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Ed-tech, equity in FY 2015 budget spotlight

budget-proposal

Proposed budget aims for equal education access for all children

Education technology will receive a renewed focus in President Obama’s proposed FY 2015 budget [1], which suggests creating a “fresh framework for delivering STEM education, supporting what works, and reducing fragmentation.”

Through the Opportunity, Growth, and Security Initiative, 100,000 teachers in 500 districts will have access to professional development to help them effectively use broadband connectivity via the ConnectEDucators [2] program.

Having a dedicated resource to work with teachers as they have consistent and reliable access to tech can be a “game-changer,” said U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, noting that blended learning has huge potential in education.

(Next page: Budget details)

“This is an idea whose time has come,” he continued. “I continue to think that technology will either be a great equalizer or it will perpetuate the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots,’ and I want to make sure this is driving both equity and excellence, and not increasing the divide.”

As a whole, the administration’s increased efforts around ed-tech reflects the proposed budget’s focus on equity and opportunity.

A new competitive program proposed in the budget would redesign high schools to give students more rewarding and challenging learning experiences.

A new version of Race to the Top, Race To The Top Equity and Opportunity, would receive a $300 million to focus on increasing academic performance of high-need students, along with closing the achievement gap.

The budget makes huge strides around preschool education through the Preschool for All initiative, and supports universal access to high-quality preschool for low- and moderate-income families. States would have incentives to serve additional middle-class children.

Overall, the proposed budget requests about $69 billion in discretionary appropriates, which an ED.gov blog notes is an increase of almost 2 percent over last year and slightly higher than 2012 budget levels before the sequester’s impact.

The budget centers on 6 major priorities, said Duncan, including:
Increasing equity and opportunity
Strengthening teacher and school leader support
Expanding high-quality early learning opportunities
Improving affordability and quality access to postsecondary education
Promoting educational innovation
Making schools safer and creating positive learning environments

Obama’s budget proposal “focuses on expanding economic opportunity for all Americans,” Duncan said.

 

STEM apps for physics, algebra, and more

Posted By By Laura Devaney, Managing Editor, @eSN_Laura On In Apps,Featured on eSchool News,Improving Math Education in Schools,IT Management,STEM,STEM & STEAM,Teaching & Learning,Top News | No Comments
STEM-app

These apps, for young learners through advanced math students, can help with STEM concepts

Educators and school leaders know that exposing students to a robust STEM education is of the utmost importance.

Today’s schools are increasingly mobile, whether students are given devices through a one-to-one rollout or a bring-your-own-device initiative.

Because of education’s mobile nature, we’ve put together this list of STEM apps to support eSN’s STEM Education Week. We hope these apps are helpful.

Do you have a favorite STEM app that isn’t included here? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.

[Editor’s note: Prices are current as of press time. Prices are subject to change in the App Store.]

(Next page: STEM apps for all ages)

D. Bones, iPhone/iPad [3], Android [4], $1.99

This app helps children learn the skeletal system in an engaging. It is divided into three sections–a puzzle, a quiz, and text to give users information and basic descriptions of the bones.

Codecademy: Hour of Code, iPhone/iPad [5], Free
Following up on the intense popularity of the Hour of Code and computer science education awareness, this app helps users learn the basic concepts of coding and programming.

Oh No Fractions!, iPhone/iPad [6], Free
Fractions are among the most challenging units for young math students, and this app can help. Users can swipe to compare fractions, tap to reduce or simplify, and can check statistics of practice attempts. The visual and side-by-side comparison help learners visualize and absorb fractions.

HudsonAlpha iCell, iPhone/iPad [7], Android [8], Free

This app includes 3D models of cellular organelles, different detailed levels of cellular structure descriptions, and 3D views of typical plant, animal, and bacterial cells.

Element Matching Free, iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch [9], Free

Students can learn symbols, charges, and Bohr models of each element easily, with timed versions of three different games. Teachers can collect student scores and data and send the information directly to their eMail address.

SimplePhysics, iPhone/iPad [10], Android [11], $1.99

This physics app engages students with limitless possibilities. Students can design complex structures, including houses or Ferris wheels, and then simulate their designs with a physics engine. While testing structure designs, users can see how strain is distributed and troubleshoot design flaws.

Wolfram Algebra Course Assistant, iPhone/iPad [12], Android [13], $1.99

This algebra app can help student evaluate numeric expressions, substitute a value for a variable; simplify fractions, square roots, or other expressions; solve simple equations or a system of equations; expand polynomials; and more.

Scalar: The Better Calculator, iPhone/iPad [14], $4.99

iOS calculators may be popular, but this calculator operates with an “endless sheet of paper” so users do not lose track of their calculations, no matter how complex. The app recalculates calculations upon editing, references entries from one another for complex calculations, and more.

Dragon Shapes: Geometry Challenge, iPhone/iPad [15], Free with in-app purchases available

Users can try four difficulty levels as they go through a structured sequence of geometric puzzles themed to characters within the app’s story. Users rely on problem solving and reasoning as they progress through the math challenges and build geometric knowledge, vocabulary, and spatial awareness.

TallyTots Counting, iPhone/iPad [16], Android [17], $1.99-$2.99

Within this app are 20 mini-games and puzzles through which toddlers can explore digits, quantity, order, and sorting. Frequent repetition helps reinforce numbers and sequence.

Former L.A. schools chief calls iPad program illegal

Posted By Laura Ascione On In Featured on eSchool News,IT Management,News,Teaching & Learning,Top News | 1 Comment
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