Newsline

Deborah S. Sutton, Director  
Claranne Vogel, Supervisor 
Lisa Walters, Library Media and Technology Consultant
Rosalyn Wieberg, Supervisor
Shirley Brumley, Administrative Assistant

  Instructional Technology Update   

Budgets / Grant Programs

Missouri Technology Acquisition Grant (TAG) Program <Reminder>
The Department plans to submit a request to the 2005 General Assembly for $5 million to re-instate the TAG Program for 2005-2006.  
Missouri Safe Schools & Pilot Safe Schools Grants Program <No news to report>

Federal Title II.D “Ed Tech” or “EETT” Program
  - - - Plans to revise program rules and guidelines for FY06 competitive grant program Title II.D competitive grants in Missouri for 2005-2006 will continue to support district participation in the eMINTS program, but they will focus more on school-wide reform or systemic renewal than a classroom intervention model. The maximum grant amount and number of teachers that can participate in the grants will be increased to help promote comprehensive reform/renewal that affects all learners in the school. The application narrative will require applicants to describe how the grant will promote large-scale changes in teaching and learning throughout the school. Look for application materials to be distributed to districts in early January. Look also for information concerning a program information workshop to be conducted on February 14, 2005 – Instructional Technology staff are working out videoconferencing arrangements.  

--- U.S. Congress Cuts $192 Million from Ed Tech Grant <ALERT>
In November, the House and Senate passed the FY05 Omnibus Appropriations bill which included a cut of $192 million in the Education Technology Block Grant that funds the Title II.D, both formula and competitive. Moreover, all of the programs funded in this Omnibus Appropriations bill will be reduced by an additional 0.83% that Congress imposed on all non-defense and non-homeland security programs. Look for additional information about this bill in the Washington News section of this issue. Look for information to be forthcoming from the Department concerning how the funding cut will impact Missouri’s schools. 

Technology Data Collection
The Department, in partnership with the Missouri Distance Learning Association (MoDLA) and the High Plains Regional Technology in Education Consortium (HPR*TEC), conducted a Missouri Distance Learning Survey in late October and early November. The survey was created to take an accurate snapshot of the distance learning efforts implemented by Missouri public schools to help DESE and MoDLA better understand how schools are using distance learning to meet curricular and instructional needs as well as the factors that schools perceive as challenges or contributing to their use of distance learning.  

A total of 213 districts participated in the online survey, hosted on the HPR*TEC web site. A copy of the summary report is posted on the Instructional Technology website at http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/instrtech/. Below is a list of some of the statistics garnered from the survey:

• 77 districts indicate having students currently enrolled in distance learning courses this semester.
• Two-way interactive television is the prevalent distance learning currently used, followed by web-based or online learning, and blended technologies.
• District reported offering 364 distance learning courses this semester.
• Advanced Placement and dual credit courses are the most prevalent of the distance learning courses, followed by high school credit courses.
• Colleges/universities just edge out high schools in being the major course providers.
• Districts using distance learning technology rank funding as the highest challenge, followed by technology infrastructure. They believe the state could best benefit schools in using distance learning by providing state-level funding, followed by a statewide contract for purchasing options.
• Districts not using distance learning technology also rank funding as the highest challenge, but rank second the challenge of teacher preparation and the delivery of instruction. They also believe districts would benefit most from state-level funding, but rank second a clearinghouse of approved courses and course providers.

District Technology Planning <Reminder>
In previous issues, Newsline has detailed the changes that the FCC Fifth Report and Order (FCC 04-190) made regarding the timing, content, and approval of district technology plans. With these changes, the Department is encouraging all districts to examine current technology plans to determine whether new or revised plans should be submitted for state approval in 2005. Districts that received state approval in 2003 and 2004 should also elect to submit new plans if …

• the 2003 plan must be updated to cover technologies proposed in an E-rate application,

• the district has a new or substantially updated comprehensive school improvement plan (CSIP),

• the district has already completed most of the action plans and implementation strategies detailed in the 2003 technology plan,

• the district has experienced significant changes that necessitate a new plan (changes in personnel, academic performance standings, technology holdings, technical capacity, etc.), or

• the plan approved in 2003 received a low approval score (75 to 85 points). 

