Division of School Improvement - Instructional Technology

Welcome School Year 2005-06
It’s back-to-school time and this month’s Newsline is packed with information to help get you started on a fast track. The upcoming year will see changes and new initiatives at the state level and see districts working to meet state and federal requirements related to education technology. In the Instructional Technology Update section, read about FY06 state and federal education technology programs, get a sneak peak at next year’s Census of Technology, and learn about state education technology planning efforts and the impact of a new plan on district plans and state approval of those plans. Is your district one of the 450 that need to submit a new plan next spring for state approval?

Keep up-to-date on special events and deadlines and with news on federal and state legislation and budgets, including Title II.D and E-Rate programs. Review this month’s list of articles, white papers, research, and Internet-based resources. Read about specific technology applications and programs (such as Missouri’s eMINTS) that promote teacher development, accelerate teaching and learning, and close the achievement gap. Click on links to websites that offer a wealth of resources that can supplement and enhance curriculum, instruction, training, and assessment.

And, when reading Newsline, think about ideas, tips, proven practices, success stories, and resources that you can share with our readers. Let Newsline disseminate information about how you (or someone you know) use technology in effective, new, or inventive ways -- as a presentation tool, as an instructional resource, or as a means of communicating with fellow educators, learners and their parents, or policy makers and other key stakeholders. Deborah Sutton

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

Budgets / Grant Programs

Missouri Safe Schools & Pilot Safe Schools Grants Program <New payment system>

Beginning this year, Pilot and Safe School grant payments will be made upon written request by the district. The payment request form can be downloaded from the Instructional Technology or Financial Management websites.

   Districts should only request an amount needed to cover what the district expects to spend before the next payment.

   No more than 75 percent of the approved amount may be requested prior to submitting the final expenditure report (FER).

   Completed forms are to be submitted to the Financial Management section (as directed on the form) by the last working day of the month preceding the month in which to expect payment.

Federal Title II.D “Ed Tech” or “EETT” Program

Formula Grants – The Department has received notification of the federal grant awards for FY06. Revised district allocations for the Title II.D formula grants are posted on the Financial Management web site at http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/fedprog/financialmanagement/05-06Allocations.htm.

Competitive Grants – In May, Newsline listed the competitive grants that were tentatively approved for 2005-06. With receipt of the grant award, which was slightly higher than projected, and transfer of some special education and Title II.D state set-aside funds, the final number of first-year grants was increased to 10. The list of “final” approved grants is posted on the IT website. Competitive grant recipients should make note of the new payment system described above, in the Safe and Pilot School grants program information.

MOREnet Technology Network Program (TNP)

In July, the Department and MOREnet reached a final decision regarding district participation costs for the FY06 network program – with the result being much better than originally projected. District fees will need to be increased by only 50 percent, and districts will not be assessed bandwidth surcharges as described in Newsline last month. This was made possible through cost savings at MOREnet, decreases in some equipment and telecommunication charges, and the decision to tap into program balances that are typically reserved for ongoing contractual commitments. It should be noted that, if funding remains at this reduced level, participation costs likely will see further adjustments (increases) next year.

In early August, MOREnet will be notifying all participants of the updated FY06 budget decisions. District superintendents can expect a letter from the MOREnet council explaining FY06 budget issues. The TNP contacts can expect to receive complete packets of program and application information. Questions about the FY06 TNP can be directed to Eric Nicklas (eric@more.net).

Technology Data Collection <reminder call for review of 2006 COT>

2005 – Instructional Technology has begun data analysis and writing of the state summary report. At this time, it is expected the statewide report can be completed and posted online by mid August.

2006 – Instructional Technology has marked up 2006 COT items and accompanying directions. A summary of the changes from the 2005 COT to the 2006 COT is provided below. Copies of the mark-ups can be downloaded from the Instructional Technology website. Please review the mark-ups and submit feedback and questions to Instructional Technology at instrtech@dese.mo.gov.

District (Screen 30) – same number of items, but revised the following item:

Item 3, district technology management – clarified employees and non-employees and their level of support in managing the district’s technology programs and services

Building (Screen 31) – one item was deleted (library automation systems), about five items underwent minor fine-tuning, and the following five items received more substantial changes:

Training: Item 1, technology skill levels – defined faculty/staff categories; and Item 2, professional development – added elements to cover non-eMINTS and different eMINTS-related program completion

Hardware & Support: Item 1, technical support – clarified employees and non-employees and their level of support in maintaining building-level hardware; and Item 4, Internet connectivity type – reformatted to address number of Internet-connected computers by location, by type of computer, and type of connectivity

Internet Connectivity/Tech Usage: Item 6, technology integration support – clarified employees and non-employees and their level of support in helping staff and students use technology in teaching and learning

District Technology Planning

400+ District plans due spring 2006

Over 400 districts must submit new long-range education technology plans next spring for state approval. Reminder letters to the districts about this deadline will be mailed in August. The letters will also explain the state is in the process of developing the next Missouri Education Technology Strategic Plan, for 2006-2011, and what impact that will have on districts developing new plans. The new state plan will continue to focus on the five areas of student learning, teacher preparation, administration/ data management/communications, equitable resource distribution, and technical support. Therefore, any district plan addressing all five technology focus areas should align well enough with the next state plan’s goals and objectives.

