District Administration - May 2010 - (Page 12)

Technology Big Steps for National Education Technology Plan “It’s 2010, and the world has changed,” says Karen Cator, director of the office of educational technology for the U.s. department of education and former apple executive. “technology is going more mobile.” The national education technology Plan (netP), released March 5, reflects the changing approach to K12 education. This year’s plan, “transforming american education: learning Powered by technology,” includes proposals for increased mobile learning, the proliferation of digital content, and social networking as a platform for learning. Many K12 education groups are concerned that the funding for these proposals is not available, while Cator believes technology remains the cornerstone of the education budget. President obama’s FY2011 proposed budget recommends eliminating direct funding and support for education technology by removing the enhancing education Through technology (eett) program, which has provided federal funding for student technology support since 1994. eett has been streamlined into a broader program, “effective teaching and learning for a Complete education.” “rhetoric isn’t enough to move a grand plan forward,” says don Knezek, Ceo of the International society for technology education (Iste), in a statement following the plan’s release. according to Cator, there is available funding—if not more funding—than in previous years. technology, she says, will impact the education financial plan Br iefings By Marion herbert in more ways than one. “technology is a cross-cutting priority of all parts of the budget,” says Cator. “It’s a myth that there’s less money.” since its release, the netP has been available on the doe’s web site for public comment. The doe plans on removing it in early May to review feedback, update the plan, and then rerelease it. DA Sponsored at ISTE.2010 Mobile learning SeSSion we invite you to pArticipAte in DA’s mobile learning session at the international society for technology in education (iste) 2010 conference held in Denver, colo., on June 29 at 2:00. “one-to-one learning update: Mobile learning programs in k12 schools today” brings together a panel of administrators who have integrated and successfully implemented powerful— and portable—cell phones into their curricula. DA’s tech Disruptions columnists elliot soloway and cathleen norris will head up the session. Public Proposals Included in National Broadband Plan when BroADBAnD ADvocAtes spoke, the FeDerAl coMMunicAtions commission (Fcc) listened. the national Broadband plan was at last released by the Fcc on March 16. k12 education groups were pleased to see substantial improvements recommended for the e-rate program, which provides discounted telecommunications services for schools and libraries. the 376-page document, “national Broadband plan: connecting America,” includes proposals such as raising the funding cap for the e-rate program and simplifying its application process. since the program’s inception in 1997, funding for it has been set at $2.25 billion per year and has not been adjusted to account for inflation. the Fcc issued a rulemaking recommendation to adjust funding, and an additional $950 million has been allocated to the program for this year from previous unused funds from schools that have scaled back projects. “this recommendation is a significant development for k12 schools and public libraries,” edlinc stated following the plan’s release. other recommendations include simplifying the e-rate application process, which has been notoriously difficult, in particular for schools that need to reapply each year, and removing the barrier for e-rate-funded services that prevents the general public to access computers when school is not in session. the national Broadband plan’s recommendations fall under the power of different authoritative bodies, including the Fcc, congress and the executive branch. each proposal will be open for public comment, deliberated and voted upon. 12 May 2010 District Administration

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - May 2010

District Administration - May 2010
Contents
Tech Disruptions
From the Editor
News Update
Technology
Conversations
District Profile
Administrator Profile
Problem Solution
Power to the Students!
Lone Star
Racing for Reform
Department of Education Revives Civil Rights Office
New Products
Product Focus
Crisis Response
Supervisor’s Opinion
Professional Opinion

District Administration - May 2010