As I reflect upon this course I have to admit that technology was not what I had expected from the title of Instructional Leadership. I was excited to see that technology was the main focus because I am always eager to learn more about it. The outcomes I had envisioned changed once I realized it was technology. I was interested in learning about the different ways to use technology in the classroom as well as how to manage the technology as an administrator. I believe that for the most part these outcomes were achieved. I learned several ways to use technology with my students such as blogging and wikis. Not only did I learn about these different strategies, I also learned the benefits and cautions about putting these things into place. I did not learn quite as much about putting technology in as an administrator as I would have liked but being a teacher and seeing it in this perspective will give me a great view. I was surpised to learn about the role that an admistrator has to play as the median person between the staff and the technology department. My campus is very easy going and does anything that benefits the students. Sometimes we will moan and groan a little but for the most part we keep an upbeat tempo and keep going. I found out that this is not the case in all schools. We have a very exceptional staff. I can see where this is another fire for the principal to put out.
One of the main problems that I have with all of the excitement with technology is that the schools are not funded to reach the high amount of technology needed to truly benefit students. I work in a district that has always had a small percentage of low socio-economic children, although it is growing rapidly, we still do not get the amount of grants that is needed to increase our funding. I would have liked to have learned more about the ways that we can bring in funds to our schools to make this technology possible. I have heard of many different grants and information and this would have been something that would have been great to have learned throughout this class.
Looking at the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020 was a huge eye opener for myself as a teacher. I think it was wonderful to look into this document and really see where we should be as a school with technology. Another very benefial part of the class was diving into the Technology TEKS and really focusing on what my students should know when they leave my classroom to move to the next grade level. As a teacher, I focus so much on what is tested that I lose track of the other things that are also just as important in life. Technology is valuable information that these students need to know in order to make it in the real world. Another valuable part to the class was researching the results from our Campus STaR Chart results for the past three years. Each year I fill this survey out rather quickly in order to check it off my list of things to do and never hear about it again until the next year when I have to fill it out. It was great making a chart that showed the strengths and weaknesses and really comparing this to what I think our strengths and weaknesses are. In an interview with the Technology Coordinator for my district, she informed me that the STaR Chart had changed this year so it will not be easy to compare the results from this year to the previous years. She said it would be like comparing apples and oranges. I do wish that everyone in our class would have been told this information since there was so much emphasis of this survey throughout the course.
On my campus, I am the “go to” person for technology when the technology department is not around. I felt very confident coming into this course because of this fact. When something needed to be solved on the computer I would work until I figured it out. When the class first began and I took the Technology Skills Assessment I did well overall, except for one part being Foundations. I realized at this time that I had taught myself almost everything I know about technology and never really learned the correct terms to use. Due to my lack of terminology I had to say that I did not know how to do several of the items because I was not sure what it was referring to exactly. There were a few other items mentioned during this course that I did not know too much about that I will enjoy doing more research about.
Blogging is something that I have done to keep in touch with friends and family that live away. This has been a great way to keep in touch and watch children grow up and still feel a part of their lives. Blogging is not something that I had thought about in the classroom. I teach second grade so it is not something that I would consider doing right now at this grade level but as the students become more technology savvy over the years, this could definitely be something I could put into place. I did see great benefits in blogging as a principal. Each week my principal sends us an email with all of the events that will be happening for the week and items that need to be taken care of. I think it would be wonderful for him to start a blog and this could be something we refer to at all times. He could update it as much as needed. I also think it would be benefical because we could add comments to his post without emailing everyone with changes. This could also be something that could take the place of school newsletters that are sent home with the students. If the information from the newlsletter was put into a blog, it could reach so many more stakeholders in the community.
Although I see so many benefits to blogging in the classrooms and using them in the community, I think there are many safety issues that we need to look at first and decide on solutions. Anytime students are putting information on the internet it can be a scary situation because of the predators that are out there looking for children to prey upon. In a situation with school blogging, it needs to be a very protective and restricted environment. This is a great way to express to the children how important it is to not give out information and the etiquette to using the internet safely. I also have concerns about blogging within the community where the stakeholders can post comments. The news website has a place for people to make comments about the news stories that they post on their site and I have seen some awful comments posted. I would be worried that something would be posted that should not be. There are many concerns, but as a school you have to weigh your options and decide what is best for the students in the situation.
