SETS Services: The legislative intent of the four SETS projects is to provide resources and support, most cost-effectively delivered on a statewide basis, to educators throughout California. The four SETS projects are: 1) California Learning Resource Network (CLRN)–an online resource to locate electronic and Internet-based learning resources aligned with State Content Standards, and technology applications supporting data-driven decision making, 2) Technical Support for Education Technology in Schools (TechSETS)–an online resource providing training, support and information to school technology staff, 3) The Technology Information Center for Administrative Leadership (TICAL) –an information and staff development resource to support school administrators use of technology in support of school management and data-driven decision making, and 4) EdTechProfile (ETP) to provide access to online technology proficiency assessments as well as related reports of educator and student proficiency assessment data.
Services delivered: All four SETS projects met or exceeded most (76%) of their planned objectives related to the above-mentioned services. Evaluation showed that the projects each provided access to information accessible to all educators with Internet access. The data showed that about 10% of all educators in the state used SETS resources. While the content of services addressed topics identified in statute, users of SETS suggested a need to address new topics reflecting current education priorities and needs. SETS information dissemination included, conference presentations and exhibits, information delivered by workshops and consultations by California Technology Assistance Project (CTAP) regional support staff, region-specific institutes, and direct consultation to educators.
Use and Impact of Services: CTAP staff rely on SETS as a source of information and resources to incorporate into regional professional development on the use of technology in education. A representative sample of 454 users of CTAP services completed a pre- post-survey documenting an increase in readiness and use of SETS resources by 90% of the survey respondents. Educators who use SETS services indicate they are highly valued and are a necessary resource to facilitate the most effective use of technology to support teaching and school administration. During 2006-07, follow-up with SETS users will determine to the extent to which change in instructional practice that resulted from the use of information and resources made available by SETS.
Recommendations: The major recommendations included: 1) Increase awareness and use of SETS project information resources, 2) update SETS content to ensure relevance to current education priorities and needs, 3) coordinate the use of SETS with other relevant education programs, 4) expand documentation of the use and value of SETS resources, 5) increase the use of CTAP staff to disseminate information and training on the use of SETS, 6) provide the California Legislature and State Board of Education with an annual report on current and emerging educational technology needs, the extent to which these needs are being addressed, and 7) the need for additional state funding to enable SETS to continue addressing these needs.
*Evaluation conducted by Educational Support Systems under contract with the California Department of Education Contact John Cradler, Lead Evaluator for additional information at: cradler@earthlink.net
