SIOUX FALLS - South Dakota once again ranks among the top three states for technology in K-12 classrooms, according to an annual survey.

Education Week's Technology Counts 2008 report released late Tuesday gives South Dakota an overall grade of A-minus - tied with Georgia and trailing only Virginia - for its access, use and capacity to use technology.

South Dakota earned an A for access, largely because its schools have an average of 2 students per computer, far ahead of the national norm of 3.8 students per instructional computer. The state also averages 1.9 students per high-speed Internet-connected computer, compared to 3.7 students per computer across the country.

"We're pleased with the grade," said Rick Melmer, South Dakota's Education secretary. "We think it's an accurate reflection of the efforts that we've made, and not only from the department end, but from a district end.

"Districts are out there purchasing the technology and making it available for their kids."

Melmer said part of the reason for South Dakota's success is the state Classroom Connections project, which provides $1 for every $2 invested by the local school district toward the purchase of the laptops.

The South Dakota Legislature in its budget did not include the $3 million Gov. Mike Rounds requested for the program, but Rounds said this month he's looking for a way to restore the funds.

"We continue to be advocates for the need for high school kids to have direct access to technology 24/7," Melmer said.

South Dakota's A-minus grade for use of technology is based on state policies that set student standards for technology, establish a virtual school and offer computer-based assessments.

Melmer said the state's virtual school is online, with more than 100 courses available for high schools and middle schools so students can have a more well-rounded curriculum.

The goal is to supplement existing curriculum, Melmer said, although he sees a day when every kid will take at least one virtual course at some point during their high school career.

"We still would say that the face-to-face courses are the best, but certainly to be able to have a small district be able to say that now our kids can take additional courses online is a real bonus," he said.