Clerical Services ESP — 
Building a Quality Workforce

The Technology Explosion

The computer has changed virtually everything regarding information for Clerical Services ESP. But, as the saying goes, "everything has changed, yet it remains the same." Rather than decreasing paperwork for clerical workers, the computer age has actually increased information collection and storage. The array and scope of information that is collected, categorized, inputted, rolled-over, and warehoused is staggering, and employees need to develop extensive data management skills.

It is also important to understand that for each new program adopted by the school district for its students, a whole new set of statistics and information must be acquired and maintained. Providing that acquisition and maintenance by Clerical Services ESP is an ongoing endeavor that is driven by the explosion in technology. Unfortunately Boards of Education do not keep up with appropriate training and professional development programs for Clerical Services ESP. The many gaps in training with new computers and software make it difficult for clerical services personnel to meet their ever-changing job expectations. Recognition by Boards of Education of the explosion in technology is not enough. They must work much harder to provide training, in-service, and professional development for Clerical Services ESP.

To Section 8: The Challenge of the Privacy Issue