Technology and the Wilshire Way: an analysis of the Texas STaR Chart survey results Julia Wilson EDLD 5306 June, 2010

On the Agenda What is the STaR Chart? ▫ LRPT (Long Range Plan for Technology) ▫ STaR Chart domains A look at Wilshire’s data ▫ Comparison of campus data to ▫ What’s working ▫ What are our challenges? Next steps

Each year, Wilshire teachers, along with teachers in public schools across the state, are asked to complete the STaR survey, which measures technology preparedness in our school and our district. (TEA, 2006)

The STaR Chart data is intended to answer two main questions: 1.Are teachers and schools working toward the goal of the LRPT? Long Range Plan for Technology Long Range Plan for Technology Are students working toward mastery of tech literacy objectives in the TEKS? Technology TEKSTechnology TEKS

The STaR Chart Domains Teaching and Learning Educator Preparation and Development Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support Infrastructure for Technology Source: Texas Education Agency, 2006

STaR Chart data has been collected since the school year Data is disaggregated at the campus, district and state levels Classifications are assigned for each of the four domains: Early Tech (6-8) Developing Tech (9-14) Advanced Tech (15-20) Target Tech (21-24)

How we Stack Up: STaR Chart Comparison Over 4 Years

What does this mean for Wilshire? STaR Chart Analysis: Wilshire Elementary School; Summary AreaKey Area Totals Key Area STaR Classifications Trends Teaching & Learning : : : : : Developing : Developing : Developing : Developing Static, with slight decrease from year 2 to year 3; no change in classification (midrange) Educator Preparation & Development : : : : : Developing : Developing : Developing : Early Slight growth in year 1, change in classification; then static (low range); slight growth in year 4 Leadership, Administration, & Instructional Support : : : : : Developing : Developing : Developing : Developing Slight fluctuation; no change in classification over three years; (mid-to high range) Infrastructure for Technology : : : : : Advanced : Advanced : Advanced : Advanced Slight decrease in year one, then static for three years; no change in classification (low range)

We have the tools...

According to the data from 2006 to 2010, our campus shows the greatest strength in Infrastructure for Technology 4 computers per classroom over 75 computers in our two labs and the library. document cameras, video recorders, digital cameras, and SMART Boards in most classrooms Scanner, poster maker, FLIP video and digital cameras, podcasting equipment excellent connectivity a wide variety of software for use (Office 2007, Photostory, SMART Technologies) District access to robust classroom website applications

Where we fall short: Educator Preparation : High Early Tech (8) : Low Developing Tech (10) : No Change Developing – “Use of technology is for administrative tasks and classroom management. There is use of online resources.” Source: TEA (2006). Texas STaR chart. Instructional Materials and Educational Technology Division Focus: Teaching and Learning: : Mid Developing (12) : No Change : : Return to level (12) Developing – “Instruction is teacher-directed... students use technology to access electronic information and develop communication and presentation projects. There is minimal use of technology in foundation TEKS.”

Next Steps: How do we make technology a part of student-centered learning?

Professional Development Collaborate Continuous Improvement We use our best practices, and remember that we are learners as well as teachers. Start small. one good lesson can change the way your students think about a concept! Use your resources. TCI, Technology Facilitator, colleagues JUMP IN! Take a PD, then open up the application and start plugging away! Practice makes perfect. Share! Your efforts can help ALL of our students!

“We all know that life will be very different by Will school?” -- Marc Prensky (2008). Adopt and adapt: shaping tech for the classroom. Edutopia: The George Lucas Educational Foundation