Wed, Aug 27, 2008
STRANDS FAQ
 
Strands Overview and Training Guide

If your STRANDS question is not answered below, submit a new question. 
 
Questions
1)  What is the Instructional Technology STRANDS Program?
2)  Who is eligible to participate?
3)  What kind of equipment can I obtain for my classroom through the STRANDS program?
4)  Can I get a new computer or laptop for my classroom through the STRANDS program?
5)  How many staff development hours do I need to accumulate to receive equipment for my classroom?
6)  Can I use technology staff development that I have attended at my campus or through another department to accumulate Instructional Technology STRANDS Program hours?
7)  If I leave my current campus and go to another Fort Worth ISD campus can the equipment obtained through the STRANDS program travel with me?
8)  When does the Instructional Technology STRANDS Program begin and how long do I have to accumulate hours of staff development?
9)  After I accumulate enough hours of staff development to qualify for equipment, when will I receive the equipment?
10)  Do I have to pass the Technology Proficiency Assessment: Level One (TPLONEA) to receive the 3 hours of credit?
11)  If I have already attended a session at my campus for SRA TechKnowledge, am I still required to take the SRA TechKnowledge: Basics course?
 
Answers
1)  Q What is the Instructional Technology STRANDS Program?
A
STRANDS is an new initiative from Fort Worth ISD Instructional Technology that stands for Strategic Tools, Resources and Skills. The Instructional Technology STRANDS Program is way to provide teachers with the tools, resources and the skills they need to leverage technology as a valuable instructional tool. By participating in the program you accumulate technology staff development hours that can used to acquire a multimedia projector, document camera or interactive whiteboard device for your classroom by logging as little at 18 hours of staff development through FWISD Instructional Technology.
2)  Q Who is eligible to participate?
A
All professional instructional staff members at any FWISD campus are eligible to participate.
3)  Q What kind of equipment can I obtain for my classroom through the STRANDS program?
A
A multimedia projector, document camera and or interactive whiteboard device can be obtained for your classroom through the STRANDS program.
4)  Q Can I get a new computer or laptop for my classroom through the STRANDS program?
A
At this time computers and laptops are not part of the STRANDS Program.
5)  Q How many staff development hours do I need to accumulate to receive equipment for my classroom?
A
You must successfully complete a minimum of 18 hours of Instructional Technology workshops to receive your first piece of hardware. An additional device can be obtained after 36 hours of Instructional Technology staff development.
6)  Q Can I use technology staff development that I have attended at my campus or through another department to accumulate Instructional Technology STRANDS Program hours?
A
No, only staff development hours accumulated through FWISD Instructional Technology that are offered at the Professional Development Center or at the I.M. Terrell Technology Center from May 30, 2007 to March 27, 2008 can be applied to the STRANDS program.
7)  Q If I leave my current campus and go to another Fort Worth ISD campus can the equipment obtained through the STRANDS program travel with me?
A
As long as you are employed by the Fort Worth ISD in an instructional role at a Fort Worth ISD campus, the equipment obtained through the STRANDS program will go with you to your new assignment or campus. However, if you leave the Fort Worth ISD the equipment remains the property of the District.
8)  Q When does the Instructional Technology STRANDS Program begin and how long do I have to accumulate hours of staff development?
A
The Instructional Technology STRANDS Program begins on May 30, 2007 and runs through March 27, 2008. Any qualifying Instructional Technology staff development hours obtained within that time period are eligible.
9)  Q After I accumulate enough hours of staff development to qualify for equipment, when will I receive the equipment?
A
Equipment will be ordered for qualifying STRANDS participants in September 2007, January 2008 and April 2008.
10)  Q Do I have to pass the Technology Proficiency Assessment: Level One (TPLONEA) to receive the 3 hours of credit?
A
Yes, in order to receive the 3 hours of credit for TPLONEA you must successfully complete the assessment with a score of 70 or above. If you are unsure about your technology proficiency go to http://itweb.fortworthisd.net/tplonea/ to see an overview of the assessment. You can also attend the two TPLONEA Preparation courses. Each of the preparation courses qualify for 3 hours towards the STRANDS Program.
11)  Q If I have already attended a session at my campus for SRA TechKnowledge, am I still required to take the SRA TechKnowledge: Basics course?
A
No, if you attended a session at your campus for the Technology Applications Textbook that is appropriate for the grade level you teach, you are not required to attend the TA Textbook Basics class. However, you will only receive STRANDS hours for courses that you attend through FWISD Instructional Technology that are offered at the PDC or at the I.M. Terrell Tech. Center from May 30, 2007 to March 27, 2008._