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More high
schools to get laptops
South Dakota’s Classroom Connections laptop
project is expanding. Twenty-one new school districts have been
selected to participate in the program, which means 4,600
additional students will receive laptops at the start of the
2007-08 school year. That brings the total number of high school
students with laptops to 9,600 in 41 districts across the state.
“Twenty-first century skills are an
absolute must in today’s world. Workers need to be able to
problem solve, write and speak effectively, and be technology
literate,” said Gov. Mike Rounds. “Use of the laptop technology
is expected to enhance many of these skills.”
Part of the governor’s 2010 Education
Initiative, Classroom Connections provides incentive money to
districts to purchase laptops for their high school students.
The state provides matching funds – $1 for every $2 invested by
the local school district – to purchase laptops for every
student in grades 9-12. Districts pay $1,207 per laptop, or
$1,335 for tablets. That cost not only covers the initial
investment of hardware, software and warranties, it also covers
the training of teachers and technology coordinators in the
schools.
According to Education Secretary Rick
Melmer, the training component of this project is critical to
its success. Teachers at the new pilot sites should receive
their new laptops in May, and state-sponsored training will take
place throughout the summer. The Department of Education has
partnered with Dakota State University to provide training for
teachers at the new pilot schools. The department also has
partnered with the state’s Bureau of Information and
Telecommunications to provide technical expertise, support and
training for the schools’ technology coordinators.
South Dakota’s Classroom Connections
project is made possible, in part, by funding from Citibank.
South Dakota’s Classroom Connections
Pilot Schools 2nd Year: 2007-08
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Conde (21 students)
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Doland (43 students)
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Elk Point-Jefferson (241 students)
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Estelline (100 students)
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Eureka (72 students)
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Gettysburg (105 students)
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Huron (720 students)
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Lead-Deadwood (275 students)
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Madison Central (397 students)
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McCook Central (165 students)
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Menno (77 students)
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Miller (171 students)
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Parker (125 students)
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Parkston (218 students)
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Pierre (907 students)
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Platte (150 students)
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TriValley (274 students)
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Viborg (95 students)
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Wall (110 students)
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Warner (80 students)
- Winner (285 students)
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