Analysis of Texas Educator Preparation and Development for Technology

In the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020, there are four key areas that the state requires growth and change: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure for Technology. I want to focus on Educator Prepartion and Development of Leadership. The plan states that professional development must always be available, including online options, and must be “comprehensive.” Additionally, “all educators should

• graduate from an educator preparation program that models current technology in instructional and administrative practices PreK-12,
• exit educator preparation programs knowing how to use technology effectively in the teaching-learning process as demonstrated by the SBEC Technology Applications Standards,
• develop new learning environments that utilize technology as a flexible tool where learning is collaborative, interactive and customized for the individual learner, and
• ensure full integration of appropriate technology throughout all curriculum and instruction.”

As a district, our teachers are receiving increases opportunities for staff development that are embedded in the school day, online, and held after school. Many of the workshops focus on how to use technology effectively. The district has also included technology in the strategic plan. At the state level, progress is being made with the establishment of such initiatives as the Texas Virtual School Network, allowing students more access to course credit via the computer and providing more immersion of students in technology through the Texas Technology Immersion Pilot.

Nationally, online collaboration is the new trend. Teachers are encouraged to work with teachers across the nation and the world to improve their instruction and better learn their content. The state has answered this trend by creating an online professional learning community named Project SHARE, an online community that facilitates the exchange of resources, ideas, and staff development in the core content areas. Locally, the district offers eduphoria!, an online resource management tool for professional development, evaluations, and instructional resource sharing. Through eduphoria!, teachers are able to share district lesson plan, ideas from the district instructional specialists, and each other.
Given the budget cuts facing districts across the nation, it is important that districts keep the momentum regarding educational technology and not choose to cut in that area alone. My suggestion is that districts look at more online professional development via webinars to continue to promote cost-effective professional learning that many teachers still need. As the field of education continues to evolve, it is important for the professional development to remain current and relevant for teachers to ensure their instruction is also relevant for the students.

Reference:
Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020. (2006). Austin, TX: Texas Education Agency.