HP Technology Grants

The K-12 HP Technology for Teaching grant initiative is designed to support innovative and effective uses of technology in the classroom setting. HP will grant at least 130 awards to K-12 public schools that are using a collaborative, team-based approach to implementing technology integration projects.

Deadline for submitting proposals is Thursday February 15, 2007.

Do you have a Cyberbullying Policy?

A number of you have asked for resources to assist in developing a policy that would guard against cyberbullying. CSDE's best resource is Jo Ann Freiberg, (Consultant in charge of Bullying, School Climate and Character Education). Jo Ann may be reached at (860) 807-2041 or by e-mail at JoAnn.Freiberg@ct.gov. Stop by Jo Ann's web page...there's a lot of information about appropriate school climate.

If you are in the process of revising or developing a policy, Jo Ann suggests a great place to start is South Carolina's "Safe School Climate Act"...scroll down to Article 2.

Another resource to visit is the new proposed cyberbullying language that will be added to the state of Washington's harassment policy.

If you area looking for current CT statutory language, please refer to AN ACT CONCERNING BULLYING POLICIES IN SCHOOLS AND NOTICES SENT TO PARENTS OR LEGAL GUARDIANS.

Library-media specialists...We need your help!

There is a small Department of Education grant program entitled
Improving Literacy Through School Libraries.

As with all federal education programs, our friends in Washington need to know that funding of particular programs is important. This competitive grant allocates funding to improve school library media centers in low-income communities. If you would like to add your voice to those of us asking for the continuance of the program, please contact Irene Harwarth, by e-mail at irene.harwarth@ed.gov or by phone at (202) 401-3751

(Comments need to be received on or before January 19, 2007)

The Encyclopedia of Educational Technology

A colleague of mine, Scott Shuler, who happens to be CSDE's consultant to the Art's (pun intended) sent me this link...

The Encyclopedia of Educational Technology (EET) is a collection of short multimedia articles on a variety of topics related to the fields of instructional design and education and training. The primary audiences for the EET are students and novice to intermediate practitioners in these fields, who need a brief overview as a starting point to further research on specific topics. Authors are graduate students, professors, and others who contribute voluntarily. Articles are short and use multimedia to enrich learning rather than merely decorate the pages.

The following plug-ins are required to fully interact with this document:

Download Shockwave | Download QuickTime

Bob Hoffman, General Editor
©1994-2006 by San Diego State University
All rights reserved

Warning about new e-mail virus

I received the following message from the State of Connecticut Department of Information Technology (DOIT) concerning Microsoft Word document attachments to emails you may receive.

As of this writing, Microsoft has acknowledged the existence of two “zero day” vulnerabilities effecting multiple versions of Microsoft Word. “Zero Day” means there is no remediation strategy available at this time. A number of monitoring organizations have categorized these vulnerabilities as extremely critical.

DOIT recommends the following actions:
** Do not open Word documents attached to e-mail messages from anyone you do not know.
** Do not open Word files posted to untrusted Web sites.
** Spread the word ... be sure coworkers, family members and friends are aware of the vulnerability.

DOIT will continue to provide updates as new information is provided.

If you receive a word document attachment in an e-mail from someone you are not familiar with, but believe the e-mail is legitimate, we strongly recommend that you
1) Do not open the attachment
2) Respond to the sender that due to a security vulnerability, you must request they resend the content of the document without the attachment. They may do so by “cutting and pasting” the content of the document into the body of the e-mail itself or faxing the document.

Federal Funding Update Regarding EETT

Upon conclusion of the 109th Congress last week, incoming House and Senate Appropriations leaders announced that they will likely pass a year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) for FY07. This is good news for the Enhancing Education through Technology (EETT) program because it secures a minimum of $272 million for the upcoming year. Although this is not a “done deal” at this moment, it seems very likely to be accomplished by the new Congress in early January 2007.

Additionally, the CR included an interesting twist - the CR will not include Congressional earmarks. The dollars associated with such funding streams may provide additional resources that could flow into line-item programs, like EETT and other education programs.

CEN adds Space Science Videos

The Connecticut Education Network (CEN) is thrilled to announce the addition of Scientific Living - a series of multimedia materials for students and teachers that make science come alive! The first module is about space - planets, comets, stars, and more! These wonderful video clips and teacher/student resources will help make science even more exciting! All of the twenty videos may be viewed online or downloaded and viewed with either QuickTime or Media Player.

National Cyber Security Alliance's Cyber Security Assembly Toolkit

The National Cyber Security Alliance working in conjunction with i-Safe Inc. produced a Cyber Security Assembly In-a-Box Toolkit; an assembly in-a-box that can be played in a classroom or auditorium setting. This toolkit provides educators with a plug-in play solution for presenting cyber security awareness messages and tips to students in middle and high schools. The material is delivered in a way that is entertaining for students and easy to understand.
The toolkit consists of a DVD, instructions for the assembly and an assembly script that can be delivered in a classroom, library or assembly setting. Select http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/rc/cstkt.htm to order a free copy of the DVD.

Google Launches Literacy Portal

Google has unveiled a web site dedicated to literacy, pulling together its books, video, mapping, and blogging services to help educators share reading resources.

Check out http://www.google.com/literacy/

Call for Nominations: 2007 Tech-Savvy Superintendent Awards

Does your superintendent "get it" when it comes to technology? Does he or she demonstrate exemplary vision for the use of technology to improve all facets of education--and show outstanding leadership in working to make this vision a reality?

