Texas Technology LRP Progress Report

As I stared at the 152 page report detailing Texas district's progress toward meeting the goals set forth in the Technology Long Range Plan, I was at a complete loss where to begin to compose a mere 250-word reflection. I read over the report, and the section I kept coming back to was the portion containing the Education Service Center reports. Therefore, I've focused this blog on the particular progress and efforts of ESC 5, the center that emcompasses the area of southeast Texas in which I live.

ESC 5 has made numerous advancements in all four key focus areas of the TLRP, including the first area of Teaching and Learning. ESC 5 houses several computer lab classrooms, equipped to handle both Windows and MAC related software and hardware, where teacher trainings can take place. A distance learning lab, as well as an iPod mobile lab, are available for district use at their own flexibility and convenience. ESC 5 also hosts dual credit classes and offers courses through interactive video conferencing, allowing more teachers and students to obtain the training and/or credits they need to be successful. Educator Service Center 5 has also made progress in the focus area of Educator Preparation and Development. The center offers an annual multi-day Administrator's Academy, where new technologies and digital-age trends are introduced and reinforced to area educational leaders, allowing them to take this knowledge back to their respective campuses for effective utilization. Online professional development opportunities through resources such as Moodle are also offered, allowing more educators to take part in trainings without having to leave their own classroom. ESC 5 also hosts an annual textbook fair, as well as an annual Technology Integration Conference each summer with a focus on technology integration across all grade levels and curriculums. Advancements in the focus area of Leadership, Administration, and Instructional Support have also been made at Education Service Center 5. One crucial advancement in this area is the development and utilization of the Southeast Texas Telecommunications Education Network (SETTEN), which provides districts within the Service Center's population the opportunity to broadcast and participate in programs, trainings, meetings, etc. ESC 5 also assists school districts by providing education and training in areas such as technology plan developing and writing, and applying for technology grants and additional funding. The SETTEN also has encouraged progress in the key focus area of Infrastructure. SETTEN provides over 5000 area educators with access to email, high speed internet, and video conferencing capabilities. Video conferencing allows districts to participate in dual credit opportunities, more effective and relevant trainings, and more easily accessible and convenient meetings. Most districts have realized a great need for more bandwidth as a result of the utilization of new technologies and digital age resources, and ESC 5 assists them in their endeavors toward increasing bandwidth capabilities.

I am actually just moving back to the Southeast Texas area after living and teaching in South Carolina for the past five years. It is refreshing and encouraging to take note of the progress and advancements being made by the area Education Service Center.