1. Recognize the related legislatures and regulations to support the needs from your institution.
To find the regulation outlined for the education service center it is possible to examine the employee handbook proved by Region 14 Education Service Center. “ In 1967 the Texas Legislature directed that the State Board of Education provide, by rules and regulations, for the establishment and operation of regional education service centers. Twenty regional service centers provide services to school districts. The centers are service organizations, not regulatory arms of the Texas Education Agency, and participation by schools in services of the centers is voluntary.” (Employee handbook, 2011-2012, P. 8)
The Texas education code describes the specified purpose that education service center must embody. Chapter 8 of the Texas Education Code, enacted by the 75th Texas Legislature in 1997, specified the following purposes of education service centers.
“Regional education service centers shall:
1. Assist school districts in improving student performance in each region of the system;
2. Enable school districts to operate more efficiently and economically; and
3. Implement initiatives assigned by the legislature or the commissioner.”
Mission of Texas Education Agency:
“Regional education service centers support local districts in attaining the mission, goals, and objectives set forth by the Texas Education Agency. The mission of the Texas Education Agency is “to build the capacity of the Texas public education system to provide to all students a quality education that enables them to achieve their potential and fully participate now and in the future in the social, economic, and educational opportunities of our state and nation.”” (Employee handbook, 2011-2012, P. 9)
The employee handbook also outlines specific local policies to support the school districts with region 14. State-provided financial support must be used to develop, maintain, and deliver services to improve student and school district performance. Annual improvement plans provided to the commissioner must describe service the center will provide to:
1. low-performing campuses based on the state accountability system,
2. The lowest-performing campuses in the region, and
3. Other campuses.
Services must also be provided that:
1. Enable districts to operate more efficiently and economically,
2. Assist in teaching a variety of subject areas,
3. Address districts rated academically unacceptable under the state system of accreditation, and
4. Promote compliance with state laws and rules.
In addition, the commissioner or legislature may identify initiatives to be implemented by regional education service centers. Other services from centers may be requested and purchased by any school district or campus in the state. However, regional education service centers may not perform a regulatory function regarding a school district.
Funding:
“Centers do not possess tax levying or bonding authority and rely on grants and contracts for funding. Revenues are received from three primary sources. State funds provide approximately 18%; federal funds provide 69%; contracts with school districts comprise 13%.” (Employee handbook, 2011-2012, P. 10) “This funding varies from year to year but stays pretty consistent on a year to year basis. We did see a decline in state funding this year due to the cut in funding to education service centers during the past legislative session.” (KT, Personal Communication, February 24, 2012)
Programs and Services:
The separate components within region 14 must work together to provide the best possible support for our school districts. So, the Center for Technology Services must collaborate with each of the other components to meet or exceed the quality objectives guiding the service center.” (RM, Personal Communication, February 24, 2012) “Region 14 provides an array of services to school districts. In support of school administration, they provide services in such areas as computer support for business and student services, administrator training, bus driver training, and cooperative purchasing. Centers provide a wide range of curriculum improvement and staff development opportunities for teachers. Technical assistance and training in instructional improvement are the most common. Centers also operate cooperatives among school districts for programs such as drug abuse prevention, migrant education, accelerated schools, and adult education.” (Employee handbook, 2011-2012, P10)
“We must work together to make sure the districts have the best possible support to achieve the requirements the state has set for them.” (MW, Personal Communication, February 21, 2012.) “Centers have taken a lead role in providing training and technical assistance for the implementation of the Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) and accountability. Centers assist campuses in the development of school improvement plans, provide training to campus teams, and deliver ongoing support to the teams to improve student learning on individual campuses. Field service agents from each center provide technical assistance and support to the administration of the district. A certification officer in each center provides immediate answers to related questions from local personnel. Field-based certification approval is available through these operations. Center child nutrition specialists provide technical assistance to local food service and instructional staff.” (Employee handbook, 2011-2012, P10)
Technology is a major part of how we support our districts. We must have the Center for Technology Services involved in every component at the service center to make sure technology integration is being utilized on all levels to best support our districts in increasing student achievement within Region 14.” RK, Personal Communication, February 20, 2012.)“In conjunction with the commissioner and Texas Education Agency personnel, centers have implemented and currently operate the Texas Education Telecommunications Network (TETN). Connecting the twenty centers with the TEA, this network reduces travel costs, increases productivity, and adds value for local, regional, and state operations. Regional and local initiatives to design, create and utilize telecommunications are currently underway.” (Employee handbook, 2011-2012, P11)
