Blogg # 1 : Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020: Educator Preparation and Development

The second area of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology is Educator Preparation and Development.  This area focuses on the continuous professional development of all educators in technology.  Teachers must be educated on the uses and practical applications of the increasing technology applications.

Based on SBEC Standards all Educators:

Graduate from an educator preparation program that models current technology

in instructional and administrative practices PreK-12.

Exit educator preparation programs knowing how to use technology

effectively in the teaching-learning process as demonstrated by the SBEC Technology Applications Standards.

Develop new learning environments that utilize technology as a flexible tool where learning is collaborative, interactive and customized for the individual learner.

Ensure full integration of appropriate technology throughout all curriculum and

instruction.

     -TEA Long Range Report for Technology

In 2007-08 the state wide data showed that 5.4 % of schools were defined as Early Tech, 74.2 % were defined as Developing Tech, 19.9 % were defined as Advanced Tech, and .6 % were defined as Target Tech.  In 2008-09 the state wide data showed that 4.5 % of schools were defined as Early Tech, 71.1 % were defined as Developing Tech, 23.8 % were defined as Advanced Tech, and 0.6 % were defined as Target Tech. In 2009-10 the state wide data showed that 3.7 % of schools were defined as Early Tech, 68.7 % were defined as Developing Tech, 26.8 % were defined as Advanced Tech, and 0.7 % were defined as Target Tech.  Locally my campus moved from a rating of 9 to 10 in Educator Preparation and Development.  The state wide trends show a movement away from the Early Tech; 5.4 % in 2007-08 to 3.7% in 2009-2010. The state wide trend is also away from Developing Tech; 74.2 % in 2007-08 to 68.7 % in 2009-2010.  The state wide trend was schools moving to Advanced Tech; 19.9 % in 2007-2008 to 26.8 % in 2009-2010.  The state wide trend was also moving toward the Target Tech but very slightly; 0.6 % in 2007-2008 to 0.7 in 2009-2010. The increase locally can be attributed to increased Access to Professional Developments and Levels of Understanding \ Use.

The key to progressing in the area Educator Preparation and Development is providing professional development that is aimed at the practical use for teachers in the classroom.  As a teacher if I do not see a practical use, it makes it difficult to change from the status quo.  To many times the professional development is focused on the technology instead of the teacher.