The STaR Chart is a survey developed by the Texas Education Agency to assess how schools incorporate technology into education. It evaluates readiness in four categories from Early Tech to Target Tech. The survey aims to track progress toward goals in the state's Long-Range Technology Plan and help teachers, schools, and districts determine needs to improve use of technology. Results are anonymous but identify general readiness levels and are used by stakeholders to guide provision of resources to support 21st century teaching and learning.

1. Introducing from the TexasEducationAgencyits…… THEOverview presented by Kyle White for EDLD 5352

2. Why are we here?In this presentation we’ll answer the following questions:What is the STaR Chart?Who developed it?Why do we have to complete it?Who will see the results and will they know it’s me?What will be done with the information? What’s in it for me?

3. What is the STaR Chart?STaR stands for School Technology and ReadinessIt is a survey meant to gauge how schools are incorporating technology into educationIt categorizes readiness into four areas from least ready to proficient:Early TechDeveloping TechAdvanced TechTarget Tech

4. Let’s take a look at each section

5. Early TechGenerally there is a limited awareness of the technology in question and it may even be used occasionallyAn educator at the Early Tech stage needs basic training in this areaInfrastructure found to be in Early Tech needs to be developed or put into place

6. Developing TechTechnology is used often, but in a mostly teacher-centered wayEducators found at this stage need training on how to use more advanced technology in more advanced waysInfrastructure at Developing Tech would be in place, but not connected or not accessible to students

7. Advanced TechTechnology is used daily in teacher-led activities and sometimes student-ledEducators at this level know how to use technology and create student-centered lessons that include the technology in the classroomInfrastructure at this level has almost unlimited access by students and teachers

8. Target TechThis is the goal for all education entitiesAt this level technology is used everyday by the studentsLessons are developed and carried out by studentsInfrastructure is state-of-the-art and virtually unlimited

9. Who developed it?The STaR Chart was developed for the Texas Education Agency (TEA) It is based around the four key areas of the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020

10. Why do we have to complete it?The Texas Education Agency aims to help teachers, campuses, and districts determine their progress toward meeting the goals of the Long-Range Plan for Technology, as well as meeting the goals of their districtThe Texas Teacher STaR Chart can assist in the measurement of the impact of state and local efforts to improve student learning through the use of technology as specified in No Child Left Behind, Title II, Part D. It also can identify needs for on-going professional development and raise awareness of research-based instructional goals.

11. Who will see the results?The results will be used by all stakeholders to track progress toward meeting technology goalsWill anyone know it’s me?No. While your answers will be identified as “teacher” and your administrator can track if you’ve done it, your specific survey is anonymous

12. Results look like this

13. What will be done with the information? What’s in it for me?Information collected in the survey is designed to help teachers, campuses, and districts determine their progress toward meeting the goals of the Long-Range Plan for Technology, as well as meeting the goals of their district. Hopefully, answering this survey honestly will give the administration the guidance it needs to provide you with what you need to succeed in the 21st Century

14. The STaR Chart While it isn’t fun to fill out the STaR chart, it is necessary to help us get to where we need to be. If we’re going to teach 21st Century students in 21st Century ways and prepare them for the 21st Century then we need to access and plan. The STaR Chart can help us do that. Complete yours today!