Educator Preparation and Development

Educator Preparation and Development is the area of the star chart that deals with teachers technological abilities. In this category teachers are expected to progress from a basic knowledge of how to use computers to using computers to inspire collaborative learning among students. Teachers are expected to have greater than 30 hours of training on technological tools and how to use them in the classroom. Teachers are also expected to use technology to engage students in meaningful learning processes that lead to student autonomy. Local and state progress toward these goals seems to be moving at a slow pace. There has been little change in the data over the past three years. Less than one percent of campuses have reached this goal. Less than one percent of teachers have reached this goal as well. In order for the state and local school districts to make any progress in this area, there needs to be intensive training for teachers. This training needs to be in the actual classroom setting with applications to the teacher's curriculum. Teachers need to have time set aside during inservice and periodically throughout the school year to collaborate on technology integration and plan lessons. They also need to be given time to evaluate success of previously implemented plans and programs and make adjustments for future technology applications. Teachers need both internal and external technology professionals to teach application use in order for training to be successful. All of the technology in the world will not be effective in increasing student achievement without adequate teacher preparation.