Advanced Technology for School Administrators
September 21, 2008
Responses for Technology Standards for Administrators, Teachers, and Students
1. Should the new administrator standards parallel the new teacher standards?
Yes. The administrator standards should parallel the teacher standards. Administrators should be proficient or at least an understanding of technology and technology concepts utilized in their schools. They should be able to do what is required of the teachers. I feel that administrators should, “Practice what they Preach”.
2. Are there additional standards to which administrators should be held?
Based my review of the current standards, I feel that the six standards cover the areas in which administrator will interact with technology.
3. What is your overall reaction to the current administrator standards?
Overall, I think that the administrator technology standards are acceptable. Under each goal or objective in the standards, there are specific tasks that the administrator should perform.
a. Leadership and Vision ----It is important that the administrator involve the staff in decisions about integrating technology. If the staff provides input or feel they have equal ownership, they will be cooperative and more receptive to carry out the vision or technology plan.
b. Learning and Teaching---The administrator should make sure the curriculum, instructional strategies and the environment in the classroom appropriate to ensure that the students are learning and their technology needs are met.
c. Productivity and Professional Practice---Lifelong learning is very important. Administrators need to keep up with the current trends and know how to apply the trends in education. If we are going to require our teachers to use technology, then we need to use it. (communication and a means for professional development)
d. Support, Management, and Operations---When technology plans are implemented, they should be monitored and the administrator should make sure that the new technology works what they currently have in place. Technology used for daily operations for financial and human resources. Technology incorporated into daily operations, can increase efficiency and productivity.
e. Assessment and Evaluation--- Technology is a valuable resource evaluating and assess testing as well as analyzing data.
f. Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues---Administrators should be aware of issues relating to the use of technology and they should model the proper way to use it. Additionally, the administrator should protect themselves, teachers, and the student in regards to safety, security, and the laws (ex. copyright laws) relating to the use of technology.
All of the standards are part of administrators’ duties.
Amiee Richardson
Huff Post Gets Something Right
15 years ago
9 comments:
I think when you said administrators should 'practice what they preach,' it pretty much said it all. Adminstrators should not expect more from their teachers than they are willing and able to do themselves.
Expanding on what you said, "administrators should paractice what they preach", I offer this as a question: how much technology is enough? Another question: are we controlled by a list of standards? It seems that we, as a people and nation, are obsessed with the newest, best thing. Remember Beta format movies? How do we prioritize how to invest our money, and more importantly, our time. My budget at home does not allow for an upgrade everytime a new cell phone comes down the pike (my daughters can attest to this!) My school budget, while it may be of greater size will be just, if not more, stretched. If it is a choice between setting up a fund to pay for eyeglasses and winter jackets for my students or one or two more computers-no brainer. Do the technology standards answer that question?
I am a firm believer in your point of view. Administrators must be leaders, and in doing so, must be able to be an example to those who are following. As you said, "practice what they preach".
Jeff,
I think that you asked very good questions.
I don't think that we should be controlled by the list, we just need make sure that we abide by it since that is what we are required to do. Having said that, I don't think that we have to follow the standards daily(daily to me would mean controlling), but set goals or personal dealines of when to monitor, incorporate, acquire resources etc. This will give us some sense of autonomy.
I agree with you that everytime something new comes out we do not have to go get it. Personally, I don't do that.
I do think however, that as an administrator we should at least keep up and acquire knowledge about the new trends even if we do not implement them immediately into our school.
Aimie,
Thanks for responding. I sometimes get carried away providing "the other point of view". I do think that the standards are well written and encompass all the areas that they should. I could use a little more help on the indicators.
Jeff
I felt the same way about the standards. I think the standards cover what they need to cover and parallel enough of the teacher standards to be effective.
I agree when you said administrators need to practice what they preach. If they don't practice it, they should at least know something about it. How can you truly evaluate a teacher's performance using technology when you have no clue about what is going on and how it benefits students?
Great comment! Bottom line is the administrator's standards should at least parallel the teachers standards before the administrator would have any room to make comments towards the technology teaching and usage in a classroom.
Kristin said
I knew with us both teaching technology we would have the same view...we had to do a lot of "practicing what we knew" when we taught.
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