This document discusses technology initiatives in Texas schools including E-Rate which provides discounts for internet access, the Texas STaR Chart which assesses school technology readiness, and Garland Independent School District's 2010-2013 technology plan. It also summarizes the STaR Chart results for Ethridge Elementary School which show developing ratings for teaching and learning and educator preparation/development but advanced ratings for leadership/support and infrastructure that have remained consistent in recent years. Areas for potential improvement are identified.

1. The Technology Commonalities BetweenLonghorns,Torches,andBobcats!Meredith DeiblerEDLD 5306Cohort 23

2. What are we going to discuss?E-RateTexas STaR ChartGarland Independent School Districts’s Technology PlanEthridgeElementary’sSTaR Chart ResultsSummary

3. What is E-Rate?The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service FundProvides discounts to assist most schools and libraries to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet accessSchool districts must apply for the programDiscount for support depends on the level of poverty and urban/rural statusOverview of the schools and libraries program. (2010, July 14). Retrieved from http://www.usac.org/sl/about/overview-program.aspx

4. What is the Texas STaR Chart?School Technology and ReadinessSurvey taken each Spring by teachersIt assesses the alignment with the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020Has four major components:Teaching and LearningEducator Preparation and DevelopmentLeadership, Administration, and Instructional SupportInfrastructure for Technology

5. Garland Independent School District’s Technology PlanGISD’s Technology Plan is approved for the years 2010-2013The Technology Plan has six major components:Technology Vision StatementThe Planning EffortLeadership and SupportCommunity PartnershipsThe FutureBudgetClick icon to view GISD’s Technology Plan

6. EthridgeElementary’sSTaR ReportThe STaR Report is created from data provided each year by the campus educatorsThe STaR Report is divided into four summary areas:Teaching and LearningEducator Preparation and DevelopmentLeadership, Administration and Instructional SupportInfrastructure for Technology

7. EthridgeElementary’sSTaR Chart Report2008-2011Key Area Points (Maximum 24 points)

8. EthridgeElementary’sSTaR Chart ReportSummaryTeaching and LearningCurrent classification: Developing Trend: Decreased three points last yearEducator Preparation & DevelopmentCurrent classification: DevelopingTrend: Consistent for two yearsLeadership, Administration, & Instructional SupportCurrent classification: AdvancedTrend: Consistent for three yearsInfrastructure for TechnologyCurrent classification: AdvancedTrend: Consistent for three years

9. Summary…Questions/concerns about E-RateQuestions/concerns about Texas STaR ChartGISD’s Technology Plan vs. EthridgeElementary’sSTaR ReportIdeas to improve our classification ratingsOther questions, concerns, or comments