|
|
Academic Technology Solutions - Education
Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT)Frequently Asked QuestionsIs the EETT Formula Grant a school-based or local education agency (LEA)-based grant? Answer: Both the EETT Formula and Competitive Grants are LEA-based grants established to assist LEAs in improving student academic achievement through the use of technology. The Competitive grant targets eligible districts that serve grades 4-8; there is no grade restriction on the Formula grant. At least 25 percent of the funds for both types of grants must be used to provide ongoing, sustained, and intensive, high-quality professional development in the integration of advanced technologies, including emerging technologies, into curricula and instruction and in using those technologies to create new learning environments. Is this a district or a site-based application? Do the grant award funds have to be divided equally among all the eligible sites in the application? Answer: The EETT Competitive grant is a district grant that funds individual eligible sites. The grant award does not have to be divided equally among all the eligible sites in the application. The district sets the priorities for funding the sites in the application. What defines a "research-based program?" Is there a standard for what counts as "research based?" Answer: A program that is considered to be research based can be any in which research by an independent, qualified entity has been conducted, is currently available, and the findings support the program selection. A minimum amount of research has not been established. Click here to visit the Academic Technology Solutions educational technology research page If during plan evaluation, the district recommends modifications to the approved application, must they be approved by the CDE? Answer: If significant changes are made to the plan, CDE must be contacted for approval prior to implementation. May grant funds be used for programs that benefit non-target classrooms or non-target staff? Answer: Targeted classrooms and staff must have first priority for any professional development funded through the EETT Competitive Grant. All professional development is to be selected with the targeted groups in mind. If space and access permits, non-targeted classrooms and/or staff may be included. If a private school asks for staff development support from the LEA, but does not want to utilize the LEA's trainer, who is ultimately responsible for paying the outside trainer? Answer: The size and scope of services is decided through the consultation process. If it is determined that the needs of private school students will be best met through staff development activities for the staff working with the eligible students, then the two parties decide on "who, what and where" of the services. It is not a unilateral decision by either party. The LEA makes the final decision. What type of documentation is required regarding the private school consultation process for EETT Title II Part D? Answer: NCLB, Section 1120 (b) requires that each LEA must maintain, in the agency's records, written affirmation signed by officials of each participating private school that the required consultation has occurred. When CDE conducts a district coordinated compliance review, they will check these documents for appropriate signatures. The assurances for both the EETT competitive and formula grants under Title II Part D require that each LEA must, only upon request, provide CDE with a copy of written affirmation that the required consultation has occurred. Refer to Assurance #23 in the EETT Competitive Grant RFA and Grant Condition #8 in the EETT Formula Grant RFA. For more information visit the California Department of Education EETT FAQ web site |
