High-class cash - Short Stuff - use of computers in schools

No. 2 pencils, notebook paper, three-ring binder.. .a $2,000 laptop. Which one of these wasn't on your school supply list this year? A successful pilot program last year at Jordan Middle School in Palo Alto, Calif., prompted the school to expand its technology program. The catch? Over 300 students were asked to purchase laptops with wireless Internet access.

The sixth-graders would type their class notes and take their laptops home for homework. Now, we know today's world is totally techno, but is it fair for a school to ask parents to buy such expensive equipment when the school district can't afford to buy computers? The investment is optional, but the tech program uses a laptop regularly. Students without one could be at a disadvantage. So, what's a kid to do? Schools in Beaufort County, S.C., allow parents to lease laptops for $60 a month. Students on free and reduced lunches are offered a discount of between $10 and $25 a month. Though this program makes it more affordable, an average family still can't afford $2,000 or even $60 monthly payments without cutting back on other things like, urn, groceries. What's next? Your parents taking out home equity loans just so you can participate in class? Yikes!