From researchers to rabble-rousers, a small band of high-impact players has had a powerful effect on technology in the nation's schools. Some of these men and women have done great things for education, some have set schools back. But count on this: Because of the movers and shakers you're about to meet, education technology will never be the same again.

POLICYMAKERS

William Kennard, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission

As chairman of the federal agency that shapes telecommunications policy in the digital age, Kennard exerts a huge influence over the implementation of modern telecommunications infrastructure and internet access in schools.

A consistent theme in his leadership so far has been to ensure that all Americans—no matter where they live or what special needs they may have—have access to the technologies that are driving our economy and shaping our society. Toward that end, he has lobbied hard for the eRate, and last year he fought to restore the program's funding to $2.25 billion, the maximum allowed under the its current rules.

Kennard also has developed a reputation as a champion for competition, believing that a robust marketplace will produce better services at lower prices for schools and consumers. As FCC chairman, his leadership will go a long way in determining the outcome of potential mergers and acquisitions in the telecommunications marketplace, such as the proposed merger of industry giants MCI WorldCom and Sprint.

Kennard was sworn in as chairman of the FCC in 1997, and his term expires on June 30, 2001. A native of Los Angeles, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University and received his law degree from Yale Law School in 1981. Before becoming chairman, Kennard was the FCC's general counsel, its principal legal advisor and representative in court.

http://www.fcc.gov

Kate Moore, president of the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Co.

Moore took over the helm of the group responsible for administering the eRate in August 1998, when the program's future was tenuous. Her predecessor, Ira Fishman, had resigned amid criticism from opponents of the eRate in Congress that his salary was too high—just one of many criticisms leveled at the program in its first year. Under Moore's leadership, however, the program has gone on to flourish, distributing nearly $4 billion in discounts in two-plus years. Applications are now being taken for Year Three, which also features a streamlined process.

http://www.sl.universalservice.org

Henry Marockie, West Virginia superintendent of schools

During his tenure as head of the state's schools, Marockie led a forward-looking program that had all students in grades K-6 learning basic math and reading skills with the help of computers and integrated learning system software. The program was cited by a Milken Exchange study as being responsible for a significant gain in students' skills, as measured by standardized tests. Marockie also served on the board of directors for the Schools and Libraries Corp. in the first years of the eRate.