Approval Process - District technology plans are reviewed by a panel of Missouri educators and scored using a 100-point scoring guide. The scoring guide, updated in 2004, can be downloaded from the IT website at http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/instrtech/techplan/index.htm. To submit a plan for state approval, complete the top portion on page one of the scoring guide as indicated and send the guide along with one [1] technology plan to the following address no later than March 31: DESE Instructional Technology, PO Box 480, Jefferson City, MO  65102-0480. Plans submitted by the March 31 deadline will be reviewed on April 15, with approval status determined no later than June 30, thereby meeting the timing deadline for E-rate applications. Contact Instructional Technology if you are interested in participating in the review process.
 

  E-rate Program 

Mailing of Funding Commitment Decision Letters
USAC, the administrators of the federal E-rate program for the Federal Communications Commission, announced November 3 that it will resume financing discounts for telecommunications in schools and libraries. First to receive the letters will be applicants that successfully completed appeal of their 2003 applications. USAC and the SLD expect to send out commitments for telephone and Internet services for the 2004 funding year (which ends June 2005) monthly as funds become available. For additional information, visit http://www.sl.universalservice.org. 

• Year 2003 -- On November 22, the SLD announced Wave 35, which commits over $24.2 million in 194 letters with funding commitments to Year 2003 school and library applicants. The funding associated with this wave includes funding for Priority One (telecommunications services and Internet access) at all discount bands and for Priority Two (internal connections) at the 70%-90% discount level. With the issuance of this wave of E-rate funding commitment decision letters, the SLD has committed nearly $2.6 billion in 33,983 letters for Funding Year 2003.
   
• Year 2004 – The SLD announced it will issue Wave 10 on December 3, 2004. In this tenth wave, the SLD will be committing over $317.1 million in 5,345 letters. The funding associated with this wave includes funding for Priority One ONLY. Thus far, the SLD has committed nearly $1.1 billion in 27,426 letters for Funding Year 2004 and other funding years in accordance with the rules of priority previously mentioned.

Attempts to protect E-rate
As mentioned last month, Washington lobbyists are pushing members of Congress to write a bill that would exempt the Universal Service Fund from complying with the federal law that caused the E-rate funds to be stopped in August. The effort to exempt E-rate for 12 months from the Anti Deficiency Act, thereby allowing the free flow of E-rate funds, did not pass the Senate before it recessed for the Thanksgiving weekend. The House passed a legislative package that included the exemption, a federal spectrum relocation bill and a bill on wireless 911 services, but the Senate did not follow suit.  

The House of Representatives is returning on December 6 to complete some clean-up work on the Omnibus Appropriations bill. The Senate may also return at that time if a compromise is reached on Intelligence Reform legislation. If the House and Senate both return, there may be an opportunity to pass the E-rate exemption separately or as part of a package. Without this exemption, the FCC will likely move ahead with significant increases to the universal service program’s collection rates from telecommunications providers in order to bring enough money into the universal service fund to allow USAC to continue mailing E-rate funding commitment decision letters. However, these increases will be passed on by telecommunications companies to consumers, leading to higher phone bills and much consternation in the provider and consumer communities. 

Filing for Funding Year 2005
USAC approved a 66-day filing window for Year 2005 (July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006). The window will open at noon (EST) on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 and close at 11:59 pm (EST) on Thursday, February 17, 2005. Pursuant to the FCC's Third Report and Order (FCC 03-323), which adopted a more formal, transparent process for updating the Eligible Services List, the opening of the filing window must occur 60 days after release of the Commission public notice announcing the final list. The list was issued by the Commission on October 14, which means that the window opening date may be no earlier than December 13. Accordingly, the window opening will be delayed from the traditional early November opening. The window close date has been moved later in time to ensure an adequate filing window.  

MOREnet Training Powerpoint
 The presentation slides for Missouri's 2004 E-rate Regional training that was conducted by MOREnet staff this fall is available at http://www.more.net/services/e-rate/training2004.html .
 

  Washington News

Congress Cuts $192 Million from Ed Tech Grant Program
The weekend before Thanksgiving, Congress passed the Omnibus Appropriations Bill that funds a number of departments of the federal government, including education. While education funding is up about $1.4 billion overall, the State Education Technology Block Grant program of No Child Left Behind was cut by $191,841,000 (a cut of 27.7%). These funds support the Title II.D, Enhancing Education Through Technology (E2T2) program that provides formula and competitive grants to districts to promote the use of educational technology. This is also the money that is used by many state departments of education to support numerous technology and education initiatives throughout the states. 

