Instructional Technology Plan - Saratoga City School District

Saratoga Springs City School District Instructional Technology Plan 2026-2029

District Mission Statement

Our District

The Saratoga Springs City School District has an outstanding reputation and a long history of academic excellence. The District has six elementary schools for grades kindergarten to five, one middle school for grades six to eight, and one high school for grades nine to 12. Current enrollment is approximately 5700 students.

District Mission and Vision – Pathways To Excellence

Mission: To prepare all learners to thrive in a rapidly changing world

Vision: Our school community will foster a safe, welcoming, and rigorous learning environment that values relationships, promotes meaningful connections, and respects the individuality of each learner.

Vision Statement for guiding instructional technology use in the district:

Our district leverages instructional technology to foster safe, welcoming, relationship-driven classrooms, ensure equitable, technology supported access to rigorous personalized learning, and develop students’ digital agency, creativity, and problem-solving for lifelong success and civic readiness in a rapidly changing world.

Instructional Technology Plan Contributors

Groups Contributing to SSCSD Tech Plan:

HS Technology Integration Leadership Team (TILT)
MS Technology Integration Leadership Team (TILT)
Elementary Technology Teacher Leaders
Curriculum Council
Leadership Council

Specific Members Contributing to SSCSD Tech Plan:

Claire Attardo
Andrea Blair
Danielle Bouton-Wales
Derek Bull
Kevin Colella
Adam Cox
Ashley Diamond
Katie Ehmann
Amy Elsworth
Jennifer Eversole
Devan Godfrey
Katie Gunn
Cooper Hughes
Michael Janicke
Meredith Kerr
Kaitlyn Lewis
David L’Hommedieu
Meredith Mabee
Lucas Manny
Lorraine Montgomery
Kristin Passaretti
Michele Renner
Peter Robinson
John Scrivo
Joanne Sharp

Planning Process for the Instructional Technology Plan

The 2026–29 Instructional Technology Plan was developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders across the District, including teachers and administrators at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Additional feedback was gathered from the District’s homeless liaison, Curriculum Council, Leadership Council, and individual staff members representing special education and English Language Learners.

Timeline for updating the technology plan included:

August 6-7, 2025 – Summer curriculum group focus on new goal for Generative AI and guidance documentation.
September 23, 2025 – K-12 Tech Teacher Leader large group initial work on goals and action steps.
October 8, 2025 – K-12 Tech Teacher Leaders representative group in-depth work on action steps.
January 20, 2026 – K-12 Tech Teacher Leader large group feedback on action steps.
March 10, 2026 – Small group review and final revising around Assistive Technology.

The 2026-29 Instructional Technology Plan was also presented to the following groups for awareness and feedback:

January 27, 2026 – Instruction and Technology Team
April 24, 2026 – Instructional Leadership Team
May 14, 2026 – Curriculum Council

District 1:1 Initiatives

The district is currently fully 1:1, Grades K through 5 have access to class sets that provide a device per student. Students may request to take devices home if needed to complete schoolwork. In grades 6 through 12, students are provided with a device. Students receive a new device in 6th and 9th grade.

Professional Development Planning

SSCSD Professional Learning Goals:

Frequently conduct needs assessments of students and staff based on qualitative and quantitative data
Incorporate research-based practices with a focus on increasing student success based on qualitative and quantitative data
Support individualized goals and allow for personalized professional learning paths
Develop and provide a robust catalog of offerings that strengthen, increase, and integrate our staff’s ability to holistically support students’ needs (both academically and socially-emotionally)
Regularly conduct analysis of professional learning offerings and outcomes to determine our return on investment

SSCSD is fortunate to be able to offer unique and robust programs, services, and partnerships in collaboration with our surrounding community. Professional learning opportunities include a New Teacher Induction Program, Mentor Program, Professional Learning Communities (PLTs), Teaming at Maple MS, study groups, and professional learning days.

The SSCSD professional development program is linked here: SSCSD 2020-2023 PD Plan

EdTech Programs: Current Professional Development Initiatives

Assistive Technology
Digital Citizenship
Flexible Learning Spaces
Media Literacy
Personalized Learning
Special Education Instruction and Learning with Technology

Goal Attainment

Success of goals from the 2010 Statewide Learning Technology Plan

Significantly: Digital Content – The District uses standards-based, accessible digital content that supports all curricula for all learners.

