Blog #2 Week 2

There are five goals of the Pearsall ISD Technology Plan that include:

1.    Enhance the technology skills of the educational staff through a comprehensive staff development system.

2.    Improve student learning through the appropriate use of technology.

3.    Pearsall ISD will incorporate new and existing technologies into the instructional process at all campuses.

4.    Pearsall ISD will continue to expand the use of school facilities to improve education in the community.

5.    Pearsall ISD will use technology to provide timely and accurate data for decision-making at the campus and district level.

According to the Needs Assessment from the Pearsall ISD 2011-2012 Technology Plan all campuses have been identified as being in the developing stages of technology implementation as indicated by the Texas Teacher STAR Chart. This has necessitated the implementation of a campus technology committee for each campus that will meet annually to discuss technology improvement and invite input from each of the campus stakeholders.

Staff development is provided through consultants and online learning and is supported by five full-time technology employees for the district.

Assessments ensuring improved student learning is evidenced through increased use of technology in the classroom with student projects and assignments; documented staff development and increased technology use in the workplace with technology assisted lesson planning; increased technology budget allowances for classroom technology devices for teaching and learning in every classroom.

The 2011 Budget allowances for these improvements total $589,000.00 including funding sources within the district, state technology funds, and E-Rate funds. This budget seem appropriate for the current stage of technology implementation for the size of district in Pearsall, TX.