Education technology programs suffered even worse than had been expected. Although the House had approved $600 million in Title II.D (or E2T2) funds and the Senate had supported $692 million in their separate Labor, HHS and Education spending bills, the final Omnibus legislation contained only $500 million for the program. It appears that the money removed from E2T2 may have gone to sustain the State Grants for Innovative programs (Title V), a $300 million program which faced zero funding at the beginning of the appropriations process but emerged in the final bill with a $200 million appropriation. Moreover, the final $500 million figure will be reduced by an additional 0.83% cut that Congress imposed on all non-defense and non-homeland security programs funded in this Omnibus Appropriations bill to keep spending within tight spending constraints sought by the White House. As a result, E2T2 will lose nearly $5 million more in funding, leaving the program at a funding level for FY05 of approximately $495 million. 

The E2T2 program was not the only program to receive less funding than expected. Title I received approximately $500 million less than the Administration requested, obtaining $12.8 billion in the final bill.  The Community Technology Centers program saw its appropriation halved, leaving it with a paltry $4.9 million to continue operations. Star Schools, which faced outright elimination in the President’s FY05 budget and the House’s version of FY05 Appropriations, survived the budget axe but received only level funding -- $21 million.

The State Data program received its first ever appropriation for $25 million. This program will help states develop and pay for data systems to comply with No Child Left Behind.  

Here are the funding numbers by program (without the across-the-board cut factored in): 

• Title I – $12.8 billion
• Title II, Teacher Quality – $2.94 billion
• Title V – $200 million
• Title II, State Education Technology Block Grant Program – $500 million
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers – $997 million
• Star Schools – $21 million
• Ready to Teach – $14.4 million
• Ready to Learn – $23.5 million
• State Data Program – $25 million
• IDEA Technology/Media Services – $39.1 million

  Ed Tech Research, Publications, Resources, Special Events  

ICT Literacy Maps
The partnership for 21^st Century Skills recently announced the release of its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) mathematics and ICT literacy maps. They are part of a series of ICT Literacy Maps that illustrate the intersection between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Literacy and core academic subjects. Each of the ICT Literacy Maps was created in conjunction with organizations that represent the core academic subject areas. To access the maps or for additional information, see: http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/   

Connecting technology and evaluation
In its Fall 2004 issue, The Evaluation Exchange explores the contribution of technology to evaluation practice, with articles centering on four key areas in which evaluators are using technology: data collection and analysis, collaboration, knowledge mobilization, and evaluation capacity building. Rounding out the issue is a special feature on the role technology plays in fostering youth civic engagement and in evaluating programs for youth. See: http://www.gse.harvard.edu/hfrp/eval/issue27   

RTEC Bulletin reports on state ed tech policies
The ATEC Bulletin, Progress in Use of Education Technology: Recent Developments and Implications for State Policies, provides a summary of several recent reports on the overall status of educational technology in elementary and secondary schools in the United States with a particular focus on states in the Appalachian region. It provides a synopsis of what's happening in states and schools with regard to the use of educational technology. In general, the nation's investment in educational technology seems to have been affected by recent revenue declines in most states. Overall spending on K-12 educational technology dropped by more than 24 percent from the 2001-2002 school year to the 2002-2003 school year. While technological access increased across the country, spending for new computers and software declined in the U.S. by 24 percent from 2002 to 2003. Most of that money was cut from hardware purchases. Several states report a hiring freeze that has left vacancies in computer-related jobs throughout state governmental agencies.  See: http://www.the-atec.org/lib-pub.asp#new   

ETS designs test on tech literacy of college students
The Educational Testing Service unveiled a standardized test designed to measure the computer savvy and information literacy of college students. The test will evaluate how well students can judge the validity of online information, build a spreadsheet, compose e-mail messages summarizing a passage, and perform other tasks. Called the ICT Literacy Assessment (information and communication technology), it was developed on the basis of advice from a committee of representatives from seven universities. Students will take the test online which measures proficiency in using computer software and information-processing skills considered important in college and in many jobs. The test is based on an earlier ETS report, Digital Transformation: A Framework for ICT Literacy, which argued for the importance of assessing such skills. Source: Chronicle of Higher Education, 11/12/04
 

    2004 Missouri Educational Technology Conference Report
 --Submitted by Eric Nicklas, Program Manager, K-12 Technology Network Program, MOREnet 

The 2004 Missouri Educational Technology Conference: Technology Exploration was a great success. Over 700 attendees learned from 100 presenters and roamed among vendor booths at the 14th annual Missouri Educational Technology Conference, held at Tan-Tar-A October 3-5, 2004.  

