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Texas
The goals set forth in the "Long-Range Plan for Technology 1996-2010" continue to guide Texas efforts in the use of technology for all students and educators today and in the future. The structure of these efforts is driven by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum standards. Much of what we now see changing throughout the state is a result of the curriculum standards, including new teacher certification standards and assessments. These knowledge and skills that are important for life-long learning in a digital age for students are now the building blocks for teacher preparation and assessment.Standards for All Students:
The Technology Applications TEKS for grades K-12 were adopted in 1997. They were built on the premise that students acquire technology knowledge and skills in a continuum beginning at the elementary level and continuing through the secondary level.
Recent changes require school districts to offer four of the eight Technology Applications high school courses effective September 2001. The courses are to be selected from Computer Science I and II, Desktop Publishing, Digital Graphics/Animation, Multimedia, Video Technology, Web Mastering, and Independent Study in Technology Applications. These courses offer opportunities for in-depth study of technology at the high school level. All high school graduates are required to have one technology applications graduation credit under all graduation plans.
To assist educators in the teaching of Technology Applications, a nine-part television series was developed highlighting promising practices in the implementation of the Technology Applications TEKS in schools across the state. The series was produced by the Texas Education Agency for broadcast over the T-STAR Network to schools in the spring of 2000 and portions will be available on the agency website in spring 2001.
Standards for all Teachers:
At the preservice level, the State Board for Educator Certification, is updating the Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCETs) and has set standards for individuals entering the teacher workforce. These standards and examinations, aligned with the TEKS, will weave technology directly into expectations of what new teachers should know and be able to do. These same standards are being used to develop professional development for current teachers in districts across the state.
- Standard I. All teachers use technology-related terms, concepts, data input strategies, and ethical practices to make informed decisions about current technologies and their applications.
- Standard II. All teachers identify task requirements, apply search strategies, and use current technology to efficiently acquire, analyze, and evaluate a variety of electronic information.
- Standard III. All teachers use task-appropriate tools to synthesize knowledge, create and modify solutions, and evaluate results in a way that supports the work of individuals and groups in problem-solving situations.
- Standard IV. All teachers communicate information in different formats and for diverse audiences.
- Standard V. All teachers know how to plan, organize, deliver, and evaluate instruction for all students that incorporates the effective use of current technology for teaching and integrating the Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) into the curriculum.
Instructional Materials:
Texas is calling for instructional materials for grades K-12 in Technology Applications, including the high school courses, Computer Science I and II (AP and IB), Desktop Publishing, Digital Graphics/Animation, Multimedia, Video Technology, Web Mastering, and Independent Study in Technology Applications. To assure that instructional materials are up to date and cost effective, TEA has issued a draft of Proclamation 2001 with estimated cost for these instructional materials for comments from publishers and vendors.
For additional information, see: www.tea.state.tx.us/Textbooks/proclamations/proc01/proc01.doc and http://www.tea.state.tx.us/Textbooks/proclamations/proc01/proc01.doc
Contact
Anita Givens
Senior Director, Division of Instructional Technology
Texas Education Agency
1701 North Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701-1494
512-463-9400 (p) 512-463-9090 (f)
E-mail: agivens@tea.tetn.net