With the development of a new state ed tech plan on the near horizon, a district may elect to wait until after the new state plan is published before developing a new local plan for state approval. If a district makes this determination, the district must inform Instructional Technology of its plans – by January 13, 2006 – and submit an extension of the current, approved plan. The extension should cover the year July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007, which is necessary for the district to be able to participate in the TNP and E-rate programs. At a minimum the one-year extension must include action plans that detail the TFA goals and objectives being addressed, what will occur by what dates, the person or persons responsible for oversight and evaluation, the proposed costs, and the funding source(s).

Questions about approval of local plans should be directed to the Instructional Technology section (instrtech@dese.mo.gov). To see what districts have plans due for state approval in spring 2006, go to: http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/instrtech/techplan/districtstateplanstatus.htm.

Development of a new State Plan <Reminder>

The Missouri Education Technology Strategic Plan provides Missouri policy makers and school districts with a blueprint to guide and facilitate state and local technology planning, funding, implementation, and evaluation. Instructional Technology and SuccessLink have partnered to oversee the development of the new state technology plan for 2006-2011. Planning efforts are organized around five technology focus areas (TFAs): 1) student learning, 2) teacher preparation and delivery of instruction, 3) administration/ data management/ communications, 4) distribution of resources, and 5) technical support and facilitated by the use of an interactive website. The goal is to have the new plan completed for presentation to the State Board in May or June of 2006.

While there is a small oversight committee addressing each TFA, the use of technology will provide ample opportunity for all key stakeholders to participate in the planning process. The Missouri Education Technology Strategic Plan website (http://www.successlink.us/motechplan/) allows Missouri educators and other interested parties to review the work of the planning teams and provide input and feedback into the development of the next five-year plan. It is a place where colleagues can communicate and collaborate with one another as they look into the future and develop effective, long-range strategies for enhancing education through technology.

Site registration is free and any and all interested parties are encouraged to register so they can participate fully in the development of the new plan. Non-registered users can go to the website and provide immediate feedback to any article by typing in the Comment Box below the “article”. Articles are categorized by the five different TFAs and can be accessed by using the menu on the left side of the screen. Registered members can submit articles for review by the TFA committee, participate in discussion board forums, and receive newsletters that might occasionally be sent out by various teams or sub-committees. Users can create free accounts by clicking the "create account" link in the lower-left of the screen. Once logged into the system, users can edit their account details by clicking on "Your Details" in the User Menu located in the lower left-hand corner, below the Main Menu. (These details on how to participate and who to contact with questions are provided on the METSP website.)

E-RATE PROGRAM

Funding News

Year 2004 – On July 26, the SLD issued Wave 26 of funding commitment decision letters, committing over $2.1 million in 34 letters to school and library applicants. Funding for Wave 25 included funding for PRIORITY ONE (telecommunications services and Internet access) and for PRIORITY TWO (internal connections) at the 81% and above discount level. To date, the SLD has committed over $2.277 billion in over 32,300 letters, with consortium applications accounting for about ten percent of the committed amounts, school district applications totaling nearly 80 percent, school applications about seven percent, and library applications just over two percent. The amounts committed for Missouri schools and libraries total $37.6 million (one and one-half percent).
See: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/funding/y2004/waves/default.asp.

Year 2005 – On July 27, The SLD issued Wave 5 of funding commitment decision letters for Funding Year 2005 that provides support for services delivered from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006. In Wave 5, the SLD committed over $45.3 million in 692 letters to school and library applicants. The funding associated with this wave includes funding for PRIORITY ONE (telecommunications services and Internet access) services ONLY. The SLD plans to issue waves every other week until the process is complete. Those eligible for discounts below the 81% level are being advised their requests for internal connections must be denied due to insufficient funds. To date, the SLD has committed over $346 million in more than 10,100 letters. For more information about Wave 5, see: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/funding/y2005/waves/default.asp.

Free E-Rate Webinars

On-Tech Consulting and Microsoft are presenting a series of free webinars on the E-Rate program. Presented by Dan Riordan, president of On-Tech and a leading expert on the E-Rate program, these online workshops are vendor neutral, focus on what applicants need to know if order to maximize their E-Rate funding, and provide opportunity for questions. For more information and to register for a session (see schedule listed below), go to: http://www.on-tech.com/webinars.

August 18

E-Rate Funding and Construction Projects

September 15

Avoiding E-Rate Application Pitfalls

October 13

Recent Changes in the E-Rate Program

November 10

What is Eligible for E-Rate Funding?

All presentations run from 1:00-3:00 ET.

E-Rate Program Developments

Report on Schools and Libraries Site Visit Program

USAC’s Board of Directors received a report on the progress of its Extended Outreach Initiative for the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD), commonly referred to as the Site Visit Program. The site visits provide USAC with information on ways to improve processes and education as well as validate the benefits of the Universal Service Fund (USF). The report included specific examples of how the funding is improving education and benefiting students in California, Georgia, Kentucky, New York, and South Carolina. Site visits have occurred in nearly every State in the first two quarters of 2005. See: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/whatsnew/2005/072005.asp#071905.

FCC Launches Inquiry into USF and E-Rate

On June 14, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched a broad inquiry – known as Notice of Proposed Rulemaking or NPRM – into the administration, management, and oversight of the Universal Service Fund (USF), including the E-Rate program. The NPRM will not have an immediate impact on the functioning of the E-Rate program, as initial comments to the FCC are not due until October 18. However, the inquiry may alter or further delay Congress’ efforts to reform the USF and E-Rate through the legislative process. The NPRM can be found on pages 41658-41678 of the Federal Register, Vol. 70, No. 138 for July 20, 2005. See: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html.