Nine groups of students—some as young as second graders—exhibited their skills and shared their experiences with educational technology and emerging global classroom communities. Congratulations to those students. Well done.  

Four sessions earned very high marks from conference attendees. With the presenters’ permission, the conference is making the information provided at these sessions available to all educators. Congratulations to the presenters for their fine work, and thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

Title: Using Handhelds: Advanced
Presenter: Stacey Franks (stacey@successlink.org) SuccessLink
Description: For teachers or administrators that currently use handheld computers in the classroom. This was a hands-on session for advanced users. Participants explored new software available. Many FREE software titles were given to participants. See the SuccessLink website http://www.successlink.org for the presentation and information on many handheld resources. 

Title: Better Writers: Writing Resources on the Web
Presenters: Sheila Bonner (sbonner@indep.k12.mo.us) and Hayet Woods (hwoods@indep.k12.mo.us), Independence School
District
Description: This session provides resources that will turn your writers into the authors you hoped! How to approach constructed response to help students prepare for the MAP test was included. Visit http://www.indep.k12.mo.us/glendale/bonner/index.html for additional information.  

Title: Read and Write With Technology
Presenter: Julie Fessenden (jfessenden@mail.nixa.k12.mo.us), Nixa R-II
Description: Learn how to integrate technology into guided reading lessons and writers workshop.  Lessons were shared for teaching reading thinking strategies while integrating technology and reading in the content areas. Visit http://teachers.emints.org/FY03/fessendj/  for more information.  

Title: Mavica Movie Madness
Presenters: David Wallace (dwallace@mail.wccards.k12.mo.us) and Carrie Mays (cmayes@mail.wccards.k12.mo.us)
Description: Explore the many possibilities of the trusty Mavica camera. More than just a way to capture still images, the majority of Mavica cameras have the ability to capture video and audio clips. With just a little imagination and some basic technology tips and tricks, join the ranks of Steven Spielberg and others in creating and sharing their "digital stories." Visit http://www.wccards.k12.mo.us/mavicamovies    for more information.
 

  E-rate Update: New E-rate Forms Coming Soon
--Submitted by Eric Nicklas, Program Manager, K-12 Technology Network Program, MOREnet

New E-rate forms are coming soon! Currently available in draft form are new Forms 470, 471, 486, and 472. This will impact Funding Year 2005 (July 1, 2005–June 30, 2006) in several ways.

You may complete your Form 470 now using the current version. However, the new Form 471 should be available by the start of the application window (December 14). Use the new Form 471 when it becomes available. Both forms have some changes, including a major rewrite of all certifications. Please read those new certifications carefully before signing.

Forms 486 and 472 are also currently in draft form. You may use the current Forms 486 and 472 when working on funding for services delivered during Funding Year 2004 (July 1, 2004-June 30, 2005). The new forms should be available by the time they are needed for Funding Year 2005 (July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006). 
 

  The Good Net Neighbor Service Available 
--Submitted by Randy Raw, Network Security, MOREnet
http://www.more.net/security/gnns/gnns-app-041028.pdf

This free service was announced after the fall conference and the response was very positive.  This is a reminder message for those who might not have taken advantage of the service, or who might not have been on the original announcement list.

MOREnet Security is pleased to announce the availability of a free service that can add another layer of protection to your network.  The Good Net Neighbor Service helps protect your network from worms that use the Microsoft NetBIOS ports to search for vulnerable systems.  It is a voluntary service.  To participate, you must read and sign the form located at http://www.more.net/security/gnns/gnns-app-041028.pdf .  By signing the form you acknowledge that you understand the possible implications of implementing this service.

After we receive a signed copy of the form, we will block those ports at your network edge.  If you do not have a firewall, this is a best practice that Microsoft recommends.  If you have a firewall, you may already be blocking the ports.  It does not hurt to also block them at the router as another layer of protection.  We currently have 141 customers with the service in place and they have seen a decrease in security incidents related to worms that use the NetBIOS ports to replicate.

Please contact the MOREnet Security office at (800) 509-6673 or security@more.net  if you have questions about this service.
 

