for which they are to be commended.
This was the situation:
In Westbrook, School Committee members were left in a bind: either take the computers and the associated costs, or have teachers at the high school and vocational center return their state-provided laptops.
Local teachers have built their curriculum around the laptops since they received them two years ago, and taking them away would be a huge step backward, they said. Replacing all 100 machines would cost around $100,000, school officials said.
The School Committee grudgingly approved the program.
“The Department of Education couldn’t find a better way to jam this down our throat,” said committee member Edward Symbol, who supported the measure.
Schools feel misled on laptop program, Portland Press Herald, 3/31/09
Then, sweet reason intervened:
After further consideration and consultation with superintendents, the Department will continue to maintain support for the Maine Learning Technology Initiative 21st Century High School Teacher Tools and Resources (21CHSTTR) program for those districts that are unable to participate in the anticipated MLTI expansion that will include students in grades 9-12. Schools that choose to participate only in the 21CHSTTR program will receive the same equipment, software, support, and professional development opportunities as schools that participate in the student 1:1 deployment as they do today. Consistent with current practices, 21CHSTTR schools will continue to be responsible for internal wiring and wireless networking.
Informational Letter #81, March 31, 2009
It takes a big department to consider and consullt. Good move!