Press Edit: Embrace Technology

This time next year the dust will be settling on ballot initiatives challenging all three prongs of the “Students Come First” education plan adopted by the 2011 Idaho Legislature. The new laws restrict the bargaining powers of local teachers unions and eliminate indefinite continuing contracts for all new teachers. They also call for advances in classroom technology and merit pay increases for teachers. But be prepared: At some point, online delivery of education is coming to a public high school near you. Starting this year, the state is distributing $13 million annually for advanced classroom technology and professional development. Students in the Class of 2016 will be required to take two online credits. That’s two of 46 credits required by the state. High school teachers will be provided mobile computing devices next fall. The state will begin deploying mobile computing devices for high school students in autumn 2013/ Mike Patrick , Coeur d’Alene Press editorial. More here.

Question: To some parents and educators, this is the beginning of the end of all that’s right in the education world. But to others, this is a step that’s both prudent and necessary. Which group are you?