Technology cuts run deep.

Nearly a third of federal funding was cut under this year's No Child Left Behind Title II, Part D budget, meaning districts that started to use technology facilitators and started to integrate computers in lessons are getting the rug pulled out from under them, some educators say.

But this time, Congress approved the 28 percent cut in the law's Enhancing Education through Technology Act.

"The decision was made by people that don't know much about education," says Melinda George, executive director of State Educational Technology Directors Association. "They didn't realize what this cut does."

The funds essentially helped districts pay for professional development for teachers, principals and administrators. The money also led to greater technology literacy among educators.

Half the money under the act goes to districts with the most need and hall goes to districts on a competitive grant basis. Funds helped teachers in Missouri integrate multimedia into lessons; they increased Indiana student achievement in math, language arts and science as seen in test scores; they created a partnership in Oregon that allowed widespread access to streaming video with lesson plans, training and support for teachers; and allowed Rhode Island teachers to use handheld computers to assess effectiveness in teaching reading and literacy.

Even in Wilson County, N.C., the district is trying to figure out its future. "Instead of looking at cuts, we should be looking at increases in funding," says Terry Golf, executive director of technology in the Wilson County Schools. "We talk about leaving no child behind, and it's really bad to get children excited and then just stop."

Wilson County used roughly $84,000 a year from the act to pay for stipends for teachers who acted as technology integration facilitators. Certain teachers had formal training and then helped other teachers understand how to integrate certain technology. The funds also paid for equipment including laptops, SmartBoards and CPS systems, which include essentially remote control clickers that students can press to guess the right answer on a test displayed on a projection screen in front of class.

Under this program, technology use is more prevalent in all grades. "There's more excitement in the classrooms," Golf says. George says the only step SETDA can take now is to provide states and districts with information and try to restore the lost funds in the next budget session.