Texas STaR Chart- Infrastructure for Technology

Infrastructure for Technology is the fourth part of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology. It is the key element of all four areas of the plan. The infrastructure will provide the following: 24/7 broadband access to all e-learning technologies, just-in-time technical assistance ensuring accurate, secure data, and data standards supporting inter-operability and user accessibility. Progress in the area of infrastructure is being made at the local, state, and national level by creating a sense of community that is conductive to interdisciplinary projects and expansion of learning that goes beyond the classroom. Based on the data from the state, more schools were rated advanced and target tech in 2007-2008 as compared to 2006-2007. More local school districts are meeting the Texas Long Range Plan goal by increasing their technology support budget. Trends in the infrastructure for technology show a steady progress toward meeting the recommendations set forth in the plan. With the help of collaboratives, education service centers, local, state, and Federal funding, school districts in Texas are making great strides in the area of infrastructure of technology. I believe that there are things that can be done to strengthen this area at the local, state, and regional level. I would recommend that TEA partner with other state agencies and institutions of higher education to develop and implement a high-speed, high capacity statewide telecommunication network. Regional Education Centers should try to maintain and expand the regional technology and telecommunications infrastructure to meet the growing demands of school districts , and local agencies can design, install, and maintain a technology and telecommunication infrastructure for communications and services that ensure equitable access.