  Digital Storytelling Camp
http://www.emints.org/news/index.shtml#digitales

Experience an adventurous three-day DigiTales Storytelling Camp with Bernajean Porter being held at Parkway Schools in Chesterfield, MO  on January 27-29, 2005. Participants are responsible for all registration costs ($550) and all other travel expenses. This unique artistic learning retreat is designed to immerse paper-trained adults in a very personal experience of crafting digital stories using images, sound, memorabilia, voice, and graphics to create a three to five minute movie.

For more information including how to register, see http://www.emints.org/news/index.shtml#digitales and scroll down to the section on the Camp.
 

  Show-Me TechKnowledge Day—January 19, 2005
--Submitted by Sally Burnett, 2005 Show-Me TechKnowledge Day Chairperson 

Do you work with students and technology in innovative ways? Would you like to showcase your students and district for policymakers throughout the state? If so, we want you!  

A grassroots organization, Show-Me TechKnowledge, helps identify and support students as they exhibit effective and innovative uses of technology. State leaders, policymakers, and others are invited to the Capitol Rotunda to view the exhibits, talk to the students, and learn how education technology positively impacts teaching and learning. 

Last year, 16 districts from throughout the state, grades K-12 participated in the event. This year’s event will be held on January 19, 2005. Show-Me TechKnowledge 2005 applications from prospective student/teacher exhibitors are now being accepted. The deadline for submitting applications is December 6, 2004. Join us in celebrating your students’ success – submit an application today. Check http://www.successlink.org for information and an application form.
 

  METPA News 
--Submitted by Dee Wiecher, METPA Vice President and Technology Facilitator,
Kirkwood R-7 School District
www.metpa.org 

Share What’s Happening in Technology in Your Districts.  We have just learned that Title II.D has been hit with a substantial cut.  As education technology professionals, we need to remember that we must let people know what Title II.D means to our districts and how the cuts in educational technology spending over the past few years has impacted the technology in our schools.  We also need to share stories about our successes and let the public know that technology has a positive impact on student achievement.   

Show-Me TechKnowledge Day, which is coming in January, would be one way to tell your story.  This is a wonderful opportunity for any district to showcase the benefits that education technology provides our students.  The event takes place in the Capitol Rotunda on January 19, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. and gives our legislators a chance to see the good work we do.  The deadline for applying to exhibit is December 6.  More information is available at www.successlink.org 

METPA Awards.  METPA gives awards each year for best-practice in professional development and outstanding web site.  The deadline for the applications is December 31, 2004.  Awards will be presented at the Spring MOREnet conference.  Applications are available at www.metpa.org along with judging criteria.  We encourage every district to apply. 

ISTE Affiliation.  METPA is working towards ISTE (International Society for Technology Education) affiliate status.  This is a move that will help METPA, METPA members, and education technology in the state of Missouri as a whole. As this process continues, watch for additional information. 

Tech Plan Assistance.   Again this school year, METPA is providing assistance to districts writing their tech plans.  Mark the date of January 18 (9:00 am-noon) on your calendar-Truman State Office Building, Room 490, Jefferson City, MO.  Make certain to download the revised rubrics as there have been changes since you last submitted a plan. 

Technology Standards.  METPA is continuing to look at standards for technology for students and teachers.  School districts are looking for guidelines to help them meet the needs of NCLB.  Continue to follow the METPA News in the Newsline for the direction this will be taking. 

Upcoming METPA Events:

Tech Plan Assistance................................................................. January 18
METPA Board Meeting............................................................... January 18
Presentations at MOREnet Spring Conference.............................. April 6-7
Statewide Meetings on Technology Standards.............................. Late April

METPA welcomes your participation.  Plan to attend the Board Meeting on January 18.  Watch for information about the meetings in April about technology standards.  If you have any questions, you may contact Andy Hall, President, at ahall@mexico.k12.mo.us or me at wieched@gw.kirkwood.k12.mo.us.
 

  TOYOTA OFFERS STUDY-ABROAD PROGRAM TO MISSOURI SCHOOL TEACHERS
www.iie.org/programs/toyota    

Group Will Tour 2005 World EXPO in Japan

Los Angeles, November 15, 2004 – The Toyota International Teacher Program, an all-expenses-paid, two-week education program in Japan, for teachers in Missouri and 9 other states. 

