The EPE Research Center conducts an annual survey of technology officials from state departments of education in the 50 states and the District of Columbia in order to compile the latest information regarding state policy and practice in educational technology. This year’s survey was sent by e-mail on Aug. 9, 2007.
Respondents were asked to complete the survey and provide corroborating documentation for each of their answers for the 2007-08 school year. Such documentation may take the form of state statutes, administrative rules, or Web links for information available online. Research Center staff members evaluated each state’s responses and supporting documentation to ensure that answers were accurate and that consistent standards were applied across states. This process frequently included follow-up phone conversations and e-mail correspondence between the researchers and the individuals who completed the survey.
After the vetting was complete, survey respondents were sent a compilation of their initial responses along with the final determinations made by the Research Center staff. Officials in each state department of education were requested to review the final answers and provide any final changes or corrections along with appropriate documentation. The EPE Research Center awarded credit for a response only when states were able to provide clear evidence that the particular policy or practice was currently in place.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia completed this year’s survey. (Throughout this report, the District of Columbia is treated as a state.) The EPE Research Center wishes to thank the many individuals across the country who generously contributed their time and effort to provide information for the survey. Technology Counts’ editors and research staff hope this examination of policies and practices across the states will inform the efforts of researchers, legislators, policymakers, and practitioners.
Please visit the EPE Research Center at www.edweek.org/rc to access additional data and to find contact information for Research Center staff members.