The NPRM asks how the FCC can improve the disbursement of funds, streamline the application process, and ensure competitive bidding. Some of the proposals would benefit schools as they would reduce both costs and the potential for error on application forms. The proposal to change E-Rate into a formula grant program, however, raises questions for schools (especially rural schools) that would likely lose out if funds were distributed via formula.

Congress and E-Rate

As to Congressional action, a long awaited E-Rate reform bill that House Energy and Commerce Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) is developing but not yet introduced, will likely cover many of the same issues as the NPRM. The reason that separate universal service legislation expected from Rep. Barton and Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE) has not been introduced may be due to the US Supreme Court’s recent decision in the Brand X case, in which it held that cable Internet service was an information service, not a cable service, and thus not required to offer customers choices of Internet service providers. Since only regulated telecommunications providers are required to pay into the universal service fund, some have raised questions about whether the Supreme Court’s ruling means that only by specific action from Congress or the FCC can the FCC collect universal service fees from cable companies based on their Internet service revenues.

Congress has been quicker to respond to the exemption for the E-Rate and all of Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act (ADA). The Senate and House have both introduced bills, S. 241 and H.R. 2533 respectively, that would make permanent the current temporary exemption that is set to expire on December 31, 2005. The application of ADA provisions to the program last year – which essentially required that funding commitments be made only if there was enough cash on hand to cover the obligations – delayed the delivery of Funding Commitment Decision Letters to schools and libraries, resulting in the virtual shutdown of the E-Rate program for three months. The Senate bill, sponsored by Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and John D. Rockefeller (D-WV), currently has 40 cosponsors; the House companion bill, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Cubin (R-WY), also has 40 cosponsors. The Senate Commerce Committee may mark-up and pass S. 241 out of committee prior to the August recess. While the House bill may not move soon, it received a boost from a June 28 letter from the Congressional Rural Caucus, signed by over 60 members, which stated that the Universal Service Fund should not be subject to the ADA.

STATE / MISSOURI NEWS

DESE Assigns ID Numbers to School Students

The Department is assigning 10-digit identification numbers to public school students which will allow the state to track students as they progress from preschool through high school. The ID numbers will help gather more accurate data on graduation rates, transfers and dropouts, both within the state and to meet federal data-reporting requirements. So far, nearly two-thirds of the numbers have been assigned. The goal is to assign numbers to all 900,000 public school students by January, ahead of the MAP testing next spring.
Federal law does not require statewide identifiers, but identifiers make the required public reports more efficient to compile. NCLB requires states to report data by ethnicity, gender, and students with disabilities. The push to develop an individual identifier has grown stronger since the U.S. Education Department criticized states for reporting artificially high state graduation rates and low high school dropout rates.

NATIONAL / WASHINGTON NEWS

Senate restores EETT (Ed Tech) funds
On July 14, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its version of the FY06 appropriations bill following the Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, and Education’s approval of the bill earlier in the week. In all, the Department of Education received $56.7 billion, an increase of $132.2 million over FY05 levels and $490.3 million more than the President’s request. Funding of the Enhancing Education through Technology (EETT) federal block-grant program was wet at $425 million, a near-full restoration of the FY05 level of $496 million. In February, the Bush administration eliminated EETT as part of its 2006 budget proposal and, in June, the House appropriations committee voted to restore $300 million to the program.

Below is a snap shot of some of the decisions made by the Senate. To view the full appropriations report, see: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/R?cp109:FLD010:@1(sr103).

Program (dollars in millions)	FY05 Appropriation	President’s FY06 Request	House Approved	Senate Approved
Title I Grants to LEAs	12.6 billion	13.3 billion	12.84 billion	12.84 billion
Title II, Part A	2.9 billion	2.9 billion	2.9 billion	2.9 billion
Title II, Part B (EETT)	496 million	0	300 million	425 million
Title V	$198 million	0	$198 million	$100 million
Community Tech Centers	$4.96 million	0	0	$5.00 million
Star Schools	$20.8 million	0	0	$21.0 million
Ready to Learn	$23.3 million	0	0	$25.0 million
Ready to Teach	$14.3 million	0	0	$11.0 million

ED’s ed tech director Patrick steps down

On July 26, Susan Patrick announced that effective August 6 she will be leaving her post as head of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology to assume control of the North American Council for Online Learning (NACOL). In her current position, Patrick is best known for her role in helping create the latest National Education Technology Plan. In her new position, as President and CEO of NACOL, Patrick will be responsible for overall management of all NACOL programs, including its Virtual School Symposium and Online Learning Clearinghouse. She will also be responsible for implementing NACOL’s strategic plan, including projects based on member priorities and collaborating with other education organizations.

SETDA discusses its “Imagine A Technology Black Out Day” and posts winners
In the spring, the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) hosted the first “Imagine a Technology Blackout” event. Thousands of teachers and students took part in the program, which ran from April 20 to May 20 and confirmed for participants the importance of technology in education. For one day, students and teachers were challenged to switch off their televisions, computers, portable music players, DVD players, and cell phones – anything, organizers said, that incorporated technology in their everyday lives. To learn more about the event and view the lesson plans, see: http://www.technologyblackoutday.com. To read a press release article from eSchool News, see: http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/PFshowstory.cfm?ArticleID=5796.
In late July, SETDA announced that winners had been selected. Through corporate donations, teacher and student winners are receiving a total of $5000 in prizes. Teachers will be notified by email, alerting them of the prize winners’ web pate. See: http://www.technologyblackoutday.com/gpage6.html.
SETDA looks forward to continuing this successful event and will be looking for input on how to improve and expand Technology Blackout Day for 2006.

