1. Who needs to pass the competency test? How long do I have to meet the competencies?
   Our goal is for all teachers, administrators, and professional staff to meet the Level I and Level II competencies in order to meet SBEC standards. The technology competency initiative is an ongoing project.
2. Where can I learn what I need for passing the competency tests?
   The LISD Technology Department will continue to offer staff development classes in addition to campus visits from teacher technologists. We will also help support the development of campus based technology teams and study groups to foster technology communities of practice.
3. Who is administering the competency tests?
   The competency tests and grading rubrics are online so that teachers can take the tests at their convenience. There are 4 tests for both Level I and Level II that should be taken individually. Completed tests will be reviewed by the Teacher Technologists and other professional Technology Department staff.
4. Can I take a test more than once?
   A person may take a test as many times as necessary.
5. How long will each test take?
   The tests are not timed, and they do not need to be completed in one sitting.

Laptop FAQs

1. Who is eligible for the laptops?
   Teachers and other campus-based professional staff (e.g. librarians and special ed teachers) are eligible for the laptops.
2. What is the relationship between the competencies and the laptops?
   Teachers who pass the Level I competencies are eligible to apply for the laptops, but they will not necessarily receive a laptop immediately.
3. What do I need to do to get a laptop?
   After a teacher has passed the Level I competency tests, he or she may fill out an application that will be reviewed by the Technology department. There will be approximately 5 questions in the application, with each question having a point value that will be written on the form. In the application, the teacher will be asked to articulate how their students have used technology. The application process also requires a commitment on the teacher's part to participate in a campus-based technology study group.
4. Who will read the laptop applications?
   The laptop applications will be scored by a committee from the LISD Technology department.
5. What if there are more teachers who qualify than there are laptops?
   The Teacher Laptop Initiative began in 2001-2002. LISD has awarded more than 3,000 laptops to educators through the 2005-2006 school year. More laptops will be available as additional bond money is released.
6. Who carries insurance?  Each person receiving a laptop must check with his/her individual agent for coverage.
7. Replacement value - If you install additional software, add the value of the additional software to the following amount:
   • Secondary - $1701.48 (includes Laptop, network card, extended warranty, lock, carrying case, Office XP, Publisher 2002 and Inspiration). 
   • Elementary - $1719.48 - (same plus Kidspiration)
8. What if laptop is dropped?  Teacher's responsibility to repair or replace
9. What if I leave the district?  Who do I return the equipment to?  Equipment must be returned to the Technology Department. There is a form that is signed by the teacher when returning the equipment.
10. Who do I contact if it won't work?  Follow the normal procedures and send in a work order.  Do not call the Instructional Technologist or Technology Specialist.
11. Can I backup my email on the laptop? Laptop is configured to be the primary email computer.
12. Can I get to the LISD network from home?  No - You can use Webaccess to check email.
13. Are students allowed to use the laptop?  NO
14. Can I add an external mouse?  Yes - uses USB type mouse
15. Can I take the laptop to conferences/travel?  Yes, just remember you are responsible if damaged or stolen.
16. Can I take the laptop home? Yes, it is acceptable during the summer and holidays. However, during the school year the computer is expected to be in your classroom. It is the teacher computer! The printer should be used at school only.
17. Can I keep my current desktop computer in the classroom? Yes, this computer is NOT to be taken from the classroom. It is, however, to be configured as a student computer, not the teacher computer.
18. Who pays for the toner for the printer? It is the responsibility of the teacher, individual school or department, not the technology department.
19. How do I clean the screen? - Soft clean lint free cloth - no chemicals. 
20. What software is included?
    • Internet Explorer
    • Microsoft Office 2003 (Remember to save files so older versions can open)
    • Microsoft Publisher 2003
    • Inspiration (K-2 also Kidspiration)
    • Virus Software (see facilitator for update information)
    • Print Drivers (load those necessary for your printing requirements)
21. How do I burn a CD? The method depends on the software used.