Technology Plan

Darien Public Schools Five-Year Technology Plan (2026-2031)

The Darien Public Schools District Technology Plan 2026-2031 establishes a comprehensive framework for leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning, support operational efficiency, and ensure data privacy and security across our school district. Members of the Darien Public Schools District Technology Committee and the District Technology Department consulted with stakeholders within our school district to develop the following five year roadmap for technology, in support of our district’s strategic plan.

This plan supports our Vision of the Graduate, ensuring that every student develops the competencies of Communication, Creativity, Curiosity, Empathy, Independence, and Integrity and reflects our commitment to preparing all students for success in an increasingly digital world. Prioritizing Teaching and Learning as a focus area reestablishes use of technology as a tool for innovative problem-solving and self-expression. This approach directly fosters the Creativity and Curiosity required for graduates to thrive in a changing world, while providing personalized, inclusive learning environments that respect diverse student needs. The focus on Infrastructure and Operational Efficiency ensures that all students and staff have equitable, reliable access to the high-quality digital resources necessary for Independence and lifelong learning. The commitment to Data Privacy and Security supports Integrity and digital citizenship. By maintaining a "privacy-first" approach and vetting every digital resource for compliance with state and federal laws, we protect the personal information of our students and model the ethical behavior we expect of our graduates. Ultimately, this plan ensures that technology use supports the development of critical thinkers and purposeful contributors that our mission envisions.

Guiding Principles

The following guiding principles shape the actions within our three goal areas:

Purpose-Driven Learning: Human connections are at the center of education. Learning goals drive the decision to use technology.

Research-Based: Technology resources are grounded in evidence-based practices and continuous evaluation.

Protection: Security, privacy, and responsible use are non-negotiable.

Efficiency and Fiscal Responsibility: Technology investments balance quality and cost-effectiveness.

The entire plan is available in PDF format. A brief introduction to each goal and focus area is found below:

Teaching and Learning

Teaching and Learning

Learning is always the goal. The following eight key focus areas are addressed in the five-year plan:

Expand Purposeful and Creative Technology Integration
Implement a Tiered Micro-Credentialing Professional Learning System for staff
Assistive Technology (AT) implementation aligned with tiered MTSS supports
Implement a student digital portfolio system
Establish a technology lending library for specialized devices
Outline a K-12 Digital Literacy and Artificial Intelligence Literacy Framework
Implement a comprehensive MTSS aligned data dashboard system
Support Parent Education and Partnership opportunities related to digital topics

Infrastructure and Operational Efficiency

The actions in this focus area ensure sustainable operations, proactive maintenance, efficient support systems, and strategic infrastructure investments that support future growth based on best practices. Regular evaluations of digital tools ensures instructional use aligns with the core curriculum. The following six key focus areas are addressed in the five-year plan:

Evaluate 1:1 Student Device Model
Learning Space Audit
Network infrastructure assessment and 5-year network modernization roadmap
Communication Systems Tools Evaluation and Consolidation
Develop a full software lifecycle process/protocol
Student access and identity management system review

Data Privacy and Security

Protecting student data and promoting security-minded technology use are core responsibilities. Darien Public Schools provides annual cybersecurity awareness training for all staff, including phishing simulations and incident response protocols, implements industry-standard filtering and data management practices, and secures student data privacy agreements with software vendors. This commitment to data security requires continuous reevaluation and adaptation. The following six key focus areas are addressed in the five-year plan:

Enhance and improve centralized Student Data Privacy Clearinghouse
Review MultiFactor Authentication options and methods for appropriate staff roles with access to district wide data systems
Evaluate and implement additional approaches to limit student access to unvetted digital resources
Outline Artificial Intelligence implementation strategy
Improve student data privacy training for all staff
Conduct digital security audit and vulnerability assessment

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