Texas STaR Chart: Teaching and Learning

The area of the Texas STaR Chart that refers to teaching and learning emphasizes the key for all students to be successful is by assuring that they are fully engaged in their learning process and that there are many chances for them to be stimulated and initiate this engagement. Learning and teaching must focus on connecting to students' lives. It is imperative that students know how to acquire information.

Within our school district, there has been a higher expectation for teachers working towards student-centered learning with collaboration opportunities. Students work towards solving real-world problems. In Texas, since students come from such a diverse background accessing this technology will level the playing field for all students, regardless of their background. This distance learning can then extend past the state of Texas into other parts of the country and world. The collaboration is key!

Some trends in this area include Advanced Placement, dual-credit, and other courses required for graduation. In our district there has been great emphasis on teachers consistently using the TA TEKS appropriate for content and grade level. By integrating technology into the schools, there is a greater level of interest, inquiry, analysis, collaboration, creativity, and content production.

An area that I see still needing improvement is for all learners to have access to technology 24/7. Many students in our district come from homes that do not have access to technology. Even though juniors are issued laptops, if they do not have internet connection at their home, they are limited in using the laptops. Also, many sites are blocked on the laptops. The issued laptops are a beginning, but we still have a long way to go!