Educator Preparation and Development

The Educator Preparation and Development is an area assessed by the Texas Campus Technology and Readiness (StaR) Chart. This area assesses the appropriate use of technology in the classroom along with preparing students to thrive in the future. As I looked over the national data and information I realized that since the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act our nation, state and school districts have made drastic improvements towards the goal of 2020. As a state there has been progress made in this area. Educator preparation programs are ensuring that beginning teachers have received a broad understanding of the many uses of technology in the 21st century classrooms. Along with preparing the beginning teachers, school districts have begun to provide professional development for the seasoned teacher as well. The professional development ensures that all educators understand the importance of learning about educational technology and the varieties of use that it encompasses.

I reviewed the STaR Chart data for Eastern Hills Elementary in Fort Worth, where I taught for 6 previous years. The Educator Preparation and Development area received a score of developing 3 years in a row. The teachers use technology as a primary means to direct instruction, model technology skills, improve productivity, and direct students in the use of productivity applications for technology integration. The teachers are aware that there are technology TEKS appropriate for their grade level. The school has a definite need for improving in this area. They need to move to where they integrate technology in a student-centered learning environment rather than in direct instruction. The teachers also need to use the appropriate technology and apply these resources in a cross-curricular manner. Most teachers on campus will need to create and integrate web-based lessons which include online TEKS-based content, resources, learning activities, and interactive communications that support learning objectives throughout the curriculum. In order for the state to improve and move toward the target range, the school districts will need to mandate that teachers become aware of what is required and provide the resources and trainings for the teachers to master teaching at this level of technology.

As I thought about and gathered this information I came away with thoughts about the STaR Chart. In order to get a true assessment, school districts need to look at the questions being asked and provide staff development on the weak areas. If the information isn’t reviewed and professional development sessions aren’t planned for the areas defined as a weakness then what is the point of teachers taking an assessment that is a minimum of 45 minutes long. I have had to take the STaR Chart assessment 3 times in my teaching career and not one time have I received any results or training based off of the campus results. There needs to be some accountability at the state, district, and campus level to ensure adequate improvement.