Technology has become an increasingly important component of our ever day lives. Due to this, public schools must prepare our students with the skills they need to be 21st learners and employees. In an effort to provide structure and vision for this monumental task, Texas led the nation with the first Long Range Plan for Technology (LRPT), 1988-2000; since then subsequent versions have been adopted. Following is a summary of key ideas presented in the Progress Report on the Long Range Plan for Technology (PR-LRPT), 2006-2020.
The executive summary of the LRPT is promising regarding the advancement of technology in the classrooms. It states that students are equipped to learn using interactive media and online resources. Lehman finds that “Texas is focused on ensuring that students are not just engaged learners; they are empowered learners” (as cited in the Progress Report on Long Range Technology, 2010, p. 7).
The LRPT is dived into four key areas: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support; Infrastructure. In analyzing the progress made by schools in the state, the PR-LRPT utilizes data from the School Technology and Readiness (STaR) report which are mandated by the state to evaluate individual campuses use of technology utilizing an Early Tech (low technology) to Target Tech (highest level of technology integration) rating system. The analysis of this data shows that in the area of Teaching and Learning, there was a decrease in educators that describe themselves as Early Tech (teacher centered rather than student and technology driven) and an increase in educators that describe themselves as Advanced Tech. In the area of Educator Preparation and Development, a Master Technology Teacher (MTT) was developed, and STaR data shows that 174 MTT certificates were issued during 2008-2010. In the area of Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support, STaR chart data shows that the majority of campuses fall in the Advanced Tech category, closely followed by Developing Tech. The area of Infrastructure is a strength for Texas with the clear majority of campuses being labeled Advanced Tech; additionally, this area has the highest percentage of Target Tech recipients.
The PR-LRPT shows that the schools in Texas are progressing toward their technology goals. The infrastructure is in place for success, but teacher training and instruction must make bigger strides if all the goals in the Long Range Plan for Technology are to be met.
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