Coulon High School

1.  How do your proposed strategies (Week 8 Step 6) meet the required standards as your Week 6 Step 4 stated?

I considered the following references when planning my school’s technology plan: SBEC standards for new teachers which are also recommended by TEA. I reviewed the results of my school’s STaR Chart results to devise a starting point for my school’s teachers and staff. I conducted a brief survey to a sample of teachers in order to measure teachers thoughts regarding the technology available at the school. Consequently, I also reviewed my district’s technology plan and devised my plan as a result of the items contained in all the aforementioned methods. My strategies meet the required state technology standards and recommendations for all teachers as follows:

First, in order to plan and implement any plan a committee dedicated to that process is needed at my school. In my plan I suggest that a Technology Committee be created and fully functional prior to attempting to execute the plan (BISD, 2010). As outlined in the Long Range Plan for Technology (TEA, 2006) I also stated that an Instructional Technology Specialist be placed at the school in order to assist teachers with implementing the plan with campus teachers. In order to see the plan through management of it is crucial and I proposed it be done in conjunction with the Technology committee, department heads and the administrative staff, PTA or at least one parent from each grade level and interested community business owners. The plan also includes methods for obtaining funding to assist in purchasing needed items or services to implement it. By applying for grants, private donations, conducting fundraisers, the campus will hopefully insure its success toward creating an up-to-date technology enriched environment.

2.  Review the reading materials in Technology domain to propose using other standards which are not adopted by your studied school. Explain why those new standards should be considered for your studied school.

The ISTE NETS standards that should be addressed are:

2. Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students:
a. interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of
digital environments and media.

b. communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of
media and formats.

c. develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other
cultures.

d. contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.

5 Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
   5a Participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of     
        technology to improve student learning

  5d Contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and
       of their school and community.

These standards coincide with the Long Range Plan for Technology (TEA, 2006) and should be included because my campus is the only Fine arts and Technology Magnet School in the district, our students need to be engaged in meaningful technology infused activities as an effort to live up to the true implications of our school’s name.


References:
Beaumont ISD, (2010). Beaumont ISD Technology Plan.

ISTE NETS, (20). ISTE NETS for Students Retrieved March 30, 2012, from: http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-student-standards-2007.aspx

ISTE NETS, (2008. ISTE NETS for Teachers Retrieved March 30, 2012, from: http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS-T_Standards.sflb.ashx

Texas Education Agency, (2010). 2010 Progress Report on the Long Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020. Retrieved February 25, 2012 from: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=2147494561&libID=2147494558