Nominees must be superintendents of a K-12 school system. Ten national finalists will be chosen by the editors of eSchool News in consultation with last year's winners. The 2007 winners will be honored in a ceremony held at the same time as the American Association of School Administrators annual conference in New Orleans and in the March 2007 issue of eSchool News.

Forms to nominate your Superintendent as Tech-Savvy

Help Support our Online (24/7) Librarian

Buy the Books You Love and...


December 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2006

The Connecticut Library Association, Connecticut Library Consortium and the Connecticut State Library are partnering with Barnes & Noble Booksellers to Love Your Library this holiday season in a special fundraiser that will support InfoAnytime.


With InfoAnytime, Connecticut residents can access the help of a librarian online 24x7. As with most innovative new services, funding is a key to ensuring its success. That's why this year's Love Your Library proceeds will go to InfoAnytime, for libraries and their patrons throughout the state to enjoy.

Love Your Library vouchers are on their way to every public library, via C-Car. Visit www.loveyourlibrary.com, to download and print vouchers.

Buy your books at Barnes & Noble with your Love Your Library voucher on Love Your Library days – Friday, December 1st through Sunday, December 3rd.

EETT Award letters have been mailed!

Congratulations to the awardees!

ACES, Bridgeport, CREC, Danbury, Derby, Ashford (EASTCONN), New London, Plainfield and Windham.

For a copy the readers’ summative evaluation for your district, please call (860-713-6553) or send me an e-mail (arthur.skerker@ct.gov)

CECA Podcasts are UP!

Clint Kennedy has posted the podcasts from the CECA conference.

These may be found at http://feeds.feedburner.com/CECA. The episodes include David Warlick's session entitled "Flattening of the Web" and the CECA Conference slide show put together by Ted Roth.

Thanks Clint!

New award to invest in IT literacy

The Verizon Tech Savvy Awards were established by the National Conference on Family Literacy (NCFL), the Verizon Foundation, and the First Lady of Iowa Christie Vilsack, a Verizon Literacy Champion, and are designed to support sustainable programs that help parents bridge the widening gap between adults’ and children’s understanding of technology. The two generations must learn about technology together so parents can be effective teachers and advocates to ensure that their children are literate in technology and prepared for the 21st century workforce.

Successful programs should create innovative ways to employ technology as an important component in family literacy, and those methods should have the ability to be easily replicated at other sites across the country.

Four $5,000 regional awards and one $25,000 national award will be presented at NCFL’s National Conference on Family Literacy in March 2007. Deadline for submissions is January 12, 2007. For more information, please visit www.famlit.org/techsavvyawards

EETT proposals have been scored

On Thursday, 26 readers (Cindy Eastman, Joe Martino, Dulcy O’Rourke, Jane Cook,Sarah Smith-Levine, Chris LaCasse, Emily Rosen, Rebecca Priest, Heather Zolnowski, Kirsten Hoyt, Patricia Lannon, Michael Grove, Howard Gunther, Tom Adams, Barbara Haeffner, Carol May, Margaret Boice, Lois Luddy, Doug Casey, Wanda Wagner, Diane Dugas, Antoinette Towle, Kathy Randall, Josh Smith, Jim Huggins and Julie Rey) gathered @ ACES to discuss and score all of the proposals. Individually, they spent hours reading the grants and on Thursday volunteered an entire additional day to discuss their findings.

We hope to have award letters out by mid-November.

October Issue of iCONN Times

All of the issues of the iCONN Times, inlcuding the just released October issue may be found at http://www.iconn.org/iConnTimes.aspx.

2006 NetDay Speak Up Survey

NetDay Speak Up is an annual national research project that collects the voices and views of key stakeholders in education on topics such as educational technology, science, math, and 21st workforce skills. Over the past three years the project has collected the viewpoints of over 562,000 K-12 students from all 50 states, as well as 26,000 teachers. For the first time this year, Speak Up for Parents has been added.

The results of the surveys are shared with participating schools and districts so that they can use the data for planning and community discussion. In addition, the findings and data are used by local, state, and national organizations, business groups, and government agencies to inform new programs and polices. This year Net Day will also be providing states with state level data.

The Speak Up dates are Wednesday, November 1 - Thursday, November 30, 2006. Please visit the NetDay Speak Up How-to guide for ideas on how to promote the Speak Up event at your school. You can print out a flier to post at your school or use our email text to send reminders to your teachers.

Your input on the survey is very important. SETDA has promised to share the results with members of Congress.

Status of EETT proposals

All of the proposals have been mailed out to readers about two weeks ago. The twenty seven readers will meet @ ACES on November 3rd. to compare their results and score the proposals. At that time in addition to the scores, summative evaluations will be recorded which will be available to the districts upon request. We are hopeful that award letters will be released prior to Thanksgiving.

Infrastructure Awardees

The original proposals for the infrastructure bond funds just awarded, were written a year ago. Both prices and equipment needs may have changed. If you have any questions about whether or not you will need to revise your your ED114, please don't hesitate to call me (860) 713-6553.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

This year’s campaign, “Cyber Security. Make it a Habit,” is the National Cyber Security Alliance’s (NCSA) third annual, nationwide effort to educate Internet users of all ages about safe and secure online practices.

