Guidance on the Enhancing Education Through Technology (Ed Tech) Program

U.S. Department of Education March 11, !!

T"#$E %& '%(TE(TS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 A. Goals and Purposes of the Ed Tech Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 B. Federal Awards to States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 C. State Application e!uire"ents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . # $. State %ses of Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . & E. F. G. ,. Ed Tech For"ula Grants to 'EAs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .( Ed Tech Co"petiti)e Grants to Eli*i+le 'ocal Entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 'ocal Application e!uire"ents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1# 'ocal %ses of Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-

I. Ed Tech Accounta+ilit.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1( /. State Application Appro)al Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 1. Internet Safet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 '. E!uita+le Participation of Pri)ate School Students and Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 3. I"pact of 4arious Fle5i+ilit. Pro)isions on Ed Tech Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Enhancing Education Through Technology (Ed Tech) Program

Introduction
6n /anuar. (7 22227 President Bush si*ned into law the 8o Child 'eft Behind Act of 2221 9P.'. 12&:112;. The le*islation7 which reauthori<es the Ele"entar. and Secondar. Education Act of 10-= 9ESEA;7 pro)ides increased fle5i+ilit. and local control to States and school districts7 e"phasi<es stron* accounta+ilit. for results7 offers e5panded options for parents of disad)anta*ed children7 and supports teachin* "ethods that ha)e a solid scientific research foundation. 9The le*islation is a)aila+le on the %.S. $epart"ent of Education>s we+site at http?@@www.ed.*o) under the headin* APresident>s and Secretar.>s PrioritiesB.; The reauthori<ed ESEA esta+lishes the Enhancin* Education Throu*h Technolo*. 9Ed Tech; Pro*ra"7 which consolidates the current Technolo*. 'iterac. Challen*e Fund 9T'CF; Pro*ra" and the Technolo*. Inno)ati)e Challen*e Grant Pro*ra" into a sin*le State for"ula *rant pro*ra" 9ESEA Title II7 Part $7 Su+part 1;. The pri"ar. *oal of the Ed Tech pro*ra" is to i"pro)e student acade"ic achie)e"ent throu*h the use of technolo*. in schools. It is also desi*ned to assist e)er. student in crossin* the di*ital di)ide +. ensurin* that e)er. student is technolo*icall. literate +. the end of ei*hth *rade7 and to encoura*e the effecti)e inte*ration of technolo*. with teacher trainin* and curriculu" de)elop"ent to esta+lish successful research:+ased instructional "ethods. %nder the Ed Tech pro*ra"7 the %.S. $epart"ent of Education pro)ides *rants to State educational a*encies 9SEAs; on the +asis of their proportionate share of fundin* under Part A of Title I. States "a. retain up to = percent of their allocations for State:le)el acti)ities7 and "ust distri+ute one:half of the re"ainder +. for"ula to eli*i+le local educational a*encies 9'EAs; and the other one:half co"petiti)el. to eli*i+le local entities. This docu"ent pro)ides *uidance on the purposes and *oals of the Ed Tech pro*ra"7 the State and local application processes and an entit.>s eli*i+ilit. for a *rant award7 the uses of Ed Tech funds7 other pro*ra""atic re!uire"ents7 and the relationship of )arious fle5i+ilit. pro)isions to the pro*ra". The $epart"ent will supple"ent this docu"ent with further *uidance as additional issues arise durin* i"ple"entation of the pro*ra".

A. Goals and Purposes of the Program

")1. *hat are the goal+ of the Ed Tech program, The pri"ar. *oal of the Ed Tech pro*ra" is to i"pro)e student acade"ic achie)e"ent throu*h the use of technolo*. in ele"entar. and secondar. schools. It is also desi*ned to assist e)er. student C re*ardless of race7 ethnicit.7 inco"e7 *eo*raphical location7 or disa+ilit. C in +eco"in* technolo*icall. literate +. the end of ei*hth *rade7 and to encoura*e the effecti)e inte*ration of technolo*. resources and s.ste"s with professional de)elop"ent and curriculu" de)elop"ent to pro"ote research:+ased instructional "ethods that can +e widel. replicated. ") . *hat are the purpo+e+ of the program, The purposes of the Ed Tech pro*ra" are to C Assist States and localities in i"ple"entin* and supportin* a co"prehensi)e s.ste" that effecti)el. uses technolo*. in ele"entar. and secondar. schools to i"pro)e student acade"ic achie)e"ent. Encoura*e the esta+lish"ent or e5pansion of initiati)es 9includin* those in)ol)in* pu+lic:pri)ate partnerships; that are desi*ned to increase access to technolo*.7 particularl. in schools ser)ed +. Ahi*h:need local educational a*enciesB as defined in F:=. Assist States and localities in the ac!uisition7 de)elop"ent7 interconnection7 i"ple"entation7 i"pro)e"ent7 and "aintenance of an effecti)e educational technolo*. infrastructure in a "anner that e5pand access of technolo*. to students 9particularl. disad)anta*ed students; and teachers. Support initiati)es that ena+le school personnel and ad"inistrators to inte*rate technolo*. effecti)el. into curriculu" and instruction that are ali*ned with State standards7 throu*h such "eans as hi*h:!ualit. professional de)elop"ent pro*ra"s. Enhance on*oin* professional de)elop"ent for teachers7 principals7 and ad"inistrators +. pro)idin* constant access to trainin* and updated research in teachin* and learnin* throu*h electronic "eans. Support the de)elop"ent and use of electronic networDs and other inno)ati)e "ethods7 such as distance learnin*7 to pro)ide speciali<ed or ri*orous courses or curricula to students who would not otherwise ha)e access to such infor"ation7 particularl. to those in *eo*raphicall. isolated re*ions.

Support local efforts to use technolo*. to pro"ote parent and fa"il. in)ol)e"ent in education and to enhance co""unication a"on* students7 parents7 teachers7 principals7 and ad"inistrators. Support the ri*orous e)aluation of pro*ra"s funded under the Ed Tech Act7 particularl. re*ardin* the i"pact of these pro*ra"s on student acade"ic achie)e"ent7 and ensure that the results are widel. accessi+le throu*h electronic "eans.

