In
this issue
- Invitation to comment on the new technology provisions
contained in the ESEA legislation and potential changes to
the E-RATE program.
- Changes at the US Department of
Education. John Bailey promoted to become Secretary's new
technology advisor.
- New grants that focus on use of
technology to boost math and science skills.
- Web site
of the month.
1. FROM THE DIRECTOR
Contained in this issue is a link to one of the most important pieces of federal
legislation to effect schools, the technology provisions of No Child Left
Behind, the reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Act passed at the end of last
year. This legislation will make a
critical difference to the way we use technology in schools and plan for its
future.
We would like to solicit your views on how you see it impacting your schools,
particularly how you view the provisions addressing the need to connect
technology with student achievement. We are inviting anyone in the Mid-Atlantic
Region who has or is conducting any studies (either a teacher or a researcher)
on the connection between student achievement and technology to email me at
Laurence Peters
(1) Issues related to what services are E-Rate eligible-should E-Rate be
used to pay for Wide Area Networks (WANS), wireless services and voicemail
(2) Whether to require certification by schools and libraries
acknowledging compliance with the requirements for the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA)
(3) Whether to allow "bundling" of content and internet access services
to qualify for E-Rate discounts
(4) Whether private sector entities in consortium with schools and
libraries can receive discounts below tariff rates.
(5) Transferability of equipment purchased with E-Rate funds.
(6) Providing more flexible approaches to reimbursement once E-Rate
discounts have been committed.
(7) Allowing members of rural communities to use "excess capacity" from
E-Rate
(8) How unused E-Rate funds should be treated.
Please see the Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking PDF file and either address your comments to us by March 15th at
the email address provided above. You may also respond directly to the FCC
within the time lines specified in the document.
2.Assistive Technology
Assistive technology can provide students with
different learning styles the tools they need for active learning. If some
students aren't learning to their potential, it may mean that they haven't had
the chance to learn in ways that accommodate their needs. MAR*TEC is interested
in your comments on the following article that appeared in Education Week.
http://www.publiceducation.org/cgi-
bin/pubs/web_store.cgi?page=p95.htm&cart_id=services
Please email me at the above address.
