The Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology is comprised of four basic domains, one being Educator Preparation and Development. This domain mandates that all educators and future educators graduate from a university program that models current technology practices. It further directs that educators know and use teaching and learning processes as set forth in the SBEC Standards. The plan also requires that educators create learning environments that use technology and is customized for the learner. Educators are also required to integrate technology throughout the curriculum. Recommendations to TEA, as well as regional and local service centers, direct that staff development be planned, delivered and evaluated by 24/7 distance learning as well as other venues.
In my own campus STaR chart summary, I noticed an inconsistent but ultimately downward trend in this area over the past three years as follows: 14, 15, 13. This places my campus in the Developing Tech category, which is Level 2 on a scale of 1-4, which 4 being the highest, or Target Tech. Even though the majority of schools in Texas assessed at this same level, it is low for an up and coming school district. I suggest that teachers are overwhelmed at this time with learning new English Language Arts and Reading TEKS and the campus-mandated training that has been required. Technology has taken a backseat to these demands. I suggest and recommend that next year technology staff development be a greater part of each educator's staff development plan.
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