The area of the Texas Long Range Plan that I will be addressing is the first

domain, Teaching and Learning. In this domain, in order to meet the educational

goals for all students, whether it is local, national, or global, a better approach

than “one size fits all”, need to be implemented in the curriculum with integrated

technology. Students come in a variety of learning capabilities; therefore, they

should be offered the same type of learning. I agree that all students should have

access to relevant technologies, tools, resources and services. The information

should be available and communicated to the learner on a 24/7 basis. In this

area of the Texas Long Range Plan, distance learning is recommended.

Distance learning courses should be offered to build knowledgeable skills

through the use of technology.

The progress of Teaching and Learning is shown by the state summary STaR

Chart shows that the percentage of teachers have been steady with a slight

increase in Teaching and Learning and Educator Preparation. There has been a

slight increase in the Administration and Support and Infrastructure areas. The

STaR Chart shows that teachers were in the Developing Tech area and the

second level being the Advanced Tech. Texas districts should be able to adopt

standards to help teachers work more efficiently and effectively and integrate the

use of technology in the classroom and provide effective technology staff

development and training.

The trends from the Horizon report shows that technology use has had a

significant positive impact of teaching, student performance, attitudes and

behaviors, and on administration. Also, trends show that Texas teachers are

increasingly transforming students into engaged and independent learners as

well as preparing them for the future by incorporating emerging technology such

as game based learning strategies, globalization, collaborating and

communicating with integrated technology in the classroom. Online learning

should also be considered in having a significant impact on teaching, learning

and developing 21st Century learners. The benefits using technology in public

schools will provide students the opportunity to various technological learning

strategies that will have a tremendous outcome in their future. The ultimate trend

for the 21st Century learner is to have integrated technology into the curriculum

and instruction.

My recommendations for improvement on my school district and/or campus are:

• To have flexibility to try new methods of teaching and learning in

curriculum and instruction, including integrated technology.

• The need for curriculum alignment that is integrated into the classroom

activities and real world learning experiences.

• Districts should provide an innovative budget for their schools’ technology

use.

• Provide effective teacher training and staff develop aligned with the TA

TEKS.

• Strengthen leadership and administration support throughout the district.

• Support online virtual learning including distance learning.

• Provide wireless and broadband access and capabilities within the

schools.