Tech Bond Bill to Help Modernize Schools

A bond bill for government technology worth $1 billion, including $38 million for a public school district broadband access improvement grant program, has been approved by the Massachusetts House and Senate and now goes to Governor Patrick for his signature. H 4355 is a vital piece of legislation as Massachusetts public schools catch up to the 21st century. The funding for schools will be a boost to those districts lacking basic broadband access and will help level the playing field with other districts fortunate to have more resources. And while Massachusetts has been a pioneer on many education fronts, overall, the Commonwealth has lagged behind other states in the use of modern technology in schools.

School districts that have yet to decide if they will administer PARCC or MCAS in the coming school year should take note of yesterday’s developments. One concern about the PARCC exam has been access to the technology required to give an online test. While there is a paper-and-pencil version available for at least the 2014-2015 school year, it is expected that all schools will eventually want to gain the benefits of administering the exam entirely online, should the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education vote to sunset MCAS in favor of PARCC next fall. Even if we stay with MCAS, it will be updated to meet modern testing specifications. Online exams are undoubtedly in our future.

The funding, however, which includes a competitive matching grant component, is not just about assessments. It’s about Massachusetts’ commitment to providing the highest quality public education possible. We cannot continue to lead the nation if other states are providing their students with the resources needed to succeed in the 21st century classroom and beyond. Our economy thrives on innovation, much of it driven by constantly changing technology, and we owe it to our public school students to expose them to what they might find in a modern workplace.

Enacting this bill, now on its way to the Governor’s desk, is a step forward for Massachusetts and Massachusetts public education. We thank all the legislators who worked on this bill and applaud the Massachusetts State Senate on their 40-0 vote in favor.