TEXAS PROGRESS REPORT ON TECHNOLOGY

The state of Texas has put in place a requirement that the state board of education to engineer a concrete evaluation system of the long range progress for technology in our public schools. The report announces the measures and the progress the state has made in attempting the goals between the years of 2008-2020. The categories are divided into 4 different areas that will be evaluated: Teaching and learning, Educator Preparation and Development, Leadership and Instructional support. Among several goals one of the most interesting is the attempt to meet every students individual needs and the style they benefit the most from. Other goals pertain to 24/7 student access to technology and communications among stake holders to be done through technology.
The teaching and learning part of the evaluation consist of the effect technology plays on student achievment, and the resources needed to promote learning. The educator preperation program involves the training of the classroom teachers, and if the teachers are taking advantage of the resources given to them. The leadersship administration evaluation ensures that school leaders are competent on school technology budgeting and promoting the use of technology in their classrooms. The infrastructure portion investigated the issues that must be meet before anything can be accomplished such as: computers for every student, and access to 24/7 internet service. The schools must also focus on enabling the schools for full broadband coverage.
The Long Range Plan for Technology is a plan that I believe is needed for us to meet the needs of our students in the 21st century. I do fear that a lot of tremendous teachers will be forced to leave because of their ignorance of technology to only be replaced by computer first teachers. I also hope with the economic slow down the state remembers that a good teacher is a good person first, and we do not cut back on humans in the classroom to purchase technology. Another concern I have deals with the cutbacks of extra curriculum activities to have the ability to meet the technology needs. The state has already eliminated most of the physical education and health needs in the high schools, I fear sports will be next on the list. With the HUGE health needs of our students it does not make since to only promote more sitting around staring at a computer.