2. Develop the objectives for the school technology plan based on the needs from your institution.
“The Quality Policy adopted by the QMS Administrative Team is as follows: Region XIV Education Service Center is committed to improving the performance of the educational community that ensures excellence, equity and efficiency in meeting customer requirements through a continuous improvement process supported by our Quality Management System. The Quality Policy is reviewed at least annually by the QMS” (Quality manual, 2011-2012, P11)
The quality manual ensures that the service center is working towards the quality objectives that are created by the ESC to provide a plan to assist districts in its support. The Administrative Team to ensure that it:
• is appropriate for the purpose of Region XIV ESC
• includes a commitment to comply with requirements to continually improve
the effectiveness of the quality management system
• provides a framework for establishing and reviewing quality objectives
• is communicated and understood within the Service Center
• is reviewed for continuing suitability.
The following objectives are needed to be consistent with the quality manual and should be included in the technology plan to assist the service center to provide measurable objectives, not only in the curriculum, but across the spectrum of services provided by the service center.
Student Achievement Objectives
#1 100% of all districts in Region XIV ESC will be rated Academically Acceptable or higher or show improvement on Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#2 100% of charter schools served by Region XIV ESC will be rated Academically Acceptable or higher or show improvement on Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#3 100% of all districts in Region XIV ESC will meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) or show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#4 100% of charter schools served by Region XIV ESC will meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) or show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#5 100% of all campuses in Region XIV ESC will be rated Academically Acceptable or higher or show improvement on Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#6 100% of all charter campuses served by Region XIV ESC will be rated Academically Acceptable or higher or show improvement on Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#7 100% of all campuses in Region XIV ESC will meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) or show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#8 100% of all charter campuses served by Region XIV ESC will meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) or show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#9 Student Performance for Region XIV ESC on “Met Standard for All Students” will show improvement in TAKS Math and Science through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#10 The achievement gap in Region XIV ESC TAKS Science for “Met Standard” between White and Hispanic will show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#11 The achievement gap in Region XIV ESC TAKS Science for “Met Standard” between White and African-American will show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#12 The achievement gap in Region XIV ESC TAKS Math for “Met Standard” between White and Hispanic will show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#13 The achievement gap in Region XIV ESC TAKS Math for “Met Standard” between White and African-American will show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
District Efficiency Objectives
#1 The number of districts in Region XIV ESC identified through Performance Based Monitoring Analysis System (PBMAS) for intervention will be reduced annually through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#2 100% of the districts in Region XIV ESC will maintain a FIRST rating of Superior, Above Standard, or Standard through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#3 100% of the districts in Region XIV ESC will participate in at least one Shared Service Arrangement / Contracted Services, and Statewide Initiatives through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#4 100% of West Texas Telecommunication Consortium (WTTC) member districts will participate in the federal E-Rate program in partnership with Region XIV ESC to assist in the funding of technology services provided by the WTTC.
#5 The Center for Technology Service and the WTTC will apply for 2 additional grant opportunities to assist in the funding of technology services provided by Region XIV ESC.
#6 100% of the districts in Region XIV ESC will participate in a Chapter 41/Chapter 42 Coop that will assist in the funding of technology services to the school districts within the Region XIC ESC support area.
#7 The Center for Technology Services will participate in funding partnerships with purchasing Coops (TCPS, TIPS, NCPA) and revenue sharing programs to assist in the funding of technology services provided by Region XIV ESC.
Statewide Initiatives Objectives:
Region XIV ESC will, as directed by the commissioner, use funds to support the following initiatives:
#1 School Board Training: Region XIV ESC will develop School Board Training Curriculum for use by all Texas Regional Education Service Centers through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#2 Service Learning: The Service Learning Texas will increase the number of students and number of schools participating in service-learning through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
ESC Operational Effectiveness Objectives
#1 The number of contact hours of training delivered by Region XIV ESC will increase as reported on the Annual Balanced Score Card Summary through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#2 Annually conduct internal audit of components. Region XIV ESC will meet QMS standards through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
3. Identify the objective for each area of Technology, Funding, and Management. Provide the needed elements for each objective to make sure that it’s measurable.