B. Federal Awards to States

#)1. %n -hat .a+i+ doe+ the Department a-ard Ed Tech fund+ to State+, The $epart"ent awards Ed Tech funds to States +. for"ula. The a"ount a State recei)es in a *i)en .ear is +ased on the proportion of funds it recei)es under Part A of Title I for that .ear7 e5cept that no State recei)es less than one:half of one percent of the funds "ade a)aila+le under the Ed Tech pro*ra". For purposes of deter"inin* allot"ents7 the $istrict of Colu"+ia and Puerto ico are considered to +e States. #) . "re the outlying area+ and the #ureau of /ndian "ffair+ (#/") eligi.le to recei0e Ed Tech fund+, Ees. The Secretar. allocates three:!uarters of one percent of the funds "ade a)aila+le each .ear under the pro*ra" to the Secretar. of the Interior for pro*ra"s for schools operated or funded +. the BIA. In addition7 the Secretar. pro)ides a total of one:half of one percent of the funds to the outl.in* areas 9i.e.7 the 4ir*in Islands7 Gua"7 A"erican Sa"oa7 and the Co""onwealth of the 8orthern 3ariana Islands;. The consolidated *rant pro)isions in 3# C.F. . Sections &-.12= throu*h &-.13& appl. to awards to the outl.in* areas under this pro*ra". #)1. *hat happen+ to a State2+ allotment if it doe+ not apply for Ed Tech fund+, The Secretar. anticipates that all States will participate in the pro*ra". ,owe)er7 if an SEA does not appl. for an allot"ent or does not use its entire allot"ent7 those funds will +e awarded to other SEAs. #)3. *hen -ill a State recei0e it+ &4 !! Ed Tech allotment, Three factors affect the ti"in* of the FE 2222 Ed Tech allot"ents C the period of a)aila+ilit. for which the Ed Tech funds are appropriatedF the ti"in* of State plan appro)alsF and the a)aila+ilit. of data on final allocations under Part A of Title I. 3

Period of fund availability. Con*ress "ade FE 2222 Ed Tech funds a)aila+le for distri+ution +. the $epart"ent as of the date of enact"ent of the FE 2222 appropriations le*islation. As a result7 the $epart"ent "a. award States their Ed Tech allot"ents as soon as the other award prere!uisites 9State plan appro)al and the a)aila+ilit. of Title I allocation data; are satisfied. FE 2222 Ed Tech funds will re"ain a)aila+le for o+li*ation +. a State and its su+*rantees until Septe"+er 327 222#. The $epart"ent anticipates that the Ed Tech pro*ra" will +e Aforward: fundedB ne5t .ear7 "aDin* FE 2223 Ed Tech funds a)aila+le on /ul. 17 2223. State plan approval. As stated in C:27 the $epart"ent is in the process of preparin* the indi)idual Ed Tech application pacDa*e as well as the consolidated State application pacDa*e. An SEA "a. appl. for fundin* as soon as these docu"ents +eco"e a)aila+le. Title I allocation data. State allocations for Ed Tech funds are +ased on current: .ear allocations under Part A of Title I. The $epart"ent anticipates that final FE 2222 Title I allocations will +e deter"ined +. 3a. of 2222. 6nce these allocations are final7 the $epart"ent will +e a+le to calculate Ed Tech allocations i""ediatel..

Thus7 unliDe awards under other State:ad"inistered pro*ra"s7 an SEA "a. recei)e its FE 2222 Ed Tech allot"ent prior to /ul. 17 2222. An SEA "a. recei)e its Ed Tech allot"ent as soon as its indi)idual Ed Tech application or consolidated State application has +een appro)ed and the FE 2222 allocations are final. To acco""odate States that "a. need Ed Tech fundin* i""ediatel. to "aintain ser)ices as the. "aDe the transition fro" the T'CF pro*ra" to the Ed Tech pro*ra"7 the $epart"ent intends to award each State an initial FE 2222 Ed Tech allocation that is e!ui)alent to fi)e percent of the "ini"u" State allot"ent for this .ear. The $epart"ent plans to "aDe these initial allocations7 which will a"ount to appro5i"atel. G1=27222 per State7 so"eti"e in Fe+ruar. 2222. The $epart"ent will pro)ide States the re"ainin* portions of their allot"ents after their applications ha)e +een appro)ed and the FE 2222 allocations are final.

C. State Application Requirements

')1. *hat mu+t a State do in order to recei0e it+ Ed Tech allocation, To recei)e an Ed Tech *rant7 a State "ust su+"it the re!uired application to the Secretar.. An SEA "a. su+"it a separate application for awards under this pro*ra" or seeD Ed Tech funds as part of its consolidated State application to the $epart"ent.

') . *hen may an SE" +u.mit it+ application for Ed Tech fund+, The $epart"ent is in the process of preparin* the indi)idual Ed Tech application pacDa*e as well as the consolidated State application pacDa*e. As soon as these docu"ents +eco"e a)aila+le7 an SEA "a. appl. for Ed Tech fundin*. ')1. *hat mu+t a State include in it+ Ed Tech application, An SEA seeDin* Ed Tech funds throu*h an indi)idual pro*ra" application "ust su+"it a new or updated statewide lon*:ran*e strate*ic educational technolo*. plan that considers the educational technolo*. needs of 'EAs in the State. The application "ust contain C Strategie+ for impro0ing academic achie0ement C an outline of the SEA>s lon*: ter" strate*ies for i"pro)in* student acade"ic achie)e"ent7 includin* technolo*. literac.7 throu*h the effecti)e use of technolo*. in classroo"s throu*hout the State7 includin* throu*h i"pro)in* the capacit. of teachers to inte*rate technolo*. effecti)el. into curricula and instruction. Goal+ 5 a description of the SEA>s *oals for usin* ad)anced technolo*. to i"pro)e student acade"ic achie)e"ent7 ali*ned with challen*in* State acade"ic content and student acade"ic achie)e"ent standards. Step+ to increa+e acce++i.ility C a description of the steps the SEA will taDe to ensure increased access to technolo*. for all students and teachers7 particularl. those in hi*h:need 'EAs 9see F:=;. "ccounta.ility mea+ure+ C a description of the process and accounta+ilit. "easures that the SEA will use to e)aluate the e5tent to which acti)ities funded under the pro*ra" are effecti)e in inte*ratin* technolo*. into curricula and instruction. /nno0ati0e deli0ery +trategie+ C a description of how the SEA will encoura*e the de)elop"ent and use of inno)ati)e strate*ies for the deli)er. of speciali<ed or ri*orous courses and curricula throu*h the use of technolo*.7 includin* distance learnin* technolo*ies7 particularl. in locations that would not otherwise ha)e access to such courses or curricula due to *eo*raphical distances or insufficient resources. (on)+upplant a++urance C an assurance that financial resources pro)ided under the Ed Tech pro*ra" will supple"ent7 and not supplant7 State and local funds. Profe++ional and curricular de0elopment C a description of how the plan incorporates teacher education7 professional de)elop"ent7 and curriculu" de)elop"ent7 and how the SEA will worD to ensure that teachers and principals are technolo*icall. literate.

Technical a++i+tance 5 a description of how the SEA will pro)ide technical assistance to applicants seeDin* Ed Tech funds7 especiall. to those applicants ser)in* the hi*hest nu"+ers or percenta*es of children in po)ert. or with the *reatest need for technical assistanceF and a description of the SEA>s capacit. to pro)ide technical assistance. Technology re+ource+ and +y+tem+ 5 a description of technolo*. resources and s.ste"s that the State will pro)ide for the purpose of esta+lishin* +est practices that can +e widel. i"ple"ented +. SEAs and 'EAs. Strategie+ for financing technology C a description of the State>s lon*:ter" strate*ies for financin* technolo*. to ensure that all students7 teachers7 and classroo"s will ha)e access to technolo*.. Strategie+ for parental in0ol0ement C a description of the State>s strate*ies for usin* technolo*. to increase parental in)ol)e"ent. 'ompetiti0e grant de+cription 5 a description of how the SEA will ensure that Ed Tech co"petiti)e *rants are of sufficient si<e and duration7 and that the proHects funded +. the *rants are of sufficient scope and !ualit.7 to carr. out the purposes of the pro*ra" effecti)el.. /ntegration of technology -ith curricula and in+truction 5 a description of how the SEA will ensure on*oin* inte*ration of technolo*. into school curricula and instructional strate*ies in all schools7 so that technolo*. will +e full. inte*rated into curricula and instruction +. $ece"+er 317 222-. /ncenti0e+ 5 a description of how 'EAs in the State will pro)ide incenti)es to teachers who are technolo*icall. literate and teachin* in rural or ur+an areas to re"ain in those areas. Support C a description of how pu+lic and pri)ate entities will participate in the i"ple"entation and support of the plan.

