The Long Range Plan for Technology has caused Texas schools and their stakeholders to make significant changes in the way that they approach teaching and learning for the 21st Century Learner. The progress report presents the progress Texas schools have made in providing technological experiences for this type of learner through the employment of several initiatives and strategies focused on following the ideals set out by the four main areas of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology. As stated in the document (2008), "The 21st Century Learner expects content to be relevant and presented in such a way that applies to student's individual learning style. Learning is no longer a one size fits all. It must be tailored to the individual student and accessed through a multitude of learning resources, digital content, and multimedia resources in a variety of learning environments" (p.41). The progress report highlights the necessity for all stakeholders to be aware of and gain the skills necessary for the plethora of opportunities to embrace new technologies to support a positive learning environment for the success of the 21st Century Learner.
Two legislatively mandated programs are outlined in the progress report that are focused on assisting educators and the educational community to provide appropriate opportunities for students and teachers to integrate technology into all aspects of teaching and learning as outlined in the Texas Long Range Plan. These programs are entitled The Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP) and the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN). Their goals and objectives are aligned with the Technology Applications Standards (TA), TEKS, SBEC, and No Child Left Behind Mandates, and are monitored and data is gathered to ensure that what they are providing is conducive to the needs of the 21st Century Learner and their educators.
The progress of Texas schools in the four areas of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology were addressed next in the progress report. Through the report's use of Campus STaR Chart data, one can see that Texas schools have shown significant progress in Teaching and Learning, Educator Preparation and Development, Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support, and Infrastructure for Technology. Most campuses were moving towards the Advanced or Target levels of technology implementation, and away from the Early or Developing categories. Actions and recommendations that covered technology literacy, digital content, school library programs, or distance learning opportunities for both students and their educators were given and reviewed to support the findings of the STaR Chart data.
The final section of the progress report listed the twenty Education Service Centers (ESC) across Texas that could be accessed by all stakeholders to enlist assistance in meeting the goals and objectives of the four areas of the Long Range Plan. This also provides stakeholders with more resources for gaining the skills necessary to meet the needs of students in the 21st century.
Texas Education Agency. (2008). Progress report on the long range plan for technology, 2006-2020. Retrieved March 5th, 2011, from www.tea.state.tx.us.
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