Microsoft to Take PA Schools High Tech

By Ed Oswald | Published April 6, 2005, 12:24 PM

Teachers in Pennsylvania will soon have the help of Microsoft to integrate technology into their curricula. This is all thanks to a five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) that was signed today in the capitol city of Harrisburg.

Through the agreement, Microsoft will contribute up to $2 million to help devise a plan to better integrate technology in everyday learning across the commonwealth. The company has also agreed to continue to innovate on software solutions and build a library of resource material for the schools.

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell said that the company contacted the state first. "Microsoft approached us because they were impressed with Pennsylvania's efforts in teacher leadership development and high-school reform," he said.

"Having Microsoft's expertise and resources available to us will significantly enhance our effort to build upon and expand these key education technology programs."

This agreement was not the first time Microsoft has been in Pennsylvania. Last November, the company struck an agreement with the School District of Philadelphia to build a new high-tech school in the city, which should be completed by next year.

That school, dubbed "The School of the Future," is also being used to develop some of the plans to be put into place with the new agreement, called Project 720 programs. Project 720 is the name for the commonwealth's initiative to reform its high schools.

The goals for Project 720 are increased rigor of educational programs, enhanced postsecondary access and credentialing for increasing numbers of students, and development of active and productive citizens. According to Microsoft and Pennsylvania, this new partnership should do just that.

Linda Zecher, vice president of the U.S. Public Sector at Microsoft, said technology is the key to ensuring kids have a successful future in the real world.

"Teachers and leaders in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are clearly using technology in new and exciting ways to reform education. Such use enables new ways of learning while equipping its students with the skills necessary to excel in today's work force."