The following success stories and state initiatives give you a peek into what is being done around the country to address the needs and challenges of today’s education system. Click on the links to access the full story.

Irving ISD Laptop Program

Irving Independent School District

Irving, TX

Irving Independent School District provides laptop computers to all of its 8,000-plus high school students. The program began 4 years ago with the creation of the Academy High School—a unique school that emphasizes technology and careers. Through two bond propositions passed by the community, the district was able to fund the technology for this project. The program was so successful that the board of education approved to implement laptops at the other three comprehensive high schools in the district, phasing in 9th and 10th grades in year 2 and in 11th and 12th grades in year 3. Read more about Irving ISD Laptop Program.

Dillon Technology Plan

Dillon School District 3

Latta, SC

Since the spring of 2003, Dillon School District 3 has totally reinvented the way that technology is used to improve education in its district. Now halfway through the project, the district is working on methods of sustainability which may be the most difficult part of the project—once grant funding has expired—and is a major factor in proving that this project can be replicated and sustained in other places. Current plans include using local positions already in place to provide the services of the Technology Coach at each school. Teacher Aid positions have been adjusted to provide services that support the project. The district's Superintendent has also committed about $100,000 per year in the budget to make hardware purchases that will support the project when grant funds have been exhausted. Read more about the Dillon Technology Plan.

The Keystones Program

Pennsylvania Department of Education

Harrisburg, PA

Keystones is a new program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office of Information and Educational Technology. It celebrates teachers throughout Pennsylvania who incorporate model technology practices into their classrooms. The primary goals of the Keystones Program include recognizing teachers who are successfully infusing technology into their instructional practices for the purpose of improving student learning; sharing the model lessons, strategies, and practices these teachers have developed; and cultivating the expertise, knowledge, and creativity these teachers possess to help state and local agencies develop professional development programs and initiatives to support all teachers. Keystones is a relatively inexpensive initiative in which program expenses can be largely offset through corporate donations. Read more about The Keystones Program.

School Support Services Program

South Side Middle School

Anderson, IN

South Side Middle School in Indiana needed a way to reach and motivate students who were in danger of being suspended from school. Through our School Support Services Program (SSSP), we sought to keep these students in school and work on their behavioral issues without losing focus of core academic skills. We found an online program, Kid’s College, that combined sports with standards-based math and language arts activities. We spend $5,000 per year for unlimited access to Kid’s College. Read more about the School Support Services Program.