Draw up a detailed plan for using technology in the classroom, and get a funding boost in return.
That was the bargain offered to Florida public schools under digital learning legislation passed last year — one that many school districts found valuable. Charter schools, however, were less likely to take part.
Next year, with more funding expected to be on the table, charter schools would be required to join districts in the technology planning process under a bill filed this week by the chair of the state Senate’s education committee.
Sen. John Legg, R-Trinity, has proposed an update to the “digital classrooms” legislation he authored last year. The new measure would require districts to get input from state technology experts on their digital classroom plans.
Charter schools were included in last year’s legislation. The majority of them did submit technology plans to their local districts, allowing them to receive added technology funding. The updated legislation would clarify that they’re required to do so.
They’re expected to have more reason to participate. Gov. Rick Scott has proposed doubling the current $40 million in digital classrooms funding in next year’s state budget, and Legg and other lawmakers have also said they plan to increase funding for classroom technology now that schools have plans in place to help them use it wisely.
The new legislation would also make it easier for charters to fill out their technology plans, by requiring the state Department of Education to create a streamlined form they could submit online.
