Part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 included a section called Enhancing Education Through Technology Program (NCLB Title II-D). Through this federal funding twenty-two school districts in NH have been awarded grants of approximately $145,000 each.
The school districts receiving ARRA funding for education are: Alton, Bartlett, Chester, SAU 6 (including Claremont & Unity), Laconia, Lafayette Regional, Manchester, Milton, Nashua, Oyster River, SAU 53 (including Allenstown, Deerfield, Epsom, Pembroke), Pittsfield, Portsmouth, Profile, Raymond, Somersworth, Timberlane Regional, and White Mountains Regional.
According to the NH Department of Education, a total of $3.2 million in federal funds has been allocated to New Hampshire schools to develop technology rich learning environments as part of the state’s 21st Century Classrooms Initiative. These classrooms will be well equipped with computer hardware, software, electronic presentation systems, and rich digital and online curricular resources.
Students in these classrooms will be highly engaged in interactive learning and higher level thinking skills, whether learning math, science, reading, or history. The use of digital cameras, interactive white boards, robust courseware, digital content, computers, and mobile learning tools will provide students with opportunities to collaborate and connect to rich and relevant content. Investment in core components for technology, collaborative planning, enthusiastic and well-informed leadership, intensive professional development, and IT support are some of the key elements necessary to transform these schools into 21st century classrooms.
For more information and evidence of how the funding is being put to use, visit the work in progress wiki to view information about the 21st Century Classrooms Initiative.
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