Week 2 Assignment 2

The Texas Long Range Plan for Technology encompasses four main areas. The one I believe will have the most significant impact on our student population is the area of Educator Preparation and Development. It is critical that educators know how to use an effectively implement technology into the learning day as a way of delivering information and as a way for students to respond with information. The Technology Plan requires beginning teachers to meet certain criteria before continuing their employment. The plan proposes that all teachers graduate from programs that model current technology. It also creates parameters for districts to develop new learning environments that utilize technology. It also ensures that the full integration of the appropriate technology throughout all curriculum and instruction.

From the implementation of this plan in 2006, great strides have been made. My district employs the use of TSDP, Technology Staff Development Plan. This plan serves all teachers as a way to meet the goals of the State’s long range plan. Teachers certify in four different levels by showing competency in all areas of technology. The Technology Facilitator on campus keeps records of who has achieved what level. Within the first 2 years with the district teachers are required to complete all the competencies. The flaw in this method is that teachers are left alone to complete the areas. Personally, it was a mundane but simple task for me. For others, it is a huge, insurmountable undertaking. If I could recommend improvement, I would find ways to support teachers in completing and meeting the state competency through more staff development.