Information Security @ BVSD Campaign

Why is Information Security important?

As our lives move increasingly into the digital realm, we must expand what we think of as security.

Security is no longer just installing a home alarm system or locking the car door. An incredible amount of data about us is stored digitally, on a variety of devices and on servers both locally and around the world. Someone who breaches your digital security can cause just as much damage as a burglar: they can get into your bank account, your email, and other personal data.

And because data is interconnected, especially in a networked environment like ours, hackers can enter our network through one person’s account and cause problems for everyone.

Information security is not just an “IT thing”. We all play a role in maintaining the information security of the BVSD community.

Information Security is more than just passwords

Strong passwords are very important, but they are just one piece of a larger information security strategy. Our new Information Security @ BVSD website outlines each of these areas in greater detail. Here are some highlights from the website, which I encourage you to visit.

Protect Your Data

• Backup the data you need
• Review permissions for documents, email, and websites
• Comply with FERPA and Board Policies about technology use and student data

Secure Your Devices

• Protect against viruses and malware
• Control access to your devices using the Three Ls: Log out and Lock it up when you Leave
• Update your Windows laptop regularly
• Secure remote access to your device when you are on public wi-fi

Guard Your Privacy

• Avoid phishing scams and identity theft
• Use strong passwords
• Protect your account security

Get Help

• Know your information security resources
• Know how to report a suspected security breach or a stolen BVSD device

Information Security @ BVSD: The Campaign Begins

Information security has become a necessary part of our lives as digital citizens. Our Information Security @ BVSD campaign is designed to give you strategies for staying safe online, whether you are at work or at home.

Look for more campaign communications over the next few months, including a poster that you can post in your breakroom.

Chime in below with your thoughts about Information Security @ BVSD.

IT Service Request System Upgrade this Summer

Over the last few years, IT has implemented numerous changes to proactively serve our customers better.

You may recognize some of the more visible changes now in place:

• Answering most calls that come into our service desk immediately
• Grouping schools into zones with an accountable IT zone leader
• Upgrading our software to the more reliable Windows 7
• Reintroducing Apple products into the District
• Supporting iPads, Droids, and Chromebooks
• Allowing schools to supplement the Tech Refresh process with additional technology purchases
• Increasing communications on outages, tips, and future directions

Over the summer we will make another transition by upgrading to a more robust IT Service Request system. The new system will be called Service Manager, a Microsoft product. It will replace HEAT, the system we currently use.

The IT Service Request icon on the desktop will remain the same, however, the interface will look different—watch for a sneak peak coming later this spring!

Service Manager will be fast and easy to use: it will automatically populate information about your computer and your location, and you will be able to enter a new ticket in 60 seconds or less.

I’m excited about this upcoming change. Besides being easier to use, Service Manager will give us more reliable data to help us locate and resolve pesky lingering issues that can be hard to track down. It will also have professional asset tracking capabilities, which will help us keep track of district devices.

When you come back in the fall, be ready for a new way to enter IT Service Requests. I think you’ll find it even easier than our current system.

Please chime in below after you log in above.   

Andrew

PARCC and Pearson Assessments Are Coming

Goodbye, #2 pencils: the days of filling in bubbles will be coming to an end. Soon, BVSD students will take standardized assessments online.

Colorado is adopting two new kinds of assessments:

1. PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) will test English Language Arts and Math
2. Pearson exams will measure Science and Social Studies

Pearson exams are being piloted this spring and will be implemented during the 2013-14 school year. PARCC will follow in the 2014-15 school year.

IT is working with Curriculum, Assessment & Instruction to make the transition to online assessments as smooth as possible. If you have any question about assessments, I encourage you to contact Jonathan Dings or Brigitte Mutter in the Office of Planning and Assessment or via email at tcap.helpdesk@bvsd.org.

Jonathan Wright and Angel Stobaugh are happy to address questions related to the English Language Arts section of the future PARCC assessments.

Here are some other resources you might find helpful:

• CDE - About CSAP/TCAP 
• PARCC Online 
• CDE Assessment Information
• Frequently Asked Questions

What do the new assessments mean for technology at BVSD?

I know that many teachers and principals have concerns about whether we will be ready for online assessments from a technology perspective. I want you to know that IT is proactively working towards making sure that we are ready for this brave new world.

Here is what IT, in partnership with CAI, has done so far:

• We have submitted the Information Technology Readiness Tool data to the CDE. 
• As part of gathering these data, we have inventoried every computer lab in the district. 
• We have attended a Site Readiness Technical Training in person and online. 
• We have made sure that all BVSD desktop computers currently meet the minimum computer hardware specifications designated by the CDE. 

Many of you are also concerned that there is not enough technology in your buildings to administer these tests. We are working to make more refurbished computers available to schools, provided that school principals are willing to do the following:

• Purchase flat screen monitors.
• Ensure there are enough network drops.
• Provide an adequate number of switches to support the drops.

CDE is still working out many details of the transition to online assessments, which may be causing you some concern. This transition is important; I want you to know that we'll continue to put resources into its successful implementation at BVSD.

Please chime in with your thoughts by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post.