This article discusses the emergence of and the implementation of the Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. "Rewriting the Texas curriculum is a big job. Since I became commissioner in March 1995, we have received written and verbal comments from at least 18,000 parents, educators and experts in particular academic fields on the proposed TEKS. Their input has helped us to prepare clear, understandable expectations for our children. The TEKS have gotten more rigorous, more concrete and more specific during the review process," Commissioner of Education Mike Moses said. (TEA, 1997) Besides providing updated course content, the new curriculum takes a different approach from that spelled out in the current curriculum, called the essential elements. The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for 19 areas were designated in law and adopted in April and July 1997.

Implementing and disseminating information about the technology applications curriculum is essential to the Texas long-range plan for technology. For us as educators to be effective, we must first be competent with the technology applications that facilitate our work and support for student learning.