TX Long Range Plans for Technology, 2006-2020 Opinion

The Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020, implemented in 2006, with the focus being to make recommendations for stakeholders in four key areas. Those areas were identified as Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure for Technology. This opinion will focus on Educator Preparation and Development. Jackson Technology Center, a middle school (grades 6-8) in the Garland Independent School District is a magnet school which includes a diverse student population. Fifty percent of the student body is magnet students while the remaining 50% are students living within the attendance boundaries of the school.

Progress:
According to the National Educational Technology Trends Study, Local-level Data Summary, 2008, , 89% of districts participating in the survey offered within the past 12 months, professional development focusing on enhancement of student learning only in areas of math and/or reading. Sixty-eight percent plan to offer this type of professional development within the next year, while 2% of districts have no plans to offer technology related professional development.
The Progress Report in the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020, states that there were slight gains on the Texas Teacher STaR Chart from September 2006 to September 2008, (2008, p. 101). This improvement can be attributed to increased availability of professional development for educators.

Jackson Technology Center (JTC) showed an increase in Educator Preparation and Development, Key Area Totals from 12 in 2006-2007, to 14 in 2007-2008. In 2008-2009 the total increased to 17 indicating that JTC is meeting the needs for ongoing Educator Preparation and Development.

Trends
National trends indicated that district provided professional development had a slight decrease following the initial implementation of NETTS. Meanwhile, levels of progress in the area of Educator Preparation and Development in Texas showed an overall increase between 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. The trends at the campus level resemble progress at the state level for the years 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 with a 3 point gain in 2008-2009. This may be attributed to the district’s ongoing Technology classes offered to district personnel.

Garland ISD provides ongoing opportunities for teachers to participate in district technological training through the use of the Technology Labs. These labs offer teachers professional development in areas focusing on computer skills such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as the integration of district supported educational technology programs, including, but not limited to, Safari Montage, Apangea, Qwizdom, Epath, Study Island, and PLATO. Recommendations for the continuation of Educator Preparation and Development would be to continue in the same manner as in years past by offering a wider variety of classes and professional development opportunities that address the diverse technological abilities of the educators within the district.