East Austin Elementary School Librarian Blames Statewide focus on T.A.K.S. for Students’ Lack of Technology Skills

     East Austin elementary students are struggling to meet the proficiency standard for technology literacy. 79% of Blackshear Elementary students failed the assessment for 2009-2010, as well as 69% from Sanchez Elementary.


Minorities using computers



East Austin School Technology Performance:

In May 2008 at Blackshear Elementary out of 38 5^th grade students tested, 30 students scored below proficiency standards.

For other East Austin schools such as Sanchez Elementary, 69% of the 64 students that were tested scored below proficiency standards.

More than half of the students at West Austin Schools met the proficiency standards.

In May 2008 at Cowan Elementary, 44% of 77 5^th grade students tested scored below proficiency standards.

Compared to other AISD schools, East Austin schools scored the lowest on the annual technology literacy assessment. 

Blackshear Elementary librarian/media specialist reaction:

Students aren’t getting enough time at school computers.

“Because of the focus on the T.A.K.S. test here, over the past several years, the kids and the teachers have actually been forbidden to use the computer lab...”, Amanda Braziel stated.

Low scores can also be caused by lack of technology at home due to financial issues.

“There is disparity between east Austin and west Austin schools when it comes to technology and the kids are not going to be ready for the workforce if they are not allowed to use this equipment”, says Braziel.

U.S. Digital Divide:

The digital divide is the gap between those who have access to technology that is evolving.

Assistant Professor at Huston-Tillotson University, Dr. Deanna C. Mercer says, "More students are using mobile devices to connect to Internet, if not available at home."

Minorities are less likely to be technologically literate, as related to the digital divide.

According to the Pew Study, between 2000 and 2010 the proportion of Internet users who are black or Latino has nearly doubled—from 11% to 21%.

According to the Pew Study, African-Americans remain less likely to go online than whites.

Just as Amanda Braziel stated, the Pew Study shows that the low percent of people who do not use Internet is due to low income.