A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

FOR RELEASE

September 22, 1998

The Clinton Administration today announced that 20 school district partnerships in 17 states will be awarded grants totaling $30 million to help provide the additional support to meet the challenge of preparing new teachers, and supporting existing ones, to teach effectively using technology.

The Technology Innovative Challenge Grant Program serves as a catalyst for positive change for schools. It supports educators, industry partners, communities, parents, and others who are using new technologies to help bring high quality education to every classroom and neighborhood.

"School districts are forming partnerships with businesses and community organizations across the country to meet the challenge of bringing their schools and communities into the information age," said President Clinton. "These Challenge grants will help schools put computers in classrooms and provide more training for teachers to use technology to improve their lesson plans. These grants are one of many efforts needed to ensure that our students are prepared for the challenges of the 21st century."

"The grants focus on enhancing teachers' skills and their professional development to use computers and advanced learning technologies in their classrooms," said U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley. "Students will benefit from teachers who are familiar with these rapidly changing technologies and are able to effectively integrate them into their teaching curriculum."

The 20 school district partnerships receiving new grants are located in 17 states. They will work with partners in 150 school districts, 100 businesses, and 80 colleges and universities, benefitting about one million students and providing additional training opportunities for thousands of teachers in these communities.

The grants will range in size from $789,000 to $2 million a year for five years, and will leverage business and community partners by generating matching commitments valued at more than $90 million.

Challenge Grant communities work to integrate new technologies into state or local education improvement efforts that have been stimulated by a growing national commitment to raising education standards.

Effective use of new technologies in these communities will contribute to improved student achievement in reading, writing, science, mathematics, history, the arts and other disciplines. Each project will support effective training for teachers and promote greater parent and community involvement in education.

These projects also will help smooth the transition from school to careers and college by engaging students in real-life learning experiences through which they can develop the life-long learning skills necessary to navigate the changing economy.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A list of grantees is attached. Descriptions of projects available upon request.