marketable tools and essential values conducive to becoming productive, responsible learners who are assets to the American society and the global community we all share.  By challenging and encouraging students to set and achieve personal and academic goals, we will lay a foundation for a new generation of successful leaders in society. Our graduates will be self- motivated, disciplined, respectful, and prepared to contribute within a community in a positive way through the realization of their own personal potential.

Demographic Information Enrollment, by Ethnic Group ( School Year) Ethnicity Number of Students % of Students  African-American  American Indian or  Alaska Native  Asian  Filipino  Hispanic or Latino  Pacific Islander  White  Other 4 0.2

Tech Plan Goals  Our goal is to provide equal access to technological tools and support for all science students and teachers in such a way that directly and positively affects student learning.

Student Objectives  Objective 1 – By June 2008, 90% of all science students will demonstrate proper research methods and multimedia presentation of one major theme in Earth Science, Life Science, or Chemistry.  1a- By June 2006, 90% of all Earth Science students will successfully use appropriate search methods to locate and retrieve information on plate tectonics.  1b- By June 2007, 90% of all Biology students will successfully complete a research paper on the Central Dogma of Biology using appropriate research and citation strategies.  1c- By June 2008, 90% of all Chemistry students will successfully complete a properly cited research paper and multimedia presentation on intermolecular forces.

Staff Objectives  Objective 1 – By June 2008, all science teachers will demonstrate proficient usage proper research methods, APA format, and Microsoft PowerPoint.  1a- By June 2006, all science teachers will be trained in proper internet research methods and internet conduct and safety.  1b- By June 2007, all science teachers will be trained in using the APA style of writing research papers.  1c- By June 2008, all science teachers will be trained in Microsoft PowerPoint for implementing multimedia presentations to small group settings.

Funding  There are approximately 1,470 students enrolled in science classes on campus at Vista del Lago High School.  This enrollment corresponds to a budget of approximately $441,000.

Major Objects of Expenditure Expenditure CategoryTotal Funds Certificated Personnel Salaries $58, Classified Personnel Salaries $72, Employee Benefits $18, Books and Supplies $232, Services and other Operating Expenses $20,000 Indirect Costs at an Established Rate (%) Excluding the Budget Category $28, Capitol Outlay $0 Total $429,060

Budget Narrative Expenditure CategoryDescription Certificated Personnel Salaries 2 Teachers (3 periods per day) Classified Personnel Salaries Lab Tech Media Tech Employee Benefits Health Coverage for Certificated and Classified Books and Supplies Desktop Computers, Printers, LCD Projectors, software, training manuals and printer supplies Services and other Operating Expenses Travel and registration for various technology conferences, Professional Development Consultants and Maintenance Agreements Indirect Costs at an Established Rate (%) Excluding the Budget Category Indirect Costs Capitol Outlay NA Total $429,060

Coordination & Leadership  Ongoing evaluation must be carried out through all phases of implementation. The Science Department Co-Chairs will facilitate all steps of the tech plan. Additionally, one teacher will be appointed to overlook installation of any new hardware and/or equipment. And another teacher to secure knowledgeable instructors for organized training opportunities. Dept meetings will include status updates on all areas of the tech plan.  Evaluation of equipment effectiveness and training will be conducted by the department through simple survey/questionnaire and group discussion. Ideas and comments for any changes/improvements for the tech plan will be recorded and integrated if the departments deems necessary.  Adjustments to the tech plan should be expected and taken as an opportunity to improve the schools tech atmosphere. All stakeholders of the Sci Dept will consider the best alternatives as unexpected developments arise.  General evaluation will follow the conclusion of the technology plan. The department will convene and discuss major aspects of the plan that merit change as well as those that are considered successful.

Program Evaluation  All teachers in the science department will update CTAP2 survey at 6 month intervals throughout the implementation of the tech plan.  Results from these surveys will be gathered and reviewed with discretion to properly adjust the tech plan and make any alterations to teacher training schedule.  Students will also take similar survey and also have the opportunity to contribute comments / ideas about the tech issues they observe in classroom environments.

Summary  The VLHS Sci Dept Tech Plan is designed to increase student learning and achievement.  By helping instructors to align state standards with a comprehensive tech- based curriculum, students will btter understand core concepts.