Texas STaR Chart Powerpoint

http://www.slideshare.net/smluke09/texas-s-ta-r-chart-11360232/download

Opinion piece

Based on the information gleaned from the STaR Chart, I think that it is pretty obvious that my school needs to make some improvements in several areas.  Our greatest area of weakness is in the area of Professional Growth and Leadership.  We scored a 70 which allowed for this area to be in the highest level of priority.  I think that we can do this as a district, though.  The entire district can make this area an opportunity.  Our growth needs to happen across the board; that is what will truly make a difference.  All of the other areas fall into the Mid-level of priority.  To me, this means that we can incorporate this into what we are already doing, but we need to rise to the challenge and increase our technology in the classroom.

Vision 2020

Vision 2020 is a grant that is funded to help increase the effectiveness of the teachers in our state.  Its ultimate purpose is to increase teacher effeteness and student learning. We recognize that there is a need for change involving technology in our state.  We also lead the country with our first state proposal for a technology change plan.  The first plan worked to keep us focused on a common goal and this one is supposed to do the same thing.   The 21^st Century Learner is about developing students who can live and work successful in the society of their future.  We have to focus on the realities of what they will be expected to do in the real world.  This is why technology is such a huge part of this endeavor.  The 21^st Century Learner is about developing students who can live and work successful in the society of their future.  We have to focus on the realities of what they will be expected to do in the real world.  This is why technology is such a huge part of this endeavor. Teachers believe that technology does in fact improve student learning.   This also helps teachers, because through the Vision, teachers are required to have access to computers or “wireless devices.”  This connectivity improves the effectiveness of the teacher as well.  One aspect that I felt a particular interest in was the aspect of virtual learning.  This is something that happens in many college settings, but I think that it is where we are headed as a society as well.  It is great that this is included in our plan.  There are leadership conferences that provide additional information for the teachers and administrators.  This allows them to get the information that they need to incorporate what they can on campus.  The Leadership conferences are also for the administrators.  This provides more information for all of the staff members involved.  They are using the results that they have already found in addition to continuing to monitor the success of the students.  The train-the-trainer model is being used to help train teachers on the technology.  We understand that if we want teachers to use the information, then we have to make it available to them and teach them how to use it.  We need increased support for all involved: students, staff, teachers, and parents.  We need the necessary materials in order to carry out the requests.  We need to be properly taught how to incorporate the technology to increase 21^st Century Skills.