Instructional Technology
The Glens Falls City School District is committed to preparing our students to be successful, productive members of a global society. Technology can be used as the tool to develop critical thinking skills, improve communication, and develop life skills critical to every student’s success.
Teachers will take an active role in the planning and implementation of technology into the curriculum. The District will provide ongoing and continuous training for teachers to ensure that they will be successful in integrating technology across all curriculum areas.
The use of technology will also assist in engaging the community and promoting an awareness of the educational mission of the District. Technology can link the classroom with parents and encourage partnerships with community agencies and educational institutions to foster the development of all students.
The District will provide the financial support necessary for the planning and implementation of new technology across the district.
2018-2021 Instructional Technology Plan
Our NYS-approved Instructional Technology Plan can be viewed in full here: 2018-2021 Glens Falls CSD Approved NYSED TECH PLAN (PDF download). The plan’s three main goals are:
Goal 1 • 80% of GF Teachers will increase communication by asking for and receiving digital feedback on a monthly basis
Goal 2 • 80% of GF Teachers will increase collaboration by asking students to use technology in order to reach an authentic audience on a monthly basis
Goal 3 • 80% of GF Teachers will increase critical thinking by asking students to collect and analyze data on a monthly basis
2022-2025 Instructional Technology PlanThe district is currently in the process of finalizing the next Instructional Technology Plan. The draft version of the plan can be viewed here: DRAFT 2022-2025 Instructional Technology Plan
Our school community believes …
Technology should be integrated into the classroom and curriculum as support for instruction, learning, and understanding. Technology should not be a “stand alone” in the classroom.
Staff-development is on-going and supportive of technology integration in the classroom.
All students will have access to the development of fundamental skills and knowledge of technology.
Curriculum will drive the use and integration of technology in the classroom.
Technology, as an ever-changing, fluid system, should advance to meet the needs of the students, community, and staff.
Glens Falls 1:1 Chromebook Initiative
STEAM Capital Project (2012)
Smart Schools Bond Act: Preliminary Spending Plans
In 2014, New York State voters approved a bond referendum to finance improvements in educational technology and infrastructure called the Smart Schools Bond Act. Glens Falls City Schools’ total allocation from this act is $1.6 million, focused on the purchase of technology equipment. The district was granted part of its allocation with the approval of its Preliminary Spending [ PLAN ] in the spring of [ 2016 ], and applied for a second portion of the funds in mid-2018. The Preliminary Spending Plan #2 is available [HERE ]. The school board conducted a hearing on Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 at 7 p.m. in the district office (15 Quade Street) to enable stakeholders to respond to the preliminary spending plan. Background on the Smart Schools Bond Act is available [HERE ]. The district’s 2015 Instructional Technology Plan is available [ HERE ], and its state approval letter is [ HERE ].
The SAMR Model
SAMR is a model for incorporating technology into the classroom.