The STaR Chart is a self-assessment tool for schools and districts to evaluate their technology integration efforts. It assesses progress in four areas: Teaching and Learning, Educator Preparation and Professional Development, Leadership/Administration, and Infrastructure. According to the document, schools need to improve educator professional development to prepare teachers for 21st century skills and learning styles. Forming a teacher technology committee can help strengthen professional development efforts.

1. Texas STaR Chart

2. What is STaR chart?Teaching and LearningEducator Preparation and Professional DevelopmentLeadership, Administration and Instructional SupportInfrastructure for TechnologyHow do we rate?What can we do to improve?SummaryAgenda

3. Created by the Texas Education Technology Advisory CommitteeProvides self reflection for campuses and districts on their effort of integrating technology across the curriculumProvides a profile of the campus status of reaching the goals of the Texas Long-Range Plan for TechnologyWhat is STaR chart?

4. Four ratings: Early Tech, Developing Tech, Advanced Tech, Target TechCompleted by individual teachers each yearUsed in planning, budgeting, and evaluationWhat is STaR chart? (cont.)

5. Teaching and Learning*Students must be active participants intheir education.* Teachers must teach their students to be able to determine if sources are credible.*Learning must be connected to students’lives.*Need to have student centered collabor-ation.

6. Professional development is necessary to make the move to 21st century educationThe challenge lies in getting the resources, time, and models needed for professional development.Professional development needs to prepare teachers for the changing education system. Diversity of studentsResources availableStyles of teachingPreparation and Development of Educators

7. Administrators must have the skills to lead and nurture technology change and development on their campus.Administrators must include technology goals on the campus improvement plan.Need to provide time and opportunities for professional developmentMust secure budget for technologyLeadership, Administration and Instructional Support

8. Infrastructure for TechnologyConnecting schools to the internet, with rapid connectivity.Online learning opportunities need to be available to individualize instruction for students.Technological support and resources must be provided.Teachers must take advantage of the technology resources in their classrooms.

9. How do we rate?

10. Technology committee of teachers from each grade level.Technology committee communicates professional development opportunities to the staff.Technology committee members attend technology workshops and bring back the information to the rest of the staff for professional development hours.What can we do to improve?

11. The STaR chart gives data to show areas our school has weaknesses in.According to our STaR chart reports we need to improve the area of educator preparation and professional development.Technology committee formation can help strengthen this area.For more information go to http://starchart.esc12.net/Summary