Technology Support for ESL/LEP

Technology support for the ESL/LEP program, its students and teachers is provided through the La Vernia ISD Technology Department. In addition to maintaining a world-class technology support staff, La Vernia ISD is committed to provide innovative technologies and techniques to insure that the latest information and resources are always made available to our staff and students.

Our state-approved Long Range Technology Plan guides all aspects and operations of the technology and its integration into the ESL/LEP curriculum. The plan covers all technology and information delivery, including infrastructure, computers and communications, curriculum and content, support, human infrastructure, and staff development. The District-level plan is coordinated with the goals and objectives set forth in each school’s Campus Improvement Plan.

Technology and infrastructure goals and needs, and ESL/LEP curriculum guidelines, are based on ongoing analysis of campus and District needs in conjunction with state and federal mandates. Leading-edge uses of new technology tools, including distance learning and streaming web-based video content, allow La Vernia ISD to bring learning and interaction opportunities to its students and staff that are not available or not cost-effective through any other means.

Finally, all ESL/LEP teachers must understand the technology tools we have given them, and be comfortable using them before they can integrate these tools into the curriculum or teach students to use them. Therefore, staff development is an essential component at the heart of La Vernia ISD’s technology plan. Every summer, and throughout the school year, competency-based technology literacy staff development sessions are offered for campus staff. Training is provided for all levels of use and expertise. In conjunction with the staff development, live distance-learning teleconferencing is used to provide ad-hoc face-to-face meetings with peer ESL/LEP teachers throughout the region, giving teachers the benefit of curriculum, experiences and practices that have been successfully implemented in other ESL/LEP programs.