I just got this week’s Technology & Learning News and was saddened to learn that forces against children have dealt a crippling blow to efforts in Texas to equip its children with 21st century information and communication technologies (Textbook funds can’t be used for laptops). Urged by State School Board member, Geraldine “Tincy” Miller, the state’s attorney general ruled that funds set aside for textbooks can not be used to purchase laptops or other computer hardware. That official, Greg Abbott, said,
Funds designated for textbooks “must be used exclusively for the purpose of conveying information, including curriculum content, to students,”
Even from the shallow view of education as the act of pouring information into children so that it will spill out through their number 2 pencils, computers are devices that “convey information and curriculum.”
Perhaps I’m dreaming when I try to envision an education system that invites students into their future, through experiences that help them to develop the learning skills that will serve them for all of their life. Perhaps I should simply resign to the idea that the way of least resistance is what’s best for our children, and that way is backwards.
2¢ Worth!
Welcome to Texas. Our leadership has no idea how to lead. Their sole purpose is to cripple public education so they can divert money to private schools. I do have to say, though, that this was a little surprise since the leadership’s point man on education (recently ousted during the primaries) spent a lot of time and dime on getting laptops instead of textbooks. The AG is a puppet of the leadership. I am wondering if the rats are jumping ship.
What is sad in all of this is that the students are forgotten. It is a battle of interests, and the kids aren’t considered.
It’s disheartening, yes, but a large part of the battle is against ignorance and fear, and it seems to me this is what is being displayed in Texas right now. This is a long haul and is bound to be peppered with frustrations along the way. I know perfectly well that you have no intention of “simply resigning” to anything at all, and just needed to vent your spleen. Perhaps a dose of Vicki Davis will cheer you up.
David – I really take issue with the way you characterized this as “forces against children”. It does not seem that you even took the time to read the one page opinion: http://www.oag.state.tx.us/opinions/op50abbott/ga-0444.htm
This wasn’t some arbitrary decision. The AG was asked to review the statute and offer an opinion if textbook funding could be used to purchase computers. TX school code has specific definitions for what is a “textbook” and what is an “electronic textbook” Neither the definition of “textbook” nor “electronic textbook” indicates the inclusion of any hardware. In fact, the same section of the statute has specific definitions of the the terms “hardware” and “equipment.”
Since there are specific definitions for hardware, he came to the conclusion that hardware wasn’t covered by the term “textbook.”
The fault isn’t with him or his opinion. He had a technically correct interpretation of the law. If the legislature wants to change this, then they need to pass a bill that modernizes the statue to either explicitly state that textbook funding can be used for hardware purchases or that the definition of a “textbook” includes “hardware/equipment.”
Larry52,
It’s a weakness and a strength of blogging that you can’t say it all, and you can’t deliver the complete picture. It’s what turns blogging into a conversation. Thanks for clarifying. I did not mean to imply that the AG misread the laws with political intent.
However, there is a strong sentiment in Texas and most other states that believes that the education that was good enough for them is good enough for their children, that we should provide the best education that we can afford.
I think that we should afford the best education that we can provide.
Thanks again, Larry for you balancing view point — sincerely!
— dave —