Educational Technology Ray Schroeder, editor, OTEL - University of Illinois at Springfield |
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News, Techniques and Theories of Effective Use of Technology in Education 
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Sunday, January 25, 2004
School computer plan falls short - Nicole Jacques, Battle Creek Enquirer
A statewide plan to provide wireless laptop computers to every sixth-grader has fallen short of its goal because of funding problems. The Freedom to Learn initiative lost $22 million in state funds during the most recent round of Michigan spending cuts. About $17 million in federal grant money remains available to serve only those districts with the most financial need. "We're using those funds to help with the revenue shortfall in the school aid fund," said Greg Bird, spokesperson for the state budget department. "When we start having more revenue or find ourselves in a better budget situation, that will be something we look at." Even if more money becomes available, officials at most area schools say they will be hesitant to participate because of dwindling budgets that, for some, has meant issuing staff layoff notices and putting off purchases of buses, athletic facilities and other large items.
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