The 21st century High School requires new models of teaching, learning, and meaningful assessment. Technology is one of the most exciting and significant ways to support and facilitate high school reform. Yet, according to the 2006-2007 Pennsylvania Technology Inventory survey (PaTI), 36% of respondents felt that the number of computers and other equipment to implement technology-supported learning opportunities was either non-existent or insufficient, and 34% reported that their technology was not located where it was needed for learning.

PaTI respondents also indicated that educators, in general, have more access to and regularly use technology tools such as application-specific software for administrative productivity (93%), communication and collaboration (82%), and professional growth (80%). However, 39% of educators reported that instructional support to assist them in the actual integration of technology in the classroom was still 'Very Poor' or even 'Non-Existent'. In fact, though a majority (78%) indicated that local data showed a positive correlation between technology and student achievement, when asked about student technology use within the classroom to communicate, collaborate, conceptualize, research, solve real-world problems, produce artifacts, or even to engage in drill and practice or tutorial support, respondents as a whole selected 'Rarely or Never' more often than any other reply.

Under Governor Edward G. Rendell's vision and leadership, and using the platform for infrastructure established through the Commonwealth's E-Fund and federal E-rate initiatives, Pennsylvania is currently building high-speed connectivity to all classrooms to enable 21st Century education to flourish. These connections will make it possible to support timely and global communication and collaboration in classrooms.

We now must take the next steps toward ensuring that schools take advantage of this infrastructure by putting appropriate tools into the hands of our students and providing extensive training and support for our teachers and administrators to make sure that these technologies are effectively used in classrooms. This work is the foundation of the Classrooms for the Future initiative.