Texas STAR chart

After looking over recent data from the Texas STAR chart, I would like to analyze the category of Educator Preparation and Development. This category should be one that sits heavily on the hearts of all administrators and teachers. I think we are in big trouble in this area. Statewide in 2007-2008, only 0.6% of campuses report being in the target or ideal range of this category. That number is actually down from the previous year's 0.7%, which is a pathetic number as well. The majority of Texas campuses sit in the "Developing Tech" area. Our students today deserve for us to be prepared and preparing them. I think Texas has to get aggressive and serious about certifying more Master Teachers of Technology. We need to be offering paid incentives for these programs (not having teachers pay to get the certificate) and offering stipends to those who have this certification. If the state of Texas is really interested in raising the level of educator preparedness in the area of technology, they need to put their money where their mouth is. The Long Range plan for Technology speaks of wanting to run a close race with countries like China and Japan. We cannot begin to do that until we have teachers who know how to teach what our students need to know. Our students are not leaving high school prepared to enter today's workforce. Even an entry-level job requires computer skills these days. Texas must get serious about preparing the educators before it can get serious about preparing the students.