Teaching and Learning is one of four areas tracked by STaR (student technology and readiness) and uses a four tiered scale to show level of progress: early tech, developing tech, advanced tech, and target tech. Teaching and learning pertains directly to student learning and teacher instruction. In the early tech stage, instruction is teacher-centered with students sometimes using technology. In the developing stage, instruction is teacher-directed and students regularly use technology. In the advanced stage, instruction is teacher-facilitated and students collaborate with their peers. In the target stage, teachers serve as facilitators, mentors, and co-learners. Learning is technology based and integrated into TEKS (K-8) in at least four subjects.
National data between 2006 - 2010 show a decrease in early tech and a spiked increase in developing and advanced tech. Target and early tech are less than 5%. Our district and campus mirror the national data to a point. Coppell ISD and my campus, Coppell Middle North, have set the bar high and have a STaR rating of advanced tech in all four domains. However, I did see a trend in that STaR data for Teaching and Learning which paralled data for Administration and Support on my campus.
My recommendations for improvement in this area is for our district to continue to attract and retain highly qualified administrators who are committed to seeing the district and campus improvement plans carried out to meet the needs of our 21st Century learners. Based on the Texas STaR chart data administrative support is key to retaining our district's Target rating in the area of Teaching and Learning.
Without question the shift to technology in Texas schools plays a fundamental role in preparing students to live and work in the 21st century and Teaching and Learning are fundamental to this process.
No comments:
Post a Comment