TOP GEAR: The US Department of Education recently announced its next round of Race to the Top funding recipients. Ninety-one million dollars will go to four rural districts in South Carolina, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Arkansas, while the Houston Independent School District (the 8th largest district in the country) will receive $30 million. This comes at an opportune time as Houston looks to scale its PowerUp one-to-one laptop initiative. Funding will be used for several initiatives, including the following project-based learning and tech-bolstering plans:
- Clarendon County School District Two, South Carolina: Project-based learning initiatives, expanded web-based digital content, tablet computers and internet access for all students
- Clarksdale Municipal School District, Mississippi: Personalized learning academies in 5th and 6th grades
- Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative: Expanded distance learning, improved technology training
- Springdale School District, Arkansas: One-to-one tech program
- Houston Independent School District, Texas: One-to-one conversion plans