ED TECH RESEARCH, PUBLICATION, RESOURCES, SPECIAL EVENTS

T.H.E. Journal: Special SETDA issue (Read about eMINTS and the St. Louis Public Schools)

In its July 2005 Special SETDA Issue, T.H.E. Journal published several articles on how states are using technology to close the achievement gap, improve teacher quality, and track AYP. In the special print issue, read how the eMINTS Program is helping the St. Louis Public School District in Missouri to close the black-white student achievement gap; how professional development programs in Iowa are affecting teacher quality and student learning; and how interconnecting data systems in Pennsylvania is providing districts with cost-effective and easy-to-use tools that result more schools attaining AYP goals. Also featured are West Virginia’s basic skills/computer education program, Louisiana’s online Algebra 1 course, North Carolina’s IMPACT Model School grant program, and Maryland’s use of Intel’s Teach to the Future and its impact on teacher retention. Web exclusive articles detail a Nevada school’s efforts in closing the achievement gap, Louisiana’s recognized online professional development program that is improving the quality of classroom teachers statewide, and Vermont’s data warehouse that is helping to improve schools and student learning throughout the state. See: http://www.thejournal.com.

The Assessment of 21st Century Skills: New report and online tool

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is working to articulate and build national consensus around the assessment of 21st century skills, measuring the content and skills that help prepare students to meet the demands of the global community and tomorrow’s workplace. To move forward this comprehensive agenda focused on educational assessments that support 21st century skills, the Partnership released a new report (Assessment of 21st Century Skills: The Current Landscape) and online tool (Assess 21). See: http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/index.php

The Assessment of 21st Century Skills: The Current Landscape is written for policy, education, and business leaders focused on moving forward an agenda for 21st century learning. The report offers the current landscape of educational assessments that support 21st century learning; defines key terms and concepts in the field of measurements; describes current activities in particular content and skill areas; highlights promising assessments in development; and outlines key principles and strategic recommendations for current and future efforts to develop 21st century learning assessments.
Assess 21 is a web-based repository for information on assessments of 21st century skills. Its goal is to highlight what assessments are available as well as make visible where gaps in the assessment of 21st century content and skill domains exist. Initially stocked with current assessments uncovered by the Partnership’s research, the repository is designed to serve as central hub for background information on 21st century skills assessments as they become available through submissions through the website. Assessments in the repository are described by grade group, 21st century skill, assessment format, impetus (policy, commercial, noncommercial), region of origin, and administrative method (performance-based, multiple-choice/forced choice, or mixed method).

CDE: Handbook Offers Strategies for K-12 One-to-One Laptop Initiative

The Center for Digital Education (CDE) has published a new handbook that covers one-to-one laptop initiatives, learning in the 21st century, definitions and guidelines for successful initiatives, leadership strategies, and financing scenarios. Underwritten by Gateway, the handbook, "One-to-One Laptop Initiatives: Providing Tools for 21st Century Learners," is designed for school boards, superintendents, policy-makers, and K-12 executives, and includes statistics and facts from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts that some 86 percent of the projected increase in jobs will be in computer-related occupations. To register to view the handbook, see: http://www.centerdigitaled.com/fileReg.php?file=K12_6_23.pdf%20&name=K-12%20Study:%20One-To-One%20Computing%20Handbook

SREB: Report on state virtual schools

The Southern Region Education Board’s (SREB) Educational Technology Cooperative published in June 2005 a report about the status of state virtual schools in SREB states. Nearly all SREB states have (or soon will have) a state-sponsored virtual school. Using the web to provide academic courses is still relatively new, with many states still learning how to provide and manage state virtual schools. These schools vary in how they are organized, funded, and implemented. The Cooperative provides up-to-date information on state virtual schools on the SREB web site at http://www.sreb.org/programs/EdTech/onlinelearning/onlinelearnindex.asp.

ASBJ: Advice for evaluating success of online learning

The American School Board Journal (ASBJ) has prepared a report offering advice for evaluating the success of online learning. The report examines criteria developed by the National Education Association (NEA) to help districts determine the potential value of online education, related to: 1) Curriculum, 2) Instructional Design, 3) Teacher Quality, 4) Student Roles, 5) Assessment, 6) Management and Support Systems, and 7) Technological Infrastructure. Author Liz Pape reports that since virtual schools are still relatively new data are just beginning to be collected on its impact on student achievement. See: http://www.asbj.com/current/coverstory.html.

