Clarendon ISD receives $50k tech grant

Clarendon CISD has been awarded $50,000 from the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) Board.

A portion of the grant funds will be used to provide the high school with staff development for teachers to integrate technology into curriculum, school officials say.

“We are excited about receiving this grant award for our teachers and ultimately for the students they instruct,” said Marva Thomas, Project Director for the grant.  “This additional funding will help our district meet the needs of our teachers and students in the 21st century.”

This non-competitive TIF grant focuses on supporting teacher training so that Texas teachers become skilled in using technology and integrating technology into all phases of their lessons. 

Clarendon CISD allocated 20 percent of the awarded funds to offer staff development in technology.  The TIF grant will assist the district in meeting the Texas Education Agency requirement that schools provide Technology Application courses.  

The remaining funds will be budgeted for continued staff development for all high school teachers, 21 new computers for HS 305 lab, 2 data projectors, and a wireless WAN system to connect FLC and AEP/ISS with the district infrastructure.

Not only will the teachers gain an advantage from this training and funding, but also the students will be the ultimate beneficiaries.  Students will be offered a curriculum that has technology integrated within it, making the technology an integral learning tool in preparing for the digital era.

In addition, training will be offered by Clarendon College personnel in the new computer lab (HS305) at night or on weekends for parents and community members.  Three different classes, seven hours each, one on each of the following subjects: multimedia equipment, Internet, and basic computer skills, would be offered for up to twenty people a class. A nominal fee of five dollars would be charged to the participant to cover miscellaneous expenses.  Dates and times for these classes will be decided and advertised later in the summer.

Since its creation by the 74th Legislature in 1995, TIF has awarded approximately $1 billion in grants to its four constituent groups public schools, libraries, institutions of higher education, and public, not-for-profit healthcare facilities.

“The Telecommunications Infra-structure Fund Board is making investments in Texas’ teachers and students that will pay dividends for years to come,” said Blair Fitzsimmons, TIF Board Chair.  “In reaching 500 school districts, this grant will reach thousands of teachers who will be trained to use and integrate technology into the curriculum.  In the past, TIF primarily funded high-speed Internet access, hardware, and software.  Although funds are still used today for equipment upgrades, TIF’s focus today is on training people so that the technology is relevant to their needs.”