1. The Making of Georgia Standards
Academic Standards
for
Technology Education

2. Since technological issues and problems have more than one available solution, decision making should reflect the values of the people and help them reach their goals.

3. Such decision making depends upon all citizens acquiring a basic level of technological literacy - the ability to use, manage, and understand technology.
A Rationale and Structure for the Study of Technology

4. The Standards for Technology Education: Content for the Study of Technology (Content Standards) provides a coherent vision for what it means to be technologically literate.

5. The Content Standards represent a national consensus and will be a catalyst for change, bringing technological studies to the forefront of the educational reform movement.
Technology for All Americans

6. What are Academic Standards?
Academic standards specify:
what students should know and be able to do
what students may be asked to provide to show evidence of knowledge
what level of performance are expected from students

7. Academic Standards Include
Content Standards
what students should know and be able to do
Performance Standards
how students will show that they are meeting a standard
Proficiency Standards
how well students must perform

8. Why are Academic Standards Necessary?
Standards serve as rigorous goals for teaching and learning.
High standards enables students, parents, educators, and citizens to know what students should have learned at a given point in time.

9. Why are State-Level Academic Standards Important?
Public education is a state responsibility
State superintendent and legislature must ensure that all children have equal access to high education standards
Academic standards form a sound basis on which to establish the content of a statewide assessment system

10. Why does Georgia Need its Own Academic Standards?
While educational needs may be similar among states, values differ
Standards should reflect the collective values of the citizens and be tailored to prepare young people for economic opportunities that exist in Georgia, the nation, and the world

11. How Were the Standards Developed?
Analysis of professional literature, existing state curriculum goals, national standards, and various standards documents from other states
Two Focus Group meetings were conducted to ascertain standards recommendations

12. Development of Academic Standards Survey Instrument
analysis of Focus Group recommendations
instrument developed
pilot testing of instrument
Survey of technology educators in GA
survey sent to total TE population = 549
Analysis of returned surveys = 139
identifying content & performance standards

13. The Results 4 Content Standards Identified
5 Performance Standards for each level (Elementary, Middle, High) identified under each Content Standard (see hand out)

14. Where Do We Go From Here? Teacher Needs Evaluation Criteria
examples of instructional activities that would meet state standards
teacher workshops on impacts of standards
Evaluation Criteria
specific criteria for evaluating TE programs
identification of exemplary TE programs
justification of quality programs for future state funding

15. Questions
And Maybe Answers