Texas Long Range Plan for Technology - 2006-2020

Blog #1
There are four areas included in the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020. These areas include: Teaching and Learning, Educator Preparation & Development, Leadership, Administration & Instructional Support for Technology in the Texas STaR Chart. I am going to focus on the area of Teaching and Learning. In order for all students to become proficient in technology in the 21st century, teachers need to be able to integrate the use of different types of technology in their classrooms. They must also consider the makeup of students in their classes. Each student learns differently. Just as each teacher learns and teaches differently. There are students who have special learning needs and they could possibly benefit for the various types of assistive technology that is available. However, there are a few things to consider in order to accomplish this goal. First, teachers must have the knowledge of how to use the technology that they have available to them. It is vital for districts and campuses to provide the appropriate staff development in order for their teachers to become proficient in the use of the technology.
According to the Texas Long Range Technology plan guidelines have been put into place in order for each student to be successful in using 21st century technology. Some of the guidelines include that all learners will:
1. Have access to relevant technologies, tools, resources and services for individualized instruction 24 hours a day/7 days a week (p. 18).
2. Use research-based strategies in all subject area to improve academic achievement (p. 18).
3. Communicate effectively in a variety of formats for diverse audiences (p. 18).
At my campus, there has been a slight increase in the area of Frequency/Design of Instructional Setting and Content Area Connections. However, we continue to stay at the developing stage. As I was discussing this information with my principal, we both thought that a reason for some of the fluctuations in our scores was based on the fact that some of our teachers who were very proficient in technology transferred to the new high school in the district. I would suggest that administrators provide appropriate staff development for all teachers and continue to introduce new types of technology (as long as money is available), in order to meet the goals of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology
Reference
A Report to the 80th Texas Legislature from the Texas Education Agency (2006). Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006 to 2020. Retrieved from http://www.tea.state.tx.us/.