5352 Blog Posting# 2

The Progress Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020, ensures technology is available in public schools (grades k-12), teachers have professional development opportunities to develop technology skills, students are computer literate by the time they leave high school, and information on emerging technology is identified and distributed in public schools. There are three phases to aide in carrying out the plan. Phase one covered years two thousand and six through two thousand and ten. Some of the details in the plan include: curriculum alignment, providing quality instructional materials, aligning assessment instruments to content standards, providing technical support, and increasing funds in this area. Of course, professional development was listed in this phase as well. I was not surprised because professional development is needed for teachers to effectively integrate new digital tools into the classroom.  I am very interested to see what technology plans will be included in phase two (years 2011-2015) and phase three (years 2016-2020). These phases will be developed after reflecting on the previous stage.  The summary areas from the chart in our first assignment, teaching and learning, educator preparation and development, leadership administration and instructional support, and infrastructure for technology, are listed and thoroughly explained with its relevance to the plan. I found the visions and TEA, SBEC, local, and state recommendations to be very clear and well-written for every area. The priority needs are funding, computer availability for students, technical support, and professional development. All of these areas are important for achieving technology goals, but funding is the most crucial need. If the district does not have enough funds to purchase different forms of technology for students, this creates a problem with progress. To solve this dilemma, funds are saved and allocated for technology use. Amounts are broken down, in detail, in written documents, charts, and graphs within the plan. Indeed, the technology plan is very thought out and organized. It is easy to see why districts are making such a big fuss about STaR charts and integrating technology in the classroom.