The Texas Long Range Plan is the technology plan that my district is using.  The goal in this plan is to acquire and use technology in the public school system where students will have a deeper engagement in academics by using technology.  The plan’s goal is to also promote professional development for educators as it relates to technology. 

The strategies have been put into place to help measure growth.  These areas of measurement are in the following areas:   Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support. 

It is very essential that educators are provided opportunities to have continuous professional learning.  It’s important that educators take it upon themselves to take advantage of the professional development opportunities being made available to them.   According to the Texas Long Range Plan, ongoing professional development must be provided for veteran teachers.  Distance learning is a way of helping to provide teachers with opportunities for professional growth.

One instrument that my district uses to measure growth is the STaR Chart.  It helps to identify areas of weaknesses as well as strengths.   I think that this is a good tool to use to help monitor whether or not teachers feel as if improvements are being made.  It’s also a good tool to use to monitor whether or not the technology is being used by the teachers in the classroom.   

Long Range Plan for Technology .  A Report to the 80th Legislature from the Texas Education Agency. (2006, November).