The Children's Partnership: Impacts of Technology on Outcomes for Youth

This 2005 report addresses the question: How can the Internet help our children succeed? Reviewing existing research, the report gathered data on a myriad of benefits of technology in the fields of education as well as in health care, economic opportunity, and civic participation. Each section begins by citing some of the more relevant survey results on how information and communications technology (ICT) impacts youth. See: http://www.contentbank.org/DOMS/assets/pdf/impacts.pdf

Pew: Report on teens’ use of technology

A new study finds Internet use is nearly ubiquitous for today’s teens, results that have broad implications for educators who must evaluate their pedagogy to ensure it’s relevant for a generation of students that are communicating and learning in new and different ways. Released in July, the Pew Internet & American Life Project report “Teens and Technology: Youth are leading the transition to a fully wired and mobile nation” indicates that the vast majority of teens in the U.S. (87% of those aged 12 to 17) now use the Internet. That amounts to about 21 million youth who use the Internet, up from roughly 17 million when Pew surveyed this age cohort in late 2000. Approximately 11 million teens go online daily, compared to about seven million in 2000. To read more about the Pew report in an article from eSchool News staff, see: http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/PFshowstory.cfm?ArticleID=5794. To download a copy of the report, see: http://www.pewinternet.org/.

ED: New listserv about IES-supported education

The U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES) has a new listserv available free to the public. Subscribers interested in education research, evaluation, statistics can receive periodic email updates on the information available on the IES website. The listserv focuses on topics such as funding and training, research, recent publications, and education facts and figures from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
See: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ies/signupform.html.

ED: NCES’s Forum Guide to Education Indicators

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) recently published the “Forum Guide to Education Indicators” that is designed to help readers understand how to appropriately develop, apply, and interpret education indicators. The intended primary audience includes policymakers, legislators, school board members, superintendents, and the research and evaluation specialists who support them. The Forum also hopes the guide will be of use to a much wider audience of teachers, principals, parents, media – in short, anyone who may be asked, “How food are our local schools?” See: http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2005/2005802.pdf.

Hezel: Report on global e-learning opportunity

Hezel Associates recently released “Global E-Learning Opportunity for U.S. Higher Education” details factors that point the way to success in e-learning delivery. While the report is aimed at the global online higher education market (projected to exceed $69 million by 2015), the same success factors (such as program offerings, faculty support, technological capacity, and student support) could be applied to most e-learning programs. To order the full report or to download for free the seven-page white paper “Developing a Global E-Learning Program: From Conceptualization to Implementation”, visit: http://hezel.com/globalreport/.

2005 KIDS COUNT Data Book released

The 16th annual KIDS COUNT Data Book, released July 27, reports national trends in child well-being are no longer improving in the rapid and sustained way they did in the late 1990s. Among the negative trends: the number of children who live with parents facing persistent unemployment grew to 4 million, an increase of more than 1 million since 2000. The essay, "Helping Our Most Vulnerable Families Overcome Barriers to Work and Achieve Financial Success," examines four employment barriers that policymakers and others consider among the most difficult to overcome: substance abuse, domestic violence, a history of incarceration, and depression – burdens that can diminish a person’s motivation and ability to find work. The state-by-state data contained in the 2005 Data Book are now part of an interactive database. See: http://www.aecf.org/kidscount/sld/databook.jsp.

2005 Digital School Boards Survey

The National School Boards Association (NSBA), Center for Digital Education (Center), and Converge Online magazine are launching the nation’s second annual Digital School Boards Survey. The purpose of the survey is to showcase exemplary school boards’ use of technology to communicate with the public and govern the district. Survey questions are intended to represent benchmarks in technological policies, practices, and solutions. Top-ranked school boards will receive the Digital Schools Boards Survey award and will be featured on Center and NSBA websites and in Converge Online. All U.S. school board governments are invited to participate in this survey.

The deadline for completing the survey is Friday, August 19, 2005. The Center will aggregate, compile, and share survey results with respondents. To participate in the survey, visit: http://www.denterdigitaled.com/surv/?od=44.

MOREnet Announces Participation Fees for the 2005-06 School Year

--Submitted by Eric Nicklas, Program Manager, K-12 Technology Network Program, MOREnet
www.more.net.

For FY06, MOREnet’s state appropriation from House Bill 3, which funds approximately half of all MOREnet operations, was reduced by $4.34 million. The total amount that needs to be recovered from the K-12 community is $755,756. To recover this amount, each school district will be charged a 50% assessment in addition to their MOREnet membership fee. This amount will be reflected on the bills that you will receive for FY06. All MOREnet members will have a fee increase to assist in recovering this reduction in funding.

2005-2006 Participation Fee Structure:

#Certified Staff (FTE)        FY06 Fee     50% Assessment     FY06 Total Fee

49 or fewer                       $1,500                    $750                       $2,250

50 - 99                             $3,000                    $1500                     $4,500

100 - 499                          $4,500                    $2,250                    $6,750

500 or more                      $6,000                    $3,000                    $9,000

MOREnet’s website (http://www.more.net) contains detailed information about the services associated the 2005-2006 K-12 Technology Network Program.

MOREnet looks forward to providing the services available via the Technology Network Program to your district for the 2005-2006 school year. Please direct questions regarding MOREnet and the K-12 Technology Network Program to Eric Nicklas at eric@more.net, or 1-800-5098-6673.

2005 Missouri Educational Technology Conference: Enhancing Learning Technologies

--Submitted by Eric Nicklas, Program Manager, K-12 Technology Network Program, MOREnet
http://www.more.net/conferences/fall2005

Online registration for the 2005 Missouri Educational Technology Conference: Enhancing Learning Technologies begins August 29. Sponsored by MOREnet, this conference brings together educators interested in promoting educational technologies in Missouri schools.

