Analysis

School characteristics
Ely's Condition for Change Model (Ellsworth, J. 2000) identifies eight environmental conditions that must be present to increase successful adoption of a change. A comparison of our current environment to Ely's conditions suggest that this is an optimal time to implement this change in our district.

The results of the needs survey from stakeholders will validate that stakeholders want functionalities that a CMS offers that we currently do not have. This includes electronic communication, online grading, organization of assignments and ability to have individual class websites.
 * __ Dissatisfaction with the status quo: __**

We have many teachers on staff who are very technology savvy as well as a very strong IT department who has prior experience implementing and working with various course management systems.
 * __Sufficient knowledge and skills:__**

Moodle is an open source software that can easily be maintained on client servers or there are many firms that will host and maintain the application for an annual charge. Based on conversations and analysis with our IT department, we have the server capacity, (although for added security it is recommended that we purchases more), and expertise necessary to host and maintain the application in-house.
 * __Things need to make the innovation work are easily assessible:__**

Included in this strategic plan is a guideline for initial professional development for all stakeholders as well as continuing professional development.
 * __Implementers must have time to learn:__**

Rewards will come from a variety of sources. Some monetary rewards will be available to attend professional development. Other awards will be more intrinsic like reduced time spent on communications, improved parental involvement and community awareness.
 * __Rewards or incentives for participants:__**

Through the needs survey, all stakeholders will have an opportunity to have input into this project. Teams will be assembled, on an expanding basis, with the intention of being inclusive and participatory.
 * __Participation in the change process__**

To date, we have not received any negative feedback or heard of any concerns from any stakeholders. Initially, one concern was costs, but once we decided on Moodle, those concerns were eliminated.
 * __Unqualified support from key players and other stakeholders.__**

Local, state and national technology standards:
__State Technology Standards Applicable to Students__:  __National Technology Standards Applicable to Students__: __National Technology Standards Applicable to Teachers__: __National Technology Standards Applicable to Administrators__:

Key success factors

 * Embedded professional development for teachers and administrators
 * Routine maintenance and upkeep of the server
 * Reference book on Using Moodle provided on the school's web site for teachers to use as a guide and/ or self-instruction
 * Instruct students on how to use Moodle to get their assignments
 * Inform parents through the school's newsletter or other media on how to access Moodle to check for assignments, grades, etc.
 * Allow time for teachers to collaborate on ways that they can utilize all the components of Moodle
 * Allow time for teachers to share their success stories using Moodle
 * Provide opportunities for students and parents to utilize the features of Moodle

Major considerations (Rogers perceived attributes of Innovations (Rogers, 1995))

 * Relative Advantage -
 * The product chosen must give the district something that the current system does not provide. This includes economic profitability, low initial cost, decreased discomfort, social prestige, savings in time and effort, immediacy of reward.
 * Compatibility -
 * The product chosen must be compatible with our current demographics. It cannot require our district, staff, and parents to purchase additional equipment.
 * Complexity -
 * The product chosen must be intuitive for all users and require the least maintenance from the IT department.
 * Trialabilty -
 * Before 100% adoption of the CMS by the district, there must be a parallel period where we maintain the old system along with the new system so that all stakeholders can gain confidence with the new system.
 * Observability -
 * Before 100% adoption of the CMS by the district, all stakeholders must have a period to observe the innovation successfully implemented in other districts as well as in focus groups within our district.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Problems and opportunities

 * 1) //No consistency with use of online learning resources used by teachers and students.//
 * Teachers are currently using various and differing forms of online learning systems leading to confusion amongst students and parents. With a single and all-encompassing system all parties will have a single location to turn in assignments, view calendars, access supplemental resources, participate and collaborate with peers, and check academic progress. This virtual system will provide for efficient learning environment.
 * 1) //Lack of communication between all parties involved in the educational process.//
 * A communication gap exists between teachers, parents, and students, that often times hinders the success a student can achieve in the classroom. By implementing and training staff to integrate and use this system, parents and students will have instant access to answers of academic and procedural questions that may arise at anytime. In turn, students will also see overall learning improvement due to the increased amount of collaboration amongst their peers and their instructors.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Primary players

 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">﻿﻿﻿Board members
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Principals at both middle schools and high school
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Assistant principals at both middle schools and high school
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Secretaries at both middle schools and high school
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Department chairs for all departments
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Core team (one teacher from each department)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Four parent representatives, two from the middle schools, two from the high school
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Students