The Texas STaR Chart

The Texas STaR Chart was developed around the Long-Range Plan for Technology, and includes four key areas: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure for Technology. The STaR Chart is a measurement tool that assesses the use of technology in the classroom. From the results of the STaR Chart, districts may update their technology plan, set benchmarks and goals, and continuously track the progress of each school, as well as the district as a whole. The STaR Chart is also used for planning and budgeting.

Leadership, Administration & Instructional Support includes six sections: Leadership and Vision, Planning, Instructional Support, Communication and Collaboration, Budget, Leadership and Support for Online Learning. Each level contains specific criteria which must be met to move up the “ranks.” The four ranks, in order from least to greatest, are early tech, developing tech, advanced tech, and target tech.

This area was by far the greatest strength for my campus, as we received 21 out of a possible 24 points. This past year, we reached “target tech,” which is the highest available rank. According to http://starchart.esc12.net, the “Target Tech” rank means that the plan for the campus is “focused on student success” and supported by the board and administration,” there is a technical support for every 350 computers, there is campus instructional support staff,” and “Technology Allotment, e-Rate, state and federal competitive grants and local funding are available.”

Compared to the other high schools in my district, Pearce is tied for highest rank in the area of Leadership, Administration & Instructional Support. Pearce has made the most progress from the 2007-2008 school year to the 2008-2009 school year.

At the state level, in 2006 – 2007, 54.9% of campuses fell into the developing tech category, while only 38.9% fell under the advanced tech level. During 2007-2008, there were 45% of campuses the fell under developing tech, while 45.5% found themselves in the advanced tech area. Clearly, there has been an overall increase in Leadership, Administration & Instructional Support throughout the state. Hopefully, we can all keep up with the times and continue to increase in the area of technology.