In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Pilot program” means the Educational Technology Pilot Program. “Program provider” means a nonprofit organization that, as determined by the State Superintendent: Exclusively focuses on the improvement of performance management and the use of technology for other nonprofit organizations and schools; Has demonstrated experience in providing a range of assistance to nonprofit community-based organizations and schools including: Assessing performance and the use of technology; Developing recommendations to improve performance and the use of technology; and Implementing those recommendations; Has demonstrated the ability to identify areas for program improvement related to the use of technology in classrooms and by administrators; Has demonstrated the ability to develop an implementation plan for recommended improvements; Has demonstrated the ability to assist with and provide on-site, hands-on guidance with the implementation of the recommendations; and Has demonstrated the ability to create an on-line community that allows teachers, parents, policymakers, and other stakeholders to communicate and provide support during and following the assessment and implementation process.

There is an Educational Technology Pilot Program in the Department.

The purpose of the pilot program is to introduce elementary age students to computer technology and train teachers to integrate such technology into their curriculum.

In accordance with § 7-10A-05 of this subtitle, the State Superintendent and program providers, chosen by the State Superintendent, shall develop a plan to implement the pilot program in two elementary schools in the following school systems: Baltimore City; Dorchester County; Prince George’s County; Somerset County; and St. Mary’s County.

The plan to implement the pilot program shall: Provide a useful educational medium for students in the pilot program; Be capable of being implemented at a reasonable cost; Encourage and develop students’ familiarity with computer technology and train teachers to integrate such technology into their curriculum; Add to the increased performance of the students participating in the program; and Provide performance indicators that illustrate how teachers’ familiarity with technology and teaching resources within the pilot program have increased.

On approval of the plan to implement the pilot program into a school system, the State Superintendent shall provide a grant to the county board of the school system in which the pilot program will be implemented.

Funding for the State Superintendent to carry out the provisions of this subtitle shall be as provided in the State budget.

In the counties in which the pilot program is implemented, each county board shall issue a report on the status of, and the benefits accrued from, the pilot program, to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly within 2 years from the date the State Superintendent awards a grant to the county board under this subtitle.