FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SDSU Receives $1.5 Million Grant for Teacher Preparation
Future Teachers Will Learn How To Use Technology In The ClassroomCONTACT: Jack Beresford, (619) 594-5204, jack.beresford@sdsu.edu
SAN DIEGO, Thursday, June 19, 2000 - San Diego State University has received a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to train new teachers to be technology-proficient. The three-year program will be implemented in partnership with California State University, San Marcos, the San Diego County Office of Education, ACTV HyperTV Networks, Inc. - a New York-based company that will provide software technology - and several local businesses.
"This project will have a far reaching and significant impact on teacher education and K-12 student achievement," said Donn Ritchie, chair of the SDSU Department of Educational Technology. "By incorporating technologies into their teaching practices, new teachers will be able to help students meet higher academic standards."
SDSU is one of 122 grantees across the country that will receive $128 million over the next three years as part of the "Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology" grants program. The program, which encourages partnerships between colleges, universities, elementary and secondary schools, community-based organizations and technology companies, will train 200,000 new teachers to become technology-proficient by the year 2003.
According to Ritchie, SDSU's grant will be used to develop and implement two interactive Web-based, multimedia instructional series focusing on how to apply technological tools to the classroom. The first series, to be conducted during the first year of the program, will concentrate on developing instructional materials to improve high school students' reading skills. Starting in year two, the second series will focus on additional subjects and pilot testing will begin with faculty at SDSU and CSUSM. During the third year of the project, outreach efforts will be expanded statewide through a series of 11 workshops with university faculty members. Ritchie estimates the project will reach more than 6,600 pre-service educators during the three-year program.
"Investing in our teachers is an investment in our children's future," said Lionel R. Meno, dean of SDSU's College of Education. "There is a tremendous need to increase the technological proficiency of our teachers -- particularly in low-income communities where students face an ever-widening digital divide."
San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, it has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 76 areas, master's degrees in 59 areas and doctorates in 13. Students participate in academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with professors and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, log onto www.sdsu.edu.
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