Technology:
Student Achievement Objectives
#1 100% of all districts in Region XIV ESC will be rated Academically Acceptable or higher or show improvement on Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#2 100% of charter schools served by Region XIV ESC will be rated Academically Acceptable or higher or show improvement on Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#3 100% of all districts in Region XIV ESC will meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) or show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#4 100% of charter schools served by Region XIV ESC will meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) or show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#5 100% of all campuses in Region XIV ESC will be rated Academically Acceptable or higher or show improvement on Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#6 100% of all charter campuses served by Region XIV ESC will be rated Academically Acceptable or higher or show improvement on Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#7 100% of all campuses in Region XIV ESC will meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) or show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#8 100% of all charter campuses served by Region XIV ESC will meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) or show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#9 Student Performance for Region XIV ESC on “Met Standard for All Students” will show improvement in TAKS Math and Science through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#10 The achievement gap in Region XIV ESC TAKS Science for “Met Standard” between White and Hispanic will show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#11 The achievement gap in Region XIV ESC TAKS Science for “Met Standard” between White and African-American will show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#12 The achievement gap in Region XIV ESC TAKS Math for “Met Standard” between White and Hispanic will show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#13 The achievement gap in Region XIV ESC TAKS Math for “Met Standard” between White and African-American will show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
District Efficiency Objectives
#1 The number of districts in Region XIV ESC identified through Performance Based Monitoring Analysis System (PBMAS) for intervention will be reduced annually through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#2 100% of the districts in Region XIV ESC will maintain a FIRST rating of Superior, Above Standard, or Standard through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#3 100% of the districts in Region XIV ESC will participate in at least one Shared Service Arrangement / Contracted Services, and Statewide Initiatives through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
Statewide Initiatives Objectives:
Region XIV ESC will, as directed by the commissioner, use funds to support the following initiatives:
#1 School Board Training: Region XIV ESC will develop School Board Training Curriculum for use by all Texas Regional Education Service Centers through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#2 Service Learning: The Service Learning Texas will increase the number of students and number of schools participating in service-learning through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
ESC Operational Effectiveness Objectives
#1 The number of contact hours of training delivered by Region XIV ESC will increase as reported on the Annual Balanced Score Card Summary through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#2 Annually conduct internal audit of components. Region XIV ESC will meet QMS standards through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
Funding:
District Efficiency Objectives
#3 100% of the districts in Region XIV ESC will participate in at least one Shared Service Arrangement / Contracted Services, and Statewide Initiatives through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#4 100% of West Texas Telecommunication Consortium (WTTC) member districts will participate in the federal E-Rate program in partnership with Region XIV ESC to assist in the funding of technology services provided by the WTTC.
#5 The Center for Technology Service and the WTTC will apply for 2 additional grant opportunities to assist in the funding of technology services provided by Region XIV ESC.
#6 100% of the districts in Region XIV ESC will participate in a Chapter 41/Chapter 42 Coop that will assist in the funding of technology services to the school districts within the Region XIC ESC support area.
#7 The Center for Technology Services will participate in funding partnerships with purchasing Coops (TCPS, TIPS, NCPA) and revenue sharing programs to assist in the funding of technology services provided by Region XIV ESC.
