North Carolina Advances Digital Learning with New Grant Approvals
In a move aimed at enhancing digital education, the State Board of Education has approved 11 grant proposals dedicated to fostering effective digital learning practices across North Carolina’s K-12 public schools. This initiative, part of the state’s Digital Learning Initiative, seeks to support and spread innovative digital teaching models throughout the region.
Catherine Truitt, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, emphasized the importance of these grants in equipping students for the competitive job market, while also aiding districts in integrating new teaching technologies. She stated, “These grants are a fundamental way to ensure that we are providing supports and resources for digital teaching and learning in North Carolina’s schools.”
Dr. Vanessa Wrenn, the chief information officer for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, highlighted the significance of technology in education, noting its role in preparing students for a digitally-driven workforce. She remarked, “Technology continues to play a significant role in shaping successful outcomes for students, especially as the workforce continues to be increasingly digitally driven.”
Emerging Technology Grants
Four public school units were selected for Emerging Technology Grants, each receiving up to $50,000. These grants, lasting one year, enable districts to harness technology for innovative educational practices. The recipients include:
- Granville County Schools
- Guilford County Schools
- Nash County Schools
- Perquimans County Schools
Impact Grants
Seven public school units have been recommended for Impact Grants, providing up to $95,000 annually over three years to develop new digital teaching initiatives. The recipients are:
- Alamance-Burlington School System
- Catawba County Schools
- Chatham County Schools
- Edenton-Chowan Public Schools
- Guilford County Schools
- Wake County Public Schools
- Lake Norman Charter School
Additionally, Impact Grant funding will be continued for six districts that have previously benefited from the program:
- Asheboro City Schools (Year 2/3)
- Caldwell County Schools (Year 3/3)
- Davie County Schools (Year 3/3)
- Iredell-Statesville Schools (Year 2/3)
- Mount Airy City Schools (Year 3/3)
- Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (Year 2/3)
This grant program is part of a broader effort authorized in 2016 by the General Assembly, aiming to implement the state’s Digital Learning Plan. This plan, developed in collaboration with the State Board of Education and the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at N.C. State University, focuses on creating a sustainable strategy to support digital learning advancements.
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