The
Texas
STaR Chart is a tool for technology planning, budgeting for resources,
and evaluation of progress in integrating technology into the school
curriculum and infrastructure. Beginning in 2002-2003 school year, district
and charter school applicants for state and federal technology grants
are required to file campus level STaR Chart profiles along with the
application.
All
Northside ISD campuses completed
a Campus STaR Chart in September, 2002. These profiles were submitted
by the campus Principal/CIT/Technology Committee and may be viewed online
(intranet only).
The
Technology
Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) found in
19 TAC Chapter 126 describe what students should know and be able to
do using technology. As a part of the enrichment curriculum, these TEKS
are to be used as guidelines for providing instruction. The goal of
the Technology Applications TEKS is for students to gain technology-based
knowledge and skills and to apply them to all curriculum areas at all
grade levels. There are benchmark years at Grades 2, 5, and 8 with courses
specified at the high school level. The TEKS are organized with four
common strands for Grades K-12.
The
Texas
State Board for Educator Certification Technology Applications Standards
have recently (Fall 2002) been incorporated into the new ExCETs for
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities at each certification level.
These standards are are expected of ALL beginning teachers. New certificates
and examinations for Technology Applications (Grades 8-12) and Technology
Education (Grade 6-12) will be available in Fall 2004.
Instructional
resources for the Technology Applications TEKS, and resources that encourage
the integration of technology throughout the curriculum, are provided
by Sharing Technology Applications
Resources with Teachers (START Project). START is an initiative
of the Texas Center for Educational Technology, housed in the College
of Education at the University of North Texas.
In
accordance with legislation passed in 1985, the State Board of Education
developed and adopted the 1988-2000 Long-Range Plan for Technology.
Although visionary for its time, it became outdated in the face of a
number of factors, including the Internet. The plan was revised in 1996.
The current document is The
Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, 1996-2010.
In
1994, Dr. Christopher Moersch developed the Level
of Technology Implementation (LoTi) scale in a effort to accurately
measure authentic classroom technology use. This scale focuses on the
use of technology as an interactive learning medium. Dr. Moersch, President
of Learning-Quest, has presented several workshops in the Northside
ISD, and campuses completed the LoTi survey in 2001.
Launched in 2000, Intel
Teach to the Future is a worldwide effort to help teachers integrate
technology into their classrooms to enhance student learning. Available
throughout the United States and in 24 countries, Intel Teach to the
Future will have trained more than 500,000 teachers worldwide by the
end of 2002.
The
mission of the Telecommunications
Infrastructure Fund (TIF) Board is to help Texas deploy an advanced
telecommunications infrastructure by stimulating universal and scalable
connectivity for public schools, higher education, public libraries,
and nonprofit healthcare facilities. The Telecommunications Infrastructure
Fund Board also effects technology training programs and encourages
quality content that strengthens education, healthcare, and libraries
in Texas.
Research-based
answers to critical questions - what studies show about topics such
as student learning, curriculum and instruction, and professional development.
No
Child Left Behind Act Title II, Part D. Enhancing Education Through
Technology, providing assistance to States and localities for the
implementation and support of a comprehensive system that effectively
uses technology in elementary schools and secondary schools to improve
student academic achievement.