Keynote Speaker and Presentation

Detective Brian Mize
Online Victimization: Common Characteristics of Victims and Predators

A detective with the Chesterfield Police Department for the past nine years, Brian Mize specializes in computer crime investigations. He joined the Regional Computer Crime Education and Enforcement Group (RCCEEG) in 2001 where he serves as a team leader, computer forensics examiner, and investigator. His duties include the seizure and analysis of computer related evidence and investigation of Internet crimes involving children. He provides training to law enforcement as well as education for parents and teachers related to protecting children online. In addition, he is a member of the St. Louis Area Major Case Squad and Federal Identity Theft Task Force.

After hearing news reports or reading newspaper articles concerning Internet crimes involving children, people often ask, “Who could do such a thing?” This session will explore characteristics of online predators and their victims through local case studies, including common tactics used by offenders to gain trust and control over their victims. Emphasis will be given to the role educators and schools can play in preventing these crimes.

For the first time ever, the eBUS comes to the conference!

The eBus is a mobile demonstration lab complete with 13 computer stations that feature Pearson Digital Learning’s innovative and effective instructional programs:

The Power of Early Learning
Waterford Early Reading Program™ & Waterford Early Math & Science™ - adaptive computer-based instruction for early learners. (Pre-K – 2)

Hands-on Technology with KnowledgeBox KnowledgeBox®- digital system driven by Missouri standards that allows teachers to choose a standard and select the appropriate digital media to effectively engage and teach students. (Grades K-6)

Rx for Better Test ScoresSuccessMaker® - individualized standards-based instruction that is proven successful at preparing students for high-stakes tests. (Grades K-8)

Administrators, Technology Directors, teachers, and staff are invited to step inside for a hands-on experience with the best in digital learning programs.

METPA NEWS

No news for August

MISSOURI SCHOOLS AND PROJECTS IN THE NEWS

No report this month.

EMINTS QUESTION OF THE MONTH

Q. What can or should I do with that one (or two) group of students that just don’t accomplish anything, that are difficult to keep on task and at the end of the allotted time have very little done?

A. One thought is break the group up because it just isn’t effective. That said I always believed that by fourth or fifth grade students needed to be able to work with just about anyone and at least get the job done. Another possible solution is to work with the entire class on some of the cooperative learning structures (activities) that require students to work together but focus more on the process than the content of what they are studying. (Jennifer Kuehnle)

Q. Where can I find a good process for brainstorming?

A. Brainstorming is a term that is often used to describe the process where a group works creatively to come up with new and different ideas for a problem. It is one step in the whole planning and implementation process. If you are responsible for leading a group that needs to brainstorm, you will find a good explanation and some basic ground rules at: http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/staffdev/tpss99/processguides/brainstorming.html

COPYRIGHT QUESTION OF THE MONTH

Q. May an educator (e.g., administrator, classroom teacher, substitute teacher, or student teacher) other district employee, volunteer, or others add an off-air tape to the library’s permanent videotape collection?

A. A program may be held in the library for use according to the rights granted by the broadcast network but should not be added as part of the library’s permanent collection unless extended rights are available.

Note: If extended rights have not been secured, the off-air tape must be erased on the 46th day.

UPCOMING 2005 CONFERENCES

August 2-5	Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning http://www.uwex.edu/disted/conference
October 16-18	Missouri Education Technology Conference: Enhancing Learning Technologies Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, MO http://www.more.net/conferences/fall2005
November 18-20	National Council for the Social Studies Conference “Social Studies: The Heart of the Curriculum” Kansas City, MO http://www.afriedman.net/ncss/proposal.html
March 22-23	MOREnet Spring Connections Conference Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, MO http://www.more.net/conferences

GRANT WRITING TIPS

www.techlearning.com/grants.html
Source: Technology & Learning

1. TIP: Form a partnership or consortium with other districts, institutes of higher education, or non-profit organizations. There is definitely strength in numbers! Many grantors are interested in funding proposals that have broad impact and are replicable. Partnerships and consortia address both these requirements and strengthen your proposal.

2. TIP: Include alternative financing options in your budget. For example, after years of shying away from equipment leases for technology purchases, many districts now find that this approach enables them to have more up-to-date equipment and keep up with a reasonable replacement cycle.

3. TIP: Partner with a business. This is not a new idea, but many districts are adding twists that reap funding benefits for them and the business partner. For example, by offering to pilot or beta-test a service or program or to participate in a research project, districts can often build in permanent discounts for the future. Or, they can receive slightly-used product donations following major activities including conferences, sporting events, etc.

GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Source: Technology & Learning
For descriptions of the individual grants, go to www.techlearning.com/grants.html

Deadline	Grant
Ongoing	Educational Foundation of America Grants www.efaw.org
Ongoing	Westinghouse Education www.westinghouse.com/E2a.asp
Ongoing	The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation’s Education Grants Program www.hewlett.org
Ongoing	Intel’s Model School Grant Program www.intel.com/modelschool
Ongoing	Adopt a Classroom Grants www.adoptaclassroom.com
August 1	Toshiba Large Grants www.toshiba.com/about/taf.html
September 1	InfoSource Inc. ‘Integrating Technology in the Classroom’ Grant Program http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/6prweb249852.htm
September 1	NEC Teaching in Motion Contest http://www.necvisualsystems.com
September 1	Teaching in Motion Video Contest http://www.necvsd.com/educationvideo/ed_home.html
September 15	Innovation and Learning & Leadership Grants NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education www.nfie.org
September 30	The SMARTer Kids Grants for SMART Products www.smarterkids.org
October 1	Toshiba Small Grants Program for K-6 Science and Math Education Toshiba America Foundation www.toshiba.com/taf
November 10	Educational Foundation of America Grants www.efaw.org
November 15	Shell Science Teaching Award www.nsta.org/awardscomp
February 1	Innovation and Learning & Leadership Grants www.nfie.org
February 1	The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) The Information Technology Pathfinder Award www.ala.org/aasl/awards.html
March 1	The NEC Foundation of America grants www.necfoundation.org
June 1	Innovation and Learning & Leadership Grants (NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education) www.nfie.org
June 10	Teacher Grants (National Geographic Society Education Foundation) www.nationalgeographic.com/education/teacher_community/get_grant.html#anchor_2

