Long Range Plan for Technology

In this report, the state gives statistics on the progress of schools toward technology goals. The report also addresses initiatives that have been put into place to help schools achieve those goals. Levels of achievement are outlined in the report as a part of the description of the STaR chart, which is a system of measurement. The first level is Early Tech. In this stage, the majority of learning is centered around the teacher. Students only use computers and other tech tools occasionally. Across the state, there was a decreased number of teachers that said they are at this level, which means we have moved closer to the goal. The second level is Developing Tech. In this stage, students are regularly using technology but learning is still more teacher centered. This category also showed improvement with a drop in the number of teachers categorizing themselves as being at developing tech level. Teachers who have moved beyond the developmental stage move into the Advanced Tech stage. In this stage, students work collaboratively to problem solve, evaluate and analyze data. This learning is facilitated by the teacher, but student driven. The report shows that there was a growth in this area as well. The final level is Target Tech. In this level, teachers are co-learners and facilitators. Students have anytime access to the necessary technological tools to complete assignments. All of the TEKS for technology are being met.
What I learned from reading the report is that the state is working hard to help schools meet the goals that have been set by the SBOE. There are pilot programs such as the technology immersion program that allow students access to educational opportunities that might not have been previously available. I learned that there are quite a few grant programs that enrich curriculum and help schools move toward technological goals. The report also discusses Texas Virtual High School. TxVSN is an online school for students. Counselors noted that many students use it for accelerated advancement and to free up course selections. I can actually speak to this program from a personal stand point. My youngest child took Health through TxVSN. She did so in order to free up time in her schedule to take the electives that she was interested in. She plans on doing the same thing this summer and may try to take two classes instead of one. The online format is appealing to students and allows freedom to work when the time is best for the student.
There is so much information in the report that it can be overwhelming. I suggest chunking the information and digesting it piece by piece.