K-12 School Technology Funding
The General Assembly’s continued support for the K–12 School Technology Initiative funding is needed now more than ever. The current trend of decreasing funds for technology access and implementation could hinder the South Carolina’s impressive progress. South Carolina’s representatives must continue to take care of the State’s citizens by providing funding to maintain the capacity to train teachers and students in technology which has now become a necessity for daily functionality, communication, and information access. South Carolina students must be technologically proficient in order to acquire 21st century jobs that will keep the state economically healthy. Unless there is a concerted effort to maintain technology funding, South Carolina’s economy and communities will pay the price.
A disturbing trend in respect to funding technology in schools has emerged over the past few years in SC. Five years ago state lawmakers allotted $40 million for K–12 educational technology, however, that figure has steadily dropped to the current level of $15.7 million as of the 2005-06 school year.
During the 1990s, South Carolina was referenced as a model and leader in technology implementation, however, the past few years have seen South Carolina’s early lead diminish with decreased funding for information infrastructure and information equality. The costs for technology have continued to rise while funding has decreased to the point where the expenses incurred by the K-12 Technology Partnership in trying to support school districts has now exceeded the total revenue allocated.
Failure to adequately support technology in our schools will threaten the long-term health and vitality of the SC. The General Assembly’s long-term support of the K–12 School Technology Initiative funding has been critical to the learning and success of the state’s educators, students, and community members. If K–12 School Technology Initiative funding is decreased or eliminated, the state will be unable to route technology funds to the districts. The lack of “flow through” monies will significantly impair some districts in improving the use of technology in their schools and will diminish the tremendous gains that have made South Carolina a beacon for technology use in the nation.
Read the 2008 Progress Report of the South Carolina K-12 Technology Initiative. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the report. If you do not have it, click here to download it for free.)