NCSA has provided a Cyber Security Month Toolkit for educators available at http://www.staysafeonline.org/events/ncsam06educators.html. The toolkit includes guidelines, lesson plans and safety tips. Educators can also request DVD’s for classroom instruction. For more information regarding National Cyber Security Awareness Month, how to get involved, and for online safety tips, please visit: www.staysafeonline.org

Public Alert Radios for All Connecticut Schools

Oct 03, 2006
Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced that public alert radios will be provided to all Connecticut public schools thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS put up $5 million and is working with NOAA to get radios installed in all 97,000 public schools in the United States. Distribution of the radios is expected to start at the end of October and should take a few months.

Read the complete article from Government Technology

Another reason to Love iCONN!

Not only are there over 4700 online databases available for free but when you look at the actual cost ($1,294,083), iCONN has saved CT tax payers over $13,148,070 this year, when compared with the cost for those databases if individual districts were paying the bill.

$5M in Infrastructure Bond funds...released this morning!

USAC Training Session Handouts

Each year the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) holds meetings around the country to inform participants of recent updates and changes. All of the handouts are available online. If you are new to E-RATE or just want to quickly read through the material to make sure that you are filing the appropriate number of form 471's, etc.-select USAC handouts.

High Quality/Low Cost technology integration workshops

The Connecticut Alliance of Regional Educational Service Centers is pleased to offer high quality training that focuses on curriculum integration and building technology literacy skills for administrators and teachers.

The Tech Times workshops are offered at low cost, funded in part by a federal grant, Enhancing Education Through Technology , Title II, part D, awarded through the Connecticut State Department of Education. Sessions are held in convenient locations across the State at a variety of times as well as online. RESCs are also able to customize professional development to meet district needs.

It's CEMA and CECA Conference Time!

CEMA conference - November 5-6
CECA conference - October 23rd.

Both conferences will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Rocky Hill. Register early and save $$$.

Governor Announces State Grants To Help With Computer Networking

Helping Schools Get Connected

Governor Announces State Grants To Help With Computer Networking

By LARRY SMITH
Courant Staff Writer

September 22 2006

ENFIELD -- As Gov. M. Jodi Rell walked through the doors of Hazardville Memorial School in Enfield Thursday, several students mistakenly said "here comes the government."

Rell just smiled. She was at the school to announce $5 million in funding for fiber optic wiring for 66 school districts and educational institutions across the state. The State Bond Commission is expected to make the money available at its Oct. 6 meeting, Rell said.

The State Bond Commission meeting scheduled for September 29, 2006 has been cancelled.

The meeting has been rescheduled on Friday October 6, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building.

The Infrastructure $ is NOT on the August 18th Bond Commission Agenda

The August 25th. meeting has been cancelled. The next scheduled meeting is September 29th.

We Love iCONN!

In 2002 there were 1.5M hits, in 2003, 1.6M, in 2004, almost 2M, in 2005, 5.4M and this school year there were over 10,000,000 searches on iCONN from K12! Wow!

The State Bond Commission meeting scheduled for August 11, 2006 has been rescheduled to Friday, August 18, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. in room 1-E of the Legis

The State Bond Commission meeting scheduled for July 28, 2006 has been cancelled.

There will be a special meeting of the State Bond Commission on Friday August 11, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building.

Senate Appropriations Subcommittee News

July 18, 2006 - Washington, D.C. – The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appopriations Subcommittee today approved their spending bill for fiscal year 2007. $272M for EETT has been placed back into the 2007 by the Senate. We're half-way there...now it’s back to the House where we will need to convince the conference committee to “level fund” the program.

Minutes of EETT Bidder's Conference Available

If you were not able to attend the Bidder's Conference on July 14th @ ACES, there is a second conference scheduled for August 8th @ CREC from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. If you would like a copy of the minutes taken at the July meeting, call me (860) 713-6553 or send a request via e-mail.

CECA represented at Senator Lieberman's Press Conference

Nina Hansen (just retired and former president of CECA) represented CT at the Washington press conference sponsored by Senator Lieberman supporting the reinstatement of EETT. In addition to the article below sent to us by SETDA, here are links to additional articles sent to us by Nina. Article 1, Article 2, Article 3

Nina (left), ISTE's CEO, Don Knezek and Senator Lieberman

SETDA Applauds Bi-Partisan House & Senate Leaders for Understanding the Critical Need for Educational Technology

Efforts to Restore Funding for EETT Garner Broad Support as Congress Makes Difficult Appropriation Decisions

Arlington, Virginia (July 13, 2006) – A broad array of leaders from both sides of the aisle is taking strong measures to restore the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) funding – an NCLB program (Title II, Part D) proposed for elimination in President Bush’s 2007 Budget and zeroed-out in the stalled House Labor, HHS & Education Subcommittee Appropriations Bill.
Policy makers are realizing what superintendents, principals and teachers already know - that EETT serves as a catalyst for innovation and school reform within states. “Our EETT grant has revolutionized the way our teachers teach and how our students learn,” said Beverly Ciricosta, Principal at Fairmount Elementary School in Canton, Ohio.
Restoration of EETT funding has documented support through a petition signed by more than 7,000 stakeholders that calls for restoration of funds to the 2005 appropriation of $496 million, more than 20 separate state superintendent letters, as well as Dear Colleague letters signed by more than 80 Senators and Representatives combined. Some other examples of the broad support for EETT include:
Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT) – “Technology is the driving force behind globalization. An education today that doesn’t include technology would be like teaching from an old turn of the century science textbook that didn’t include relativity or quantum mechanics or biotechnology. To eliminate this program would be an enormous mistake.”

