The Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology: Educator Preparation and Development

The area of Educator Preparation and Development refers to educator's ability to collaborate with other professionals in the development of new learning environments that empower students to think critically to solve real-world problems. This area also refers to educators who actively participate in multiple professional development opportunities that support anytime, anywhere learning. Educators who meet the criteria for Advanced Tech in this area have completed 30 or more hours of technology staff development each year and meet all 5 of the SBEC Technology Applications Standards. They also create new customized learning environments and web based lessons.
Progress in this area can be seen nationally, locally and at the state level. At the campus level my chosen campus rates in the Early and Developing Tech ranges for the last 3 consecutive years of the survey. This means that the educators at the campus in question have participated in staff development on basic technology skills and integrating technology into content areas. Educators at this campus have met 2-3 of the SBEC Technology Applications Standards and participate in up to 18 hours of technology staff development per year. They understand the basics of technology and are able to adapt technology for content area use.
In order to move from Developing Tech to Advanced or Target Tech this campus needs to ensure that there is active involvement in a campus vision for technology growth. Technology needs, as evidenced by the School Improvement Plan, should be addressed with the belief that student achievement can be increased by integrating technology into classroom learning environments. School-wide staff development should focus on the use of technology in the classroom and collaboration with other professionals to develop new learning environments that empower students to work collaboratively to solve real-world problems. Finally in an effort to support anytime, anywhere learning the school should develop strategies to connect all students, educators and parents.