Ideas+and+Questions+for+Technology+Integration

The following was originally published January 24, 2010 at http://lindseydfranklin.blogspot.com/2010/01/texas-long-range-plan.html Due to the increasing speed technology develops and changes, the state of Texas has created a series of guidelines, The Texas Long-Range Plan, for educators to ensure the success of students. All four domains are essential, but I believe Education Preparation and Development is key for students’ success. Teachers must continuously increase their personal growth, actively implement technology in the classroom, and have adequate and appropriate resources for students’ success. The state of Texas is divided into 20 education service centers (ESC’s). Each center follows similar guidelines, but differentiates due to geographic and demographic demands. The ESC’s responsibility is proving technology professional development sessions to the specified districts. I believe that Texarkana ISD's ESC does provide adequate technology professional development sessions for educators. I am located in eastern Region 8. One of the few Professional Development Schools in Texas is located in my current district. Knowing this, you can see the quality of teachers is a top priority. A few district programs recently include: Master’s Degree Tuition Paid Program, on-line tutorials, on-line access to our district grading system and e-mail, as well as, numerous on-site and web-based professional technology development. According to the NCES, a small percent of public schools require teachers attend professional development with technology as a key focus (p.27 of __[]__). Oddly, 78% of districts go on to say that their Technology infrastructure is adequate, and 58% of their teachers are highly trained in implementing technology in the classroom (p.29). How are teachers considered highly trained, but not required to attend technology professional development sessions?