Texas STaR Chart Opinion Piece

The STaR Chart is “School Technology and Readiness. A Teacher Tool for Planning and Self-Assessing aligned with the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020” (Texas Education Agency, http://starchart.esc12.net). STaR Chart was developed to aid teachers, campuses and districts in their progress toward meeting the goals for the Long-Range Plan for Technology. The four areas that the STaR Chart addresses include: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support; or Infrastructure for Technology. School campuses are scored and rated on specific levels of progress which include: Early Technology (level 1); Developing Technology (level 2); Advanced Technology (level 3); and Target Technology (level 4). Campus goals are to achieve the highest level of progress in each area of technology.

The area of Teaching and Learning includes proficiency in the majority of teacher’s being facilitators, mentors and co-learners in the classroom. As well, students have on demand access to technologies and integrated into all core courses. This involves having all Technology Applications TEKS met K-8 and all high schools offering technology courses, teaching a minimum of four. The greatest number of Texas campuses fall under the rating of Developing Technology (69.7%), with second at Advanced Technology (25.5%). Richardson High School has consistently scored at Advanced Technology for the past three years. An item RHS can improve uponin this area is providing staff development to educate teachers in strategies that turn their classrooms into a facilatitng atmostphere instead of a teacher-centered environment.

The second area, Educator Preparation, summarizes the need for vertical alinment of Technology Application TEKS, as well as administrative support to ensure integration of appropriate technology within the campus. The goal is for 100% of educators to meet SBEC standards and 30% or more of campus budget to be allocated for Technology professional development. The majority of Texas schools are ranked as Developing Technology (74.2%) with Advanced Technology following in second (45.5%). Richardson High School has been consistently ranked as Advanced Technology for three years in a row. RHS can improve in this area by encouraging more vertical teaming and alignment between classes and providing opportunities for all teachers to meet SBEC standards.

The next category, Administration and Support, focuses on student success as supported by the school board and administration. The IT department is required to have the ability to serve technocal support to over 350 computers and there are instructional support at each campus. As well, local funding and funding from grants are available. The majority of the state dalls into the Developing Technology category (49.0%) with a close second landing in Advanced Technology (45.5%). Richardson High School scored Advanced Technology from 06-07 and 07-08; however it has recently improved to Target Technology for the 08-09 school year, consistently ranking higher than the state average. At this time, RHS can continue to keep this ranking by providing excellent support for all teachers and obtaining federal and state grants to continue the support of Technology in the school.

The final category, Infrastructure, involves on-demand access for every student with connectivity available in all rooms, and web-based resources in multiple rooms. Within the campus, all rooms are equipped with WAN and appropriate technology for student learning. The state average in this category is Advanced Technology (57.2%) with Richardson High school consistently ranking as Advanced Technology the past three years. RHS can improve in this area by incorporating additional student computer and Internet stations in more classrooms throughout the school.

For more information on STaR Chart you can visit: http://starchart.esc12.net