Overall, I have really enjoyed this class. I do believe that the workload was much with all of the posting on the discussion board but I have learned a great deal of information that I can use in my classroom now and as an administrator in the future.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
TECHNOLOGY ACTION PLAN
Mission Statement
“The mission of Lorena Independent School District, the heart of our hometown where excellence has become tradition, is to ensure that students achieve their highest potential as responsible, self-reliant, and unique individuals through a system characterized by engaged and motivated students; passionate, dedicated staff; challenging and innovative learning opportunities; state-of-the-art facilities; involved parents and community members; and a safe environment that fosters mutual respect and cooperation. “ (www.lorenaisd.net, 2009)
**After reviewing the AEIS report, STaR Chart results, and the AYP report, as well as interviewing the principal, technology coordinator, and students, I have come to a conclusion that these are the goals, needs, and professional development areas that are of most concern.
Goals
1. Lorena Elementary needs to improve in the area of Teaching and Learning that is associated with the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020.
2. Lorena Elementary needs to improve in the area of Math overall.
3. Lorena Elementary needs to increase the scores of the low socioeconomic students overall but with an emphasis in math.
Needs
• Teaching and Learning should move in the direction of students’ discovery in technology instead of direct instruction and modeling by teachers. The student-centered approach will develop much higher level thinkers and problem solvers.
• Teachers need to not just know of the Technology TEKS, but become knowledgeable of the TEKS and implement them in the classroom each day.
• Provide instructional coaches and mentors to support classroom efforts in using technology to improve learning in core curriculum areas.
• Effectively communicate and provide professional development opportunities.
• Utilize the state adopted TA instructional materials at all grade levels.
• Incorporate ongoing technology planning in campus improvement plans. Communicate this information to teaching staff.
• Establish and promote the regular use of Distance Learning capabilities.
• Strive to achieve 1:1 student/computer ratio and increase technology available to students.
Professional Development
• Provide on-going training after school on basic computer functions and programs. Teachers need to have the basic skills in order to provide opportunities for students to use technology appropriately.
• Small group instruction on integrating technology in curriculum and instruction. This needs to be small group in order to focus on the data that is available for that grade level. This professional development needs to focus on what the data is showing the greatest need
• Provide professional development on increasing the low socio-economic scores in Math through technology.
• Provide information on copyright laws and cyber ethics for teachers and students.
• Provide ways for students to use the technology that is available such as the computer labs, projectors, and classroom computers.
• Provide training on ADM and how to use this program to dissegregate data. Data is a great benefit if it is used properly.
Evaluation
In order to evaluate the progress of needs and professional development we must look at all of the data and principals and instructional leaders must take an active role in pursuing technology in the classrooms. With these specific evaluations, Lorena Elementary should be closer to reaching our mission of students being at their highest potential.
• Evaluate the AEIS report, STaR Chart results, and AYP report. This data will give an insight of how professional development has had an impact on teaching and learning.
• Campus principal look for technology and how the students are engaged during formal observation and walk-throughs.
• Technology coordinator needs to walk through classrooms to see how technology is being used by the students.
• Evaluate the benchmark data on a regular basis for improvement.
• Ask for teachers, staff, and students to take a technology survey each nine weeks to evaluate how they feel about the professional development and how it has been effective in their classrooms.
“The mission of Lorena Independent School District, the heart of our hometown where excellence has become tradition, is to ensure that students achieve their highest potential as responsible, self-reliant, and unique individuals through a system characterized by engaged and motivated students; passionate, dedicated staff; challenging and innovative learning opportunities; state-of-the-art facilities; involved parents and community members; and a safe environment that fosters mutual respect and cooperation. “ (www.lorenaisd.net, 2009)
**After reviewing the AEIS report, STaR Chart results, and the AYP report, as well as interviewing the principal, technology coordinator, and students, I have come to a conclusion that these are the goals, needs, and professional development areas that are of most concern.
Goals
1. Lorena Elementary needs to improve in the area of Teaching and Learning that is associated with the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020.
2. Lorena Elementary needs to improve in the area of Math overall.
3. Lorena Elementary needs to increase the scores of the low socioeconomic students overall but with an emphasis in math.
Needs
• Teaching and Learning should move in the direction of students’ discovery in technology instead of direct instruction and modeling by teachers. The student-centered approach will develop much higher level thinkers and problem solvers.
• Teachers need to not just know of the Technology TEKS, but become knowledgeable of the TEKS and implement them in the classroom each day.
• Provide instructional coaches and mentors to support classroom efforts in using technology to improve learning in core curriculum areas.
• Effectively communicate and provide professional development opportunities.
• Utilize the state adopted TA instructional materials at all grade levels.
• Incorporate ongoing technology planning in campus improvement plans. Communicate this information to teaching staff.
• Establish and promote the regular use of Distance Learning capabilities.
• Strive to achieve 1:1 student/computer ratio and increase technology available to students.
