Special Report
Education

Indiana

May 03, 2005 1 min read
  • Save to favorites
  • Print

Indiana educational technology officials are moving forward with their goal of building a computer-to-student ratio of 1-to-1.

But unlike other states, which have tried to accomplish that goal with laptop computers, Indiana has chosen desktop computing as a cheaper, more viable alternative. For the cost of one laptop computer, which is typically $1,000, Indiana has been able to buy three desktop units, says Michael Huffman, the state superintendent’s special assistant for technology.

Indiana has supplied desktop computers for about $375 each for every student in 12 classrooms around the state in English, writing, and biology classes, under the 1-to-1 program started in 2004. In four years, state officials hope to equip all high schools with a computer for each student in core subjects, Huffman says.

The state saw no increase in the portion of educational technology funding that is distributed to districts under the Technology Plan Grant, spending $2.5 million for this school year and the previous school year for technology initiatives, he says. Such efforts may be able to get more money because the legislature is considering a plan to budget $7.5 million for the next two school years.

Despite financial difficulties, which include a $595 million state budget deficit for fiscal 2005, Indiana high schools also plan to continue offering end-of-course assessments in an online format. Started in 2003, the program—which offers online tests in algebra and English—proved popular, according to Huffman.

All schools offering end-of-course assessments in Algebra 1 and 11th grade English had the option of using online tests in spring 2004. The state administered about 109,000 online exams.

Indiana plans to add online-testing options in biology and Algebra 2 for the 2005-06 school year.

Feedback from the online testing has been positive, Huffman says. He points out that many teachers prefer the online option because it returns results much faster than traditional testing methods, allowing them to adjust their teaching more quickly to the needs of their students.

Events

This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Student Well-Being Webinar
The Ripple Effect: Mental Health & Student Outcomes
Learn how student mental health impacts outcomes—and how to use that data to support your school’s IEP funding strategy.
Content provided by Huddle Up
Artificial Intelligence K-12 Essentials Forum How AI Use Is Expanding in K-12 Schools
Join this free virtual event to explore how AI technology is—and is not—improving K-12 teaching and learning.
Federal Webinar The Trump Budget and Schools: Subscriber Exclusive Quick Hit
EdWeek subscribers, join this 30-minute webinar to find out what the latest federal policy changes mean for K-12 education.

EdWeek Top School Jobs

Teacher Jobs
Search over ten thousand teaching jobs nationwide — elementary, middle, high school and more.
View Jobs
Principal Jobs
Find hundreds of jobs for principals, assistant principals, and other school leadership roles.
View Jobs
Administrator Jobs
Over a thousand district-level jobs: superintendents, directors, more.
View Jobs
Support Staff Jobs
Search thousands of jobs, from paraprofessionals to counselors and more.
View Jobs

Read Next

Education Quiz How Is Trump Changing School Discipline Rules? Take This Week’s Quiz
Test your knowledge on the latest news and trends in education.
1 min read
Education Briefly Stated: April 30, 2025
Here's a look at some recent Education Week articles you may have missed.
8 min read
Education Quiz What Is Trump’s New AI Plan for K-12 Schools? Take This Weekly Quiz
Test your knowledge on the latest news and trends in education.
1 min read
Illustration of tasks assisted with AI.
Canva
Education Quiz ICYMI: Moms for Liberty Launched Its Own University And More
Test your knowledge on the latest news and trends in education.
1 min read
Moms for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Moms for Liberty annual convention in Washington, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024.
Moms for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Moms for Liberty annual convention in Washington, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024.
Mark Schiefelbein/AP