Eligible teachers can apply now, through January 10, 2005, for this unique opportunity to learn about another country’s history and culture, education system, and its technological and environmental issues. 

Sixty high school teachers will be selected from the states where Toyota operates major U.S. facilities – Alabama, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Texas, West Virginia – and for the first time, New York and Washington, D.C. 

Now in its seventh year, the program is sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc. and administered by the Institute of International Education in Washington, D.C. 

“An exciting addition to the June 2005 program is a visit to the 2005 World EXPO in Aichi,” said Jim Press, Toyota Motor Sales, USA executive vice president and COO.  The EXPO will focus on how the global community is dealing with environmental issues, natural resources and energy.”  

This rigorous two-week journey takes teachers through cities including Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagasaki, the island of Kyushu and Nagoya.  The program focuses on four themes – history, education, environment and technology – and how these affect industry and society.  Activities vary from visits to schools, shrines, conservation sites and factories, panel discussions with well-known authors, historians, educators and business leaders.  

Teachers are selected based on their professional and leadership qualifications, as well as their plans to incorporate their experiences and research into their curriculum.  Teachers in all disciplines are encouraged to participate.  To be eligible, teachers must be a U.S. citizen, employed full-time as a secondary classroom teacher (grades 9-12), and have a minimum of three years teaching experience.  Applications can be obtained through high school principals and counselors or by logging onto www.iie.org/programs/toyota  or email toyotateach@iie.org. 

“The Toyota Teacher Program has enabled me to act as an ambassador not only to Japan, but also to my classroom, school district, and greater communities, and has truly been the highlight of my educational career. It has allowed me to foster a curiosity in my students and their parents, and to create a greater understanding of global issues common to many people throughout the world,” Carol O’Rourke, past participant and Business teacher at Forest Hills Northern High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

Funded through an annual $820,000 grant from TMS, the program is the only one of its kind sponsored by a major U.S. corporation. 

The Toyota International Teacher Program demonstrates the company’s longstanding commitment to supporting education.  In 2003, Toyota USA contributed $31 million to U.S. philanthropic programs, with 50 percent supporting education.  Besides donating to a wide range of educational organizations, Toyota has created its own innovative programs, including grants for science teachers, scholarships for students, technical training and family literacy programs. 

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion in the United States, marketing products and services through a network of 1,415 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers in 49 states.  Established in 1957, TMS and its subsidiaries also are involved in distribution logistics, motor sports, R&D and general aviation.  The company’s main website is http://www.toyota.com.   

For Immediate Release                                                   Contact:  Kathy Mota
TMS-059-2004                                                               Kathy_Mota@toyota.com
 

  Missouri Schools and Programs in the News

Hale School District
The Hale School District applied for and received a federal interactive distance learning grant also benefiting other districts in the area including Tina-Avalon, Bosworth, Norborne, Breckenridge and Southwest Livingston.  The $389,809 Grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and is called the “Missouri Rural Distance Learning Project.”  

The grant funds will enable the districts to offer the expanded course list mandated by the state education department.  The project also will address professional development for teachers and staff, and provide educational opportunities to others in the community.  In addition, expanded multi-point conferencing made possible by the grant will enable the districts to bring in educational content from sites around the country.
 

  eMINTS Questions of the Month 

Q. What is Centra? Our tech coordinator saw a demonstration of it in Columbia a few weeks ago.

A. Centra is a type of software that allows e-conferencing using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). The software allows you to use your computer and the Internet like a telephone. The software is being used by businesses and universities for real-time meetings and classes. Users purchase a certain number of licenses and then "enroll" participants in the sessions. The sessions can be scheduled in advance. There are several different types of software like Centra. MOREnet offers Centra to customers - for more information go to: http://www.more.net/services/e-conferencing/index.html  

Q. Is it too late to apply for the Show-Me TechKnowledge Exhibit at the Capitol?

A. The deadline for applications is December 6th. Information about the event and application materials may be found at http://www.successlink.org/showme_tech/showme_tech.htm  It is especially important for our state legislators to see the importance of educational technology in our state in light of the federal budget cuts.
 

  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 disregard copyright guidelines if the copying is needed to accomplish the objectives identified in the curriculum guide adopted by the school board?

A.  No   An educator may not disregard copyright guidelines even when it is directed by a person in a position of higher authority or by a document created and/or sanctioned by persons of higher authority. 