Professional Development
• Provide on-going training after school on basic computer functions and programs. Teachers need to have the basic skills in order to provide opportunities for students to use technology appropriately.
• Small group instruction on integrating technology in curriculum and instruction. This needs to be small group in order to focus on the data that is available for that grade level. This professional development needs to focus on what the data is showing the greatest need
• Provide professional development on increasing the low socio-economic scores in Math through technology.
• Provide information on copyright laws and cyber ethics for teachers and students.
• Provide ways for students to use the technology that is available such as the computer labs, projectors, and classroom computers.
• Provide training on ADM and how to use this program to dissegregate data. Data is a great benefit if it is used properly.
Evaluation
In order to evaluate the progress of needs and professional development we must look at all of the data and principals and instructional leaders must take an active role in pursuing technology in the classrooms. With these specific evaluations, Lorena Elementary should be closer to reaching our mission of students being at their highest potential.
• Evaluate the AEIS report, STaR Chart results, and AYP report. This data will give an insight of how professional development has had an impact on teaching and learning.
• Campus principal look for technology and how the students are engaged during formal observation and walk-throughs.
• Technology coordinator needs to walk through classrooms to see how technology is being used by the students.
• Evaluate the benchmark data on a regular basis for improvement.
• Ask for teachers, staff, and students to take a technology survey each nine weeks to evaluate how they feel about the professional development and how it has been effective in their classrooms.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Technology Stars!!
Check out this SlideShare Presentation: A PowerPoint about the Texas StarChart and the progress Lorena Elemtantary is making toward the Texas Long Range Technology Plan.
Texas StarChart PowerPoint
View more presentations from Misti Sanders.
A Key to Technology in the Classroom: Educator Preparation and Development
The Texas Star (School Technology and Readiness) Chart is a self assessment tool that is aligned with the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020. The StarChart assesses four different domains, including Teaching and Learning, Educator Preparation and Development, Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support, and Infrastructure for Technology. Each of these areas is important to create an environment for students that is effective in a technology world.
I will focus on the area of Educator Preparation and Development because I believe this is where the basis starts for technology in the classroom. This area focuses on professional development for the teachers in order to regain their passion for teaching, acquire new skills, and understand how to integrate technology in their classroom. The adequate amount of time, resources, and models for this area is crucial.
The data shows that my school is slowly increasing and working its way up in the categories. The state and national data are also showing a slow increase in this area. In the state of Texas in 2007-2008, the number of Early Tech has dropped to only 5.4%. This shows a slow but steady increase of the years. The data also shows that Educator Preparation is the overall weakest area state and nationally. Locally, it is close to the bottom but is not the weakest.
I truly feel that this is the area that needs the most attention overall. In order for the expectations of the teachers to be so high in technology, they need to be trained in all of the areas. Where the data puts us as a state and nation shows that the majority of our technology professional development ranges from 9-18 hours a year and is in a large group session. I believe that a few large group sessions are important but overall it needs to be small group instruction that is specifically designed for the needs of the teachers at the time. The teachers are much more willing to use this in their classroom when they know exactly how and when to use it and feel confident in what they are doing. Preparing teachers is such an important part of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology and many of the other areas will come into place once teachers are equipped with the knowledge and feel confident to teach with technology.
I will focus on the area of Educator Preparation and Development because I believe this is where the basis starts for technology in the classroom. This area focuses on professional development for the teachers in order to regain their passion for teaching, acquire new skills, and understand how to integrate technology in their classroom. The adequate amount of time, resources, and models for this area is crucial.
The data shows that my school is slowly increasing and working its way up in the categories. The state and national data are also showing a slow increase in this area. In the state of Texas in 2007-2008, the number of Early Tech has dropped to only 5.4%. This shows a slow but steady increase of the years. The data also shows that Educator Preparation is the overall weakest area state and nationally. Locally, it is close to the bottom but is not the weakest.
I truly feel that this is the area that needs the most attention overall. In order for the expectations of the teachers to be so high in technology, they need to be trained in all of the areas. Where the data puts us as a state and nation shows that the majority of our technology professional development ranges from 9-18 hours a year and is in a large group session. I believe that a few large group sessions are important but overall it needs to be small group instruction that is specifically designed for the needs of the teachers at the time. The teachers are much more willing to use this in their classroom when they know exactly how and when to use it and feel confident in what they are doing. Preparing teachers is such an important part of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology and many of the other areas will come into place once teachers are equipped with the knowledge and feel confident to teach with technology.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Technology TEKS
The Pre-K TEKS lay a foundation for the rest of the TEKS. In Pre-K, the students are introduced to computers and to the basic terms of the computer. During this time they are taught how to start, use, and exit programs that are age appropriate. The more access to the computer at this age, the more comfortable they begin to feel with technology at an early age.
