Long Range Plan

In reviewing and summarizing TEA's Long Range Plan for use of technology, there were several pieces of information I learned. First, I was a little surprised to read that corporations are struggling to also move forward in the age of technology. Media and marketing create images of corporations as innovative and creative. The idea that they are struggling in ways much like education is surprising.

The statistics for students in the coming years was not as surprising as necessary information for planning. The dramatic increase of minority and economically disadvantaged students forces education to move forward more quickly to meet the needs of emerging learners.

I was also interested to read that new teachers must already pass technology assessments to gain certification. This process will be expanded eventually to evaluate all teachers and administrators.

The long range plan is exciting to read as an instructional leader. It is good to know the state is mandating change that will impact students for good. It is also an easier to sell to teachers when it is the law. Some of the most notable applications would be providing education resources for students 24/7/365. This is a most useful way to individualize instruction. Making learning available at all times truly better meets the needs of students. It is now imperative to integrate technology in every facet of instruction. Giving student technology tools, creates a dynamic, real life learning experience for students. As the plan unfolds at the goals are met, students will be engaged in better planning for their future.