2010 Progress Report on the Longe-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2010 Summary

In the latest Progress Report, Texas addresses the four areas of their plan – Teaching and Learning, Educator Preparation and Development, Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support and Infrastructure for Technology.
In regards to teaching and learning, there are a multitude of action plans in place or that have been completed to meet the students’ needs. There is progress being made just not as significantly as expected. Technology knowledge and skills requirements have been updated for flexibility. The Technology Application TEKS are under revision to adjust to the changing environment. Numerous initiatives, such as The Technology Immersion Pilots or Vision 2020, have helped established and cultivated improved technology applications. Unfortunately, Texas students are still behind. This seems to be attributed to the sub-populations. Also many districts are facing the roadblock of sustaining these technology advancements with the end of these grants and facing continued budget cuts.
In regards to teachers, most of them are rated in the mid-categories of Developing or Advanced. Region centers have a provided a variety of opportunities for professional development. They have facilitated Project Share for teachers to participate in learning communities across the state. iTunes U have been established to increase resource availability. The state believes the necessary resources are being provided.
In regards to the Leadership and Support, the state has made strives to keep this area innovative. With the STaR chart, the majority falls in the mid-categories of Developing and Advanced. The Educational Technology Advisory Committee continues to redesign the plan and initiatives to meet the changing demands and future needs. Through the E-Rate plan, districts have saved considerable amounts of funding on technology services. Based on Average Daily Attendance, technology allotments have averaged at $30 per student. These resources have provided the structure and leadership to facilitate the advancement over the years.
In regards to Infrastructure, the state is working to increase the broadband capabilities across the state. The Connected Texas initiative will increase service capabilities across Texas to ensure the opportunities for all Texans. Internet safety has become an integral part of the guidelines and implementation. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice, through their computer recovery centers has provided over six thousand computers. The state has made significant effort to provide the infrastructure for its citizens.
Texas Education Agency, (2010). 2010 progress report on the long-range plan for technology,
2006-2010 Austin, TX: Texas Education Agency. Retrieved from
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx? id=5096&menu_id=2147483665