Long Range Plan

How young is too young for cell phones? With technology changing every minute, kids younger and younger are starting to use more technology. Many grandparents must call their grandchildren to help them with problems on the computer. 21st Century students have access to so many more things than previous generations did. As educators, we must have sufficient training to help educate these students. The Long Range Plan put in place by the Texas Education Agency outlines 13 different sections that discuss the plan for integrating technology successfully in schools.

One area that really interested me was the section covering Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support. It is important that school districts administration at the central office and on all campuses value the need and use of technology. Administrators must embrace the use of technology in daily tasks such as taking attendance, inputting grades, and researching various topics for class.

The long range plan stresses that educators must change the way they teach as to meet the needs of individual students. The "one size fits all" method is no longer working. By using technology teachers can find different ways to modify assignments and use technology to benefit the student. Distance learning also provides schools with the opportunity of offer Advanced Placement and dual credit classes to students.

If every education agency gets on board with this plan, technology in schools will help educators better prepare student for higher education and the job market. School districts can no longer ride the tail end of the education wave of technology, they must invest a greater desire to better the education of its students.