Senator John Ensign (NV) – “It is important to maintain the funding for this innovative program, and I’m very proud to be part of the effort to do so.”
Senator Orrin Hatch (UT) – “Eliminating EETT funds would inhibit the country’s ability to implement NCLB and also would hinder efforts to prepare every student to succeed in the highly competitive, technologically demanding workforce of the 21st Century.”

Senator Olympia Snowe (ME) – “Increasing the EETT funding is in keeping with our national goal of improving and strengthening our competencies in math, science and engineering.”
Representative Thaddeus McCotter (MI) – “EETT is not only a great equalizer, but it is a great elevator that helps students maximize their God given talents.”
Representative Ron Kind (WI) – “It amazes me every day how technology savvy our children are today. It is our responsibility to help schools keep up with students’ changing educational needs.”
Representative Kay Granger (TX) – “The program is working. As a former teacher, I realize the importance of technology in education. This funding is assisting students in crossing the digital divide and will ensure the US remains competitive in a global marketplace.”
“We urge Congress to recognize the broad reach the EETT program has in leveraging technology to improve teaching and learning through distance learning, professional development, and innovative instructional approaches,” said Mary Ann Wolf, PhD, SETDA Executive Director. “Funding at the 2005 level of $496 million will provide to students and teachers the 21st century tools they need to succeed.”

Great Free Stuff!

Yes Martha, there is a lot of quality stuff on the internet. One place to begin your exploration has been paid for by your tax dollars. Highlighted materials change daily. Stop by for a visit at the Federal Resources for Educational Excellence site.

The State Bond Commission meeting scheduled for June 30, 2006 has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 28, 2006

'07 EETT news...cross your fingers!

Although the House Full Appropriations Committee did not include EETT in its mark-up this week, SETDA is hearing positive news from the Hill. EETT was included in a Democratic amendment, and several other members made the case for EETT behind the scenes. However, the important new news is that the House Republican leaders have decided to delay voting on the House bill (that does not include EETT) for several reasons, foremost of which is disagreement on the minimum wage. Although this does not guarantee that EETT will be included, it does give us more time to make the case and also suggests unrest within Congress about the final bill.

Bidder's Conference Dates for next EETT RFP

There will be two bidders’ conferences scheduled for interested applicants. You may attend either the Friday, July 14, 2006, session at ACES (205 Skiff Street, Hamden, CT 06517, from 9:00-12:00 a.m. – (directions to ACES) or the Tuesday, August 8, 2006, session at CREC (111 Charter Oak Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. – (directions to CREC).

In case you can't make either of the dates, links to minutes of the conferences will be posted on the technology page and on this blog.

Another study indicating a strong correlation between LMS and student achievement

A new Wisconsin study indicates that there is a strong correlation between schools that use library-media specialists effectively and student academic performance. Of course this is not a surprise. We know and have seen time and time again that the LMS has the power to effectively integrate technology/information literacy/appropriate study skills across the curriculum.

Read the study: http://dpi.wi.gov/imt/pdf/finallmssurvey06.pdf

Thanks to Jeri Van Leer for alerting us to the study.

SETDA Dismayed by House’s Action to Abandon Technology in Schools

House vote devastates efforts to maximize student achievement and improve America’s competitiveness by eliminating Enhancing Education through Technology (NCLB Title II, Part D)

Arlington, Virginia (June 7, 2006) – The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) today urged the House Appropriations Committee to fill the gaping hole left by the House Labor, HHS, & Education Subcommittee’s decision to eliminate the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program in FY 2007.

“We understand tough decisions must be made in the Appropriations process, but eliminating EETT shows a gross misunderstanding of how critical this funding is for schools. EETT’s activities have led to demonstrated, measurable improvements in student achievement in Math, Science, and Reading. Moreover, schools have used EETT funding to purchase data systems that are critical to fulfill NCLB’s accountability requirements and to close the achievement gap,” said SETDA’s Executive Director, Mary Ann Wolf, PhD. “As the nation gears up to be more competitive, it makes no sense to cut a program that provides teachers and students with the technology resources that are improving teaching and learning and allowing our nation to compete effectively in the 21st century workforce.”

SETDA calls upon the Full Appropriations Committee to level fund the EETT program at $275 million in 2007 (at minimum), which represents a 61% cut from 2004 funding level of $696 million. The House Appropriations Committee must reject the notion that the job of technologically outfitting our schools is done, particularly since many schools still lack that appropriate technology systems to: 1) report and address the progress of every child, 2) close the achievement gap, 3) improve teacher quality, and 4) provide rigorous instruction to all students.

Commission for Educational Technology (CET) Request for Bids for Educational Technology Applications

The Commission's Request for Bids for Educational Technology Applications and Resources was released by DOIT on June 6, 2006. This should result in statewide pricing that is better than districts currently get for many of the software and online applications they currently use or would like to use. The Bid Request is posted on the Web- http://www.ct.gov/doit/lib/doit/purchase/sealbid/ITB06ITZ0058.pdf.

$5M of Infrastructure Money is not part of the June 9th Bond Commission's agenda

There is another meeting scheduled for June 30th. Cross your fingers.

