3 Schools Get Share of Technology Grant

La Quinta, Pacifica and Rancho Alamitos high schools will share $1.39 million for computer networking, hardware, curriculum resources and teacher training through the state’s Digital High School grant program.

The Garden Grove Unified schools were among 13 Orange County high schools receiving project approval last month by the state Board of Education. Other schools receiving grants are Cypress, Kennedy, Loara, Dana Hills, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, El Dorado, Valencia, Tustin and Irvine high schools. These schools received a total of about $7 million. The drawing for the second round of schools will take place later this month.

About $100 million was set aside for first-year funding of the Digital High School Initiative, a program launched in response to a report by the California Education Technology Task Force.

State legislators passed a bill that calls for improving technology at the state’s 800 high schools over four years.

Ongoing funding per student is also provided for continued staff development, technology support and upkeep.

State Supt. of Instruction Delaine Easton drew the names of high schools from a hat to decide which ones would get the money first.

In Garden Grove, the grant will be used to support basic curriculum and prepare children for the next century, district spokesman Alan Trudell said.

“We will try to improve competence in technology whether it be spreadsheets or graphic design,” Trudell said. The school will also train children how to use digital cameras.

The schools will begin implementing their programs in October.