Progress Report on Long Range Plan for Technology

Blog #2  Progress Report on Long Range Plan for Technology

The 2010 Progress Report on the Long Range Plan for Technology,2006-2020 indicates that there has been progress made towards the goals set forth by the three phase plan. Using STaR Chart Data the report mentions that there were less teachers reporting themselves as Developing, indicating that more teachers are rating themselves as reaching Advanced or Targeted tech levels. There was also an increase in teachers rating themselves as Advanced in the teaching and learning area. The Speak Up 2009 survey data collected from students shows an increase of technology use in schools. Also the report states that the gap between Texas students and the national average for technology proficiency is narrowing. All of this different data shows that Texas is making strides in preparing its students for success in the 21^st Century technological world. Other information that was produced in the progress report was the Technology Immersion Program (TIP) progress. The TIP is a program that implements six major components into the schools, including wireless mobile computing device for each student and professional development for teachers and administrators. The TIP project equipped 39 middle schools state wide with 1:1 student to computer ratio. Another program that promotes technology in the classroom is the Vision 2020 Grant that is funded by the No Child Left Behind legislation. Other programs mentioned in this progress report included,  T3 Grant, Connections Grant, and the Rural Technology Pilot Program which offers rural communities on-line courses. All of these programs have been implemented to try and help schools build the need infrastructure for technology growth.  Even the regional service centers are offering professional services to training technology skills to the teachers in the area. Over-all I understand that we in Texas have a long way to go to accomplish all the goals of the Long Range Plan for Technology but we are making strides in the right direction.