Hays CISD Teacher Technology Proficiency Plan

Hays CISD implemented Teacher Technology Proficiencies during the 2002-2003 school year. The purpose of the proficiency program is to help make teachers comfortable using, instructing, and integrating technology in their classroom. As teachers feel comfortable using technology, they will be more likely to incorporate it into classroom instruction. Hays CISD Teacher Technology Proficiencies is a level, building block approach to using technology successfully.   Teachers access the proficiency program online through Eduphoria eCourses.

As HCISD teachers progress through all the levels of the Teacher Technology Proficiencies, increasing expertise in the use of technology as a teaching and learning tool is demonstrated. The teacher is required to use technology as part of their job (Level 1). The teacher is then encouraged to use the computer as part of their instruction (Level 2). Next, the teacher is encouraged to facilitate students’ use of technology using the same application in a lab setting (Level 3). The teacher facilitates a lesson in a lab setting allowing the students to use technology as a tool. At this level, students take ownership by selecting the most appropriate application needed to generate the final product (Level 4). Finally, a teacher mentors fellow teachers by conducting technology trainings, showcasing a technology lesson, and assisting with the integration of technology into the curriculum of the mentee (Level 5).

The Hays CISD Teacher Technology Proficiency Plan is based on the Texas Education Agency’s Technology Application Standards for All Beginning Teachers. See attachment above for specific information.

Level 1 – Basic Skills (revised 2005 – 2006) requires all classroom teachers to demonstrate basic skills such as Intranet/networking, Internet, Windows basics, acquiring electronic information, impact on society, student connectivity, technology-related terms, input strategies, voice mail, virtual environments, and various applications such as email, attendance, word processing, grade book, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, etc. At Level 1, teachers will use technology as a records management and organizational tool in the classroom. They will also be introduced to several application tools available for the classroom. This revised Level 1 is based on the Technology Application Standards for all Beginning Teachers. Teachers will have 3 semesters from their hire date to complete Level 1.

Level 2 – One Computer Integration encourages teachers to integrate technology into their classroom activities by using the classroom computer along with a presentation system, collaborate with fellow teachers about the integration experience, and attend three hours of technology training on an application of their choice. At Level II, teachers will be able to conduct a teacher directed technology lesson using the classroom computer.

Short Track vs. Long Track
Upon completing Level 2 of the Hays CISD Technology Proficiency Program, teachers are given the option of choosing the “short track” or the “long track” for the subsquential optional levels of the program.

Level 3 – Lab Integration consists of a student centered lessons using technology in a lab setting to enhance an instructional unit and/ or concept, collaboration with another teacher to teach a lesson, and attending six hours of technology training. At Level III, teachers facilitate the students’ use of technology as a teaching and learning tool.

Level 4 – Technology As A Tool consists of a student directed/teacher facilitated lesson where students take ownership of their products by making choices regarding the products they will create; one lesson must be co-planned with another teacher and one lesson must be an interdisciplinary lesson; and the teacher must attend six hours of technology training. At Level IV, teachers facilitate student use of technology as an authentic assessment tool to show mastery of a skill or concept.

Level 5 – Technology Mentoring:  4 to 4 a teacher will mentor four teachers in completing Levels 3 and 4 of the Teacher Technology Proficiencies; the teacher must participate in the District Technology Showcase; and the teacher must provide at least three hours of technology training including documentation for their campus or district. At Level V, a teacher assists other teachers in the integration of technology into the curriculum.