Use this version. New and expanded programs outlined in governors' State of the State speeches this month emphasize the growing importance of computers to basic education. Students will be at a disadvantage, governors say, if they are denied access to computers and to the wealth of resources available through the technology. California and West Virginia are among the states earmarking more funds for computer purchases. But states also are looking beyond acquisition and thinking about the role technology plays in education.
Proficiency is the first concern.
Without such skills, our students will be left behind. With such skills, the future for our students shines bright with opportunity. High school graduates should possess such skills as word processing and database management and have a proven ability to use computers to solve problems and gather information, Taft said. The governor plans to ask Ohio's Joint Council of the State Board of Education and the Ohio Board of Regents to establish an effective date and standards for measuring proficiency. Teaching the Teachers States aim to improve the proficiency of their teachers as well.