Since 1994, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has surveyed nationally representative samples of approximately 1,000 public schools in the fall of each academic year on Internet access and, since 1996, on the types of Internet connections used. The most recent survey of Internet access indicates that public schools in the United States have nearly reached the goal of connecting every school to the Internet. In 1994, 3% of all U.S. public school instructional rooms were connected to the Internet; by 1999, 63% were connected. In 1999, the ratio of students per instructional computer was approximately 6, the same as 1998, which is above the stated "reasonable level" of 4 to 5. In 1996, dial-up network connections were used by almost three-quarters of public schools. By 1999, more schools were using faster dedicated-line network connections; 63% of public schools were connected to the Internet by dedicated lines, 14% using dial-up connections, and 23% using other connection types. The survey listed several potential sources of financial support; about 9 out of 10 schools reported receiving support from their school district, and 72% from state or federal government programs. About one third of schools reported receiving support from parents and parent organizations, and about the same percentage received support from businesses. Fifteen percent of schools received support from teachers or students, while five percent received support from other programs or individuals. (AEF)