Long-Range Plan for Technology

State and National evaluations of the implementation of technology within the realm of education must be conducted yearly. In Texas, the STaR Chart survey is conducted by every school district. This survey is divided into four standards - Teaching and Learning, Educator Preparation and Development, Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support, and Infrastructure. The results of these surveys provide the state, as well as local administrators, with an annual snapshot of how the Long-Range Plan for Technology has progressed. The recommendations provided by the state for the implementation of these technologies have shown significant progress. Local school districts, with the assistance of Educational Service Centers and TEA, have worked diligently towards the initiation of the goals outlined in the Long-Range Plan. The collaboration of all of these stakeholders has brought about an environment in which technology is accepted as a major factor in adequately meeting the needs of today's students. The Long-Range Plan for Technology provides educators with a foundation in which to judge their progress and areas of need. The four standards previously mentioned allow the state and school administrators to assess their advancement towards these goals. Today's technology allows for 24/7 access to resources that can meet the many needs of not only the student but also the community. In order for this occur, districts must use state and federal funds to upgrade their technologies and develop a strong infrastruture. Administrators must then find time to allow their teachers the opportunity to learn how to properly incorporate these newly developed technologies into their instruction. There are many factors that determine whether or not technology is being effectively implemented within a school district, but the Long-Range Plan and STaR Chart provide an outline that can be used to evaluate yearly progress.