Our schools have participated in the first two rounds of the federal E-rate incentive program and are currently competing for funding in the third round. Unfortunately, given the strict application requirements associated with this round of the E-rate, California s schools will not qualify for as much money as they have in the past. Given the Internet s potential to provide teachers with a classroom tool to offer everything from AP courses to kindergarten courses, it is imperative that the State s schools achieve connectivity to ensure that all students have equity of access to the best and greatest information. Unless teachers and administrators are trained in the use of technology, its advantages will never be realized and California s students will fall behind in the New Economy. However, California has not yet developed a proposal for similar training for administrators.
Content includes curriculum, accountability, and management systems development.
Everything from online coursework to grading and accountability systems shared among schools to procurement systems are possible once schools are connected, both in the classroom and administratively. Similarly, the same portal could be available to an entire school district, county, or conceivably, statewide. Gray Davis, Governor.