Summary of the Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020

Progress Report on the Long Range Plan for Technology (2008)

The Progress Report on the Long Range Plan for Technology was generated in 2008 to assess the progress of the plan from 2006 to 2008. The report began by summarizing two pilot programs related to technology improvement in the state of Texas; Technology Immersion Pilot and Texas Virtual School Network. According to the Texas Education Agency (2008), the Technology Immersion Pilot showed that student’s use of laptops for at home learning was the strongest predictor of TAKS Reading and Mathematics scores. There were significant benefits for students through this program and classrooms became more efficient. The Texas Virtual School Network program helped expand internet access to make education more equitable for students across the state. The program allowed more students to take classes for graduation requirements, however this program was not found to be successful for all students, as some still chose to withdraw from school.

The progress report also highlighted the state’s progress in the four areas addressed in the Long Range Plan for Technology: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure for Technology. To measure the progress of technology improvement, the state used data from the STaR Chart, which is a required annual report for all Texas teachers. Overall, between 2006 and 2008, the state observed improvements in the use of technology; however more progress still needs to be made to reach the goals set for 2020. In the progress report, the Texas Education Agency (2008) reported that educator preparation and development moved from the Developing Tech status in 2006 to Advanced Tech in 2008. Strong leadership in schools has led to the integration of more technology into curriculum and instruction over this time period. Finally, in the area of Infrastructure for Technology, the Texas Education Agency (2008) stated that 107 more campuses were rated at the Target Tech level in 2008 than in 2006. Therefore, the data showed that improvements have been made in addressing the Long Range Plan for Technology in the state of Texas, but until all schools reach the Target Tech level in each category, more improvements still need to be made.

Texas Education Agency. (2008). Progress report on the long range plan for technology, 2006- 2020. Retrieved from Texas Education Agency Website: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=5082&menu_id=2147483665

Importance of Standards
The state has developed Technology Application Standards to which all educators should meet. New educators should learn and master the standards during an educator preparation program, while veteran teachers address the standards through professional development. The state has also outlined technology literacy standards for all students that should be met by the eighth grade. Through these standards, the state has outlined what is expected of teachers and students, in regard to technology. The state continually assesses technology integration progress through the STaR Chart, which is an annual technology assessment that all teachers in the state are required to complete. Through monitoring progress and trends of the technology standards from the STaR Chart data, schools, educators, and students can determine areas of needed improvement.