STaR Chart

The Educational Preparation and Devolpment is an area of great concern. This area is a measurement of SBEC criteria for teachers, technology centered education for educators and students, Technolgy TEKS compliance and amount of budget dedicated to technology. To reach the Target rate the following must be achieved: regular and consistent use of technology in the learning process, 100% SBEC compliance, and 30% of the budget must be dedicated to technology.(STaR Chart)

On my local campus and at the state level only modest gains have manifested. My campus has maintained an Advanced Tech rating for three years. We have posted a two point Key Area Total gain. Even more modest gains were recorded at the state level. In 2006-07, 8.2 percent of measured schools were rated as Early Tech. A year later the percent had dropped to 5.4. In actuality, the number of Developing districts regressed over the years. In keeping with the theme of modest gains, according to the Department of Education the regression was negligible at .2%. This area continues to be a challenge. In keeping with that theme modest gains were reported by the US Department of Education in the area of NCLB. According to their 2008 data 70% of schools made Acceptable Yearly Progress and student gains were present. There was significant monetary cost attached to NCLB, $24.4 billion. (ED.gov)

Educational Development and Preparation is so vital. Steps to foster development in this area is critical. Factors that could foster improvement would include: priority in budgeting, up to date technology, and relevant teacher training. Budgets are often tight. The local, state, and national policy makers must embrace the need to fund technological development among educators. Naturally, the twenty to thirty percent discussed in the STaR Chart is an expensive outlay. However, educators must not only have access to technological resources but also the training and know how to use those tools effectively. The impact this will have on today's techno-learners is well worth the cost and the effort. Technology advances at such a rapid pace. Today's cutting edge computer is tomorrow's paper weight. Districts must understand that technological improvement is not a once and done proposition. It is ongoing and is never completed. Educators must be flexible and open to new advancements that will enable greater student success.

Sources:

Mapping Americas Progress 2008, Retrieved November 28, 2009, from ED.gov, US Department of Education

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