1.2 Technology in Texas Schools: The State Map

The Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology is a map. It marks our current location, our final destination, the time it should take us to get there and landmarks we must visit along the way. It also defines the duties of the drivers (TEA, SBOE, and educational service centers) as well as all of the passengers (local educational agencies, Texas Higher Education, parents, community, and the private sector) The committee that created this map spent countless hours researching current uses, best practices, and new trends. All of this is incorporated into the plan. The vision is clear, but it is not static. It is written in three phases and evolves as new technology tools and trends emerge. It exhibits a sense of urgency for improvement of students’ technology skills in Texas public schools. The trip (plan) is divided into sections. Each one explains the current status, the vision, and a set of recommendations for each stakeholder. This is especially beneficial to campus and district leaders. This is the legend for the map. It provides specific details that keep schools and districts moving in the right direction with the appropriate tools. Districts use these guidelines to create a district plan and campus leaders both to create a campus technology plan that is aligned with the state and district plan.