Vision 2020 Progress Report

The first progress report for the Vision 2020, the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, was released in 2008 and represented an evaluation of progress for a 2 year period. The report focuses on two legislatively mandated programs that were introduced during the 2 year timeframe. The programs are the Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP) and the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN).
TIP is a pilot program to provide each student and teacher with a wireless mobile computer, software, online resources and appropriate learning to help improve student achievement. The learning environment could now be expanded beyond the regular day. The pilot objectives are comprehensive. During the 2 year pilot data was collected from pilot schools, those we full immersion, those that started as controls and were moved to immersion and schools that remained as control models. The results included the following for those teachers and students participating as immersion schools:
Technology proficiency has grown
Teachers interacted more with colleagues
Students with computers experienced slightly more demanding work
Increased use of technology
Fewer disciplinary actions
Improvement to TAKS scores

TxVSN is a statewide course resource for Texas public and open enrollment charter schools. TxVSN is also provided state approved educators, professional development opprotunites to participate as facilitators. The courses are taught by a highly certified teacher as determined by Texas certification. The courses and related assessments are to be delivered through a virtual classroom to students across the State of Texas. In September 2008 registration for courses began. A data survey in October provided the following input:
· Student academic needs were accelerated
· Participation in advanced course work including Algebra, English and several foreign languages
The course offerings are still in review and scheduled for implementation in the future.
The State of Texas is committed to the implementation of a Technology Applications curriculum that is aggressive and meets the state goals of Vision 2020 and the national goals for NCLB.

Source:
Progress Report for the Long-Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020, Texas Department of Education, December 2008