Important message from ISTE

ACTION ALERT
Please send a letter, fax or make a phone call to your Congressional Representative and ask that he/she support funding the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program at $496 million for FY 07. This amount will restore the program to its FY 05 funding level.

ISTE has made it easy for you to send your letter or fax—it only takes a couple minutes! Go to the Ed Tech Action Network (http://www.edtechactionnetwork.org) where you can identify your congressional representative by your zip code and find a draft letter to personalize and send!

CURRENT STATUS
The House subcommittee that allocates funds for all programs at the U.S. Department of Education plans to make its funding recommendations known on June 6. It is crucial that members of congress hear from their constituents NOW about how important EETT is to their districts, schools, students and communities. Your voice must be heard to influence the final funding outcome!

ISTE has been leading the education community’s efforts by holding meetings with key congressional staff from both parties and developing a strong D.C. coalition in support of EETT. In all, 29 education and industry organizations and companies signed onto a letter of support for EETT that was sent to Congress (MCC House Ed Tech Support Letter). This letter demonstrates the diversity and depth of support for the program.

However, these D.C.-based efforts are not enough. Members of Congress want to hear directly from their constituents. They'll only believe EETT is a pressing funding issue if they hear so from you!

Last year we were able to stave off the elimination of the EETT program by a concerted partnership between ISTE’s DC advocacy efforts and the ISTE membership. We need to engage in this battle once again, as the President’s budget proposes to eliminate EETT program funding for FY 07.

Bond Commission meeting changed from May 26th to June 9th

There will be a special meeting of the State Bond Commission on Friday June 9, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in Room 1 E at the Legislative Office Building. As soon as the agenda is published, I'll post it.

CIPA and the Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA) of 2006

Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA) has introduced a bill entitled the "Deleting Online Predators Act of 2006" that would expand the Children's Internet Protection Act ("CIPA") to require E-rate recipients to also protect minors from commercial social networking websites (e.g., the popular MySpace) and chat rooms. Although the proposed bill is in the early stages of review by the House, and may prove unenforceable as currently written, it does address an increasingly serious concern for the safety of minors using the Internet. As such, the bill's provisions should be reviewed carefully by schools, libraries, and service providers.

For schools, the bill would expand upon CIPA's Internet Safety Policy certifications by adding language to prohibit "...access to a commercial social networking website or chat room through which minors - (aa) may easily access or be presented with obscene or indecent material; (bb) may easily be subject to unlawful sexual advances, unlawful requests for sexual favors, or repeated offensive comments of a sexual nature from adults; or (cc) may easily access other material that is harmful to minors..."

Similar language is included for libraries with the slight addition that the prohibition for access by minors "without parental authorization." The bill also includes the establishment of an FCC advisory board and a requirement for FTC consumer alerts. A copy of the proposed bill is available at DOPA.

May 26th Bond Commission agenda

As of 4:00 PM, this afternoon, the agenda had not been published for next Friday's meeting.

On Monday check the blog or go directly to the CT Bond Commission agenda link - http://www.opm.state.ct.us/budget/Capital/SBCAgenda.htm.

Hopefully, the $5M in Infrastructure funds will be on the agenda.

Join your colleagues from around the country in signing a petition in support of the Enhancing Education Through Technology program!

The educational technology community is circulating this petition to highlight the breadth of support for the EETT program. The petition is in the form of a resolution and calls for Congress to restore funding for the EETT program to a minimum of $496 million, its FY 05 funding level, to meet the nation’s educational needs and help ensure America’s competitiveness.

To read and sign the petition, go to : http://www.missioncriticalcampaign.org/ and scroll down the page.

As of Friday, May 19th., more than 6,000 educators across the country have signed the petition. Fewer than 100 people from CT have registered. Please do your part...it will only a take a few moments.

New EETT RFP for Online Writing aimed at Middle School

Start thinking about the next RFP that should be released during the last week in June. (The proposals will not be due until the end of September.) Grants of $65K will be awarded for middle school projects that incorporate an online writing tool in core subject areas. Schools will be able to purchase mobile technology but will not be required to do so. Since this is a federal grant, a minimum 25% of the award is required to be dedicated to professional development.

Since the RFP will be released during the last week in June, the proposals won't be due until the end of September. In an attempt to accommodate everyone's vacation plans during the summer, two Bidder's conferences will be scheduled, one in July and a second in August. Minutes from the July session will be placed on online.

LEA eligibilty has been increased from 40 to 55 districts. To find out if your district is on the list before the RFP is released, please call me (860) 713-6553 or send me an e-mail (arthur.skerker@ct.gov)

April issue of the iCONN Times

It's available for downloading along with issues dating back to 2001.

April Bond Commission Meeting Cancelled

The next scheduled meeting is May 26th.

House and Senate Leadership Emphasize Technology’s Vital Role in Supporting the Tenets of NCLB

Wednesday April 19, 2006 (Arlington, VA) – The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) applauds the efforts of Senator Olympia Snowe (ME), Senator Joesph Lieberman (CT), Representative Judy Biggert (IL) and Representative Ron Kind (WI) who co-authored Dear Colleague letters in the Senate and House respectively displaying their support for the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT – NCLB, Title II, Part D) program.

Both the House and Senate garnered bipartisan support with 28 signatures in the Senate and 52 signatures in the House in support of the EETT program. Additionally, Senator Orrin Hatch (UT) has written his own letter of support that is still open for signatures. Senator Hatch’s letter strongly endorses the EETT program as a critical means of support for NCLB goals and the new competitiveness issues being debated on Capitol Hill.