The K-12 Technology TEKS build upon this foundation. In Kindergarten they build upon the foundations by introducing more terms and more operations on the computer. They also have them develop a product. Each step up in the TEKS builds upon what the students have mastered in the previous years. The scaffolding is very apparent as you move up in the grades. One example is within the foundation strand when the student moves from being able to start and exit programs in Pre-K to advancing all the way to making selections of programs and making sure they are compatible. Although it builds upon that foundation from the previous year, the student still has the opportunity to meet that objective due to the spiraling format of the TEKS.
In my school we have a computer class that the students attend every other day for thirty minutes and in this class is where they work on the Technology TEKS. I think this is a great idea because there is not enough time in our day to include each of these TEKS. However, I do think it is necessary for the classroom teachers to be aware of these TEKS and carry them over into our core curriculum to make them more meaningful and not just isolated.
The K-12 Technology TEKS build upon this foundation. In Kindergarten they build upon the foundations by introducing more terms and more operations on the computer. They also have them develop a product. Each step up in the TEKS builds upon what the students have mastered in the previous years. The scaffolding is very apparent as you move up in the grades. One example is within the foundation strand when the student moves from being able to start and exit programs in Pre-K to advancing all the way to making selections of programs and making sure they are compatible. Although it builds upon that foundation from the previous year, the student still has the opportunity to meet that objective due to the spiraling format of the TEKS.
In my school we have a computer class that the students attend every other day for thirty minutes and in this class is where they work on the Technology TEKS. I think this is a great idea because there is not enough time in our day to include each of these TEKS. However, I do think it is necessary for the classroom teachers to be aware of these TEKS and carry them over into our core curriculum to make them more meaningful and not just isolated.
My thoughts on the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology (2006-2020)
It was very interesting reading the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology 2006-2010. I had no idea this has been in the works for three years already! It is interesting to me that something this big, that could have such an impact on our daily lives, is not very well known.
Overall, I agree with the message that the Long-Range Plan is presenting. I think that is it critical that we are preparing the students for their future and their future is definitely going to involve technology in some way. I also agree that students learn differently than in the past. These students that we are teaching right now have so much more that goes on and are used to such a fast paced life. These students need more hands-on activities and technology to keep their focus.
As an instructional leader, I think it is necessary to be a model of technology. In meetings and staff development it is important to model these things that the teachers need to be using in the classroom. I would also need to provide the teachers with time and resources to attend staff development and training, but also a follow up in order to be sure the teachers are mastering what they have learned. It is also necessary for the teachers to have time to plan and figure out how to integrate technology into their everyday curriculum plans.
I do have a problem with how much they plan on implementing by the year 2020. Since this plan has been created, the nation’s economy has taken a turn for the worse. The schools are not getting the extra funding that was expected in this plan. I really think the biggest challenge will be funding this plan. My district had a TRE election at the beginning of this month and the community voted against it. This means that the district will be making huge budget cuts in all areas. This will have to include some part of technology. There is no way that my district can put $50 or more per student per year just on technology when we are not able to keep teachers and support staff due to funding. I think this is a great idea but things are going to have to change and the state will have to come up with more funding to make this vision possible.
Overall, I agree with the message that the Long-Range Plan is presenting. I think that is it critical that we are preparing the students for their future and their future is definitely going to involve technology in some way. I also agree that students learn differently than in the past. These students that we are teaching right now have so much more that goes on and are used to such a fast paced life. These students need more hands-on activities and technology to keep their focus.
As an instructional leader, I think it is necessary to be a model of technology. In meetings and staff development it is important to model these things that the teachers need to be using in the classroom. I would also need to provide the teachers with time and resources to attend staff development and training, but also a follow up in order to be sure the teachers are mastering what they have learned. It is also necessary for the teachers to have time to plan and figure out how to integrate technology into their everyday curriculum plans.
I do have a problem with how much they plan on implementing by the year 2020. Since this plan has been created, the nation’s economy has taken a turn for the worse. The schools are not getting the extra funding that was expected in this plan. I really think the biggest challenge will be funding this plan. My district had a TRE election at the beginning of this month and the community voted against it. This means that the district will be making huge budget cuts in all areas. This will have to include some part of technology. There is no way that my district can put $50 or more per student per year just on technology when we are not able to keep teachers and support staff due to funding. I think this is a great idea but things are going to have to change and the state will have to come up with more funding to make this vision possible.
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