Assessing Technology

Recently, the District went through a curriculum audit. Audits present us with the opportunity to share the story of where we are at, why we think we arrived here, and what is being done--what could be done--to move forward. I know it offered me the opportunity to take a hard look at the past 5 years that I've been in the District, reflect on the obstacles, and what we've tried in Instructional Technology Services.

While I could focus on those obstacles, I'd like to share the data we have. The data alone paint a fascinating picture of SAISD. I've divided it up into 3 key areas: a) Hardware; b) Level of Technology Implementation; and c) STaR Chart.

HARDWARE
In data gathered based on Fixed Assets data as of August 20, 2007 (October, 2007), 41% of District computers deployed for instructional purposes are obsolete (59% are measured as current, or 2003 or greater). The graph below displays the data for campuses, and the table beneath it provides specific information. The school membership data is true as of October 17, 2007.

(right click to view the image at a larger size)

Student to Computer Ratio

The average student to computer ratio is 1 computer to 5 students.

* At Elementary Schools, the average is 1 computer for 6.45 students.
* At Middle Schools, the average is 1 computer for every 3.8 students.
* At High Schools, the average is 1 computer for every 2.55 students.
* At Academies, the average is 1 computer for every 4.62 students.

(right click to view the image at a larger size)

LEVELS OF TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION (LOTI)
The District completed the Levels of Technology Implementation (LoTi) assessment in January, 2006. It conducted the LOTI assessment for 3 years in a row. The LoTi, unlike other assessments like the STaR Chart, provides us with an instrument that has been tested for reliability and validity. There is a clear connection between one of the 3 domains the LoTi assesses and student achievement; that domain is Current Instructional Practices. Also important, however, are the other two domains: the level of technology implementation (LoTi) and the personal computer use (PCU) domain. Each provides valuable information about SAISD campus administrators and teachers. More importantly, it provides a clear direction for professional development.

 

Comparison Results appear below...

 

STAR CHART DATA

Although you can find a list of campus STaR Charts online here, the overall District measurement is as follows (I rounded up):

• Teaching and Learning - 12 (Developing Tech)
• Educator Preparation - 12 (Developing Tech)
• Leadership - 14 (Developing Tech)
• Infrastructure - 15 (Advanced Tech)

If we compare SAISD to State of Texas expectations (a range of 21-24 in each area as the target technology level desired), then, a graph might look like this:

 

In this graph, I used 21 as the minimum required to achieve target technology level.

RECOMMENDATIONS
So, based on this data, how do we get ahead? Dr. Chris Moersch--creator of the LOTI--shared the following recommendations:

1. Require professional development—a minimum of 16 hours—for all teachers that addresses 21st Century Skills.

2. Provide monetary incentives for teachers and administrators to develop technology competencies along a learning path (e.g. English/Language Arts, Science, Math).

3. Merge the focus of both departments (C&I and Technology) concentrating on student achievement.

4. Summative evaluations for building principals demonstrating their staff accomplishments at LOTI Level 3.

5. Provide Technology Department access to the CICs.

6. Provide professional development to CICs to become “instructional” mentors of technology.

7. Train principals.

8. Launch a 1 to 1 computer initiative for teachers.

* Bold items in this list are taken from recommendations made and agreed to by Associate Area Superintendents in collaboration with Dr. Chris Moersch, author of the Levels of Technology Implementation (LOTI) framework.