Long Range Plan Analysis

The Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020 is a comprehensive plan to provide education technology equally throughout the state. As a future principal, I think the plan serves as a great source of direction for the steps each campus should take to meet the targets set forth in the plan.

I would use the plan, along with other campus data, to guide the Site Based Decision Making Committee in developing technology goals and objectives within the Campus Improvement Plan. Once the goals and objectives are established, campus leaders would be able to develop the appropriate professional development to train our teachers to increase the use of technology within their classrooms.

One of the barriers I face personally in using technology is time to develop and plan to use it. I would propose introducing new technology to the staff during the spring and summer before it is implemented to give teachers adequate time to learn and apply it to their classrooms at the beginning of the next school year. I am often overwhelmed at the beginning of school when most of our changes are introduced and I do not fully integrate them in my classes.

An additional barrier to using new technology for me is support during the school year. As a principal, I would hire additional support staff to help teachers increase technology in the class. These staff members could attend collaborative planning sessions within content and subject areas to assist and support teachers.