Under the STaR category that I find most interesting at this point is, “Teaching and Learning,” with the ultimate rating being “Target Tech” charges teachers to serve as facilitators, mentors, and co-learners as they help students stay focused on inquiry as technology assists their learning process. Collaboration is used to suggest, assess, and implement solutions for real world problems, as well as communicate effectively. Technology is integrated into all subjects and lessons.
When I analyzed local data for my school, I realized that I have a strong disagreement with the “Advanced Tech” rating under “Teaching and Learning.” I know for a fact, as the District and Campus Curriculum Director and Testing Coordinator, teachers rely on our technology curriculum, TechWorks (2001), to cover the TEKS and believe that by setting aside a little time here and there for “computer work”; they are taking care of this responsibility. Another obvious indicator that proves that my district and campus isn’t accurately rated in that area can be found by listening to staff conversations in our Professional Learning Communities; I too am guilty. Technology TEKS haven’t been on any agenda since we formed our PLC’s two years ago. No one is talking about them. So for someone to read this report and think “Wow, Matagorda ISD, is close to being on target in this area,” is a false statement.
Our campus in comparison to statewide progress shows MISD with a rating above the state average, “Developing Tech.” Statewide 69.7% of campuses were at this level. Only 25.5% were at “Advance Tech.” I have to question the validity of those results after analyzing the data for my own campus.
I will create the STaR PowerPoint and schedule a staff development to facilitate awareness of the purpose of the STaR assessment, review MISD’s results from the last three years, and then provide everyone with a fresh copy of their grade appropriate Technology TEKS. I’ll schedule follow up trainings in conjunction with our Education Service Center to help foster technology integration into all subjects to a point at which teachers are comfortable with and using technology to foster student learning.
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Andrea Miller:
ReplyDeleteIn response to your comment where you disagree with one of your ratings; that is the problem when someone takes a survey not everyone answers truthfully, or they think or feel that they are doing what is asked of them in the question. It is almost like we need to take the survey together and have someone go over each question and say ok this question is asking... which means you do .... in your classroom.
I think you bring up a very good point Susan. I know when I was going through the data for my campus I felt as if we had done much better than the survey said with most areas being developing. Much like the TAKS test is for our students it is so hard to really obtain a true picture of what is going on. I know that so much can impact the way one answers a survey. Just think of all the times we have been given a survey exit ticket from a meeting and we rush through it just so we can get our the door. Just my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say your post is very well articulated and presents some very good questions I think we all need to consider.