The use of technology continues to grow in Missouri schools. The 1997-98 school year was the fourth consecutive year the state authorized $5 million, through the Outstanding Schools Act grant program, to help school districts acquire new computers and other technology. For the third year in a row, the state of Missouri has appropriated additional funds including $10 million appropriated for 1997-98 school technology grants.

The 1998 Census of Technology shows Missouri has come a long way in providing schools with new technology.

• Over 95% of Missouri school districts and schools are connected to the Internet.
• Of the 47,500 classrooms in Missouri public schools, 26,800 of them are wired for the Internet – 56%.
• On average there are 2 Internet-connected computers per classroom.
• Student to Internet-connected computer ratio is currently 14 to 1. Up from 24 to 1 in 1997.

While we have come a long way there is still much to do. Evidence is mounting that the impact of technology on student performance is most effective when there is:

• A student to computer ratio of 5 to 1 or less within the classroom
• A teacher workstation for every classroom
• Professional development for teachers
• High-speed Internet connectivity

Demonstration projects in Missouri document impressive increases in student performance when (1) teachers and students have access to enough educational technology in the classroom, (2) when that technology is coupled with an integrated curriculum, and the (3) when teachers have effective professional development. These demonstration projects have helped to provide a vision for what is needed in a 21^st century classroom.