9.+Benchmark+4

Benchmark 4: Accessibility of Technology

1. Duxbury Public Schools (DPS) has an average ratio of fewer than five students per high-capacity, Internet-connected computers.
2. DPS is working to provide students with access to portable and/or handheld electronic devices appropriate to their grade level. 3. DPS maximizes access to the general education curriculum for all students including those with disabilities, using technology in classrooms with universal design principles and assistive technology devices. 4. DPS has procurement policies for information and instructional technologies that ensure usability, equivalent access, and interoperability. Duxbury Public Schools relies on the state bid list for the purchase of all hardware and software. 5. DPS provides classroom access to devices such as digital projectors and electronic whiteboards. 6. DPS has established a computer replacement cycle of five years or less.

B. Internet Access
1. DPS provides connectivity to the Internet in all classrooms in all schools including wireless connectivity, where possible. 2. DPS provides bandwidth of at least 10/100/1 Gb to each classroom. At peak, the bandwidth at each computer is at least 100 kbps. The network card for each computer is at least 10/100/1 Gb.


 * C.** **Networking (LAN/WAN)**

1. The district provides a minimum 100 Mb Cat 5 switched network and/or 802.11b/g/n wireless network. 2. The district provides access to servers for secure file sharing, backups, scheduling, email, and web publishing, either internally or through contracted services.

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1. The district works with community groups to ensure that students and staff have access to the Internet outside of the school day. Staff has access to computers at will. DHS students have access to the computers at the schools for one hour before and after school, DMS and Alden offer after school programs. Before and After Dark, a community program, offers computer courses to the community at large. The Duxbury Free Library, which is within a short walking distance of DHS, DMS, and Alden posts its days and hours of operation via its website.=====

E. Staffing
1. DPS The district provides a network administrator. 2. DPS The district provides timely in-classroom technical support with clear information about how to access the support, so that technical problems will not cause major disruptions to curriculum delivery. Duxbury PS employs the online Technology Support System (TSS) for reporting technical difficulties and needs. This system is access** ed ** via the staff’s information page and monitored by the Technology Department.
 * 3.** Currently, DPS has approximately 1,000 computers and two full-time and one part-time technician. The state recommends school districts employ one FTE person to support 200 computers. ** Wow! **