A Close Examination of the Texas STaR Chart

Educator
Preparation and
Development
by Tom Ecker
 Four Areas of Technology
Whether you know it or not… The Texas STaRchart


is an assessment tool developed around the four

key areas the Texas Long Range Plan for
Technology. Classroom teachers are asked to
complete the assessment annually with regard
to four distinct areas. The results are a tool
to gauge our progress towards meeting the
goals of the Long-Range Plan for Technology on
our campus, as well as districts across the great
state of Texas:
1.Teaching and Learning
2.Educator Preparation and Development
3.Leadership Administration and
instructional Support
 Four Levels of Current
Competency
What is yourcurrent educational technology
profile in the area of Educator Preparation and
Development: Early Tech, Developing Tech,
Advanced Tech, or Target Tech?
According to STaRChart results from 2007-2008 as

well as 2008-2009, Lamar Middle School is in

the Developing Tech level. So, what does that
“look like” Here is a brief description?
Use of technology is for administrative

tasks and classroom management. There

is use of online resources. 40% of our
campus educators meet SBEC (State Board
for Educator Certification) standards. Our
campus administrators expect teachers to
use technology. 6-24% of our technology
budget is allocated for professional
 Time for Personal
Reflection
What are ways in which you personally are
striving to reach the Advanced Tech or
Target Tech levels of Educator Preparation
and Development?
Have you recently attended any technology
trainings at the district or regional level?
http://www.tisd.org/ or
http://www.esc12.net/ Perhaps you’re
ready to teach one?
There are numerous technology trainings

available locally or regionally. All hours are

credited towards SBEC renewal!
 Our Joint Collaboration as
a Campus is Important!
What technology talents and/or
secrets do you have to share with
your colleagues? What have you
learned recently from your
students?
We have amazing teacherson this

campus! We have amazing

studentson this campus! Let’s be
willing to share and learn from one
another…
 What is Lamar Middle
School striving for as a
campus?
Here is a description of the Target Tech for
Educator Preparation and Development:
There are regular technology-supported
learner-centered projects. There is vertical
alignment of Technology Applications (TA
TEKS) and anytime, anywhere use of online
resources. Administrators ensure integration
of appropriate technology. 100% of
educators meet State Board for Educator
Certification standards. 30% or more of our
technology budget is allocated for
profesional development.
Together, we can make this happen as