The change in COMAR regulations are designed to ensure that all students have equivalent access to computer-based instructional technology (FY 2003) and that all teacher created technology-infused instructional materials are accessible (FY 2005). These revisions align with Section 508 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, "Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards." To help schools comply with these requirements the Technology Inclusion for All (TIFA) initiative was implemented.
Technology can provide resources for more flexible, differentiated instructional opportunities and support each content area's framework and pacing guide. For more information click on "Training Links" in the right-hand navigation bar.
The TIFA initiative provides professional development resources.
Overview:
Current: Focus TBA. Resources are posted on this web site to provide information and support for school-based training activities.
2005 - 2006: High School focus. High school based Technology Coordinators received training during their summer boot camp. Train-the-trainer training was also offered to other school-based staff upon the request of the principal. Training was delivered to school based staff during a regularly scheduled staff meeting as deemed appropriate by the principal.
Second wave of updated training, initiated 2004:
Phase I: As part of the day-long training for the Digital Content school-based team, participants received training to provide background and information to comply with Statute § 7-910, to support the accessibility of all teacher created technology infused materials. Substitute coverage was provided to all Digital Content school-based team teachers who attend this training.
Phase II: A three-hour after school inservice was developed to provide teachers the information necessary to comply with Statute § 7-910. This after-school stipended training was conducted during Spring 2004, on selected dates, in each Region. The training in each Region is coordinated by a Towson I TIFA Team member in collaboration with the Regional Technology Coordinator.
First wave of training, 2002 - 2003:
Phase I: Three certified teachers from each school were provided train-the-trainer training regarding COMAR 13A.05.02.13 H, and the new guidelines and procedures, especially as they apply to instructional use of software and software purchasing.
Stipended training was conducted on selected dates from June through October, 2002.
Phase II: The trained cohort members conducted a two-hour inservice for the full staff in their respective schools. This training took place during one of the Professional Development Days November, 2002 - January 2003.
