A COMPARISON OF ADMINISTRATORS’ AND TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS

The need for teachers and administrators to select and use appropriate and effective technologies to support instruction is critical for the academic and social success of students. The purpose of the study was to document and compare administrators’ and teachers’ perceptions related to National Technology Standards (NETS). The research was intended to assist district level leaders in making informed decisions to identify plausible professional development (PD) training needs of school administrators and teachers. The mixed-method study was conducted in a large school district in the southeastern region of the United States. Participants included elementary and middle public school administrators and teachers. Survey and interview data depict both groups view pedagogical practices of high importance. Despite the fact that results of the online survey reveal both groups engaged in PD, results from the semi-structured interview depict an ongoing need for purposeful selection of technology training opportunities. Advances in technology are constant and to provide engaging learning environments for all students professional development grounded in research is essential for both administrators and teachers to influence leadership and classroom practices