They're more than librarians...

They're more than librarians - school media specialists use technology to help students learn.
Eileen Fitzgerald of The News-Times let's readers know about the changing roles and responsibilites of today's library-media specialists.

Two Grant Opportunities

Thomson Gale TEAMS Award to Recognize Teacher and Media Specialist Collaborations

A $2,500 cash award plus products and services will be awarded to collaborations between teachers and media specialists to promote learning and increase student achievement....Deadline: May 1, 2006
Posted: April 7, 2006

Entries Invited for Technology in Education Essay Contest
Teachers, administrators, parents, and students may enter a 100-word essay on why their school and students are in need of digital technology in the classroom; up to $200,000 in computer merchandise and software will be awarded....
Deadline: June 30, 2006
Posted: April 7, 2006

EETT Support Letter collecting signatures

As of April 4th, 16 Senators have signed the letter originated by Senators Olympia Snowe (Maine) and our own Joe Lieberman

March 30, 2006

The Honorable Arlen Specter Chairman Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, and Education Committee on Appropriations SD – 184
Senator Tom Harkin Ranking Member Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, and Education Committee on Appropriations SD – 184

United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510


Dear Chairman Specter and Ranking Member Harkin:

We write to request a $496 million allocation for Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) for Fiscal Year 2007. President Bush’s request for Fiscal Year 2007 recommends zero funding for this program.

Technology has been the driving force behind globalization, accelerating change in economic, social, geopolitical, and culture of the 21st century. Around our country more and more States recognize the importance of technology in the classroom and are in the process of transitioning from traditional methods of teaching to technology-based instruction and management.

At a time when national attention is focused on improving and strengthening our competencies in math, science and engineering, it makes no sense to eliminate one of the few sources of funds for technology programs in our classroom. EETT grants may be used to provide professional development for teachers supporting them as they develop content and learning objectives rooted in the use of classroom technology, for technology acquisition, and for improvements to technology-based curriculum.

One example of technology-based instruction to improve student achievement is personalized education. This computing initiative is catching on in many states around the country. Personalized education in the classroom more and more utilizes technology by implementing one-to-one computing harnessing the digital expertise and interests of our students. Through one-to-one computing or learning each student has full-time access to a fully-functioning computer, the Internet, software, and online research materials to work collaboratively anytime and anywhere. One-to-one learning in schools is one example of how technology can improve student achievement, advance digital equity, enhance teaching and learning and strengthen economic development.

The funding source for many State initiatives in technology comes from Enhancing Education Through Technology which is in Title II, Part D of NCLB. The primary goal of the Ed-Tech (EETT) program is to improve student academic achievement through the use of technology in schools. It is also designed to assist students in crossing the digital divide by ensuring that every student is technologically literate by the end of eighth grade, and to encourage the effective integration of technology with teacher training and curriculum development to establish successful research-based instructional methods

Funding for EETT in Fiscal Year 2002 was $700 million and has been reduced to $272 million for Fiscal Year 2006. The President’s budget proposed to eliminate Fiscal Year 2007 funding. Funding for Enhancing Education Through Technology should be restored to the Fiscal Year 2005 level of $496 million ensuring our students have the technology skills necessary to succeed and excel in the 21st Century.

Thank you for your consideration of this request and your continued support of education and technology.

Sincerely,

Joe Lieberman

Olympia Snowe

The Governor’s Summer Reading Program for 2006

The Governor’s Summer Reading Program for 2006 will be kicked off on April 20, 2006 at 2pm at the State Library in Hartford. The kickoff will occur after the library partnership awards are given. Governor Rell, Commissioner Sternberg and State Librarian Kendall Wiggin will be at the ceremony. The theme of this year’s posters is a summer/beach theme. The materials will be sent to schools and libraries in the beginning of May.

March 31st. Bond Commission Agenda

The March agenda was just released: http://www.opm.state.ct.us/budget/Capital/SBCAgenda.htm, unfortunately, the $5M in Infrasructure funds was not on this month's agenda.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 28th.

Partnership for 21st Century Skills Releases National Report on High School Reform

High schools need a relentless focus on the results that matter for student success in the 21st century according to The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (the Partnership). The Partnership issued a new national report today, “Results That Matter: 21st Century Skills and High School Reform,” outlining a compelling framework for 21st century learning that focuses on the results that matter for today’s high school graduates. The report is available for free.

Grant Opportunity - for curricular reform and pd

The Braitmayer Foundation is interested in K-12 education throughout the United States. Of particular interest are:

* Curricular and school reform initiatives.
* Preparation of and professional development opportunities for teachers, particularly those which encourage people of high ability and diverse background to enter and remain in K-12 teaching.

The Foundation is pleased to have its grants used as seed money, challenge grants, or to match other grants to the recipient organizations. The Foundation does not make grants to individuals, multi year grants, nor grants for endowment purposes or building programs. Unless a small percentage of the total amount requested, normally the Foundation does not make grants for childcare, pre-kindergarten, or after school programs nor for equipment including hardware, software, and books.

For additional information...application process and dates - http://www.braitmayerfoundation.org/guid.htm.

