May 2003 — Special Feature
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Q&A: Ruben Lopez, Florida's Chief Technology Officer
Earlier this year T.H.E. journal had the opportunity to ask Florida's Chief Technology Officer Ruben Lopez a few questions about how Florida is dealing with the the No Child Left Behind Act.
T.H.E. Journal : In general, how has the No Child Left Behind Act affected Florida schools?
Ruben: The NCLB Act has heightened awareness among many school and district personnel about the need to be diligent and committed to improving the performance of their instructional programs. It is clear that researching and promoting the most effective methods for integrating technology into day-to-day classroom instruction will be an important component of this ongoing effort. Requiring intensive, sustained and high-quality professional development for teachers is a key concept of the NCLB legislation, and is prompting school districts to ramp up their planning efforts in this area. ... Providing teachers with real opportunities to advance their knowledge of modern technology-based learning tools and the most effective teaching methods will positively impact schools in Florida.
T.H.E. : What materials are available, or will be made available, in Florida to help teachers teach and students learn the standards set by NCLB.
Ruben: We have developed a School Technology and Readiness (STaR) Chart for Florida schools. The Florida STaR Chart, which was modeled after the CEO Forum on Education & Technology's STaR Chart, will serve as a guide for school progress in education technology. The Florida STaR Chart addresses the areas of technology administration and support, technology capacity, educator competency and professional development, learners and learning, and accountability.
The Bureau of Educational Technology (BET) has recommended that districts use the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for students as the model for the development of district technology standards. In addition, we anticipate including NETS-aligned standards for technology in the revision of the Sunshine State Standards. ...
The 2003 Instructional Materials Adoption will include K-5 computer education and 6-12 computer/business technology programs. Adoptions in both areas will support the goals of No Child Left Behind by providing quality teaching and learning materials that integrate technology and curriculum.
T.H.E. : What is Florida doing to improve its teachers' abilities to integrate technology throughout all subject areas to meet NCLB's 2006 deadline?
Ruben: Florida is strongly encouraging all school districts to establish technology integration training as a significant priority within their long-range local educational technology plans. A project has also been established at the University of South Florida to provide schools with direct technical assistance in the area of technology integration. NCLB's Enhancing Education Through Technology grant program funds are being awarded to support research-based technology integration initiatives involving targeted school sites. BET staff provide ongoing technical assistance, guidance and support to school and district staff who are responsible for implementing these initiatives.
