Opinion on Long Range plan

Under the goal of the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, the overall goal for educators seems to be to prepare students to become 21st Century Learners. The goals of the plan require that all educators:
1. Graduate from and educator preparation program that models current technology in instructional and administrative practices Prek-12;
2. Exit educator preparation programs knowing how to use technology effectively in the teaching and learning process;
3. Develop new learning environments that utilize technology as a flexible tool where learning is collaborative, interactive and customized.
4. Ensure integration of appropriate technology throughout all of curriculum and instruction.
In this district, the schools seem to be off to a good start towards accomplishing these goals. However, there are some flaws in the plan. Primarily, the plan deals with educators who are currently in preparations programs. It does not mention teachers who were in position prior to the creation of the plan.

This oversight will create an obstacle to fully reaching the plan’s goals unless it is addressed. We have a number of teachers who have been teaching for five or more years. That means, they’ve been teaching longer than the current plan has been in place. The district must address how to bring these teachers up to speed on technological changes and trends. While the district’s infrastructure is a strength, teacher preparation and development is an area of weakness. Without teachers who are willing and capable of utilizing the technology, the infrastructure is useless. Having the infrastructure benefits the students little if it isn't being used throughout the content areas.