Significantly: Digital Use – The District’s learners, teachers, and administrators are proficient in the use of technology for learning.

Fully: Digital Capacity and Access – The District’s technology infrastructure supports learning and teaching in all of the District’s environments.

Significantly: Leadership – The District Instructional Technology Plan is in alignment with the Statewide Learning Technology Plan vision.

Moderately: Accountability – District-level information is posted on the District website, is easy to access, and is easily understood. Information provided includes the results achieved by the District in their efforts to enable students to build knowledge, master skills, and grasp opportunities for a better life.

Action Plan

Goal 1:

All students: Over the next three years the district will effectively integrate technology into all curriculums using the NYS Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards to transform teaching and learning to ensure the highest levels of success of all our students. This will be measured by 90% successful completion of the action steps outlined below.

Aligns with NYSED goal, “Develop a strategic vision and goals to support student achievement and engagement through the seamless integration of technology into teaching and learning.”

**Goal 1 Action Steps**
Action Step	Action Step Description	Responsible Stakeholders	Anticipated Date of Completion
Action Step 1: Professional Development	Utilize the annual SafeSchools video platform to reinforce appropriate and responsible technology use for all staff.	Assistant Superintendent, All Staff	June 30, 2029
Action Step 2: Implementation	Provide K-5 students with digital citizenship instruction during library media classes, with reinforcement by classroom teachers and through SEL instruction.	Library Media Specialist, Classroom Teachers	June 30, 2029
Action Step 3: Implementation	Deliver digital citizenship instruction to students in grades 6-9 at the beginning of each school year, with continued reinforcement by teachers and through SEL instruction.	Building Principal, Classroom Teachers	June 30, 2029
Action Step 4: Curriculum	Integrate digital citizenship instruction into all grade levels and SEL programming to provide K-12 students with opportunities to practice safe, respectful, and responsible behaviors in all environments.	Curriculum and Instruction Leaders, Classroom Teachers	June 30, 2029
Action Step 5: Implementation	Develop intervention lessons to support students who do not demonstrate ethical or responsible behavior online.	Social Workers, Counselors, PBIS Committees, Teachers	June 30, 2029
Action Step 6: Implementation	Communicate strategies and resources to parents to support and reinforce digital citizenship at home.	Classroom Teachers, Instructional Coaches	June 30, 2029
Action Step 7: Professional Development	Provide professional development for teachers and staff focused on effective use of available technology, including establishing and maintaining ethical, responsible, and responsive technology use practices.	Building Principal, Classroom Teachers	June 30, 2029

Goal 2

All Students, Teachers/Teacher Aides, Administrators, Parents/Guardians/Families/School Community, Technology Teacher Leaders: Over the next three years the district will promote safe, ethical, and responsible technology use among students and staff through grade-level digital citizenship lessons and regular district-wide communication. This will be measured by 90% successful completion of the action steps outlined below.

Aligns with NYSED goal, “Provide technology-enhanced, culturally- and linguistically-responsive learning environments to support improved teaching and learning.”

**Goal 2 Action Steps**
Action Step	Action Step Description	Responsible Stakeholders	Anticipated Date of Completion
Action Step 1: Professional Development	Utilize the annual SafeSchools video platform to reinforce appropriate and responsible technology use for all staff.	Assistant Superintendent, All Staff	June 30, 2029
Action Step 2: Implementation	Provide K-5 students with digital citizenship instruction during library media classes, with reinforcement by classroom teachers and through SEL instruction.	Library Media Specialist, Classroom Teachers	June 30, 2029
Action Step 3: Implementation	Deliver digital citizenship instruction to students in grades 6-9 at the beginning of each school year, with continued reinforcement by teachers and through SEL instruction.	Building Principal, Classroom Teachers	June 30, 2029
Action Step 4: Curriculum	Integrate digital citizenship instruction into all grade levels and SEL programming to provide K-12 students with opportunities to practice safe, respectful, and responsible behaviors in all environments.	Curriculum and Instruction Leaders, Classroom Teachers	June 30, 2029
Action Step 5: Implementation	Develop intervention lessons to support students who do not demonstrate ethical or responsible behavior online.	Social Workers, Counselors, PBIS Committees, Teachers	June 30, 2029
Action Step 6: Implementation	Communicate strategies and resources to parents to support and reinforce digital citizenship at home.	Classroom Teachers, Instructional Coaches	June 30, 2029
Action Step 7: Professional Development	Provide professional development for teachers and staff focused on effective use of available technology, including establishing and maintaining ethical, responsible, and responsive technology use practices.	Building Principal, Classroom Teachers	June 30, 2029

