South Carolina K-12 Technology Initiative
Introduction
In 1996, the General Assembly, through foresight and vision, realized the advantages of using technology as a tool to promote learning, competitiveness, and economic stability in South Carolina. To facilitate the production of twenty-first century citizens, South Carolina legislators created the K–12 School Technology Initiative which is guided by a unique public/private partnership comprised of the State Budget and Control Board, State Department of Education (SDE), SC Educational Television (SCETV), the State Library and the state’s private sector telecommunications providers. Because of legislative support and inspirational leadership, South Carolina has benefited and emerged as a national leader in using technology integration to help all schools achieve educational excellence.
Throughout its existence, the General Assembly’s commissioned K–12 School Technology Initiative committee has built an outstanding record of supporting a broad spectrum of administrative and educational technologies that have made South Carolina a model for other states. K–12 School Technology Initiative funding has also enabled partners in the initiative to pursue additional funding to expand partnership efforts. For example, the State Library was able to secure additional grant funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for equipment, technology training, and software upgrades. The continued support for technology in education is critical to maintaining and advancing South Carolina’s progress in technology and academics.
The visionary and innovative actions taken by the General Assembly have resulted in South Carolina ranking 26th in technology access as compared to 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2005 (Education Week, 2005). Additionally, because of proactive funding approved by the state’s legislators, South Carolina students’ access to technology surpasses or is comparable to students throughout the nation. South Carolina has been recognized for providing equal or better technology access to its high-poverty and high-minority schools than other parts of the country (Education Week, 2005). Through the K–12 School Technology Initiative, state leaders have shown their commitment to providing the state’s school children the tools and resources necessary to promote enhanced learning opportunities. Through the K–12 School Technology Initiative, South Carolina has made tremendous progress in preparing our students for life in a technological world.
However, we are at risk of losing our reputation as a leader in the educational technology field due to decreased federal and state funding. Due to budget constraints during lean years, the appropriation of funds to the K–12 School Technology Initiative has consistently been reduced. Because of these recent funding developments, the state has been unable to pass technology funds on to the districts. The lack of “flow through” monies significantly impaired many districts in their goal to improve the quality of education through use of technology in their schools.
Read the 2006 Progress Report of the South Carolina K-12 Technology Initiative.
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