One area of the TX Long Range Plan for Tech: Educator Preparation & Development

The area of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology that needs additional improvment is that of Educator Preparation and Development. The Target Tech goal in this area includes all teachers being provided 30+ hours each year of technology professional development; teaching content areas using technology; teachers demonstrating all of the SBEC Technology Applications Standards; and most teachers at the campus creating new learning environments empowering students to think critically to solve real-world problems. As the STaR Chart Instructional Materials indicates, "professional development carries the urgent charge of supporting - indeed of catalyzing-the move from traditional schooling to 21st Century education." This is no easy task.

The trend at my high school reflected an increase, and then a dramatic drop in the 08-09 school year. The trend across the state also reflects a need for improvement in this area. Seventy-four percent of schools are still at the "Developing Tech" Level of Progress. Only .6% have achieved the "Target Tech" level. This is terrible! If the state is truly committed to seeing schools meet the "Target Tech" Level, then resources: time, money, and effective models for the professional development; must be dedicated to this goal. It is truly an uphill climb if "radical re-tooling of the existing professional core of the education system" is to occur. It is a worthwhile goal to achieve, but the schools can not do this alone. Many teachers and districts are barely hanging on at this time. It is unreasonable to expect school districts to completely change their way of "doing business" without the support of the state and nation. Educating tomorrow's leaders must be a priority and not just a promise.