ATLANTA (May 12, 2015) | On May 6, 2015, Gov. Nathan Deal signed a bill into law that encourages all instructional material purchased by a local board of education to be in a digital or electronic format by July 1, 2020. Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell), the bill’s sponsor, was on hand for the signing ceremony held at the Georgia State Capitol.
“Senate Bill 89 encourages Georgia’s school districts to evolve along with the advancements being made in education technology across the nation,” said Sen. Albers. “Students throughout Georgia, regardless of socio-economic status or geographic location, will have equal access to technology. It is my hope that by utilizing these advancements in Georgia’s classrooms, our students will have an opportunity to gain necessary knowledge and skills to help them succeed in their future careers. Lt. Gov. Cagle played a key role in the passage of Senate Bill 89 and I want to thank him for his continued support and leadership on the issue.”
“Giving our students more educational opportunities in the classroom should always be a priority,” said Lt. Gov. Cagle. “I applaud Senator Albers’ efforts and vision for technological learning within our public schools. By investing in our students, we provide them with the tools necessary to succeed and help develop a world class workforce that is ready to meet the challenge of a 21st Century economy.”
SB 89 also encourages each local board of education to provide students with their own laptop, tablet, or other wireless device or allow them to bring their own to the classroom. Provisions are included in the legislation for the funding to assist local boards in attaining complete digital access to go through appropriations, with the State Board of Education annually presenting their recommendations to the General Assembly for consideration.
The “Digital Classroom Act” will go into effect on July 1, 2015.
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For Immediate Release:
May 12, 2015
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Brittany Wagner, Communications Specialist
brittany.wagner@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028