One area that consistently falls short of the target is that of Educator Preparation and Development. There are many reasons why this area is underdeveloped. First of all, the demands of the day to day curriculum and school business make it difficult for teachers to obtain training and implement it on new technology. Infrastructure may not support the use of further technology, so there is little motivation to obtain further training. School administrators may wish to place further emphasis on technology, but other needs to be addressed during dedicated staff development times may take precedence. In addition, pre-service teacher preparation programs do not adequately prepare aspiring teachers for the technology demands of the 21st century classroom.
My own campus rates as Developing Tech in this area. Growth in this area has largely remained static. Looking at statewide statistics, the experience on my campus is not an isolated one. It is encouraging to note, however, that more campuses in the state of Texas are being rated as Advanced Tech. In order for this trend to continue, more time and resources must be devoted to the ongoing professional development of Texas educators in the area of technology. Our practice must be aligned with our philosophy, and our resources aligned with our goals.
Your school sounds like mine. We are very static in the Educator Preparation and Development area. We may have a one or 1/2 day workshop on technology, but their is never any follow through. When there is no follow through the new learning does not get used and then it is lost. We have now wasted a day because we do not use what we have learned.
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