States seeDin* Ed Tech funds throu*h a consolidated application will not su+"it all of the infor"ation re!uired for indi)idual Ed Tech applications7 +ut will su+"it onl. Adescriptions7 infor"ation7 assurances7 . . . and other "aterials that are a+solutel. necessar. for the consideration of the consolidated State plan or consolidated State applicationB 9ESEA Section 03229+;93;;. 6n 3arch -7 22227 the $epart"ent pu+lished in the Federal e*ister for pu+lic co""ent a notice of proposed re!uire"ents for the consolidated State application. This docu"ent is a)aila+le on the $epart"ent>s we+site at http?@@www.ed.*o)@le*islation@Fed e*ister@ under the headin* AProposed e*ulations7 Priorities7 and 6ther ulesB. The final consolidated State application re!uire"ents will +e pu+lished later this sprin*.

Appl.in* for funds throu*h the consolidated State application process does not relie)e a State of its o+li*ation to ha)e a State technolo*. plan that "eets all of the statutor. re!uire"ents. Ihile such a State does not ha)e to su+"it its technolo*. plan to the $epart"ent for appro)al7 it "ust "aDe that plan a)aila+le to the $epart"ent7 upon re!uest7 as part of the $epart"ent>s "onitorin*7 reportin*7 or e)aluation acti)ities. States do not ha)e to de)elop new State technolo*. plans for the Ed Tech pro*ra"7 +ut "a. use their current technolo*. plans7 "odified as necessar. to co"pl. with the re!uire"ents of the Ed Tech le*islation.

D. State

ses !f Funds

D)1. 6o- doe+ a State u+e it+ Ed Tech allocation, A State uses its Ed Tech allocation for the followin* purposes? State acti0itie+ :: A State "a. use up to = percent of its allot"ent to carr. out State: le)el acti)ities and to assist local efforts to carr. out the purposes of the pro*ra". 9See $:2.; &ormula grant+ :: A State "ust distri+ute =2 percent of the re"ainder on a formula basis to eli*i+le 'EAs that ha)e su+"itted applications to the State. 9See Section E +elow.; 'ompetiti0e grant+ :: A State "ust distri+ute =2 percent of the re"ainder on a competitive basis to eli*i+le local entities that ha)e su+"itted applications to the State. 9See Section F +elow.;

D) . 6o- may a State u+e the fund+ that it retain+, A State "a. use the Ed Tech that it retains 9i.e.7 up to = percent of the State>s allocation; for an. acti)ities to "eet the purposes of the Ed Tech pro*ra" and to assist local efforts to "eet these purposes. The acti)ities supported with Ed Tech funds should +e desi*ned to enhance student acade"ic achie)e"ent. These acti)ities "a. include7 a"on* others7 the followin*? Supportin* inno)ati)e strate*ies for the deli)er. of speciali<ed or ri*orous acade"ic courses and curricula throu*h the use of technolo*.7 and pro)idin* other technical assistance to *rant applicants and recipients7 with priorit. *i)en to hi*h:need 'EAs.

&

Supportin* pu+lic:pri)ate initiati)es for ac!uirin* technolo*. for hi*h:need 'EAs and students ser)ed +. these 'EAs. Supportin* professional and curriculu" de)elop"ent that includes the inte*ration of ad)anced technolo*ies. Assistin* *rant recipients in pro)idin* all students 9includin* students with disa+ilities and students with li"ited En*lish proficienc.; and teachers with access to educational technolo*.. $e)elopin* perfor"ance "easure"ent s.ste"s to e)aluate the effecti)eness of pro*ra"s supported with Ed Tech funds. Colla+oratin* with other SEAs on distance learnin*.

D)1. May a State u+e the fund+ that it retain+ for admini+trati0e co+t+, Ees. Fro" the funds retained for State acti)ities 9i.e.7 up to = percent of the State>s allocation;7 an SEA "a. support reasona+le and necessar. costs associated with ad"inisterin* the Ed Tech pro*ra". A State "a. use no "ore than -2 percent of its retained funds for ad"inistrati)e costs. D)3. May a State con+olidate it+ admini+trati0e fund+ under the Ed Tech program -ith admini+trati0e fund+ under other program+, Ees. Consistent with the re!uire"ents in section 0221 of the ESEA7 a State "a. consolidate funds "ade a)aila+le for State ad"inistration under an. ESEA pro*ra"7 as well as other pro*ra"s that the Secretar. "a. desi*nate. An SEA "a. use consolidated State ad"inistrati)e funds to ad"inister the pro*ra"s included in the consolidation7 and for ad"inistrati)e acti)ities desi*ned to enhance the effecti)e and coordinated use of funds under those pro*ra"s. In addition7 an SEA "a. use the funds to de)elop the standards and assess"ents re!uired under Part A of Title I. 9For infor"ation on fle5i+ilit. that is a)aila+le to States with respect to State:le)el non:ad"inistrati)e funds7 see the transfera+ilit. discussion in 3:1.;

". "d #ech Formula Grants to $"As

E)1. 6o- much of a State2+ Ed Tech allotment mu+t .e u+ed for formula grant+, As noted in $:1 a+o)e7 a State "a. retain no "ore than = percent of its Ed Tech allot"ent for State acti)ities and "ust su+*rant =2 percent of the re"ainder +. for"ula to eli*i+le local educational a*encies. E) . %n -hat .a+i+ doe+ a State di+tri.ute Ed Tech formula grant fund+,

