Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020

In the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020, the section on Educator Preparation and Development gives a vision as to the preparation teachers will have coming into the 21st Century Classroom as well as the professional development these teachers will have throughout their teaching career. Students who are entering schools in this age of technology need to be taught differently than we were in school because of the changing world and their need to succeed in this world. Teachers entering the classroom must be proficient in many areas of technology and also have the skills to teach these areas to their students. Teachers will take three technology tests to measure their profeciency, and will receive training in areas they are not proficient in. Teachers also need to participate in professional development opportunities in order to learn about and exlpore ways to use technology in the classroom.
In my campus and school district I feel like we are right on track with the visions set forth by this technology plan. All teachers who have been in the district for 5 or more years have taken (and passed) the state profeciency tests. My district offers many opportunities for professional development in the area of technology, and we are given many resources to use in our classrooms. The teachers at my school use technology in every area of our teaching, and most of us are very comfortable sharing our lessons with other teachers.
There are many recommendations given in this area to help teachers in the area of preparation and development. As a classroom teacher, I think the best recommendation would be for teachers to have time throughout the year to actually prepare and develop their technology skills as well as to collaborate with their colleagues to develop integrated lessons for their students.

Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020. www.tea.state.tx.us/technology/etac