The second domain of the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020, The Educator Preparation category is the lowest rated category in the Campus Statewide Summary. It identifies the critical need for all, present and future; professional educators to acquire the skills necessary to meet the challenges and needs of the 21st Century learner. The focus of veteran teachers is ongoing job-embedded professional development and continuing education that warrants mastery of the SBEC Technology Application Standards for teachers. It is also required that beginning teachers meet the standards for Technology Applications through Educator preparation regimens that focus on standards and their implementation with core subjects. .
This key area is for how technology is used by the educators in their classroom and how funds are devoted to training. Currently, 75% of Texas educators use technology for administrative tasks and classroom management only. The Technology budget only allows only 6% to 24% for professional development.
Teachers must be able to prepare students for their future in a manner that assures all students will thrive, not simply survive. Online and distance learning is a vital key to continued assurance that today's educators are competent with the implementation technology-enhanced learning communities.
Included in this domain are recommendations to the following:
-the Texas Education Agency (TEA),
-the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC),
-the Regional Education Service Centers,
-Local Education Agencies,
-Texas Higher Education, and
-Parents, Communities, and the Private Sector.
Although we are making progress locally, statewide and nationally, we still have far to go. In my opinion, my large school district is proactive in its quest to be current and futuristic in all of its technology areas, I do see other smaller local districts who appear to be ahead of us in this plight. More funds, time, and training are necessary to get our teachers as current as possible
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Janet - I thought what you said was interesting about how the budget only allows for 6% for staff development for technology. You are right that if the district wants us to incorporate technology more, they need to make adjustments in the budget.
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