November 15, 2013
Hamden's state legislative delegation - Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey, along with Reps. Mike D'Agostino and Gary Holder-Winfield - announced that the town has been awarded a state school technology grant in the amount of $674,278 to bring more computers and expanded Internet access to classrooms.
"Along with quality teachers, up to date technology in the classroom is critical to providing our children with the best educational opportunities as possible," said Speaker Sharkey. "This grant will help give both students and teachers the necessary tools to further enhance the overall learning experience, which is always the ultimate goal."
Sharkey also credited Hamden's local school officials for their work on the grant application submitted to the State Board of Education. The grants are being issued in support of Common Core Standards adopted in 2010 as well as new computer based testing assessments.
"I am thrilled that Hamden will receive funding for technological upgrades for the Hamden school system, including our high speed internet access and portals, servers and computers," said Rep. D'Agostino, a member of the legislature's Education Committee. "It will enable us to be ready for the implementation of the new common core curriculum and the computerized testing that goes along with it."
Beginning with the 2014-15 school year, a computer-based Smarter Balanced Assessment System will be used replacing the current math and language arts CMT and CAPT tests. Science CMT and CAPT testing will continue.