Teaching and Learning

The first area discussed addressed in the StarChart and in the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020 is Teaching and Learning. This area sets the expectation that teachers will be responsible for the appropriate integration of technology into the curriculum. In order to do this, teachers must have the necessary technology resources, tools, and support. It is important that teachers can consistently and appropriately utilize technology to create a learning environment that will increase student academic achievement, expand technology literacy, and improve instructional accountability. Each local, state, and national education agency must assure that all stakeholders will have access to the necessary technology resources to meet the needs of 21st century learners.
At our school, StarChart data shows that most teachers believe we are holding steady with the objectives for Teaching and Learning. StarChart data helps schools and districts monitor progress toward meeting the goals of the Long Range plan. According to the data, we are at the developing technology stage. This basically means that teachers sometimes use technology lesson plans, are fairly comfortable using technology as a presentation tool, and feel that at least half or our students have mastered the technology TEKS at their grade level. Although this is encouraging, we still have to make continued progress to reach the target tech level. Our district is like most districts in the state; data shows that most districts in the state are at the developing tech area. Nationally, trends show we are moving ahead in the use of educational technology. This is likely due to the requirements and funding resulting from NCLB. State district technology plans must align with the No Child Left Behind expectations and this will guide districts to make progress in technology in the classroom. In order to improve in these areas I would recommend that we increase training opportunities for teachers. I feel that teachers should have time provided to them for training, perhaps during the school day, so that they can be more comfortable with the resources available. If training is only offered before or after school, training can be rushed and teachers will not have time for the hands on training that is so important to technology training. In order to make progress toward our technology targets, teachers must be able to integrate technology into the curriculum and districts must provide the resources necessary to help them accomplish that goal.