The Guaranteed & Viable Technology (GVT) is a new Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) initiative designed to provide and guarantee adequate and up-to-date technology to be used for instruction by teachers in classrooms. Its primary objective is to provide the tools that transform the teaching and learning experience.  The GVT is part of the Rethinking Technology report produced by Cherry Creek Schools Chief Information Officer, Ben Startzer.

Currently, the district has determined that the baseline of the GVT is to equip every teacher with a tablet mobile computer with high speed connection to the Internet in the classroom.  In addition, every instructional classroom will contain a multimedia projector and sound system.  Future GVT items will be determined by the Instructional Strategic Planning (ISP) Team made up of building level SASs (Student Achievement Specialists – building level technology integration specialists), school and district administrators, and members of Information Systems department.  Click here for more GVT information.

Rationale of the GVT
The GVT presents a radical change from the past technology model for CCSD with regards to technology purchases.  Moving from a site-based to a centralized system will ensure the following…

Common District Vision – Having a common vision allows all schools in the district to work together toward the same outcomes based on sound educational practices, national technology standards, as well as to support other district initiatives.

Equity and Consistency - Currently, a discrepancy exists between many CCSD schools regarding the quantity and quality of technology equipment. This discrepancy leads to a few schools consistently updating and receiving newer equipment, while leaving other schools to struggle keeping obsolete machines running. Centralizing equipment will eliminate the “haves and have nots” by providing for all.

Greater Purchasing Power – Centralizing all technology equipment also allows for high volume purchasing. Ordering in bulk for all schools will provide CCSD is the absolute best prices, which will in turn, allow for even more technology in schools.

Better Technological Support -  With each school currently purchasing technology individually, a plethora of brands, models, and operating systems exist.  With the enormous variety, it has become impossible for CCSD to provide the manpower and funds to service each piece of equipment.  Limiting equipment choices will allow the Information Systems department to better assist schools with servicing equipment in an a more effective, inexpensive, and timely fashion.

Instructional Support – Centralizing technology equipment allows the district to centralize professional development as well.  Unifying the many talented professional developers of the district to prepare a consistent staff development plan that is supported by common tech equipment will better benefit teacher instruction and student improvement.

Rethinking Technology

In 2008, Ben Startzer wrote a comprehensive plan for increasing student achievement through information and technology systems for the Cherry Creek School District.  This document, entitled Rethinking Technology, outlined brutal facts and immediate actions that needed to take place within the district.  While multiple needs were identified, the document outlines a plan that would build the infrastructure to support the GVT as well as other educational goals as listed below.

21st Century Learning & the NETS (National Education Technology Standards)

While the GVT will initially focus on providing a baseline of technology for teachers and their classrooms, its intent is framed around the 21st century learning and NET standards.  CCSD is committed to best instructional practices which integrates technology effectively resulting in improved student achievement.

Ben Startzer
Chief Information Officer
Educational Services Center (ESC)
4700 S. Yosemite St.
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
720-554-4755
email – bstartzer@cherrycreekschools.org

Ned Gilardino
District Instructional Technology Coordinator
Educational Services Center (ESC)
4700 S. Yosemite St.
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
720-554-5597
email – ngilardino@cherrycreekschools.org