TEXAS STAR CHARTSchool Technology and Readiness

ByNicole Flakes

Agenda

1. What is the STaR Chart? 2. Background Information 3. Key Areas and ratings of the Star Chart 4. Goals of the STaR Chart 5. Our Campus Performance 6. Recommendations for Progress 7. Conclusion

What is the STaR Chart?

The acronym STaR stands for School Technology and Readiness chart.

It is designed to help teachers, campuses, and districts determine their progress toward meeting the goals of the Long-Range Plan for Technology, as well as meeting the goals of their district.

Useful Background Information

The STaR Chart assesses the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020. The goal of the Texas Long Range Plan is to…

1. acquire and use technology in public schools

2. enhance professional development surrounding the use of technology for student use

Background Information Cont…

3. consider funding to support educational goals for technology

4. All students reach technological proficiency before exiting High School by the year 2020.

Long Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020

The Texas Long Range Plan for Technology can be viewed in depth at the following hyperlink.

Long Range Plan for Technology

Key Areas of the STaR Chart?

The STaR Chart is a tool designed for planning and self-assessing the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology. Key Areas include:

I. Teaching and Learning II. Educator Preparation and Development III. Leadership, Administration and

Instructional Support IV. Infrastructure for Technology

Key Area Proficiency Ratings

Within each key area campuses are rated according to the following scale:

1. Early Tech- meaning that the campus needs to put more emphasis on technology development

2. Developing Tech- meaning that the campus technology proficiency is steadily growing.

Proficiency ratings cont…

3-. Advanced Tech- the campus overall uses technology for a multitude of items, especially instruction.

4.Target Tech- the campus has reached exceptional proficiency at utilizing and implementing technology

Goals of the STaR Chart

The goal of the STaR chart is to track progress towards meeting technological proficiency on any campus. By using the assessments on the STaR chart, administration can key in on weak areas and design a plan of action to strengthen said areas.

Lewis Elementary STaR Chart Summary

048

1216

2006-20072007-20082008-2009

2006-2009

Explanations for Key area Totals

If Total Ranges are between…

6-8 Early Tech

9-14 Developmental Tech

15-20 Advanced Tech

21-21 Target Tech

Explanation of Lewis Performance

The chart reveals that from the years spanning 2006 to 2007, Lewis Elementary experienced negative growth in the area of Teaching and Learning. They were once ranked Advanced Tech but by the following survey year, they slipped to a rating of Developing Tech

Explanation of Lewis Performance

. The trend of Lewis El over the last three school terms suggests that overall there is stability in technology use as it relates to instruction.

Lewis Student practicing a math program

More Lewis Students hard at work!

Recommendations for future success

More funds designated for Technology- there are not enough computers for a fair computer to student ratio.

More technology staff- there is only one teacher technologist on campus.

Professional Development that focuses on instruction with the use of technology.

Ideas for Professional Development

Currently Houston ISD is offering the following technology courses…

Leading with Technology

Technology Standards and Planning

Seminars targeting models for technology use in the classroom

Conclusion

Lewis Elementary is on target with the state average, rating in the Developmental Tech category for proficiency. I believe that with a stronger budget for technology and professional development, we can exceed state expectations and advance our students to the next level.

Conclusion cont…

After all, how can we train students for 21st century computer use, if we are technologically lacking ourselves.