Infrastructure for Technology

The Infrastructure for Technology area of the Texas STaR Chart provides teacher assessment of the following: students per classroom computers, Internet connectivity speed, classroom technology, technical support, local area network/wide area network, and distance learning capacity. Basically, this area of the STaR chart provides information on the school's capability to provide a technology-based learning environment. It includes all of the technology resources, equipment, devices, etc. that can be used to enhance learning.

Statewide, schools have shown significant improvement in technology infrastructure since 2003. In the last few years, Texas schools have gone from the category of "developing tech" to "advanced tech" in the area of infrastructure. This could indicate greater allocation or redistribution of funds to the acquirement of technological resources.

For schools to achieve a rating of "target tech", each student will need on-demand access to computers. This will require additional funds or grants for technology. However, as the price of computers decreases, I believe it is possible to each student to have computer access in the near future.