COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 156

September 26, 2003

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	State Educational Technology Plan

The Educational Technology Plan for Virginia: 2003-2009 is a vision for the use of technology in schools and classrooms, and it serves as a blueprint for school divisions by identifying the necessary components of an effective technology program. It is the result of the collaborative efforts of a considerable number of stakeholder groups. We are very appreciative of their assistance in the plan.

We are pleased to provide you via surface mail, with a copy of the Executive Summary of the Educational Technology Plan for Virginia: 2003-2009, which includes the complete plan on CD-ROM. A printed copy of the plan is being sent to your division technology coordinator. A copy in PDF of the full plan can be found at http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Technology/plan2003-09.pdf. A copy in PDF of the executive summary of the plan can be found at http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Technology/planexsummary2003-09.pdf.

In accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act, the Universal Services Act (E-Rate) and the Code of Virginia, school divisions must have a technology plan dated within the past three years that is aligned with the state plan. School divisions will have until June 30, 2004, to submit a local technology plan that is aligned with the state plan. School divisions should use the Virginia School Division Technology Alignment Report to indicate alignment of the local technology plan with the state plan.

To assist school divisions in the development and alignment of their local technology plans the following resources are being provided at http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Technology/OET/resources.shtml#etpm

• Virginia School Division Technology Alignment Report (submitted with the local technology plan)
• Virginia School Division Technology Alignment Workbook (a resource for local plan development management)
• A list of technology planning resources

We are excited about the opportunities that The Educational Technology Plan for Virginia: 2003-2009 provides for all of Virginias educators and children to benefit from the impact of best practices in using educational technology in learning environments. Questions regarding the state technology plan should be directed to Gloria Barber, gbarber@mail.vak12ed.edu at (804) 225-4429.

JLD/GKB/fmc