A State distri+utes Ed Tech for"ula *rant funds to eli*i+le 'EAs on the +asis of each 'EA>s proportionate share of funds under Part A of Title I for that .ear. E)1. To -hich $E"+ may a State a-ard Ed Tech formula grant fund+, A State "a. award Ed Tech for"ula *rant funds onl. to 'EAs that recei)e funds under Part A of Title I or to other 'EAs that appl. as part of a consortiu" with 'EAs that recei)e funds under Part A of Title I. 9See E:= throu*h &.; E)3. /+ there a minimum a-ard amount for eligi.le entitie+ +ee7ing Ed Tech formula fund+, 8o. ,owe)er7 'EAs that recei)e Ed Tech for"ula *rant awards that are of insufficient si<e to +e effecti)e and that "eet the eli*i+ilit. re!uire"ents under the Ed Tech co"petiti)e *rant pro*ra" "ust +e *i)en priorit. in the Ed Tech co"petitions. Further"ore7 where authori<ed7 'EAs that recei)e s"all Ed Tech for"ula *rant awards "a. taDe ad)anta*e of other fle5i+ilit. pro)isions in the ESEA in order to address local needs "ore effecti)el. 9e.*.7 transfera+ilit.7 alternati)e uses of funds under the ural Education Achie)e"ent Pro*ra" 9 EAP;;. 9See Section 3.; E)8. May an eligi.le $E" (i.e., an $E" that recei0e+ fund+ under Part " of Title /) apply for Ed Tech formula grant fund+ a+ part of a con+ortium -ith other entitie+, Ees. An eli*i+le 'EA "a. appl. for Ed Tech for"ula *rant funds as part of a consortiu" that includes other 'EAs7 institutions of hi*her education7 educational ser)ice a*encies7 li+raries7 or other educational entities. E)9. /f an eligi.le $E" applie+ for formula grant fund+ a+ part of a con+ortium, -hich entity +er0e+ a+ the fi+cal agent, 6nl. an 'EA "a. ser)e as the fiscal a*ent for Ed Tech funds. E):. May an educational +er0ice agency that doe+ not recei0e fund+ under Part " of Title / .e a-arded Ed Tech formula grant fund+, Ees. An educational ser)ice a*enc. that does not recei)e funds under Part A of Title I "a. nonetheless recei)e Ed Tech for"ula *rant funds if it applies for fundin* in consortiu" with an 'EA that recei)es funds under Part A of Title I. In such instances7 the 'EA that recei)es Title I funds "a. a*ree to per"it the educational ser)ice a*enc. to act as the fiscal a*ent for the Ed Tech funds.

E);. /+ a State re<uired to a++i+t $E"+ in applying for Ed Tech formula grant fund+, Ees. An SEA "ust identif. the 'EAs that ha)e the hi*hest nu"+er or percenta*e of children fro" fa"ilies with inco"es +elow the po)ert. line and the *reatest need for technical assistance in de)elopin* local applications7 and pro)ide technical assistance to these 'EAs. The sa"e re!uire"ent applies with respect to Ed Tech co"petiti)e funds. 9See F:0.; E)=. Doe+ an $E" ha0e to re)apply annually for Ed Tech formula grant fund+, An 'EA needs to su+"it a co"plete application7 includin* a local technolo*. plan7 onl. when it first seeDs Ed Tech for"ula *rant funds. 9,owe)er7 if an 'EA seeDs Ed Tech funds as part of a consolidated local application7 other re!uire"ents appl.. See G:2.; An 'EA "ust infor" its SEA whene)er it "aDes si*nificant "odifications to that plan. The SEA "a. re!uire 'EAs annuall. to su+"it perfor"ance reports7 updated +ud*ets7 and other reasona+le data +efore awardin* funds in su+se!uent .ears. E)1!. May an eligi.le $E" apply +imultaneou+ly for .oth Ed Tech formula and competiti0e fund+, Ees. Eli*i+le applicants "a. seeD +oth for"ula and co"petiti)e *rants as part of a sin*le application. Consistent with the statutor. re!uire"ents7 each SEA will esta+lish its own procedures for co"+ined applications. E)11. May an SE" re+trict a recipient2+ u+e of Ed Tech formula grant fund+ to certain type+ of acti0itie+ or e>pen+e+, A recipient of Ed Tech funds *enerall. "ust spend at least 2= percent of its award on on*oin*7 sustained7 and intensi)e hi*h:!ualit. professional de)elop"ent 9see ,:1; and has considera+le fle5i+ilit. concernin* the additional acti)ities that it "a. support with Ed Tech funds 9see ,:2;. An SEA "a. i"pose additional restrictions on a recipient>s use of Ed Tech for"ula *rants funds onl. to the e5tent that those restrictions are consistent with the le*islation. For e5a"ple7 an SEA could re!uire that an. e!uip"ent purchased with Ed Tech funds "eet "ini"u" standards. 6n the other hand7 while an SEA could encourage recipients to spend the "aHorit. of their Ed Tech funds on professional de)elop"ent7 it could not re!uire that the. spend "ore than the statutor. 2= percent "ini"u" on professional de)elop"ent.

12

F. "d #ech Competiti%e Grants to "ligi&le $ocal "ntities

&)1. 6o- much of a State2+ Ed Tech allotment mu+t .e u+ed for competiti0e grant+, As noted in $:1 a+o)e7 a State "a. retain no "ore than = percent of its Ed Tech allot"ent for State acti)ities and "ust su+*rant =2 percent of the re"ainder to Aeli*i+le local entitiesB on a co"petiti)e +asis. &) . *hat criteria go0ern the di+tri.ution of Ed Tech competiti0e grant fund+, Consistent with the purposes of the pro*ra"7 an SEA has considera+le fle5i+ilit. in de)elopin* selection criteria and priorities for awardin* Ed Tech co"petiti)e *rants to eli*i+le local entities. Ihether the award is "ade to a Ahi*h:need local educational a*enc.B or an Aeli*i+le local partnershipB 9see F:= and F:-;7 the focus of the *rant "ust +e on addressin* the needs of the hi*h:need 'EA. The le*islation re!uires SEAs to "eet the followin* specific re!uire"ents in "aDin* these awards? Priority to $E"+ that recei0e in+ufficient amount+ of Ed Tech formula grant fund+ C In awardin* Ed Tech co"petiti)e *rants7 an SEA "ust identif. the 'EAs that are eli*i+le local entities and that recei)e Ed Tech for"ula *rant allocations that are of insufficient si<e to +e effecti)e7 and *i)e priorit. to applications su+"itted +. these 'EAs. Minimum grant amount+ 5 An SEA "ust award Ed Tech co"petiti)e *rants that are of sufficient si<e and duration to carr. out the purposes of the Ed Tech le*islation effecti)el.. Program +cope and <uality C An SEA "ust ensure that an. pro*ra" supported with Ed Tech co"petiti)e *rant funds is of sufficient scope and !ualit. to carr. out the purposes of the Ed Tech le*islation effecti)el.. &i+cal agent C If an eli*i+le local partnership recei)es an Ed Tech co"petiti)e award7 an 'EA "ust ser)e as the fiscal a*ent for the partnership. E<uita.le di+tri.ution among ur.an and rural area+ 5 An SEA "ust ensure an e!uita+le distri+ution of Ed Tech co"petiti)e *rant funds a"on* ur+an and rural areas7 accordin* to the de"onstrated need of those 'EAs ser)in* the areas.

