Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology

Texas Long – Range Plan for  Technology:  STaR Chart

The Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology requires all educators to be well prepared in the use of current digital tools and resources, modern teaching and learning processes, and to drive learning by mentoring and motivating students. As this plan relates to educator preparation and development, all educators are expected to: graduate from a program that models current technology in instructional and administrative practices, and be able to integrate technology effectively in the teaching/learning process under the Technology Application Standards.

The most recent campus Star Chart shows that in the area of Educator Preparation the largest number of campuses (74.2%) is in the Developing Technology stage. This means technology is used for administrative task and classroom management. Also, 6-24% of technology budget is allocated for professional development. The smallest number of campuses (0.6%) at the stage of Target Technology supports learner centered projects. 100% of educators are meeting SBEC standards with 30% of campus budget allocated to professional development.

In my local district our campuses are not equally developed in technology. Some are in the Developing Stage while few are in the Advanced Stage. In most cases there was a slight change in status for all campuses. The total growth in this area was limited during this same three year period. I would recommend an increase in professional development opportunities in areas other than classroom management. There should be a significant increase in the amount of online and distance course that offer strategies in integrating technology into instructional planning and delivery.