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by Dana Laursen, Director, Education Strategy and Evaluation — March 20, 2009
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Just one month ago ARRA was signed into law by President Obama and the Bill was updated with preliminary guidance and timelines during the week of March 11th. The Act includes $787 billion in overall spending, with more than $115 billion targeted for P–16 education—the largest increase ever in federal funding for public education.
IDEA ($12.2B)
IDEA is likely to be the first funding resource available to districts. Half of the $12.2 billion will be allocated to states by the end of March and, in turn, states are required to release such allocations (based on 2008 funding levels) to districts within 30 days. Following this timeline, the funds will be available to districts by the middle of April. IDEA stimulus funds could potentially “free up” local funds to support priorities that would otherwise fall under the provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)—such as RTI and other targeted learning programs. Look for more news and information in the coming weeks from states and district officials.
Targeted Learning Opportunities for Students
New York City New Beginnings Program
Title I ($10B)
Title I funds will be distributed in two stages, with 50% of the funding for each to be distributed to states by the end of March. The remainder of the funds will be made available between July 1 and September 30, 2009 for each of the funding sources. Additional information on the state distribution of Title I funds, including preliminary allocation estimates (see what may be coming your way), is available at ED.gov.
Additional Stimulus Funds ($56.6B)
Details are still developing for these funds—expected to be released later this spring, summer, and fall. However, two priorities are consistent across each: innovation and accountability. Professional development will also be an important component of any plan, including the 25% EETT funding requirement to be used to support teachers in gaining expertise in using technology to support achievement. Technology-based solutions—including those that support data-driven instruction, communication, and extended learning options—are also considered to be important catalysts for change and "disruptive innovation" as described by author Clayton Christensen.
It's clear the ARRA funding is a historic one-time opportunity, with requirements for obligating the funding within less than two years. What do you see as the short- and long-term educational gains from this investment? Will building a technology-rich classroom pay for itself in the end?