11

&)1. May an SE" e+ta.li+h prioritie+ for a-arding Ed Tech competiti0e fund+ that gi0e eligi.le applicant+ additional point+ for +u.mitting propo+al+ that addre++ particular authori?ed acti0itie+, Ees. Consistent with the le*islation and the State>s technolo*. plan7 in awardin* Ed Tech co"petiti)e *rant funds7 an SEA "a. *i)e eli*i+le applicants a co"petiti)e preference for su+"ittin* proposals that address particular acti)ities or initiati)es authori<ed in the le*islation. &)3. *hat i+ an @eligi.le local entityA for purpo+e+ of an Ed Tech competition, An eli*i+le local entit. is either a Ahi*h:need local educational a*enc.B or an Aeli*i+le local partnershipB. 9See F:= and F:-.; 6nl. eli*i+le local entities "a. recei)e Ed Tech co"petiti)e *rant funds. &)8. *hat i+ a @high)need local educational agencyA, A Ahi*h:need local educational a*enc.B is an 'EA that C 91; Is a"on* those 'EAs in the State with the hi*hest nu"+ers or percenta*es of children fro" fa"ilies with inco"es +elow the po)ert. lineF and 92; Ser)es one or "ore schools identified for i"pro)e"ent or correcti)e action under section 111- of the ESEA7 or has a su+stantial need for assistance in ac!uirin* and usin* technolo*.. For purposes of this pro*ra"7 the ter" Apo)ert. lineB "eans the po)ert. line 9as defined +. the 6ffice of 3ana*e"ent and Bud*et and re)ised annuall. in accordance with section -&392; of the Co""unit. Ser)ices BlocD Grant Act; applica+le to a fa"il. of the si<e in)ol)ed 9ESEA Section 0121933;;. 9See the %.S. Census we+site at http?@@www.census.*o)@hhes@www@saipe@.; &)9. *hat i+ an @eligi.le local partner+hipA, An Aeli*i+le local partnershipB is a partnership that includes at least one hi*h:need 'EA and at least one of the followin* C 91; An 'EA that can de"onstrate that teachers in its schools are effecti)el. inte*ratin* technolo*. and pro)en teachin* practices into instruction7 +ased on a re)iew of rele)ant research7 and that the inte*ration results in i"pro)e"ent in classroo" instruction and in helpin* students "eet challen*in* acade"ic standards.

12

92; An institution of hi*her education that is in full co"pliance with the reportin* re!uire"ents of section 22&9f; of the ,i*her Education Act of 10-=7 as a"ended7 and that has not +een identified +. the State as low:perfor"in* under that act. 93; A for:profit +usiness or or*ani<ation that de)elops7 desi*ns7 "anufactures7 or produces technolo*. products or ser)ices or has su+stantial e5pertise in the application of technolo*. in instruction. 9#; A pu+lic or pri)ate nonprofit or*ani<ation with de"onstrated e5pertise in the application of educational technolo*. in instruction. The partnership "a. also include other 'EAs7 educational ser)ice a*encies7 li+raries7 or other educational entities appropriate to pro)ide local pro*ra"s. &):. /f an eligi.le local partner+hip recei0e+ an Ed Tech competiti0e grant a-ard, -hich entity +er0e+ a+ the fi+cal agent, 6nl. an 'EA "a. ser)e as the fiscal a*ent for the award. &);. May a high)need $E" +u.mit a com.ined application for Ed Tech formula and competiti0e grant fund+, Ees. 9See E:12.; &)=. /+ the State re<uired to a++i+t $E"+ in applying for Ed Tech competiti0e grant fund+, Ees. An SEA "ust identif. the 'EAs that ha)e the hi*hest nu"+er or percenta*e of children fro" fa"ilies with inco"es +elow the po)ert. line and the *reatest need for technical assistance in de)elopin* local applications. The SEA "ust pro)ide technical assistance to these 'EAs. 9As noted in E:(7 the sa"e re!uire"ent applies to the for"ula *rant funds.;

13

G.

$ocal Application Requirements

G)1. To recei0e Ed Tech fund+, doe+ an $E" or eligi.le local entity need an educational technology plan, Ees. Before recei)in* Ed Tech funds7 an eli*i+le applicant "ust ha)e a new or updated lon*: ran*e strate*ic educational technolo*. plan that is consistent with the o+Hecti)es of the statewide technolo*. plan and that addresses the statutor. local plan re!uire"ents. 9See G: 2.; The applicant does not ha)e to de)elop a new technolo*. plan for the Ed Tech pro*ra"7 +ut "a. use its current technolo*. plan7 "odified as necessar. to co"pl. with the re!uire"ents of the Ed Tech le*islation. As appropriate7 an 'EA "a. seeD a wai)er of this re!uire"ent in order to recei)e funds to de)elop the plan. 9See G:3.; G) . *hat information mu+t .e included in a local application for Ed Tech fund+, An indi)idual local technolo*. application 9i.e.7 an Ed Tech pro*ra" application that is not part of the consolidated local application descri+ed +elow; "ust include the followin*? Strategie+ for impro0ing academic achie0ement and teacher effecti0ene++ C a description of how the applicant will use Ed Tech funds to i"pro)e the acade"ic achie)e"ent7 includin* technolo*. literac.7 of all students attendin* schools ser)ed +. the 'EA and to i"pro)e the capacit. of all teachers in schools ser)ed +. the 'EA to inte*rate technolo*. effecti)el. into curriculu" and instruction. Goal+ C a description of the applicant>s specific *oals7 ali*ned with challen*in* State standards7 for usin* ad)anced technolo*. to i"pro)e student acade"ic achie)e"ent. Step+ to increa+e acce++i.ility C a description of the steps the applicant will taDe to ensure that all students and teachers ha)e increased access to technolo*.. The description "ust include how the applicant will use Ed Tech funds to help students in hi*h:po)ert. and hi*h:needs schools7 or schools identified for i"pro)e"ent or correcti)e action under section 111- of Title I7 and to help ensure that teachers are prepared to inte*rate technolo*. effecti)el. into curricula and instruction. Promotion of curricula and teaching +trategie+ that integrate technology )) a description of how the applicant will identif. and pro"ote curricula and teachin* strate*ies that inte*rate technolo*. effecti)el. into curricula and instruction7 +ased on a re)iew of rele)ant research and leadin* to i"pro)e"ents in student acade"ic achie)e"ent. Profe++ional de0elopment C a description of how the applicant will pro)ide on*oin*7 sustained professional de)elop"ent for teachers7 principals7 ad"inistrators7

1#

and school li+rar. "edia personnel to further the effecti)e use of technolo*. in the classroo" or li+rar. "edia center. Technology type and co+t+ C a description of the t.pe and costs of technolo*. to +e ac!uired with Ed Tech funds7 includin* pro)isions for interopera+ilit. of co"ponents. 'oordination -ith other re+ource+ 5 a description of how the applicant will coordinate acti)ities funded throu*h the Ed Tech pro*ra" with technolo*.:related acti)ities supported with funds fro" other sources. /ntegration of technology -ith curricula and in+truction C a description of how the applicant will inte*rate technolo*. 9includin* software and electronicall. deli)ered learnin* "aterials; into curricula and instruction7 and a ti"eline for this inte*ration. /nno0ati0e deli0ery +trategie+ C a description of how the applicant will encoura*e the de)elop"ent and use of inno)ati)e strate*ies for the deli)er. of speciali<ed or ri*orous courses and curricula throu*h the use of technolo*.7 includin* distance learnin* technolo*ies7 particularl. in areas that would not otherwise ha)e access to such courses or curricula due to *eo*raphical distances or insufficient resources. Parental in0ol0ement C a description of how the applicant will use technolo*. effecti)el. to pro"ote parental in)ol)e"ent and increase co""unication with parents7 includin* a description of how parents will +e infor"ed of the technolo*. used. 'olla.oration -ith adult literacy +er0ice pro0ider+ C a description of how the pro*ra" will +e de)eloped7 where applica+le7 in colla+oration with adult literac. ser)ice pro)iders. "ccounta.ility mea+ure+ 5 a description of the process and accounta+ilit. "easures that the applicant will use to e)aluate the e5tent to which acti)ities funded under the pro*ra" are effecti)e in inte*ratin* technolo*. into curricula and instruction7 increasin* the a+ilit. of teachers to teach7 and ena+lin* students to reach challen*in* State acade"ic standards. Supporting re+ource+ 5 a description of the supportin* resources7 such as ser)ices7 software7 other electronicall. deli)ered learnin* "aterials7 and print resources7 that will +e ac!uired to ensure successful and effecti)e uses of technolo*..

