Texas Long Range Technology Plan

What is the importance of a Long Range Technology Plan LRTP) for the state of Texas? To address this question, the committee has developed a vision for technology education in the Texas Classroom. The vision goes beyond the student and includes all constituents in plan to prepare students for success in the global society. This involves extending learning and communication outside of the school building. In order to accomplish this task, the state of Texas has created a living document to address and readdress the challenges of meeting the vision.
Before reading the plan, I understood that the plan existed and was the basis for resources allocation to the area of technology staff development, hardware and infrastructure. I did not understand the amount of detail presented and was pleasantly surprised by what I read.
For several years, the word has been that staff members would have to prove proficiency in a variety of technology areas. In providing technology training, I understood the breadth of the skill requirements and saw how they directly related to the student TA TEKS. That began 7 years ago and in our district today, curriculum documents are beginning to reflect the inclusion of TA TEKS through integration and not in isolation. Through quality staff development, teachers are less fearful of attempting to incorporate technology. The LRPT focuses on teachers understanding the TA TEKS and new teacher training programs are addressing the skills necessary to implement them. Additionally, staff development is infused with technology use and resources are allocated to supporting reliable infrastructure and equipment.
The plan speaks to the learner being engaged in individualized, real-world learning experiences. I believe that we may get there by 2020, but are definitely not there today. The educators are continually being supported through staff development, collaboration, and freedom to experiment with new technologies. Leaders are beginning to see the need to create and secure adequate support for the teachers. Because of the trust that is being built, teachers are more willing to teach outside of the box and try new ways to improve student engagement. Lastly, infrastructure has been supported through national and state funding to ensure that the technology is available when needed by all involved.
All of this ground work leads to the mission of providing students experiences necessary to become 21st Century Learners now. The LRTP provides data from the NetDay Speak Up survey of 2005. This survey reinforced that students view technology as a way to improve their own learning, reduce mistakes and make work easier. The LRTP addresses four specific areas of focus and provides objectives for six groups of constituents. The focus areas included:
• Teaching and Learning
• Educator Preparation and Development
• Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support
• Infrastructure for Technology
Each area had its own vision and each area had objectives. The plan makes recommendations to the more obvious state, regional, and local education agencies. I was impressed with the inclusion of the recommendations for Texas Higher Education as upcoming teachers must be prepared to teach the 21st Century Learner and can act as models for their experienced teacher peers. It was the last group mentioned that surprised me the most. The recommendations for the parents, communities, and private sector really gave validity to the efforts of education and the need for support from all individuals and groups involved in the lives of the students.
My hope for the future is to be the modeling administrator who maintains an updated knowledge base of current and emerging tools that will support 21st Century Learning. I look for the continued support of national, state and local resources that will allow me to model and lead in the area of technology.

Neeley, S., Scott, R., Barnes, S., Jackson, S., & Givens, A. Texas State Board of Education, Texas Education Agency. (2006). Texas long range technology plan 2006-2020. Austin, TX: Texas Education Association.