Testimonial - Michael P. Flanagan, Superintendent of Public Instruction
State of Michigan - Department of Education - Lansing
March 20, 2007
To Whom It May Concern:
As State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Michigan, I am pleased to provide this letter of endorsement for the One-to-One Institute. The One-to-One Institute (www.one-to-oneinstitute.org) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to increasing student achievement and engagement through one-to-one teaching and learning programs. One-to-one learning provides every student and teacher access to his or her own portable computing device in a wireless environment, allowing students to learn at their own pace and level.
The One-to-One Institute grew out of Michigan’s successful Freedom to Learn (FTL) program, which was established in 2002 to plan, launch, and expand one-to-one programs in school districts across Michigan. More than 23,000 students and 1,500 teachers in 100 school districts are participating in the FTL program (www.ftlwireless.org).
In October 2005, the Michigan Legislature authorized the FTL program to create an independent institute that would seek public and private funds to promote one-to-one learning across North America. In addition to its primary focus on assisting states and districts, the Institute has created a national consortium dedicated to accelerating one-to-one learning through mentoring, research, and sharing of information and best practices.
As the Institute’s efforts come to fruition, our nation’s schools and employers will benefit by improved student success in core academic subjects and by readying a new group of graduates for careers in technology fields. High performing schools will yield an improved workforce – ready for 21st century careers. The Institute will help improve schools and their outcomes. Students will be self-directed, lifelong learners with high technological aspirations and aptitudes. They will provide employers with a high degree of technology rich skills, professional expertise, ingenuity and productivity in a technology based, knowledge age.
An overarching Institute goal is to facilitate schools/districts in their quest to find resources to systemically fund technology. The One-to-One Institute offers a software and training program designed to help in this effort.
Many other states across the nation are now replicating Michigan’s model of launching K12 one-to-one programs in order to:
• Enhance student learning and achievement
• Engage students in learning and keep students in school
• Build student skills to lead and participate in the 21st Century Workforce
• Provide equal access to greater educational opportunities
• Close the digital divide
The One-to-One Institute has sought and received start-up funding from corporations and private foundations. As it continues to support its non-profit mission by raising additional private funds, I encourage your organization to support the Institute in its efforts to help others throughout the nation enhance teaching and learning through educational technology.
Questions and comments should be directed to Bruce Umpstead, Director, Educational Technology and Data Coordination, at (517) 335-0449.
Sincerely,
Michael P. Flanagan
Superintendent of Public Instruction
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