No Teacher Left Behind
21st Century Teaching Skills
Expectations for Our Teachers
If we expect Teachers to prepare and lead our children to the 21st century as adults they will need to train our students “to be able to apply knowledge in complex situations, think critically, problem-solve multifaceted issues, be digitally literate, and collaborate with others (Florida 2002. 2005; Silva, 2009, Trilling & Fadel, 2009).” If we are to make sure that our teachers are properly training and exposing our students we have to assure that they are properly instructed and trained with technology, strategies, curriculum and methods that will be needed.
NCLB (2001)
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 was able to shake up the world of education as we know it in America. It brought about reform and change – very much needed change. The one thing that was lacking in the bill was a structured funding plan to accomplish all the stated objectives. Funding for education has increased on the national and state level but even with the increases there has not been enough funding meet all the changes and reforms called for in NCLB (2001). It would seem natural that if we are going to reform education we would include training for those educators that would implement the changes and upgraded educational curriculum.
Teacher & Student Interaction w/ Technology
Teacher & Class Interaction w/ Technology
Teachers Being Tech Trained
Educators must be developed, trained and prepared in order to be effective teachers for 21st Century Students!
Realities
NCLB (2001) did allow for any provisions for teacher training or professional development. It did state that teachers must be considered highly qualified. “The NCLB defines "highly qualified" teachers as those teachers who have obtained full State certification or passed the State licensing exam, and holds such a license (lcwlegal, 2010).” In the state of Texas Teachers must have a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university and complete an educator approved preparation program that leads to the certificate granted by the TExES program. For continued professional development I found that the total number of required hours for teachers has increased each year as a way to insure that teachers are prepared.
ISTE Standards
The ISTE Standards for Teachers from the Society for Technical Education list five points that are the standard for teachers who are effectively modeling technology practices in the classroom. The ISTE Standard states that “Effective teachers model and apply the ISTE Standards for Students (Standards•S) as they design, implement, and assess learning experiences to engage students and improve learning; enrich professional practice; and provide positive models for students, colleagues, and the community. I checked the Texas State Education website - TEA.COM to see what is offered for teachers for technology education. They have providers listed along with online opportunities. I spoke with several teachers from different local ISD”s and found that they are required to technology courses as a part of their annual professional development hrs. The teachers also stated that just as e are being required to use technology as a part of class presentations, they have the same requirements. Their finalized classroom activities must include a technology piece or pieces on a regular basis. They were being held accountable by their department heads in staff meetings.
Newman, R. (2013). Teaching and learning in the 21st century: Connecting the dots. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
www.lcwlegal.com/78463
http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/20-14_ISTE_Standards-T_PDF.pdf
Email: jantarainey@aol.com
Website: www.Ashford.edu
Phone: 281-914.3371