Dive Brief:

• Texas gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott is calling for an increase of technology in the state's schools.  
• The Republican candidate wants to bring tech tools like SMART boards to the Lone Star State's classrooms via competitive grants ranging from $250,000 to $650,000.
• Opponents argue that Abbott's plan will benefit districts that are already doing well while leaving out those that need the most support.  

Dive Insight:

Abbott's plan actually sounds a bit like President Barack Obama's Race To The Top initiative, which has also faced condemnation from critics who say that it benefits schools that already have it together before helping those that need it most. Not everyone is sold on increasing technology as a fix-all solution. Smith County Democratic Party Chairman David Henderson contends that technology can't replace a good teacher or classroom-based learning processes.  

Thus far, Abbott has made education his primary platform, additionally proposing standardized testing in preschools to ensure effectiveness and a statewide district for the Texas' lowest-performing schools.