The information age poses a whole new set of challenges and questions to America's schools. The quality of our nation's future will depend on the ability of our young people to access information, manipulate data, draw conclusions and communicate findings clearly. Today's student needs a higher level of academic, technical, communication and information processing skills in order to function effectively. Students must become adaptable, team players with strong problem solving and decision-making skills to be successful.
    Throughout Beacon Schools, significant changes are occurring in our individual classrooms that facilitate these new learning styles. Teachers are recognizing the importance of fostering independent judgement and critical thinking in their students. Student learning is being enhanced through the use of computers that allows the investigation of real-life issues into the classrooms. Increasingly, there is more student-directed learning, with the teacher functioning as a valued resource and guide.
    Students are taking on more responsibility for their own learning. In today's classroom, the integration of technology into the curriculum makes the learning process more efficient, and thereby improves student achievement. Students benefit from the personal interaction among classmates, and are encouraged to be creative and explore their questions in a collaborative environment.
    As we break ground for a new high school, it is important to remember the important role that educational technology plays in the learning process. Leaders of government, business and education recognize that information is no longer only in books; instead, it is everywhere and students must have the skills to access it. A knowledge-based society requires citizens who are lifelong learners, people who explore ideas and benefit from their interaction with others. Technology is a simple, yet integral means toward this end.