Note:    Sufficient time should be available to obtain permission as curriculum guides are usually written in advance.  This copying would violate the test of spontaneity.
 

  Grant Funding Opportunities

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

   Mark Your Calendar

   Upcoming 2004-2005 Conferences 

 
     From the Mailbag      

Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative
http://www.paec.org/teacher2teacher/index.asp 
Get FREE professional development and learn about teaching algebra, reading in content areas, differentiated instruction, turning data into information, and more.  Earn credit using these online videos.  (Also available via satellite TV.)  The videos are from presentations made at the Teacher-to-Teacher Workshops (summer 2004). 

In April 2004, Secretary Paige launched the Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative to strengthen the Department’s efforts to support teachers.  You’ll find information about the initiative, including:

• fact sheet on the initiative
• summer workshops  PDF
• teachers selected to present at workshops
• research-to-practice summit
• teacher roundtables
• announcement of the initiative
• state efforts to improve teacher quality, including teacher certification and licensure, preparations and training, recruitment and retention, induction and mentoring, professional development, technology, paraprofessionals, and leadership.

The U.S. Department of Education has brought together some of the nation’s most effective teachers and education experts to share with their colleagues research-based practices and proven methods of using data to inform instruction.  Teacher-to-Teacher Summer Workshops, recently offered in various locations all over the United States, presented research-based practices that have been instrumental in closing the achievement gap.  These workshops were taped and converted to the video-streaming format.  All Teacher-to-Teacher programs are closed captioned and can be viewed either on-line or on the Florida Education Channel. These video courses will help teachers experience on-demand professional development to increase their knowledge and skills for improving student achievement. 

By enrolling in these professional development courses, you also have access to the electronic Professional System, or ePDC.  This system is password protected and will give you a personal portfolio for your professional development.  Your portfolio will even be maintained after completing the Teacher-to-Teacher courses, so you can return to it at a later date to take future courses for more professional development. 

To find out how to enroll, watch the programs and complete the online follow-ups, just click on the “getting started” button which can be found at http://www.paec.org/teacher2teacher/index.asp  . 

The Teacher-to-Teacher videos can be seen on the Florida Education Channel which broadcasts on DISH Network 9418.   

To watch the Teacher-to-Teacher videos on-line, you must have high speed Internet access and the latest version of Windows Media Player on your computer.  The resources are accessible on both PCs and Macs.

What's New @HelpforSchools.com
www.helpforschools.com
In our last message we announced the launch of a new resource at HelpforSchools.com, the Writing Successful Grants KnowledgeBase.  In its first two months, it has gotten off to a great start.  We're keeping the momentum going with our first round of additions to the Writing Successful Grants KnowledgeBase.  To help those just starting their first grant application, we've added eight new sample pieces including: a Sample Needs Statement, a Sample Proposal Abstract, a Sample Letter of Support, and a Sample Budget Narrative.  In addition to the samples, we've added two other new documents in the Writing Successful Grants KnowledgeBase.  The Checklist for Funding Sources provides questions to ask when determining whether a funder would be an appropriate source for your project, and Suggested Components of an Evaluation Plan contains a list of elements that might be contained in the evaluation plan. 

You'll find new additions in the Special Education and Medicaid KnowledgeBase as well.  We've added new information specific to Indiana from the just released Indiana Department of Education's Medicaid Claiming Guidebook for Schools.  There's also some new information regarding compliance audits conducted by the Office of Inspector General (OIG), US Department of Health and Human Services including a list of audit reports conducted by the OIG. 

There's quite a lot new at the School Improvement KnowledgeBase too.  We've linked to a number of documents from the Maryland Department of Education web site on school Improvement.  The first of these, Identifying Staff Development Needs, contains a list of five questions schools need to consider to answer the question "What does your staff need to know and be able to do to carry out your school improvement strategies?"  There are also a sample school improvement calendar, guidance on planning a peer review, and a self-analysis exercise.  Other new documents address family and community involvement, developing a personal professional development plan, teacher leadership, and protecting students from harassment and hate crimes. 

