DOBSON — The Surry County Schools Board of Education looks at goals each year during a retreat and updates the objectives associated with each goal. The objectives serves as benchmarks for implementing new programs and ensuring that the school system continues to run smoothly and progress. As objectives are accomplished during the year, they are removed during the retreat and replaced with new objectives for the coming year.

Board Goal One mandates that Surry County Schools “attract, train and retain quality personnel with skills to deliver 21st Century content.”

At this year’s retreat, technology training for educators was a hot topic for discussion. The N.C. Department of Public Instruction does not have a technology requirement for professional development hours to renew teaching licenses. All kindergarten through eighth-grade teachers have to have three units of reading credit and all kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers have to have three units of development in their academic area during a five-year period. The Surry County Schools Board of Education is looking at making technology professional development a local requirement.

“I think we have a different standard where teachers are concerned,” said Michele Hunter, board member, of the state’s requirements for teachers.

Last year, the school system hosted a technology conference which was attended by around 90 percent of the teachers. This conference could count as credit hours for renewal. If there were to be a technology requirement, the school system would be able to monitor teacher progress in technology competency to ensure they are actually making progress.

“At some point there have to be teeth. How do we get to that point?” said Hunter of making sure teachers are motivated to make progress. “If you’re progressing, that’s positive. It’s the ones that refuse to progress I’m worried about.”

Dr. Ashley Hinson, superintendent, pointed out that in order to make it an effective requirement, the plans have to be personalized to the teachers. The technology conference already does that by offering sessions for teachers at all different levels.

“I’m OK with baby steps, but I want there to at least be baby steps,” said Hunter. “Every student deserves the best. If we have even one teacher not doing what needs to be done, that’s too many.”

Another stipulation considered by the board is to make a requirement that new hires are proficient in technology. All potential employees will be asked to take a technology survey to determine at what level they are proficient. That score could influence whether or not they are hired.

“I can’t see anything more important than technology and integrating that into the classroom in professional development,” said Brian Gates, board vice chair.

At present, all teachers are required to complete a technology survey to determine their level of competency. Teachers are expected to show progress by the end of the year, but there are no written requirements.

“Part of this process is going to have to be documentation,” said Hunter.

The school system’s curriculum committee will meet this month and present a recommendation to the school board by the August board meeting.

Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.