STar Chart Educator Preparation & Development / Opinion Piece

From the four areas of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, I chose Educator Preparation & Development. This section is the accountability for training teachers in becoming proficient at using the technology and integrating it successfully into the classroom. It also determines the level of proficiency the teachers feel that they are at technologically. I feel that many teachers score themselves too low in this area, while others score themselves too high. I also think this area can fluctuate. Not due to the school not training teachers, but to teacher turn over. Every year schools experience an influx of new staff. I feel that this can skew the results somewhat. The state results show that they are staying mostly in Developing and Advanced Tech. Not many schools are reaching Target Tech. However, my school has reached Target Tech. I have spoken with many other teachers from other schools that do not have near the technology that our school does. They do not know how we are able to pay for this. Our school has always made sure that we research what funds and grants are out there available to improve technology. Over the last 2 years we have been apart of Vision 20/20. Years before that we managed to purchase Smartboards for every classroom through the use of reading grants and end of the year surplus. My school also feels that it crucial to receive on going training and support through out the year. I think this is key for all schools. If they want to reach Target tech. they are going to have to have the faculty available to assist teachers. Not just at the beginning of the year in service, but all year long.

First Web Conference With Dr. Abernathy

Today I attended my first web conference with Dr. Abernathy. I have been apart of distance learning at my school, which involves a large machine and making sure the right numbers are entered. This was so simple and quick. I think this would be great to do at the beginning of each weeks' assignment. Being able to ask questions directly to the professor was very helpful. I also think this will be a great resource for principals. Meetings can be held without having to leave the building and you can collaborate with other principals from other school that are not in you area.

Texas S Ta R Chart Troup Elementary

Check out this SlideShare Presentation: Overview of the Texas STaR Chart and Troup Elementary's Data

Texas S Ta R Chart Troup Elementary

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Technology Applications TEKS Summary

According to the Pre-K guidelines for technology applications children should learn basic functions of the computer and related technologies. The learner should, start, use, and exit programs, use a variety of input devises, use technical terminology, follow basic oral or pictorial cues, listen to and interact with electronic storybooks, and use software to enhance learning experiences. These guidelines lay a foundation for future grades by giving prekindergarten students prior knowledge when they begin having to master TEKS. The students are given early experiences and opportunities to expand their learning. In the Foundations strand of the Technology Applications TEKS students have multiple opportunities to master knowledge and skills. In Foundations K-2 1A, 1B, and 1c students will use technology terminology, start, exit, create, name, and save files. These same TEKS apply to the Foundations stand in grades 3-5 but they must also learn to delete files, identify and describe characteristics of digital input, processing, and output, delineate and make necessary adjustments regarding compatibility issues, and access equipment on a network such as a printer. The Foundations strand in grades 6-8 TEKS is expanded to include URLs, LANs, WANs, WWW, and HTML. As the learner advances in grades they are introduced to more complex skills. Spiraling skills gives the learner an opportunity to continuously revisit and then expand their learning of various skills.

Long Range Technology Plan

I have heard of the Long-Range Technology Plan, but have never taken they time to read it. As an instructional leader staying current and familiar with the Long-Range Plan would help guide and integrate technology on my campus. The Long-Range Plan will help to know what technology expectations need to be achieved on my campus. Using appropriate technology will help to individualize instruction for learners. Administrators should not expect their faculty to become proficient at using technology applications in the classroom and through other daily routines if they too are not proficient as well. Vision 20/20 is something that my school is involved with. All our 7th-12th grade students have their own IMAC laptop. In addition the teachers post podcast to assists students with learning even when they are at home. I feel that our school is well on our way in meeting the goals and guidelines in the Texas Long Range Plan.

Journey Through Technology

I am very fortunate to work at a school that promotes technology and makes it a priority to reach the goals in technology that the state of Texas has set forth for public schools. I have been given multiple opportunities to learn very large variety of different technology applications and use them in my day to day teaching and working at school. I also am called upon by my district to test new technology in the classroom and then train the teachers on how to use it. I have become a vital part of our elementary technology services. Although that is not my official job, I am called upon weekly to assist with technology trouble shooting. My strengths in technology are that I am fast learner and am able to train teachers well. Another strength is that I am not afraid of technology and am willing to try anything. After reading and completing the technology surveys I did find some things that I am not sure that I am proficient at. However, sometimes it is not that I do not know but did not understand the terminology. An area of improvement for me would be to learn some of the technology lingo. The Technology application inventory deals mostly with the teacher’s technology performance abilities. The SETDA Survey is much more detailed. It is about how the teacher uses technology in the classroom and what kind of impact is it having on student success and learning. In addition it also deals with competencies, legalities, and the benefits you receive from technology inservice. I think both assessments are valid, but do feel the SETDA survey is more thorough.