In previous update notices we've highlighted curriculum related categories within Education on the Web, so this month we wanted to point out some other categories you might find useful.  The "Topic Specific Sources" category includes a number of useful sub-categories beyond the curriculum links.  Here you'll find sub-categories for school reform, urban and rural education, education law, and parent involvement.  Each of these sub-categories contains numerous resources.  In addition we urge you to take a look at the category "State Specific Resources."  From this category, you can click on your state and find a list of resources specifically aimed at your state including your state's department of education and health and the federal technical assistance agencies serving your state. You'll also find links to state professional associations and other state related resources.  Finally, you'll also notice that Education on the Web got an updated look.  Take a look and let us know what you think. 

The Knowledge Management projects housed at www.helpforschools.com are a project of the Region VII Comprehensive Center at the University of Oklahoma in conjunction with its technology partner Northrop Grumman Information Technology.   As always, please feel free to share this message with others as you deem appropriate.
(Submitted by Tammy Keefer, Northrop Grumman Information Technology,
Federal Enterprise Solutions/IT Services & Solutions) 

Links:
What's New in the Writing Successful Grants KnowledgeBase
http://www.helpforschools.com/grants/whats_new.shtml 

What's New in the Special Education and Medicaid KnowledgeBase
http://www.helpforschools.com/grants/whats_new.shtml 

What's New in the School Improvement KnowledgeBase
http://www.helpforschools.com/sikb/whats_new.shtml 

Education on the Web - State Specific Resources
http://www.helpforschools.com/EdonWeb/index.php?category=states 

Education on the Web - Topic Specific Resources
http://www.helpforschools.com/EdonWeb/index.php?category=Topic_Specific_Sources 
 

From: SCHOOL FUNDING NEWSLETTER November 29, 2004 School Funding Newsletter ©. http://schoolfundingcenter.com/latestnews.asp  

Top Education Sites
Teacher Planet  http://www.teacherplanet.com
Enchanted Learning  http://www.enchantedlearning.com
ED.gov   http://www.ed.gov
RHL School   http://www.rhlschool.com
LearningPage.com  http://www.learningpage.com/
Just Free Stuff  http://justfreestuff.com/
Education World http://www.educationworld.com
Teach-nology  http://teach-nology.com
Smithsonian  http://smithsonianeducation.org
Teachers.net  http://www.teachers.net
 

Grant Funding
Our goal is to have our database filled with every state, federal, and foundation grant available to your school. Visit our website at: http://www.schoolfundingcenter.com and do several free grant searches simply by registering. 

Feature Article
Using the Proper Language by Don Peek

Writing the narrative part of a grant is as important as the financials you include.  It's not difficult, but it is important to keep a few things in mind. 

You should write clearly and concisely.  Don't use fancy, five-syllable words to try to impress someone.  The readers who are hired to evaluate your grant application have stacks of them to read.  The last thing they want is someone trying to impress them with verbiage.

What impresses them most is simple language used in such a way as to powerfully present:

1) why you need grant money,
2) how you will use it most effectively,
3) the growth you will see as a result of being awarded grant money, and
4) how you plan to measure that growth to prove that it occurred.

Give that information clearly and concisely, and you are likely to get the grant money you seek.

One word of caution that I've given before, be very careful about using template information provided by vendors. 

First, if you're using the template, it is likely that other grant writers are, too.  When grant readers see the same information over and over, they know you didn't put the time and effort into your application that others did; anyone can copy a template. 

Second, the language of a template will not be the same language you would normally use.  That means your narrative will not be as smooth and consistent as it should be.  It is fairly easy to tell when someone uses a template because of this inconsistency.  If you use information from a template, rewrite it in your own words. 

Again, when writing your narrative, be clear, concise, and to the point, and even if you use template information as a reference, put your own spin on it. 

And finally, give the exact information that is requested in the grant application---not a lot more, certainly not less. 

The School Funding Center's database at http://www.schoolfundingcenter.com will help you match your needs to the grants that are available.  We include live links to email and websites of granting organizations whenever available.  Usually address, phone, and/or fax is included.  

TIPS

1. Make sure your grant application exactly matches the requirements of the granting agency.

2. If you're not good with budgets, get a partner to do the financial part of the grant.

3. If you're not a good writer, get a partner to do the narrative part of the grant. 

Grant Announcements
Dunn Foundation K12 Visual Environmental Education Grants
 http://www.dunnfoundation.org 

Funded by: The Dunn Foundation
Description: The main priority is to fund K-12 and adult visual environmental education throughout the US.  Funded projects will have a national, statewide, or regional scope or have that potential.
Program areas:  General education, all other
Recipients: Public, private/charter
Proposal