Texas' Long Range Plan for Technology (LRPT)

     The Texas LRPT is a plan for increasing and improving technology in the classroom and provides a progress report for the implemented programs: Texas Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP) and the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN).  Its findings are based on the results of those programs, the STaR Chart, surveys of students of various grade levels and parents and educators.  
      With the TIP, students have "direct, ongoing accessto teaching both within and beyond the walls of the classroom and allows each teacher the opportunity to address individual student needs." (Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020 (LRPT, 2008).  The purpose of this program was to evaluate the effectiveness of technology immersion.  The immersion of technology in the participating schools resulted in positive results for all.  Students effects include increased self-esteem, responsibility, and motivation, to name a few.  All resulted in increased academic achievement. 
     The TxVSN program was created in  the hopes of achieving those same gains.  Research shows that online learning provides the interactive, collaborative, and self-paced learning environment that helps students gain skills needed to succeed in the workforce and higher education. The TxVSN is a supplemental program that works in partnership with school districts and provides online courses Texas public and charter schools in the hopes of achieving that success and meeting technological needs.
     The STaR Chart reveals that the use of technology has increased in the four categories: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure for Technology.  More professional development and technological equipment is being offered to educators to increase student interest and achievement in the classroom.  Administrators are encouraging more technical support and implementation to meet those needs and reach desired goals. 
     With all of the technological advances in the world today, it is imperative that schools keep in pace with the numerous changes.  The Long Range Plan is an excellent way to monitor and ensure implementation of, efficiency in, and success in those advances.
 
Progress Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006 - 2020. (2008) Texas Education Agency. Austin, TX.