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About the district

Dr. Annette Griffin

Superintendent of Schools

Thanks to the financial support of our community and the dedicated work of our educational team, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District has received the 2005 President’s Technology Award. Presented by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), the 2005 award was given to 18 public school districts across the United States, and C-FB ISD is the only Texas district on the list. The award honors school districts that successfully integrate technology into all aspects of their operations.

A national panel selected the school districts using seven criteria. These include how technology improves student learning, how the district trains its staff to effectively use technology, and how the district evaluates technology usage.

Since 1997, the district has made dramatic gains in effective technology utilization across all district operations from instruction to finance. Thanks in part to the 1998 and 2003 bond referendums that designated about $81 million to expand and enhance C-FB ISD’s technology use. Less than eight years ago, this district had approximately 500 computers, which were mainly for administrative operations. Today, more than 15,000 computers can be found through the district, with a vast majority of them used by teachers and students.

Some of the technological strides that C-FB ISD has made since 1997 include:

• Every teacher has a current computer workstation in the classroom. The district has a refresh cycle that insures that these stations are no more than three years old.
• This computer refresh program has allowed the district to implement the “Universal Access Program,” which helps C-FB ISD provide technology and training to students and their families who do not have access at home.
• Student workstations are on a refresh cycle based on keeping computer capacity adequate to the instructional program and student needs.
• State-of-the-art presentation tools that include data projectors, document cameras and DVD players can be found in the classrooms. These tools help instruction become more student-centered.
• A fiber-optic network connects all schools and district facilities. This gives our staff the ability to use the most bandwidth intensive, interactive content software available today.
• Our teachers have a wealth of digital curriculum that allows them to personalize their instruction.
• The district can stream its cable television channel on its website so that all C-FB ISD residents can view School Board meetings, district and campus events without a cable subscription.
• A data warehouse gives teachers and other staff access to a variety of test results so that they can make informed decisions about instruction.
• The Community of Learners, an online curriculum containing resources and exemplary lessons, can be accessed either at school or at home.
• The district provides instructional content and resources on the internet so that students have access to data away from school.
• Technology has given staff the capability to communicate more frequently and provide up-to-date information to the School Board, parents and the community. For example:
• Electronic messages for staff and the community allow the district to share information about major educational issues, success stories and events.
• An automated cable television channel, that’s also streamed on the district’s website, provides information about campus and district events.
• A video archive on the district’s website allows individuals to see
  “C-FB ISD education in action.”
• Online information includes: School Board Policy Manual, Property Appraisal and Tax Information, Employment Applications for all positions, Interactive School Locator System.

C-FB ISD is using technology not only to improve student achievement but also district operations. C-FB ISD’s work with technology combined with our district’s vision is helping our students move to higher and higher levels of achievement. I am so pleased that our combined efforts have been recognized nationally because this district can serve as a positive example of public education. I thank the C-FB ISD community for its continued commitment to our children and public schools. Your support of technology and other educational operations allows us to provide the very best for students.

February 2005
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