Goal 3

All students, Students with Disabilities, English Language Learners, Economically disadvantaged students, Students experiencing homelessness and/or housing insecurity, Students who do not have adequate access to computing devices and/or high-speed internet at their places of residence, Students who do not have internet access at their place of residence: Over the next three years the district will ensure equitable access to and effective use of instructional technology (hardware, software, and accessibility features) that supports differentiated instruction and curriculum access across K–12. This will be measured by 90% successful completion of the action steps outlined below.

Aligns with NYSED goal, “Increase equitable access to high-quality digital resources and standards-based, technology-rich learning experiences

**Goal 3 Action Steps**
Action Step	Action Step Description	Responsible Stakeholders	Anticipated Date of Completion
Action Step 1: Professional Development	Provide parents with ongoing guidance on accessing SSCSD digital resources, beginning at the start of the school year and continuing as needed.	Social Worker, Psychologist, Instructional Staff Working with Child	June 30, 2029
Action Step 2: Implementation	Increase awareness and use of accessibility features within technology tools and software to ensure all students have equitable access.	Classroom Teacher, Instructional Technology Coach	June 30, 2029
Action Step 3: Purchasing	Purchase and maintain technology tools needed to support IEPs, 504 plans, multilingual learners (MLLs), and RTI interventions.	Assistive Technology, Pupil Services	June 30, 2029
Action Step 4: Collaboration	Continue to provide MiFi devices to students who do not have reliable home internet access.	Assistant Superintendent, IT Staff	June 30, 2029
Action Step 5: Curriculum	Ensure curricular resources include appropriate accessibility features during curriculum renewal, review, and refresh cycles.	Assistive Technologist and Instructional Technology Coach	June 30, 2029

Goal 4

All students, Teachers/Teacher Aides Administrators: Over the next three years the district will continue to provide AI guidance and support to equip staff with ethical, thoughtful, and effective practices for leveraging AI technologies to enhance teaching and improve student learning outcomes. This will be measured by 90% successful completion of the action steps outlined below..

Aligns with NYSED goal, , “Provide technology-enhanced, culturally- and linguistically-responsive learning environments to support improved teaching and learning.”

**Goal 4 Action Steps**
Action Step	Action Step Description	Responsible Stakeholders	Anticipated Date of Completion
Action Step 1: Policy/Protocols	Develop clear, practical guidelines for classroom use of AI and roll them out to K-12 staff.	Administration, Technology Teacher Leaders, Classroom Teachers	June 30, 2029
Action Step 2: Professional Development	Provide professional learning opportunities focused on AI use, ethical considerations, and best practices to build staff understanding and confidence.	Administration, Technology Teacher Leaders, Classroom Teachers	June 30, 2029
Action Step 3: Evaluation	Assess staff knowledge and current use of AI by examining what tools are being used, how they are being used, and what practices are proving effective.	IT Department, Administration, Technology Teacher Leaders, Classroom Teachers	June 30, 2029
Action Step 4: Evaluation	Investigate and evaluate potential AI software or applications appropriate for student use.	IT Department, Administration, Technology Teacher Leaders, Classroom Teachers	June 30, 2029
Action Step 5: Research	Establish a feedback loop to regularly review, update, and improve AI guidelines based on staff input and advancements in AI technology.	IT Department, Administration, Technology Teacher Leaders, Classroom Teachers	June 30, 2029

NYSED Initiatives Alignment

1. Explain how the district use of instructional technology will serve as a part of a comprehensive and sustained effort to support rigorous academic standards attainment and performance improvement for students.

