Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support

Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support is one of four areas listed in the Texas Long Range Plan. The success or failure of preparing the 21st Century Learner depends on how these key pesonnel promote techology use. It is necessary to cultivate a shared vision and to promote its integration by supporting the change required to make it happen.
The three year trend in this area as reported on the STaR Chart indicates that the local level has moved from an Advanced rating in 2007-2008 to a Target rating in both 2008-09 and 2009-10. The state level has also improved with the rating moving from Developing to Advanced Tech. State averages rose from 45.5% in 2007-08 to 55% in 2009-10.
The local STaR results show that our campus feels the leadership has a vision and supports it. There is time to plan for the use of technolgy with collaboration and communication as a focus. Technical support is provide to the highest classification. On-line learning is encouraged and available. Finally, budget is set aside to support technology. State statisticts show that 55% of the campus’ responding to the STaR Chart feel that: they are at an advanced level in this area, there is a campus plan that is board approved and supported by superintendent, with one technical support staff to 500 computers, and a full- time district technology director. There is also a technology allotment, e-Rate, competitive grants and local funding. According to the Speak Up 2009 Report Release, administrators are beginning to shift their focus on online learning from professional development for teachers to online classes for students.
It is my recommendation that to maintain the current high ratings in this area of the Texas Technology Plan, the leaders, administrators and instructional support must continue to support teachers and assure them that the technology will be available and functioning when needed. This will require funding designated for replacement and maintanence of the current equipment. It will mean continuing to provide on-going scheduled and just-in-time training to teachers.

Project Tomorrow. (2009, March 24). Selected national findings. Retrieved from http://www.tomorrow.org/docs/SU08_selected_national_findings_complete.pdf.