Statewide Initiatives Objectives:
#2 Service Learning: The Service Learning Texas will increase the number of students and number of schools participating in service-learning through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
Management:
Student Achievement Objectives
#1 100% of all districts in Region XIV ESC will be rated Academically Acceptable or higher or show improvement on Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#2 100% of charter schools served by Region XIV ESC will be rated Academically Acceptable or higher or show improvement on Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#3 100% of all districts in Region XIV ESC will meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) or show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#4 100% of charter schools served by Region XIV ESC will meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) or show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#5 100% of all campuses in Region XIV ESC will be rated Academically Acceptable or higher or show improvement on Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#6 100% of all charter campuses served by Region XIV ESC will be rated Academically Acceptable or higher or show improvement on Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#7 100% of all campuses in Region XIV ESC will meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) or show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#8 100% of all charter campuses served by Region XIV ESC will meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) or show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#9 Student Performance for Region XIV ESC on “Met Standard for All Students” will show improvement in TAKS Math and Science through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#10 The achievement gap in Region XIV ESC TAKS Science for “Met Standard” between White and Hispanic will show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#11 The achievement gap in Region XIV ESC TAKS Science for “Met Standard” between White and African-American will show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#12 The achievement gap in Region XIV ESC TAKS Math for “Met Standard” between White and Hispanic will show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#13 The achievement gap in Region XIV ESC TAKS Math for “Met Standard” between White and African-American will show improvement through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
Statewide Initiatives Objectives:
Region XIV ESC will, as directed by the commissioner, use funds to support the following initiatives:
#1 School Board Training: Region XIV ESC will develop School Board Training Curriculum for use by all Texas Regional Education Service Centers through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
ESC Operational Effectiveness Objectives
#1 The number of contact hours of training delivered by Region XIV ESC will increase as reported on the Annual Balanced Score Card Summary through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
#2 Annually conduct internal audit of components. Region XIV ESC will meet QMS standards through the utilization of the integration of technology within the curriculum and school district environment.
KT, Region 14 Education Service Center, Chief Financial Officer, Personal Communication, February 24, 2012
MW, Region 14 Education Service Center, WTTC Director, Personal Communication, February 21, 2012.
Region 14 Employee Handbook, 2011-1012, Revision #7, Region 14 Education Service Center Quality management system
Region 14 Quality Manual, 2011-1012, Revision #11, Region 14 Education Service Center Quality management system
RK, Region 14 Education Service Center, Executive Director, Personal Communication, February 20, 2012.
RM, Region 14 Education Service Center, Director of Technology Services, Personal Communication, February 24, 2012.
Texas Education Code, http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/?link=ED
I like your comment related to making sure Technology Services is involved with making decisions about technology. How would you go about making sure this is accomplished? I’ve always found that making sure the Board and the President/Superintendent support this process – makes all the difference in the world. Technology is integrated within everything we do. Therefore, making sure the Technology Department is involved from the very beginning, is very important (TEA, 2002).
ReplyDeleteTexas Education Agency, A. n. (2002). 2002 Update to the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 1996-2010. A Report to the 78th Texas Legislature from the Texas Education Agency.
The key to this includes multiple issues. First, I have been a director at Region 14 for five years now and I am currently the longest serving director on our administrative team. With that said, I have gained the trust of the Executive Director in the categories of management, funding, and technology.
DeleteBecause of my ten years of working at Region 14, I bring a trust to the position because of the tenure I have and the experience I have obtained from working as a consultant, network administrator, and now director.
I am also a certified teacher and have the luxury of know what trials and tribulations occur in the classroom and the effects that technology, funding, and management have across the board in the education environment.
Lastly, I am confident and outspoken in the use of technology as a tool to enhance the education environment. This confidence allows me to "fight" for what I and my staff feel is a critical part of the education process. When this is done the TEAM members are more likely to follow my lead because of my experiences and the passion I have for technology.
Robb, what an excellent blog providing the proposed objectives to match with the required standards!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is impressed that each objective included the appropriate measurement to assess the outcomes. Way to go! Keep up the great work!!!
Rob,
DeleteFor Student Achievement Objectives 9-13 under the Management section, you stated that students will show improvement. Is there a certain level of improvement that you are shooting for to know whether or not your goal was met? Or is any level of improvement sufficient since they already meet the standard? How will you know/measure if the technology being integrated into the curriculum is what caused the improvement?
Thanks
Norma
Goals vs. Objectives. (n.d.) Retrieved on February 29, 2012 from the Lock Haven University website at http://www.lhup.edu/swillia6/MATH%20316/Fall%202007/Misc/Goals%20vs%20Objectives.pdf
DeleteThat is a valid question. Being a Service Center we have no regulatory power to make the schools do anything. We may only assist and guide the schools within Region 14 to practices we feel are most beneficial to the education process. We do everything we can to insure the success of the administrators, educators, and students within Region 14. So, our goal is to continue improvement through our services, Coops, and programs to assist each district within Region 14 to be able to succeed. But, without any regulatory power we must rely on the trust, hard work, and dedication for the school districts we support. Therefore, to provide objectives more specific would not allow for our guaranteed ability to have input into each objective. So, that is why we want to be held accountable but must have some flexibility to control, at least some portion, of the objective process.
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