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

August 1 Newsline published online

August 11 Missouri Rural Development Partnerships
Committee Meeting (1:15 pm-3:30 pm)
Governor Office Building, Room 316, Jefferson City, MO

August 25 Newsline articles due

FROM THE MAILBAG

The Children’s Partnership: Impacts of Technology on Outcomes for Youth
http://www.childrenspartnership.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home

A 2005 review has gathered valuable data on a myriad of benefits of technology in the fields of education, health care, economic opportunity, and civic participation.

Technology Awards
www.vernier.com/grants/nsta.html

Vernier Software and Technology, in conjunction with the national Science Teachers Association (NTSA), is awarding prizes to teachers in grades K-16 for the innovative use of data-collection technology (using a desktop or laptop computer, a hand-held computer, or a graphing calculator, for example) in the science classroom. The deadline for the awards is October 15. Winners will receive $1000 in cash, $1,000 worth of Vernier products, and up to $1,000 toward the cost of attending the annual NSTA conference. Visit the website more information and an application.

Think Quest Competition
http://www.thinkquest.org/index.html

The Oracle Education Foundation sponsors this yearly competition, which has become internationally renowned. Consider putting together and coaching a team of students for this internet research project.

Shopa Kids in Need Foundation
www.shopa.org/shopa_foundation/teacher_programs.php.

All certified K-12 teachers are eligible to apply for the School, Home, and Office Products Association's Kids in Need grants, which provide financial support to teachers interested in implementing innovative curriculum but who lack the funds to put their ideas into practice. Innovation and merit account for 40 percent of the application evaluation. A maximum of 200 grants ranging from $100 to $500 will be awarded. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2005.

Tech Tools Grants
communications.bestbuy.com/communityrelations/teach.asp

Best Buy's te@ch program provides grants to schools using interactive technology to make learning fun for students. In the past two years, more than 2,000 schools have received nearly $6 million to help them expand or enhance technology-rich programs. Beginning this year, the program has been expanded to include three grant levels: Up to 1,200 schools or teachers will receive Best Buy te@ch gift cards valued at $2,500, up to 36 schools will receive additional te@ch awards valued at $15,000 each, and, in February 2006, public school districts with $15,000 te@ch award winners will have the opportunity to apply for a National te@ch School District award valued at $250,000.

Planning for Constitution and Citizenship Day
info@learner.org
Source: Annenberg/CPB project Newsletter

September 17 has been officially declared Constitution and Citizenship Day. As you’re probably aware, new guidelines require educational institutions that receive federal funding to hold an educational program related to the U.S. Constitution every year on that day. See Federal Register <http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/> Volume 70, Number 99, page 29727 for the notice.

We have a number of video series and related materials that schools can incorporate into such programs, or that teachers and school administrators may find useful as reference materials when planning Constitution and Citizenship Day events. For each of these series, be sure to check the Channel broadcast schedule (click on “Broadcast Dates”) for programs that may be recorded ahead of time.”

Democracy in America
http://www.learner.org/redirect/july/democracy1.html
http://www.learner.org/redirect/july/democracy2.html

This series explores how the Constitution works to promote and sustain democracy, as well as the issues that challenge its ideals in lived reality. Check the broadcast schedule http://www.learner.org/redirect/july/democracy3.html for programs that may be taped for later viewing, such as Program 4, “Civil Liberties: Safeguarding the Individual,” which airs September 15 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

Making Civics Real: A Workshop for Teachers
http://www.learner.org/redirect/july/civics4.html>; Web site <http://www.learner.org/redirect/july/civics5.html>

See models of teaching the rights and responsibilities of citizens and the role of government with this workshop for high school teachers. You may want to hold a democracy-based constitution-building exercise like the one shown in Program 4, “Constitutional Convention,” or draw upon the lesson plans or reading lists offered on the series Web site.

A Biography of America
http://www.learner.org/redirect/july/bioamerica6.html>; Web site <http://www.learner.org/redirect/july/bioamerica7.html>

In particular, Program 5 of this series, “A New System of Government,” provides the historical context of the making and ratification of the Constitution. See the series Web site for a timeline, maps, and a “webography” (library of links) -- plus an interactive activity that examines the contrasting visions of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton.

The Constitution: That Delicate Balance
http://www.learner.org/redirect/july/constitut8.html>

This entire series of 13 hour-long programs delves into the U.S. Constitution, with all its complexities and controversies. Join well-known politicians, lawmakers, and journalists in this exploration of issues.

Primary Sources: Workshops in American History
http://www.learner.org/redirect/july/primary9.html
http://www.learner.org/redirect/july/primary10.html

This workshop may inspire you to develop a program based on examining primary-source documents.