An 'EA that seeDs Ed Tech funds as part of a consolidated local application needs to include Adescriptions7 infor"ation7 assurances7 and other "aterial that are a+solutel. necessar. for the consideration of the local educational a*enc. plan or application.B 9ESEA Section 032=9d;; 6nce the $epart"ent "aDes the consolidated State application a)aila+le7 States

1=

"a. de)elop consolidated local application *uidelines that are consistent with the consolidated State application re!uire"ents. Appl.in* for funds throu*h a consolidated local application does not relie)e an 'EA of its o+li*ation to ha)e a local technolo*. plan that "eets all of the statutor. re!uire"ents. G)1. May an $E" that doe+ not ha0e a local technology plan +ee7 a -ai0er of the local application re<uirement+ in order to recei0e fund+ to de0elop the plan, Ees. There "a. +e instances in which 'EAs ha)e a )er. *reat need for technolo*. +ut lacD the resources to de)elop a technolo*. plan. These 'EAs "a. seeD a wai)er of the local application re!uire"ents in order to recei)e Ed Tech funds for plannin* purposes. In AEd: Fle5 StatesB7 an 'EA would seeD the wai)er fro" its SEAF in other States7 an 'EA would seeD the wai)er fro" the Secretar. of Education7 or an SEA could seeD the wai)er fro" the Secretar. on +ehalf of its 'EAs. In re!uestin* a wai)er7 the 'EA would descri+e how the wai)er would assist the 'EA and affected schools and students in reachin* specific7 "easura+le educational *oals. 9See ,:3.; 93ore detailed infor"ation on Ed:Fle5 wai)ers and the Secretar.>s wai)er authorit. is a)aila+le on the $epart"ent>s we+site at http?@@www.ed.*o)@ncl+@freedo"@local@fle5i+ilit.@inde5.ht"l.;

'. $ocal

ses of Funds

6)1. Mu+t an Ed Tech grant recipient u+e a portion of it+ fund+ to +upport +pecific type+ of acti0itie+, Ees. Each Ed Tech recipient "ust use at least 2= percent of its funds to pro)ide on*oin*7 sustained7 and intensi)e7 hi*h:!ualit. professional de)elop"ent. 9This re!uire"ent applies to +oth for"ula and co"petiti)e *rant funds.; The recipient "ust pro)ide professional de)elop"ent in the inte*ration of ad)anced technolo*ies7 includin* e"er*in* technolo*ies7 into curricula and instruction and in usin* those technolo*ies to create new learnin* en)iron"ents. ,owe)er7 the professional de)elop"ent re!uire"ent does not appl. if the Ed Tech recipient de"onstrates7 to the satisfaction of its SEA7 that it alread. pro)ides7 to all teachers in core acade"ic su+Hects7 such professional de)elop"ent7 which is +ased on a re)iew of rele)ant research. The re"ainin* funds are to +e used to carr. out other acti)ities consistent with the purposes of the pro*ra" and the district>s local technolo*. plan. 6) . *hat other acti0itie+ might a grant recipient +upport -ith Ed Tech fund+, In i"ple"entin* its local technolo*. plan7 a recipient of Ed Tech funds "a. support acti)ities such as C

1-

Increasin* accessi+ilit. to technolo*.7 particularl. throu*h pu+lic:pri)ate partnerships7 with special e"phasis on accessi+ilit. for hi*h:need schools. Adaptin* or e5pandin* applications of technolo*. to ena+le teachers to increase student acade"ic achie)e"ent7 includin* technolo*. literac.7 throu*h teachin* practices that are +ased on the re)iew of rele)ant research and throu*h use of inno)ati)e distance learnin* strate*ies. I"ple"entin* pro)en and effecti)e courses and curricula that include inte*rated technolo*. and that are desi*ned to help students reach challen*in* acade"ic standards. %sin* technolo*. to pro"ote parental in)ol)e"ent and foster co""unication a"on* students7 parents7 and teachers a+out curricula7 assi*n"ents7 and assess"ents. Preparin* one or "ore teachers in schools as technolo*. leaders who will assist other teachers7 and pro)idin* +onus pa."ents to the technolo*. leaders. Enhancin* e5istin* technolo*. and ac!uirin* new technolo*. to support education refor"s and to i"pro)e student achie)e"ent. Ac!uirin* connecti)it. linDa*es7 resources7 and ser)ices for use +. students and school personnel to i"pro)e acade"ic achie)e"ent. %sin* technolo*. to collect7 "ana*e7 and anal.<e data to infor" and enhance teachin* and school i"pro)e"ent efforts. I"ple"entin* enhanced perfor"ance "easure"ent s.ste"s to deter"ine the effecti)eness of education technolo*. pro*ra"s funded with Ed Tech funds. $e)elopin*7 enhancin*7 or i"ple"entin* infor"ation technolo*. courses.

6)1. May an $E" that doe+ not yet ha0e the re<uired local technology plan .e a-arded Ed Tech fund+ in order to de0elop a plan, An 'EA "a. +e awarded Ed Tech funds to de)elop a local technolo*. plan onl. if it recei)es a wai)er to do so. Assu"in* that the applica+le wai)er criteria are "et7 the wai)er "a. +e *ranted +. an SEA to an 'EA in an Ed:Fle5 State7 or +. the Secretar. to an 'EA in a non:Ed:Fle5 State. 9See G:3.; 6)3. 6o- long doe+ an $E" ha0e to o.ligate Ed Tech fund+, The Ed Tech pro*ra" is a State:ad"inistered pro*ra" and is therefore *o)erned +. the fund a)aila+ilit. pro)isions in the AT.din*s A"end"ent.B These pro)isions re!uire that funds +e o+li*ated +. the end of the Federal fiscal .ear succeedin* the Federal fiscal .ear for which the funds were appropriated. Thus7 FE 2222 Ed Tech funds "ust +e o+li*ated no later than Septe"+er 327 222#.

