The 2010 Progress Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006 - 2020 documents the State's progress and accomplishments in meeting recommendations from September 2008 through August 2010. Data is collected and analyzed from the Texas STaR Chart to track progress in the four areas on the Technology plan: Teaching and Learning, Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure. Based on STaR chart data, most Texas teachers evaluate themselves as either Developing or Advanced Tech in the area of teaching and learning. The development of the Technology Applications curriculum ensures that students and educators gain and apply critical 21st Century digital knowledge skills across the curriculum. Embedding the technology application curriculum within the foundation curriculum of English language arts, reading, mathematics, science, and social studies ensures that students are being taught advanced technology knowledge as well as meeting foundation curriculum goals. Technology courses specified in Chapter 126 including Computer Science I and II, desktop publishing, digital Graphics/Animation, Multimedia, Video Technology, and Web Mastering, have been successfully integrated into foundation curriculum studies and have led to greater student achievement in the foundation curriculum. The STaR chart data also indicates that 60% of campuses rank themselves at a level of Advanced Tech or Target Tech in the area of Content Area Connections. This indicates progress in the amount of access to and use of technology in the classroom for instructional purposes. Many different grants and program opportunities have increased access to and use of digital content in the classroom. Overall, STaR chart data for Teaching and Learning indicates a positive increase in percentages in the developing and advanced tech ranges from 2008-2010. The low percentages in the early tech range are positive indicators of progress in the area of teaching and learning. In the area of Educator Preparation and Development most Texas teachers evaluate themselves as either developing or advanced tech. The introduction of the Master Technology Teacher All Level Certificate prepares teachers to mentor other teachers and work with students in order to increase the appropriate use of technology in each classroom. The Master technology teacher standards are efficient in providing teachers with options for expanding their digital technology knowledge and skills and develop strategies to transform teaching and learning. The opportunities to join project share increases teachers training opportunities through interactive and engaging online environments and provides them with opportunities to collaborate around the globe, showcase teacher and student accomplishments, and engage student in their digital world to improve student performance. Providing Texas schools with the technology necessary for 21st Century learning is a high priority and has been addressed through the availability of tools and resources such as STaR chart data and E-Rate funding.
Included in the report are progress reports for each education service center in Texas. My district is associated with Region 3. Reviewing the progress report for Region 3 indicated significant progress in the four areas of the Texas Technology Plan. Teacher have access to 9 technology checkout labs including laptops, digital microscopes, eInstruction tools, smartboard, digital cameras, and video editing systems. In addition, the service center provides Discovery Education Streaming instruction resources to each classroom in the region. This is a resource that I have used many times in the classroom to enhance student learning. They service center promotes collaborative projects that offer teachers hands-on applications of technology, encourages distance learning technologies, and provides portable video conferencing equipment. Region 3 also provides Management Information Services through RSCCC, promotes E-Rate participation, and facilitates bi-monthly regional technology meetings. They are responsible for managing the regional network, providing Internet access to 39 districts.
Texas Education Agency. (2010). 2010 Progress Report on the Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006 - 2020: A report to the 82nd Texas Legislature.
No comments:
Post a Comment