2010 Progress Report

I really did not realize that they plan has been coming down the pike for so long. It seems as though I have only been hearing of it within the last 4 or 5 years. In my classroom now and in my building, I was excited to see that I was getting 4 computer stations and impressed to have a computer lab that I can bring to my room or that I can go use. I didn't realize it was all part of a process beginning to take place.

For this purpose, the state has created Technology Applications which defines the technology literacy and integration requirements for students and teachers according to NCLB. This is its own type of curriculum, just as we have specific TEKS in each area for each subject. In this it states that a teacher must have time to teach and for students to learn technology and this is why teachers must know it first. They cannot spend the entire time trying to figure it out. This is the reason for teachers to need the proper training and knowing how to implement the technology into their classrooms and for their specific subject.

I really didn't understand that they STaR Chart was collecting data to see where we are in this process and that my district and campus was being graded on this. In the report it says that most of the Technology TEKS are met K-8, and this was very interesting to me, but yet explains why my students can always show me how to do something on the computer. This also shows me why my own children are not afraid to use the computer or can figure something out on my phone, quicker then I can. In looking at the report it was good to see that the percentage of teachers have moved up from developing tech to advanced tech and that there was a minimal number in early tech. Although there were still more in early tech then there are in the target tech.

There has been improvements and this is being brought into our graduation requirements and classes that are being offered. In looking at the report it was reassuring to see that the desire of the whole program is to improve every students needs. It was interesting to see the many programs and grants that are being implemented.