Texas STAR Chart

If we are to move forward in our use of technology in the classroom, then we need to know two things: Where we are now and where we are headed. We know that Texas provides key teacher surveys (see previous blog posts) but while these assess teacher abilities, they don't provide campus wide data.

To that end, the state has developed the Texas STAR chart. The STAR chart analyzes campus data based on 4 Key Areas and then provides a technological rating on the campus. For the past three years, my former school in Texas (as I am currently living and teaching in Malaysia) has received an Advanced Tech rating- the 3rd level on the continuum.

Of the 4 areas that require attention, in my mind, the key piece of the pie for me is the Educator Development and Preparation component. Yes, the other three (Teaching and Learning, Administration, and Infrastructure) are unbelievably important (see previous blog posts for my thoughts on Infrastructure), but to me, at this point, everything is keyed into the proper type of PD a school gives. If the campus provides the proper type of integration and support to its teachers, then it's teachers can grow. If the teachers grow, so does the campus.

The pitfall of our campus is that we have been complacent in the Educator Preparation stream. For the past 3 years, our campus has remained at the same score, down to each venue. What this says, at least to me, is that we (the campus) is okay with their current level. However, given the rapid pace of changing technology, is staying pat the right move?