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Come with me for a moment to a school where every classroom has a full complement of computers that students -- starting in kindergarten -- use with confidence as an integrated part of their learning. A school where parents can call every night to find out by voice mail what their children's homework assignments are for that evening. A school whose faculty is as engaged and excited about increasing their own knowledge as the students are about pursuing their education. We have schools like this in New Jersey. I've visited them.
Governor Chistine Todd Whitman
January 11, 1997 to the New Jersey State Legislature
State of the State Address
This report seeks to provide a road map that can make Governor Whitman's vision real for every New Jersey student and family. The detailed cost model set forth herein would provide computers for every public library and one computer for every five students, as well as distance and computer networked learning opportunities. It should assist stakeholders in developing technology plans by defining the individual elements and decisions that comprise such plans.
The Ratepayer Advocate also recommends that the State designate a coordinator or coordinators to insure that the New Jersey takes advantage of all possible technology funding and cost-reduction opportunities. Examples of such opportunities are presented. Furthermore, the report urges all stakeholders to create new partnerships among K-12 schools, the higher education community, vocational schools and private industry to reduce the costs of implementing school and library technology plans. This report also emphasizes the need to coordinate purchasing and leasing among several schools to obtain the greatest discount possible.
The report is especially timely in light of the fact that the 1996 Act requires telecommunications providers to provide services to schools and public libraries at a discounted rate. Technology plans cannot be implemented in the absence of rates that are affordable for schools and libraries.
Finally, it should be emphasized that the State has made great strides within the past two years to assure that all students have access to advanced telecommunications resources. By taking advantage of existing funds and using creative strategies to fund networked learning in schools and libraries, the State can take the final steps towards developing equitable access to information and education resources for all New Jersey schools, libraries and residents.
The Ratepayer Advocate would like to express her appreciation to the staff that contributed their efforts and talents to this document with special appreciation for the efforts of Mally Baumel Becker, Esq. and to:
Heikki Leesment, Esq. Managing Attorney,
Telecommunications
Lawanda Gilbert, Esq. Asst. Deputy Ratepayer Advocate
Heidi Angelkorte, Legislative Liason
Betty Jackson, Support Staff
June 1997