Progress Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020

The purpose of the original Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020 was to guide the implementation and integration of technology across Texas in four different areas: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure for Technology.

The purpose of the progress report submitted in 2008 (only two years after the development of the original plan) is to identify progress and changes made since the implementation of the plan.

According to the progress report, students of all ages and grades are actively using computers for education purposes including playing educational games, finding information on the internet, working on projects, taking tests, and other activities. The variety and extent of technology is increasing, even just in the short time (2 years) between the original implementation of the Long Range Plan and the progress report. (2008, pg. 3-8)

Furthermore, differences are easily being seen between high implementation schools and low implementation schools. According to the progress report, districts and schools with higher technology immersion enjoyed more effective leadership, strong buy-in and commitment to technology implementation, enhanced teamwork, greater support for teachers from the principal, parents, and the community, among other benefits. (pg. 16) Students enjoyed greater access to technology (typically one-to-one access to laptops), greater variety of assignment formats, higher level of engagement, schoolwork was more fun and interesting, and students became more organized, efficient, and responsible. (pg. 17)

In reviewing data specifically from the STaR Chart, state-wide data shows an increase in technology proficiency in the area of Teaching and Learning. From 2006-7 to 2007-8, Early Tech scores decreased, Developing Tech scores decreased, and Advance Tech scores increased - showing a move to a higher level of proficiency. (pg. 39) Similarly, in the area of Educator Preparation and Development, Easy Tech scores decreased while Developing Tech and Advance Tech scores increased. (pg. 101) In the area of Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support, already low Easy Tech scores decreased even further, Developing Tech decreased while Advance Tech and Target Tech scores increased. (pg. 118) The final component, Infrastructure for Technology, saw results nearly identical in trend to the previous area - Early Tech and Developing Tech decreased while Advanced Tech and Target Tech increased. (pg. 131)

All of the charts and data presented in this progress report indicate an overall improvement in the level of technology proficiency and integration in Texas districts, campuses, and classrooms - as was the goal of the Long Range Technology Plan.