Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020: Educator Preparation

The great thing about the Texas STaR chart is that it provides schools with data about areas of strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, technology-based surveys are not always accurate. Those who take the survey must truly be honest on the survey or the data is useless. On the other hand, opinions from person to person can greatly differ and that can also sometimes pose a problem. After viewing the STaR Chart reports for the 2007-2008 school year, I realized that Texas is lacking in the area of “Educator Preparation.”

In a perfect school, the following characteristrics would be observed: There are regular technology-supported learner-centered projects, there is vertical alignment of Technology Applications TEKS and anytime, anywhere use of online resources, administrators ensure integration of appropriate technology, 100% of educators meet SBEC standards, and 30% or more of the budget is allocation for professional development.

Unforuntately, my campus has it’s lowest rating in the area of Educator Preparation. Even more unfortunate is that statewide, the lowest rating is in this area. Overall, teachers are not using technology to improve student success. This isn’t the fault of the teachers alone, though. With students having to share computers, they aren’t reaping the benefits that technology has to offer. How can teachers use technology effectively in a classroom that requires at least 4 students to share one computer? Can it be done? In my opinion, the answer is no.

The only way to improve this area is to improve the student:computer ratio. From there, teachers can plan learner-centered projects with confidence that each student will have equal opportunity to utilize the computers for learning. Also, 30% or more of a school’s budget MUST be allocated for professional development to train teachers on how to effectively implement technology in the classroom. Teachers can then truly be held accountable for utilizing technology applications to improve student success.

It is my hope that this area is greatly improved in the years to come. As educators, we are constantly looking for ways to actively engage our students and I truly believe that technology usage is a great start.