How technology is integrated into teaching and learning throughout the district:

All students have access to a technology device to support daily instruction. At the elementary level, class sets of devices are available so students can use technology during lessons and learning activities. At the middle and high school levels (grades 6–12), students are provided with one-to-one devices, allowing technology to be used consistently across subjects and both in and out of the classroom. To ensure equitable access, MiFi internet hot spots are available for any student or staff member who are without internet access at home. This support helps remove barriers to learning and allows students to complete assignments and access online resources beyond school day. The district also supports teachers through Tech Teacher Leaders in each building. These are experienced teachers who receive a small stipend to assist their colleagues with technology-related questions and to help integrate technology into classroom instruction. Tech Teacher Leaders encourage effective and meaningful use of technology to enhance teaching and learning across the district.

How technology is used by teachers to facilitate their practice:

Teachers use technology to enhance teaching and learning in meaningful and engaging ways. Across middle and high school levels, teachers use a consistent learning management platform to organize instructional materials, course resources, and student work. This consistency provides clarity for students and families around what is happening in the classroom and how students are progressing. Technology is used intentionally to support learning goals across the grade levels K-12. Teachers focus on using technology when it elevates a task, deepens student thinking, or increases engagement. Teachers use technology in their classroom to best support student learning and to help students meet rigorous academic standards. Technology also allows for better creativity and accessibility in how lessons are presented and how students demonstrate their understanding. Communication has been strengthened through technology, as teachers are able to share information, assignments, and feedback more efficiently with students and families. In addition, teachers use generative AI tools to support lesson planning and manage routine tasks, allowing them to better focus on individual student needs and instructional decision-making.

How technology is used by students to demonstrate understanding of skills and concepts:

Teachers regularly reflect on their instructional practice and adjust how technology is used to best meet student needs, build digital literacy skills, and promote deeper understanding. The District provides a variety of software across grade levels and departments to support different learning needs and for different content areas. When selecting software and hardware, the District considers age appropriateness, instructional purpose, and how it addresses accessibility and equity barriers, ensuring all students have meaningful opportunities to demonstrate their learning. Students use technology in ways that support collaboration, communication, digital fluency, and accessibility. At the middle and high school levels, teachers incorporate digital tools that integrate with Canvas as part of lesson planning and instruction. At the elementary level, teachers use tools such as Seesaw and Nearpod to provide engaging activities that check for understanding and encourage active participation with content. Technology allows students to demonstrate learning in flexible and creative ways. Teachers can embed teacher-made videos into assignments that students can respond to, build upon, and collaborate around. Discussion features within Canvas allow students to respond to prompts, share ideas, and engage in academic dialogue by replying to and respectfully debating with classmates. These as well as other tools give students multiple ways to show their thinking and understanding beyond traditional paper-and-pencil tasks.

How technology is used to provide multiple pathways to access and participate in learning:

Technology provides students with multiple pathways to access content and demonstrate understanding. Because all students have technology devices and internet support when needed, learning is not as hindered by time or format. Digital tools allow for greater student voice and choice in how they engage with the curriculum and show what they know. Students may submit many assignments digitally or on paper and often have choice in how they access and interact with their work. This flexibility helps meet diverse learning needs and supports accessibility for all students. Technology also allows learning to continue beyond the classroom, providing opportunities for reflection, collaboration, and engagement outside of class time. These tools support participation from students who may benefit from additional processing time or alternative ways to express their thinking. Across grade levels, the District intentionally selects software and hardware that are age-appropriate, instructionally purposeful, and designed to reduce accessibility and equity barriers. By providing consistent platforms, varied digital tools, and flexible options for participation, technology helps ensure all students have meaningful opportunities to engage in learning and demonstrate their understanding in ways that best meet their individual needs.

Section VI – Administrative Management Plan

District Staff and Investment Plan

Staff Plan of all staff whose primary responsibility is delivering technology integration training and support and/or technical support.

District Technology Leadership 3.00 FTE
Instructional Support 0.00 FTE
Technical Support 11.00 FTE
Totals: 14.00 FTE

The school district has provided for the loan of instructional computer hardware to students legally attending nonpublic schools pursuant to Education Law, section 754

This plan is publicly accessible at: https://www.saratogaschools.org/departmentsservices/technology/information-technology-plan/