Teaching and Learning: A component of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020

The STaR Chart is a required component of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020, and informs the area of “Teaching and Learning” to be the greatest weakness of Estacado H.S. In the area of “Teaching and Learning”, Estacado High School consistently acquired a “Developing Tech” status from 2007-2010. According to the Campus Statewide Summary by Key Area, provided by the Teacher Education Agency (TEA), this indicates that instruction is teacher-directed and students regularly use technology on an individual basis to access electronic information and develop communication and presentation projects. There is minimal use of technology in foundation TEKS. Most technology applications TEKS are met K-8; high school campuses teach at least 2 technology Applications courses. The Campus Statewide Summary by Key Area, provided by the Teacher Education Agency (TEA) also informs that 69.7% of campuses state-wide are also in the “Developing Tech” level of progress. I would hope to acquire information to further my knowledge of further developing the school in the technology standard expectation of “Teaching and Learning”. This is also an area in which I feel I am at a “Target Tech” status. I feel I am able to serve as a facilitator, mentor and co-learner related to the “Teaching and Learning.” National progress informs of similar results in regards to the level of technological progress in the area of “Teaching and Learning”. The Texas Education Agency, Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020, in regards to “Teaching and Learning” expects all learners of Texas schools to: have access to relevant technologies, tools, resources and services for individualized instruction 24/7; use information and communication technologies to collaborate, construct knowledge and provide solutions to real-world problems; use research based strategies in all subject areas to improve academic achievement; and communicate effectively in a variety of formats for diverse audiences.