SUPTS. MEMO. NO. 29
February 12, 1999 |
TO: | Division Superintendents |
FROM: | Paul D. Stapleton Superintendent of Public Instruction |
SUBJECT: | Report to the Commonwealth of Virginia: An Analysis of the Status of Education Technology Availability and Usage in the Public Schools of Virginia |
As detailed in Supt's Memo #124 dated September 4, 1998, the Department of Education was asked by the General Assembly to conduct a study of the availability and use of educational technology in Virginia public schools. The Department contracted with a consortium of the Milken Exchange, The North Central Regional Laboratory, and SRI International to conduct the study and make recommendations. With the assistance of school division superintendents, technology coordinators, principals, and teachers, the consortium gathered information in late summer and early fall. This was done through surveys, phone calls, and meetings of regional groups representing all geographic areas, population centers, and levels of affluence. This information was consolidated and analyzed, and became the foundation for the findings and recommendations contained in the enclosed final report. The findings of this study will be of major importance in Virginia and the nation because of the interest of educators everywhere in the integration of educational technology in K-12 schools. The degree of availability and subsequent use of technology by teachers and students are concerns to Virginia policy makers and legislators considering funding options. The Department of Education believes that the consortium did excellent work on the final report that was submitted on December 31, 1998. The methodology and findings were comprehensive and the recommendations were well thought out. It is our intent to use this study, which details the current status of educational technology in Virginia, as a foundation upon which to chart future progress and as a guide for developing future educational technology plans and initiatives. I would like to thank each of you who provided assistance with this endeavor. I trust that this report will also assist you as you work to carry out the goals of your division technology plan. If you have any questions about the study, please contact Lan W. Neugent, Assistant Superintendent of Technology at (804) 225-2757. PDS/emt Enclosure: A hard copy of this memo and its attach- ment will be sent to the superintendent's office.