STaR Campus Analysis Presentation

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Infrastructure for Technology in Texas

Technology infrastructure is critical to the current and future success of our schools. Infrastructure refers to the student/computer ratio, internet connectivity, availability of web based learning and educator/computer ratio. These are essentially the bones to a successful technology program. A district can have the most qualified teachers, amazing trainings, support staff, and an outstanding plan for integration, but without a solid infrastructure or base, the district will not be successful in implementing a 21^st century learning environment.

According to the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020, the Target Tech goal for infrastructure is stated as, “There is on-demand access for every student, direct connectivity available in all rooms and web-based resources in multiple rooms. All rooms are connected to WAN. They are fully equipped with appropriate technology.”

The state goal is significantly challenging. The district that I work in is 5A and is financially secure.  We are categorized as Advanced Tech and we still have quite a gap to fill before we could be considered to have reached the target. I would estimate that we are still four years away from the goal in our district. Less than eight percent of Texas schools have accomplished the Target Tech status. Sixty one percent of the Texas schools fall into the Advanced Tech category so, as a state, we are gradually working our way to success. I suspect that the recent decline of the US economy will slow our progress as school funding has been cut significantly. In order to keep our progress moving forward, schools should take a close look at technology funding and focus the finances that haven’t been cut on building infrastructure. In doing so, once the funding returns, everything will be in place and teachers and students can be trained on how to use the strong base most effectively.