U.S. Educational Technology Funding Updates

Tuesday, February 24th 2009 by Wes FryercloseAuthor: Wes Fryer Name: Wes Fryer
Email: wes@isteconnects.org
Site: http://www.speedofcreativity.org
About: Wesley is an international learning consultant, author, digital storyteller, educator and catalyst for educational reform focused on blended learning, differentiated instruction, and creative engagement. His bio is available on www.wesfryer.com/bio and complete vitae on www.wesfryer.com/vitae.See Authors Posts (74)

What was included in the stimulus package recently passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by President Obama for educational technology? What are the expected funding levels for EETT (Title IID) next year?

One of the best places to turn for answers to these questions is the ISTE Community blog of Hilary Goldman. Her February 13th post, “Economic Recovery Package Includes $650 Million for EETT” provides a partial answer to these questions. Her February 23rd post, “More Good News for Ed Tech Funding” reveals that the $269+ million in Congress’ proposed FY 09 Omnibus Appropriations bill would add EETT funding to the $650 million included in the stimulus package which was signed into law last week.

All educators should be aware of the opportunity to utilize the EdTech Action Network (www.edtechactionnetwork.org) to directly send messages to elected members of Congress showing support or opposition to particular pieces of proposed legislation. ETAN is a cooperative effort of ISTE and COSN. Click the ETAN website link “Write Elected Officials” to send email and/or printed letters to your elected representative and Senators. The content of recommended letters on the ETAN website is dynamically customized as proposed legislation before the U.S. Congress changes. Currently the following is the suggested subject and email text for a letter to elected officials:

Please Support Education Technology in our Nation’s Schools

I am writing to share my opinion about the funding for the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program that was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Both the House and Senate passed bills included $1 billion for the EETT program, and yet the final bill reduced this commitment by 35 percent to $650 million. I am very disappointed that this program suffered such a funding decrease during conference deliberations.

As an educator, I certainly appreciate and applaud the unprecedented investment in education that is included in the economic recovery package. However, I am troubled by the decision to reduce the classroom technology component from $1 billion to $650 million. The EETT program provides economic stimulus to our local communities through the creation and retention of high skilled jobs, stimulates the business sector and at the same time provides our students with the skills they need to compete in the global workforce.

President Obama has spoken many times about the need to bring computers and modern technologies and skills to our nation’s classrooms. I hope that as the FY09 and FY10 appropriations processes continue you will make the EETT program a top funding priority.

This text can be edited and customized as desired.

If you are a U.S. voter, make your voice heard in Washington D.C. by utilizing the ETAN Congressional contact tools.

Thanks to Hilary for keeping the U.S. educational technology community informed via her ISTE community blog!

Similar Posts:

• ISTE Funding Webinar available free
• Focusing on Classrooms Rather than Schools
• If Obama doesn’t really care about 21st century skills, perhaps EETT proposed cuts don’t matter?
• How should your state use EdTech Stimulus Funds?
• The handheld $300 3M LED Projector