EDLD 5352 Week 2 Blog 2

Texas is striving to ensure students of all ages are “exposed to new and exciting learning opportunities, and that Texas students have the experiences that keep them “powered up” at school – and “powered up” for the future.” Here is a summation of the progress report for each area of the Texas Long Range Technology Plan.



Teaching and Learning

Through implementation of legislation, grant funding, and educational technology programs, progress has been made in the area of Teaching and Learning. Students and teachers have been positively impacted and classrooms are increasing the use of technology into their curriculum. Through grants, districts are redesigning curriculum and teaching practices to work toward 21st Century classroom goals. Reporting from grantees show teachers are engaging learners in interactive lessons and students are excited about learning. Many districts also report student achievement scores have increased as a direct result of strategic technology use at school and at home.



Educator Preparation and Development

Districts across the state are making it a priority to prepare educators to use technology in their classrooms. They have also committed to developing and delivering high quality professional development in an interactive and engaging learning environment. This initiative, Project Share, provides professional development resources across the state to build professional learning communities, participate in professional development courses, and search for resources to be used in the classroom and for personal growth.



Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support

Assessment in this area is obtained by utilizing the data collected through the Texas School Technology and Readiness (STaR) Chart, which is collected annually. The Progress Report shows how the necessary tools and resources for administrators, teachers, librarians, and students are being provided for 21st Century classrooms.



Infrastructure

The STaR Chart data collected by the agency indicates more schools are at the Advanced level in Infrastructure than in any of the other key reporting areas in the STaR Chart. Grant funding has given many districts the opportunity to improve their infrastructure through broadband access, hardware, and software purchases. Some grants even made it possible for students to connect to the Internet at home or in key areas in their community. Although progress has been made in this area, there is room for improvement.



Overall, educational technology resources and funding are assisting Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charters as we help learners become 21st Century students.