Teachers Teaching with Technology

Where are we?

The technology program at St. James has been a driving force for our school since 1983. From 1999 until 2003, teachers were required to teach at least part of their basic core curriculum using computers and technology tools.

As of fall of 2007, teachers are once again required to teach core curriculum using technology. To ensure the success of this endeavor, at least half of our technology funds are being directed toward ongoing teacher training and professional development. We realize that state-of-the-art equipment is of little use until the faculty believes in its power and is trained in its use. That goal is experiencing an exciting revival at St. James.

In compliance with the No Child Left Behind initiative by President Bush, the state of Texas implemented a four-stage plan in 2000 which holds all public schools and all public school teachers accountable for a specified standard of teaching and learning applicable for 21st century schools.

The Texas guidelines for teacher and curriculum standards is based on the national standards researched and published by ISTE, (International Society for Technology in Education) in collaboration with the United States Department of Education.(National Teacher Standards) The state of Texas has also initiated specific standards of accountability for teachers in every discipline from Kindergarten through 12th grade. (Texas Teacher Standards)

St. James Day School has always been proud of the superior academic foundation given to students along with our emphasis on building character, teaching responsible citizenship, and adhering to Christian mores. It is important that our parents and supporters know that St. James was visionary in recognizing the changes that would come in education as long ago as 1983. That was the year technology and computers were first introduced into our curriculum.

The past twenty-one years have seen St. James emerge as a leader in educational reform regarding technology. Local school districts have followed our example, used our original material, and asked us to conduct workshops for their own teachers over the years.

For the sake of America's future, and for all Texarkana youngsters, our public schools are working hard to make the changes needed to meet the Texas and National standards. That is to the benefit of all of us. St. James, however, must surpass those standards to retain the unqualified excellence in education for which we're known. It is this striving for excellence that propelled our Teachers Teaching with Technology program to be put into practice in 1999. This plan says technology is not a class on computer skills to be taught in a lab once a week, but that technology is a vital and necessary tool for teaching ALL subject matter; a tool that must be used by EVERY teacher, EVERY day.

Please read the introduction to the Texas State Challenge to Schools. The ideals which St. James saw coming many years ago is stated very concisely in this document. Please read it carefully. It is the basis for the changes in direction St. James must continue to pursue. This is not an easy challenge. Both parents and teachers are faced with using and delivering education by methods in which we were not trained. Teachers especially have the burden of trying to assimilate and learn new skills, new material, and new techniques for teaching the core curriculum that's been taught the same way for the previous 150 years. The time required to learn, to prepare lessons using technology tools, to teach, and to assess in new ways puts a tremendous burden on already heavy teaching loads.

Our students arrive in our classrooms having been born into a world run by technology; they already KNOW there are two kinds of mice! Computers are not new, or strange, or even awesome for them. For us, as adults, it is often intimidating and overwhelming. Much depends on the attitude we adopt as we face the challenge of change. It can also be exciting, stimulating, and awesome; it can redefine the boredom that has possibly set in with years of worksheets and static information.

It's a wondrous time to be a teacher! And we must, as a school and as individual teachers, rise to meet the challenges. We are accountable. The changes are hard, intensive, and time consuming. We are grateful for the wonderful support of generous parents as we work to attain excellence in our profession so that we might pass on excellence to your children.

Dee Miller
Assistant Head
Curriculum and Technology

National Education Standards for All Teachers of grades PK-12

All classroom teachers must apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies. Teachers must

A. apply technology in assessing student learning of subject matter using a variety of assessment techniques

B. use technology resources to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning

C. apply multiple methods of evaluation to determine students' appropriate use of technology resources for learning, communication, and productivity

I. TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS

All classroom teachers must

A. demonstrate introductory knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to technology as described in the ISTE Standards for Students

B. demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies

II. PLANNING and DESIGNING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS and EXPERIENCES

All classroom teachers must

A. design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners

B. apply current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning environments and experiences.

C. identify and locate technology resources and evaluate them for accuracy and suitability

D. plan for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities

E. plan strategies to manage student learning in a technology-enhanced environment

V. PRODUCTIVITY and PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

All classroom teachers must use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practice. Teachers must

A. use technology resources to engage in ongoing professional development and lifelong learning

B. continually evaluate and reflect on professional practice to make informed decisions regarding the use of technology in support of student learning

C. apply technology to increase productivity

D. use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning

III. TEACHING, LEARNING, and the CURRICULUM

All classroom teachers must implement curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning. Teachers must

A. facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards

B. use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students

C. apply technology to develop students' higher order skills and creativity

D. manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment

VI. SOCIAL, ETHICAL, LEGAL, and HUMAN ISSUES

All classroom teachers must understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools and apply that understanding in practice. Teachers must

A. model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use

B. apply technology resources to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities

C. identify and use technology resources that affirm diversity

D. promote safe and healthy use of technology resources

E. facilitate equitable access to technology resources for all students