Michigan to Provide Computers to Every Sixth-Grader

Education Division Governor Jennifer Granholm announced that Michigan will provide a laptop or handheld computer to every sixth-grader before the end of the current school year. The state budget—signed by Granholm in August—increased support for the Freedom to Learn Program from $3.5 million to $22 million. Federal funding for the program will increase from $6 million to $17.3 million, bringing total funding to $39.3 million. The program will be administered by Michigan Virtual University in partnership with the state Department of Education.

When accomplished, Michigan would become the second state to provide an entire grade of students with some type of computer device. In 2001, former Maine Governor Angus King announced a similar initiative to provide a laptop computer to every seventh- and eight-grader in that state.
Related Links:

* Michigan Freedom to Learn Program http://wireless.mivu.org/

* Maine Learning Technology Initiative http://www.state.me.us/mlte/

http://www.nga.org/center/frontAndCenter/1,1188,C_FRONT_CENTER%5ED_5874,00.html