LoTi soon to be free to all schools

SAN DIEGO, CA, March 15, 2006 As technology dollars become further strained nationwide, the National Business Education Alliance, a nonprofit organization in Carlsbad, CA, today announced that it has secured funding from one of its corporate partners, Penta Water,to provide access to the online *LoTi Lounge educational web portal for every public and private school in the nation commencing in Fall 2006. Access to LoTi Lounge will include the online DETAILS for the 21st Century Questionnaire, individual questionnaire results profiling personalized professional development needs based on five empirically-validated skillsets, and an extensive database of resources catalogued by grade level and subject area. This donation will continue the process of schools nationwide evaluating their instructional uses of technology for the purposes of improving student achievement tied to the initiatives set forth by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills.

*LoTi is a term referring to Dr. Christopher Moersch's Level of Technology Implementation Framework designed to accurately measure authentic classroom technology use.

Google Digitizes National Archives Videos

Through an agreement with the National Archives, Google Inc. has added historic video footage of such events as the Apollo moon landing and Japan's surrender in World War II to its internet search engine. Students, teachers, researchers, and others now can access these digital video clips free of charge through the Google Video search portal.

'05-'07 EETT ctcurriculum.org Summer Training

If you are an EETT awardee, or if you and your curriculum team have developed technology rich activities activites, keyed to CT standards, and would like to learn how to place them onto ctcurriculum.org, then save the following dates: July 19-21 @ ACES. More information will follow...

new iCONN CD + lot's more!

The Connecticut Digital Library (iCONN) provides online access to journals, magazines, newspapers, and ebooks/encyclopedias to all Connecticut residents for free. Select to find a title list of the publications accessible in Connecticut.

iCONN highlights for educators:
* A flyer describing Science and Math content,

* Freely accessible web resources in mathematics and science,

* The Professional Collection is a database focuses on publications related to education.

* Learning Activities created by CT library media specialists and designed to correlate with CT curriculum standards for various grade levels and subject areas. Please feel free to contribute activities that you've developed using iCONN databases!

* A Schools ToolKit designed to support the use of iCONN's resources in your classroom. Go to: http://www.iconn.org/siteindex.aspx > Scroll down to: Training > Click on: Schools Toolkit CD (in ZIP - 135MB)

Access iCONN directly from any library or school in Connecticut. If you are working at home, use your CT public library card number to login.

iCONN is administered by the Connecticut State Library in conjunction with the State Department of Higher Education. It is authorized and funded by the Connecticut State Legislature.

The Thomson Gale TEAMS Award

Teachers And Media Specialists Influencing Student Achievement

The Thomson Gale TEAMS Award recognizes and encourages the critical collaboration between the teacher and media specialist to promote learning and increase student achievement.

Three winners will receive: $2,500 (U.S.) cash award; Thomson Gale products (approximate value $500 U.S.); a one-year subscription to Library Media Connection; and Educator's Professional Bookshelf (approximate value $500 U.S.) from Linworth Publishing. In addition, the winners will be featured in an article in Library Media Connection in the 2006/07 school year.

For additional information and an application - http://www.galeschools.com/TEAMS

CSDE e-mail domain change to ct.gov

From now on, it will be easier to remember someone's e-mail address if they are a State Department of Education employee. Although the fname.lname@po.state.ct.us will still work for awhile, as of March 3rd., the new e-mail will be fname.lname@ct.gov.

Questions? Contact Art at arthur.skerker@ct.gov

New Federal Study Confirms that School Libraries Improve Student Test Scores

No surprises here!

We've always known that there is a positive relationship between what happens in school libraries and student test scores. The new Federal study Improving Literacy through School Libraries Evaluation Final Report has documented evidence.

The study is available as a free download in either Acrobat or Word format.

USDOE's Improving Literacy Through School Libraries (LSL) Program

The U.S. Department of Education's Improving Literacy Through School Libraries (LSL) Program focuses on providing funding to public school libraries in districts with 20.00 percent or more family poverty. Funds are used to improve reading achievement through updating the library collection, expanding internet connections, purchasing new technology, providing professional development for library media specialists, and extending school library hours. Please note that individual schools may not apply for this program. This is for public local school districts or charter schools or state-administered schools that are considered local school districts by their State Educational Agency. More information about this program can be found on the program's Web site www.ed.gov/programs/lsl.

The Department announced the 2006 LSL program competition in the Federal Register on February 10th, and applications will be due on April 11th. Approximately 19 million dollars will be available for funding, and an estimated 100 grants will be awarded under this competition. You may access the full application package on the program Web site www.ed.gov/programs/lsl under "Applicant Info." The Federal Register Notice can be found at <http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-1906.htm>.

The State Bond Commission meeting scheduled for February 24, 2006 has been cancelled. The next State Bond Commission meeting is scheduled on March 31

This is obvioulsy not the news that we wanted to publish. Hopefully, the $5,000,000 in technology infrastructure funds will be on the March agenda.

EETT eliminated from '07 proposed budget

EETT Was funded at about $690 million for its first three years in Fiscal Years 2002-2004, but was reduced to $496 million in FY2005 and to $272 million in FY2006. The 2007 budget looks very much like the President's original 2006 budget, 42 programs including EETT have been eliminated. SETDA, CoSN, ISTE and ETAN will once again begin their lobbying efforts.

You can help! Write, e-mail or phone your congressional representatives. Let them know how important the EETT dollars are to your district.