The Western Tradition
http://www.learner.org/redirect/july/western11.html

In this series tracing the history of Western civilization, focus on Program 38, “The American Republic,” which lays out the dominant political, intellectual, and social trends during the formation of the American system of government.

Remember: With a high-speed Internet connection, all of these series can be viewed anytime through Video on Demand. Go to our View Programs page http://www.learner.org/redirect/july/view12.html

INTERNET SITES OF INTEREST

Science News for Kids
www.sciencenewsforkids.org

A web site with timely articles for kids of all ages.

Paper Industry Facts and Activities
http://www.tappi.org/paperu/welcome.htm

Sponsoring a recycling project? Teaching your class about natural resources? Check out Paper University for activities and facts about the paper industry and related jobs, science and art projects and a myriad of links and resources. http://www.tappi.org/paperu/welcome.htm

eThemes
Author Study: Barbara Park
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001639.shtml

Learn about author Barbara Park and the books she has written. Includes biographies, interviews, and information about her popular Junie B. Jones series. Also included is a lesson plan for creating an author study. There are links to eThemes on "The Kid in the Red Jacket" by Barbara Park and author studies.

Author Study: Emily Dickinson
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001640.shtml

These websites are about Emily Dickinson and her poetry. Read her poems and learn about the life of the famous poet. Includes analysis of her poems and lesson plans.

Country: South Africa
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001635.shtml

Find out about the historical past and present of South Africa. Learn how Great Britain established and developed colonies on the continent. Discover what relationships were established among Boers, British, Afrikaners and native tribes. Find out about gold and diamond mines, wars, apartheid, and riots in the country. Learn biographies of Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, P.W. Botha, and Cecil Rhodes. Includes photographs, video, and audio files. There are links to eThemes Resources on the African continent and history and culture of Africa.

Germany: Politics
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001632.shtml

These websites are about Germany's political system. Learn about the branches of Germany's government, the political parties, and the election process. Includes a link to an eThemes Resource on Germany.

Literature: Connecting to Ancient Civilizations
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001633.shtml

These sites are about fictions related to ancient civilizations and includes reviews and activity ideas. There is also a literature circle guide for the ancient civilization theme. Includes links to eThemes resources on the Ancient Civilizations of China, Maya, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, Ancient Western Civilizations, Egypt, Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and book activities.

Missouri: Juvenile Justice System
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001631.shtml

These websites are about Missouri's Juvenile Justice System. There is information about the history of the system, how Missouri's system compares to other states, lesson plans, and information about real cases that went through the system.

Science: Science Fiction
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001638.shtml

Learn about science fiction and the real science behind it. Find out how fiction follows a scientific thought and creates a future that sometimes becomes a reality. Learn what the fiction and facts are today. Discover the science of cryonics, the laws of thermodynamics, warp and FTL (Faster Than Light) drives, artificial gravity, holograms, and more. Learn about the bad and good science in novels and movies. Includes lists of top classic movies, suggested sci-fi literature, lesson plans, and more. There are links to eThemes Resources on flying cars, science fiction reading and writing.

Animals: Jungle Animals
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001626.shtml

These sites provide information on the environment, habitat, characteristics, geography, and types of animals found in the jungle. There are links to eThemes resources on rainforests and forests habitats.

Crafts: Weaving
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001637.shtml

Learn about one of the oldest crafts - weaving. Find out how weaving developed through the centuries and various cultures. Learn different types and styles of weaving. Learn how to use different techniques and create your own weaving crafts. Includes images, activities, and weaving tutorials.

Economics: Personal Finance and Budgeting
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001623.shtml

These web sites help children understand the value of money, learn about banking, credit cards, and budgeting. Kids learn how to earn and save money, choose a credit card, use checking and savings accounts, and balance personal budgets. Includes worksheets, quizzes, games, online interest inventory, and budget calculators. There are links to eThemes Resources on basic concepts of economics, owning an ice cream shop, and taxes.

Ecosystems: An Overview
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001622.shtml

These sites are an overview of ecosystems including what they are, how they are different from and related to habitats and biomes, and how to preserve ecosystems. Classroom activities and online exercises are included. There are links to eThemes resources on animal survival and habitats including overview, deserts, forests, grasslands, ponds and lakes, rainforests, tundras, wetlands, and mountains.

Famous People: Amelia Earhart
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001634.shtml

Learn about the famous American aviator - Amelia Earhart - and her legacy. Read her biography and learn about her dreams, goals, and achievements. Find out about Earhart's cross Atlantic flights, records, and mysterious disappearance during the last flight. Learn about her plans to set a record to circle the world along the equator, rumors and theories of unsolved plane's disappearance, and pre-war situation in the Pacific region. There are links on eThemes Resources on women's month and two historical decades. Includes maps of Pacific Islands, the rout of the last flight, photographs, audio and video files.

Literature Awards: Newbery 2005
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001624.shtml

Read about the Newbery book awards and the books that were honored in 2005. Includes activity ideas, author interviews, excerpts, and more. Includes a link to an eTheme on the Newbery Honor Book "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko.

Model United Nations Preparation
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001629.shtml

These sites feature tips and resources on Model United Nations Preparation. Information about UN roles in peacekeeping, peacekeeping operations and missions, rules of engagement, and UN charter are included.

Nobel Prize
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001625.shtml&