Educator Preparation and Development

Area II of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020 is Educator Preparation and Development. I describe this area as the extent to which the campus' staff members understand the importance of and implement the developing of new learning environments that are immersed in the integration of technology. Based on the information provided in the STaR Chart summary reports and the progress reports for the Long Range Plan for Technology, there has been an increase in the opportunities for professional development that target technology use in the education field. Although there has been an increase in the availability of professional development sessions I feel they are not being taken advantage of because most campuses are rated at a developing tech level of progress. In fact, statewide 74% of campuses are at a developing tech level and only .6% have reached the target tech level. I feel the best way to help improve the progress levels in this category is to make sure campus teachers are aware of and familiar with all of the technology available for use at the campus. Furthermore, this technology needs to be accessible by all. It would also be beneficial if the teachers are encouraged to visit informational websites that promote the integration of technology in daily classroom lessons. Teachers should also have exposure to the programs that are currently established to strengthen teachers' knowledge and provide tools for meeting the demands of 21st century learners.


http://www.tea.state.tx.us/starchart

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/