New Haven public school students will have 3,000 new computers and faster connections to the web, thanks to $2.7 million from the state.
The school district won the technology grant from the state Department of Education Friday.
Of $24 million in technology grants distributed statewide, New Haven received the largest single amount: $2,657,647.
That money will be spent on nearly 3,000 computers and increased bandwidth, according to a release from the Board of Ed. “It will also allow a tenfold increase in our current capacity, allowing for more speed and more devices working at any one time. There will be targeted wireless upgrades across the district, creating a one-gig connection for all schools and a 10-gig connection for our central hub,” the release states.
The computer upgrades will set the stage for the transition to the “Common Core” state standards and curriculum, which includes computer-based testing.
“I applaud Governor Malloy, Commissioner Pryor and the New Haven delegation for recognizing the need as well and investing in technology for schools that will lead to brighter futures for our children,” Superintendent Garth Harries said in the release. “This grant allows us to add thousands of computers to classrooms and will help students be better prepared for the way they will work and learn in the rest of their life.”
“This state grant will advance our collective effort to help every student in New Haven become comfortable and productive with the technology upon
which our culture and our economy now depend,” said state Senator and Mayor-elect Toni Harp in a separate release. “Familiarity with today’s technology enables students to learn in disciplines across the board, opening the door for them to participate fully wherever their interests lead.”
“In order to succeed in the modern economy, New Haven students must possess both the knowledge and skills to compete with students from across
Connecticut and across the globe,” said state Sen. Martin Looney. “By bringing more technology into the classroom we can bridge the technological divide and prepare students for college and beyond.”
We are thrilled to see the computer technology being provided to our schools!
Why do these computers come with "Common Core" strings attached?
Was there ever a serious discussion if New Haven would implement the unproven "Common Core" tests? If so, when was that?
Who else thinks these tests are a very, very bad idea?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/11/16/arne-duncan-white-surburban-moms-upset-that-common-core-shows-their-kids-arent-brilliant/