Education Leaders Regret Reduction in Stimulus Funding for Technology-Rich Classrooms |
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By: Consortium for School Networking Posted: 2009-02-14 07:08:24 |
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Two leading education associations today expressed concern over the reduction in funding for technology-rich classrooms included in the conference report of the economic stimulus bill. The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE) released the following joint statement:
"We are deeply disappointed that funding to create technology-rich classrooms has been significantly scaled back in the compromise economic recovery bill. The funding provides a much-needed down payment toward meeting President Obama's vision that all students receive the benefits of 21st century learning environments, but the final level of investment falls short of funding in the House and Senate bills, and far short of what is needed by our students to compete in today's digital age. "President Obama has repeatedly pledged to 'provide new computers, new technology, and new training for teachers' and requested Congress make an historic investment. Congress first met that request part-way by allocating $1 billion to the Enhancing Education through Technology (EETT)program in both the House and Senate passed versions of the Economic Recovery and Revitalization Act (HR1). But today's final conference report cuts that investment to $650 million, which represents a 35% reduction for investments in classroom technology. "We urge Congress to use the upcoming FY09 and FY10 appropriations legislation to invest in education technology at levels that will help affect meaningful educational change." According to CoSN and ISTE, which combined represent more than 100,000 educators, a spending infusion on education technology will both provide U.S. students with the 21st century skills they need to succeed in the future and generate jobs in the education, education services and technology sectors. The groups estimate that a total investment of $9.9 billion is necessary to ensure that all Title I schools have effective, technology-rich classrooms. About CoSN and ISTE: The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) is the country's premier voice in education technology leadership, serving K-12 technology leaders who through their strategic use of technology, improve teaching and learning. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. Home of NETS and NECC, ISTE represents more than 100,000 professionals worldwide. |
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