Concerns over MySpace.com

The following letter was mailed on Februrary 3, 2006:

Dear Superintendents and Technology Directors,

Media reports over the last several days have exposed serious child safety considerations related to students sharing personal information about themselves through a website called “MySpace.com”. We are writing to remind you of the Commission for Education Technology’s policy related to web filtering on the Connecticut Education Network so that you can continue to make appropriate local decisions related to these risks.

At the State level, the Commission for Educational Technology, which is the statutory policy body for the CEN has determined that the State “… is responsible for providing a content screening mechanism that can be configured to permit individual locations to limit traffic or usage based on local preference.” Therefore, the CEN provides the tools for internet filtering in each district, but does not make decisions about or implement appropriate settings for individual schools or districts. CEN has provided a centralized N2H2 web filtering system with delegated administration which ALLOWS INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO USE A WEB SITE TO SET ITS OWN FILTERING LEVELS. In most districts, technology staff manages the account that sets filtering levels. To be clear, the CEN staff does NOT set filtering levels and is NOT directly aware of what choices districts have made in setting their own preferences. In some instances, districts informed the CEN that they would be using an entirely local filtering system and would like to bypass the State’s system.

We would STRONGLY encourage you to examine local policies, filtering settings and other technical issues that can help mitigate this and other risks to student safety through the Internet.

If you or your staff have questions about capabilities with the CEN filter or if you wish to know if your district has chosen not to use the State’s system, you can reach the CEN Helpdesk at 860-622-2300 or via email at doit.helpdesk@po.state.ct.us .

Sincerely,

Dr. Betty J. Sternberg
Commissioner of Education

Robert P. Vietzke, Program Director
Connecticut Education Network

Another EETT-Blue Chip School is Recognized

North Stonington Elementary School has become famous! Check out the photo on the cover and the accompanying article in the latest addition of the AcademicSuperstore catalog. If you are interested in a visit to a very exciting school where technology is thoroughly integrated, contact Jim Griffith.

Infrastructure Money not on this Month's Bond Commission Agenda

This morning the agenda was published for the January 27th. meeting of the Bond Commission. Unfortunately, the $5M in Infrastructure money was not one of the items on this month's agenda. We are hopeful that we will be on next month's agenda.

Fame Reaches one of our Blue Chip Schools

One of our EETT grantees, Hall Memorial School in Willington has been recognized for its use of technology in a commercial. Originally built in the 1920's, the school looks a like a sleeper from the outside...once you step through Hall Memorial’s doors you realize that the building has been retrofitted to embrace new technology…more importantly than the hardware that is visible is the true integration of technology across the curriculum.

We are all very proud of Hall’s accomplishments. Watch the video: http://www.smarttech.com/ads/hall4/index.asp. If you would a like to visit the school, contact Principal David Harding.

EETT Progress Reports

Its that time again. If you are a competitive EETT grantee, your six-month progress report is due. Additional copies of the both the appropriate forms and cover letters that were e-mailed to grant contacts may be found on the Educational Technology page

As always, thank you for getting your reports submitted in a timely fashion...

Alternate Route to Certification; Library-Media Specialist Program

The Advanced Alternative Program for School Library Media Specialists is an innovative and exciting program developed by the Connecticut State Department of Education, approved by the Department of Higher Education, accredited using the NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) Standards and administered by ACES to attract talented, successful Connecticut teachers to a new teaching career as school library media specialists. The program consists of a school year with activities and seminars related to the role and structure of high-quality library media programs and a rigorous, two-week period of intensive, full-time instruction in the July before the school year and a three-week program in the July following the school year. Although the program does not carry college course credit, completion of the advanced preparation program results in a cross-endorsement as a school library media specialist.

The deadline for applications for the '06-'07 cohort is coming up quickly. If you are interested or know of anyone who is, please contact Ellen Hughes at 203-407-4447 (ehughes@aces.k12.ct.us). Additional information including the program brochure may be found at http://www.aces.k12.ct.us/programs/pdsi/lmsp/index.asp.

Information and Technology Literacy Framework

The new Information and Technology Literacy Framework has been adopted by the State Board of Education on January 11, 2006. Copies of the framework will be sent out to Superintendents within the next few weeks. The framework will be posted on the Library-Media page by next week.

If you would like a copy immediately, send me an e-mail (arthur.skerker@po.state.ct.us)

Technology Impact in Education Month

Arlington, VA, January 4, 2006 - The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) is currently hosting Technology Impact in Education Month during the month of January 2006. Technology Impact in Education Month is a month of sharing, discovery and celebration of the potential, both realized and envisioned, that educational technologies bring to the teaching and learning environment helping students achieve.

Teachers in hundreds of schools will facilitate discussions about the impact that modern technology has on every students’ daily life. Students will examine how technology permeates the way we work, learn, and play. They will even have an opportunity to assign homework to their parents that addresses the transformative nature of technology on the workforce. Those that submit their outcomes before January 31, 2006 will be eligible for thousands of dollars of prizes including an Interactive SMART Board, HP Digital Camera and online curriculum subscriptions for teachers.

“Through this event, we hope to create awareness around the impact technology has on closing the achievement gap, enhancing accountability, and increasing teacher quality – not to mention providing a 21st century environment for students to learn, share and grow,” said Melinda George, Executive Director of SETDA.

SETDA will offer free lessons and activities around technology for elementary, middle and high school students in social studies and language arts and technology on the event Website, www.edtechimpact.com.