The Educator Preparation Key area assesses the level of preparedness teachers possess in regard to technology. It assesses the availability of training and resources for teachers to utilize in their classrooms and for their own personal growth. It also measures the amount of administrative support teachers receive in regard to funding and resources for technology. This assessment is based upon the amount of professional development teachers attend and the amount of money budgeted to staff development by their administrators.
The percentage of teachers in the early development stage of educator preparedness is over 5% for the 2008-2009 school year. Although this is a higher than some prior years (and that is worth commending) this is an area that student learning hinges on. This is a truly troubling thought because as technology use has increased and changed many teachers have fallen behind the technology curve. Our school has dropped two points per year in two consecutive years in the area of Educator Preparation. If teachers are not educated in the skills of technology they cannot use the technology in their classes thus they cannot pass on that knowledge to students. Also their training is pertinent to their administrative capabilities and data recording for the school. It is vital that school begin to institute more technology training to bridge the gap in knowledge. Student learning and success in technology is dependent upon their teachers. For schools to be on target they should conduct regular learner-centered projects that are aligned to the TEKS. Administrators should ensure the integration of technology by encouraging teachers with compliments and resources while also assessing technology use and its benefits on their campus. Principals should dedicate 30% or more of their technology budget for professional development.
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