1&

I. "d #ech Accounta&ilit(

/)1. 6o- -ill SE"+ .e held accounta.le under the Ed Tech program, An SEA>s State technolo*. plan "ust include lon*:ter" strate*ies for i"pro)in* student acade"ic achie)e"ent7 includin* technolo*. literac.7 throu*h the effecti)e use of technolo*. in classroo"s. These strate*ies "ust include i"pro)in* the capacit. of teachers to inte*rate technolo*. effecti)el. into curricula and instruction. Each SEA "ust de)elop *oals for usin* ad)anced technolo*. to i"pro)e student acade"ic achie)e"ent7 and those *oals "ust +e ali*ned with State standards. To help ensure accounta+ilit. for Ed Tech funds7 SEAs "ust de)elop a process and accounta+ilit. "easures that the State will use to e)aluate the e5tent to which acti)ities funded under the pro*ra" are effecti)e in inte*ratin* technolo*. into curricula and instruction. These accounta+ilit. "easures should e)aluate the i"pact that Ed Tech acti)ities ha)e had on student achie)e"ent. The le*islation e5pressl. authori<es States to use funds that are set aside for State:le)el acti)ities to de)elop perfor"ance "easure"ent s.ste"s to deter"ine the effecti)eness of educational technolo*. pro*ra"s supported with Ed Tech funds. 9See ESEA Section 2#1=9=;.; As part of its "onitorin* and e)aluation of the pro*ra"7 the $epart"ent intends to e5a"ine the pro*ress that SEAs ha)e "ade in inte*ratin* technolo*. into curricula and instruction and in "eetin* their *oals for usin* technolo*. to i"pro)e student acade"ic achie)e"ent. /) . 6o- -ill $E"+ and eligi.le local entitie+ .e held accounta.le under the Ed Tech Program, 'EAs and eli*i+le local entities "ust ha)e lon*:ran*e technolo*. plans that are consistent with the o+Hecti)es of their SEA>s State plan. 'iDe SEAs7 the. "ust de)elop strate*ies for i"pro)in* student acade"ic achie)e"ent throu*h the effecti)e use of technolo*. in classroo"s7 includin* i"pro)in* the capacit. of teachers to inte*rate technolo*. into curricula and instruction. Further"ore7 the. "ust set specific *oals7 ali*ned with State standards7 for usin* ad)anced technolo*. to i"pro)e student acade"ic achie)e"ent. To help ensure accounta+ilit. for Ed Tech funds7 'EAs and eli*i+le local entities "ust also de)elop a process and accounta+ilit. "easures that the. will use to e)aluate the e5tent to which acti)ities funded under the pro*ra" are effecti)e in 91; inte*ratin* technolo*. into curricula and instructionF 92; increasin* the a+ilit. of teachers to teachF and 93; ena+lin* students to "eet challen*in* State standards. Because the Ed Tech pro*ra" is a State:ad"inistered pro*ra"7 the SEA is responsi+le for ensurin* that 'EAs and eli*i+le local entities co"pl. with Ed Tech statutor. re!uire"ents. In addition7 as part of its e)aluation of the pro*ra"7 the $epart"ent will e5a"ine the e5tent to which 'EAs and eli*i+le local entities ha)e effecti)el. used funds to "eet the *oals of the pro*ra". 1(

).

State Application Appro%al Process

B)1. 6o- -ill the Department re0ie- State Ed Tech application+, The $epart"ent intends to re)iew Ed Tech applications throu*h a peer:re)iew process that in)ol)es e5perts in the application of technolo*. to school refor" efforts. The $epart"ent will re)iew Ed Tech applications that are su+"itted as part of a consolidated State application throu*h the consolidated State application re)iew process. B) . *hat i+ the timeframe for re0ie- and appro0al of an application, For indi)idual Ed Tech applications7 within 122 da.s of receipt of an Ed Tech application fro" a State7 the Secretar. will either appro)e the application or "aDe a written deter"ination that the application is not in co"pliance with statutor. re!uire"ents. The Secretar. will not "aDe a final decision to disappro)e an application +efore *rantin* a State notice and an opportunit. for a hearin*. If the Secretar. fails to respond to an application within 122 da.s of its receipt7 the application will +e dee"ed appro)ed. The $epart"ent is currentl. de)elopin* procedures for the re)iew and appro)al of consolidated State applications.

*. Internet Safet(
C)1. 6o- do the re<uirement+ of the 'hildren2+ /nternet Protection "ct ('/P") affect $E"+ that recei0e Ed Tech fund+, Su+part # of the Ed Tech le*islation incorporates into the ESEA the re!uire"ents of the Children>s Internet Protection Act 9CIPA;. These pro)isions re!uire 'EAs to certif.7 under certain circu"stances7 that schools ha)e adopted and are enforcin* Internet safet. policies. As a condition of participatin* in the Ed Tech pro*ra"7 'EAs "ust su+"it a CIPA certification for" to their SEA. The CIPA re!uire"ents in the ESEA appl. with respect to ele"entar. or secondar. schools that do not recei)e e:rate discounts and for which Ed Tech funds are used to purchase co"puters used to access the Internet7 or to pa. the direct costs associated with accessin* the Internet. The CIPA re!uire"ents in the ESEA do not appl. to schools that recei)e e:rate discounts. 9These schools are *o)erned +. other CIPA pro)isions and "ust su+"it their CIPA certifications to the Federal Co""unications Co""ission.;

10

C) . *hat 7ind of '/P" certification mu+t an $E" file -ith it+ SE", An 'EA seeDin* Ed Tech funds "ust certif. to its SEA that one of the followin* conditions e5ists C E)er. Aapplica+le schoolB has co"plied with the CIPA re!uire"ents in su+part # of Part $ of Title II of the ESEA. 9An Aapplica+le schoolB is an ele"entar. or secondar. school that does not recei)e e:rate discounts and for which Ed Tech funds are used to purchase co"puters used to access the Internet7 or to pa. the direct costs associated with accessin* the Internet.; 8ot all Aapplica+le schoolsB ha)e .et co"plied with the re!uire"ents in su+part # of Part $ of Title II of the ESEA. ,owe)er7 the 'EA has recei)ed a one:.ear wai)er fro" the %.S. Secretar. of Education under section 2##19+;92;9C; of the ESEA for those applica+le schools not .et in co"pliance. The CIPA re!uire"ents in the ESEA do not appl. +ecause no funds "ade a)aila+le under the pro*ra" are +ein* used to purchase co"puters to access the Internet7 or to pa. for direct costs associated with accessin* the Internet7 for ele"entar. and secondar. schools that do not recei)e e:rate ser)ices under the Co""unications Act of 103#7 as a"ended.

$. "quita&le Participation of Pri%ate School Students and Personnel

$)1. Do the e<uita.le participation re<uirement+ in Su.part 1 of Part E of Title /D of the ESE" apply to the Ed Tech program, Ees. The e!uita+le participation re!uire"ents appl. to the pro*ra". 9See ESEA Section 0=219+;91;.; $) . *hat do the e<uita.le participation pro0i+ion+ re<uire $E"+ and eligi.le local entitie+ to do, 'EAs and eli*i+le local entities "ust en*a*e in ti"el. and "eanin*ful consultation with appropriate pri)ate school officials durin* the desi*n and de)elop"ent of pro*ra"s and continue the consultation throu*hout the i"ple"entation of these pro*ra"s. Therefore7 for +oth Ed Tech for"ula and co"petiti)e awards7 the consultation should +e*in durin* the de)elop"ent of the local *rant proposals. Eli*i+le 'EAs that seeD +oth co"petiti)e and for"ula fundin* under Ed Tech "a. en*a*e in consultations that si"ultaneousl. in)ol)e the Ed Tech co"petiti)e and for"ula *rants.

