Explore the full series of eSchool News podcasts hosted by Kevin Hogan—created to keep you on the cutting edge of innovations in education.
As you consider how to spend your remaining stimulus money—and whatever other funds you might have available this year—keep in mind that the money might represent the last best chance you’ll have to make a one-time investment that can have a long-term impact on your schools.…Read More
Although the state budget outlook appears grim for 2010-11, there are a few possible sources of federal money that can help.
One is the remains of the stimulus package. Even though this windfall is running out, there was at least $15 billion in formula-based money left to be spent on education as of press time, according to the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Schools have until Sept. 30, 2011, to spend the rest of the money—and by making smart, one-time investments with the potential to have a lasting impact, schools with unspent funds could use this money to help them ride out the recession.
ED must obligate the remaining stimulus funds by Sept. 30, 2010—including awards for Race to the Top (RTTT), Investing in Innovation (I3), and phase two of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF), said a department spokesman.…Read More
Just days before the U.S. Department of Education (ED) released applications for the $650 million Investing in Innovation (i3) Fund on March 8, education technology researchers and developers expressed some concerns about the i3 program’s procedures and requirements.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) set aside $650 million in the i3 fund for three levels of competitive grants that expand the implementation of, and investment in, innovative and evidence-based practices, programs, and strategies in schools.
ED officials say these solutions should significantly improve K-12 achievement and close achievement gaps, lower dropout rates, increase high school graduation rates, and improve teacher and school leader effectiveness.…Read More
While some economists point to signs that the nation’s economy is improving, others say the U.S. faces a much slower climb out of the recession–a scenario that will have a huge effect on public education in the coming years.
Though the Dow recently broke 10,000 to hit its highest level for the first time in a year, the national unemployment rate, at 10 percent, is the highest it has been since 1983.
States are still waiting to hit bottom and are not likely to do so for another year or two–and education will feel the financial impact for some time after that, said Richard Sims, the chief economist for the National Education Association (NEA), at the Software and Information Industry Association’s Ed-Tech Business Forum on Dec. 1.…Read More