EA 1256
I believe the key area in the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology that is the most crucial component impacting student learning is Educator Preparation and Development. The effective and thorough implementation of this component will determine if Texas will truly give the students the knowledge and skills necessary to live and work in the 21st century, or whether Texas will once again “give lip service” to just another educational fad. According to TEA’s Texas STaR Chart (2006), “Preparing teachers and administrators to effectively facilitate and manage 21st Century learning in technology and information-rich settings involves radical retooling of the existing professional core of the educational system.” Teachers cannot teach what they do not know. The challenges our state and nation face in accomplishing this task are allotting adequate time, acquiring necessary resources, and developing effective models for educator professional development. Progress has been made on my campus by having recognition of the need for training in teaching in the 21st century. Technology professional development has also been included in the district improvement plan. After studying the Campus Statewide Summary by Key Area chart (2008), it is apparent that teachers are using technology for administrative and management tasks, but rarely integrating technology into teaching and learning. I would like to see the Educational Service Centers partner with the educational technology experts to develop and deliver professional development to the educators in their areas. The state could also provide technical assistance specialists throughout the state to monitor implementation of the technology standards to districts and campuses.
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