22

'EAs and local entities "ust pro)ide7 on an e!uita+le +asis7 special educational ser)ices or other +enefits that address the needs under the pro*ra" of children7 teachers7 and other educational personnel in pri)ate schools in areas ser)ed +. the 'EAs and local entities. E5penditures for educational ser)ices and other +enefits for pri)ate school children7 teachers7 and other educational personnel "ust +e e!ual7 taDin* into account the nu"+er and educational needs of the children to +e ser)ed7 to the e5penditures for participatin* pu+lic school children.

+. Impact of ,arious Fle-i&ilit( Pro%isions on the "d #ech Program

M)1. 6o- do the principal fle>i.ility pro0i+ion+ affect the Ed Tech program, In *eneral7 the principal fle5i+ilit. pro)isions7 which are descri+ed in *reater detail on the $epart"ent>s we+site at httpEFF---.ed.go0Foffice+F%ESEFe+eaFinde>.html7 affect the Ed Tech pro*ra" as follows? State)&le> (ESE" Section+ 9131 through 9133) An SEA with State:Fle5 authorit. "a. consolidate Ed Tech funds that are a)aila+le for State:le)el acti)ities and State ad"inistration with certain other State:le)el funds7 and use those funds for an. ESEA purpose in order to "aDe ade!uate .earl. pro*ress and ad)ance the educational priorities of the State and the 'EAs with which the State enters into perfor"ance a*ree"ents. Si"ilarl.7 an 'EA that enters into a perfor"ance a*ree"ent with its SEA in a State: Fle5 State "a. consolidate Ed Tech formula grant funds 9not Ed Tech co"petiti)e *rant funds; with certain other Federal funds7 and use those funds for an. ESEA purpose consistent with the SEA>s State:Fle5 plan in order to "eet the State>s definition of ade!uate .earl. pro*ress7 i"pro)e student acade"ic achie)e"ent7 and narrow achie)e"ent *aps. $ocal)&le> (ESE" Section+ 9181 through 9189) An 'EA that enters into a 'ocal:Fle5 a*ree"ent with the Secretar. "a. consolidate Ed Tech formula grant funds with certain other Federal funds and7 consistent with the purposes of the 'ocal:Fle5 pro*ra"7 use those funds for an. ESEA purpose in order to "eet the State>s definition of ade!uate .earl. pro*ress7 i"pro)e student acade"ic achie)e"ent7 and narrow achie)e"ent *aps.

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Tran+fera.ility (ESE" Section+ 91 1 through 91 1) %nder this fle5i+ilit. authorit.7 an SEA "a. transfer up to =2 percent of the non: ad"inistrati)e funds that it recei)es under certain Federal pro*ra"s to other specified pro*ra"s that address "ore effecti)el. its uni!ue needs or to its allocation under Part A of Title I. This authorit. allows a portion of an SEA>s State:le)el non: ad"inistrati)e funds to +e transferred into or out of the Ed Tech pro*ra". 'iDewise7 an 'EA 9e5cept an 'EA identified for i"pro)e"ent or su+Hect to correcti)e action under section 111-9c;90;; "a. transfer up to =2 percent of the funds allocated to it by formula under certain other pro*ra"s to its Ed Tech allocation 9or to other specified allocations; or to its allocation under Part A of Title I. An 'EA "a. also transfer up to =2 percent of its Ed Tech formula grant funds to certain other pro*ra"s. 9There are special transfera+ilit. rules *o)ernin* 'EAs identified for i"pro)e"ent or correcti)e action.;

Gural Education /nitiati0e+ (ESE" Section+ 9 !1 through 9 13) %nder the Title 4I Alternati)e %ses of Funds Authorit.7 an eli*i+le 'EA "a. co"+ine its Ed Tech formula grant funds with certain other Federal funds and use the applica+le fundin* to carr. out local acti)ities under one or "ore specified Federal pro*ra"s. The Ed Tech pro*ra" is one of the pro*ra"s for which an 'EA "a. spend all or part of its Aapplica+le fundin*B as defined in section -2119c; of the ESEA. An eli*i+le 'EA "a. use funds under the S"all7 ural School Achie)e"ent Pro*ra" to carr. out acti)ities under a nu"+er of Federal pro*ra"s7 includin* Ed Tech. Si"ilarl.7 an 'EA that recei)es funds under the ural and 'ow:Inco"e School Pro*ra" "a. use those funds for acti)ities authori<ed under the Ed Tech pro*ra" and for other purposes.

Ed)&le> (a+ re0i+ed .y ESE" Section 1!:1) Consistent with the pro)isions of the Ed:Fle5 le*islation7 an Ed:Fle5 State "a. wai)e re!uire"ents of the Ed Tech pro*ra" that7 in particular circu"stances7 "a. i"pede the a+ilit. of 'EAs or schools to carr. out educational refor"s and raise the achie)e"ent le)els of all students. There are certain re!uire"ents that an Ed:Fle5 State "a. not wai)e. For e5a"ple7 an Ed:Fle5 State "a. not *rant an. wai)er that would under"ine the underl.in* purposes of the Ed Tech pro*ra". 9See A:1 and A: 2.;

ESE" Secretarial *ai0er+ (ESE" Section =3!1)

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Consistent with the authorit. in section 0#217 the Secretar. "a. wai)e re!uire"ents of the Ed Tech pro*ra" for SEAs and for 'EAs and schools in States that do not ha)e Ed:Fle5 authorit.. Si"ilar to the statutor. restrictions on an Ed:Fle5 State>s authorit. to *rant wai)ers7 there are also restrictions on the Secretar.>s wai)er authorit.. 'on+olidation of State and local admini+trati0e fund+ (ESE" Section+ = !1 and = !1) An SEA "a. consolidate funds "ade a)aila+le to it for State ad"inistration under the Ed Tech pro*ra" and other ESEA pro*ra"s7 as well as other pro*ra"s that the Secretar. "a. desi*nate7 if the SEA can de"onstrate that the "aHorit. of its resources are deri)ed fro" non:Federal sources. The consolidated ad"inistrati)e funds "a. +e used to ad"inister the pro*ra"s included in the consolidation and for ad"inistrati)e acti)ities desi*ned to enhance the effecti)e and coordinated use of funds under those pro*ra"s. Si"ilarl.7 with appro)al of its SEA7 an 'EA "a. consolidate Ed Tech funds a)aila+le for ad"inistration7 as well as other local ad"inistrati)e funds7 to ad"inister the pro*ra"s included in the consolidation and for uses7 at the district and school le)els7 desi*ned to enhance the effecti)e and coordinated use of funds under those pro*ra"s. 'on+olidated application+ (ESE" Section+ through =1!9) An SEA "a. seeD Ed Tech fundin* as part of its consolidated State application. Si"ilarl.7 an 'EA "a. seeD Ed Tech fundin* as part of its consolidated local application. School-ide program+ (ESE" Section 1113) Consistent with the re!uire"ents of section 111# of Title I7 an 'EA "a. consolidate and use funds under Part A of Title I and other pro*ra"s that the Secretar. "a. desi*nate to i"ple"ent a schoolwide pro*ra" in a school in which at least #2 percent of the children are fro" low:inco"e fa"ilies.

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