EETT Funded at $267 Million in Omnibus Appropriations Bill

Yesterday, the House and Senate passed an Omnibus appropriations bill that will go to the President for his signature. This bill did include a 1.747% cut of all educational programs across the board, and several programs were eliminated, including Title V. Funding for EETT is $267 million. (If this cut sounds familiar, it is because two years ago, a similar amount was reduced from all educaitonal program to help support the costs in Iraq.) What this means to Connecticut is a decrease from the present $2.2M to approximately $1.9M.

Give One Get One

From now through December 31, 2007, One Laptop per Child (OLPC) is offering a Give One Get One program in the United States and Canada. This is the first time the revolutionary XO laptop has been made available to the general public. For a donation of $399, one XO laptop will be sent to empower a child in a developing nation and one will be sent to the child in your life in recognition of your contribution. Up to $200 of your donation may be tax-deductible (your $399 donation minus the fair market value of the XO laptop you will be receiving).

Bookshare.org

If you know a person who has difficulty reading printed text, the Bookshare.org community is here to serve you.

Bookshare.org gives print disabled people in the United States legal access to over 35,200 books and 150 periodicals that are converted to Braille, large print or text to speech audio files.

Bookshare.org is now offering free memberships to schools so that eligible students can receive access to Bookshare titles along with free reader software. Visit Bookshare.org for information on available book titles and eligibility.

Computer Assisted Writing Grant Awardees

The award letters will be in today's mail! Congratulations to the awardees: Bridgeport, Canton, Danbury, Derby, East Granby, Ellington, Enfield, Lebanon, Newtown, Plainville, Thompson, Tolland, Waterbury, Watertown and the CTHSS.

For a copy of your district's summative evaluation send an e-mail to arthur.skerker@ct.gov. Any questions or concerns, please contact karen.kaplan@ct.gov.

Grant Opportunity for classroom teachers and library-media specialists

Dedicated teachers often find themselves spending their own money to buy learning materials as school districts squeeze budgets. In 1997, EDS initiated the EDS Technology Grants program to help defray costs and encourage teachers’ creative learning solutions.

With these grants, teachers and library media specialists of children ages 6 through 18 purchase technology to improve their students’ ability to learn. Through a competitive application process, applicants create innovative uses of technology for the classroom. Grants of USD $1,500 are awarded each year to schools around the world. To date, EDS has given more than USD $2 million.

What are you waiting for? Download an application and apply!

MIT OpenCourseWare for High School

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has created a new web site with free online resources that aim to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instruction at the high school level. "Highlights for High School," which builds on MIT's OpenCourseWare (OCW) initiative, is designed to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists and to serve as a valuable tool for high school teachers. OCW publishes educational materials under an open license that encourages their reuse, redistribution, and modification for noncommercial purposes...

Technology in Early Childhood Education Conference

Technology in Early Childhood Education: Making the Difference in Research and Professional Development

Featured Presentations

• "The Power of Technology in Teaching and Learning Early Childhood Mathematics" by Dr. Douglas H. Clements, University of Buffalo, SUNY
• "Ensuring Children are Ready by Five and Fine by Nine: The Rold of Technology in Higher Education" by Dr. Janice Gruendel, Senior Advisor on Children and Youth to Governor Jodi Rell and Co-Chair of Connecticut's Early Childhood Cabinet
• "Using Technology to Train Early Childhood Professionals Worldwide" by Dr. Jeffrey Trawick-Smith, Eastern Connecticut State University

Conference Details:
Free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, send an email to ecsu-cece@easternct.edu.

Where? Eastern Connecticut State University; North Campus - Student Center
Room: Student Center Theatre
When? December 7, 2007 from 1:30-4:15 PM

Conference flyer Directions to ECSU

EETT needs your help again

On Thursday, November 15th, the House of Representatives fell a few votes short in its attempt to override President Bush's veto of the Education Appropriations bill. The final vote tally was 277-141, with 226 Democrats and 51 Republicans voting to override the president's veto. Fifteen members of Congress did not vote. CLICK HERE to see how your representative voted.

Action: Given that the bill did not pass, the Appropriations Committees in both the House and the Senate will now work to fashion a new version of the bill, including funding for EETT. Thus, EETT funding is again in jeopardy. Your voice remains critical as these discussions occur. Please CLICK HERE to send an email to your congressional representatives as soon as possible to share your experiences in how EETT has played a significant role in improving student achievement in your school, district or state. If your representative voted in favor of the bill last night, (Courtney, Shays, Larson, DeLauro and Murphy all voted in Favor!) please thank him/her for supporting this legislation and urge him/her to support EETT in future votes.

Just Released...

In a new report, Maximizing the Impact: "The Pivotal Role of Technology in a 21st Century Education System", the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Partnership for 21st Century Skills urged renewed emphasis on technology in education.

GIS Day on November 14, 2007

The Connecticut Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) Council is hosting an event to celebrate GIS Day on November 14, 2007. This event is held in conjunction with Geography Awareness Week which runs November 11‑17, 2007.

GIS Day provides an international forum for users of GIS technology to demonstrate real-world applications that are making a difference in our society. More than 80 countries will participate in local events such as corporate open houses, hands-on workshops, community expos, school assemblies, and more.

If you can find the time, stop by the Legislative Office Building in Hartford between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 14 to see what Connecticut’s state agencies, towns/municipalities, and educators are doing with geospatial technology at this year’s GIS program. There will be many demonstrations to spark your interest, including the use of Mashups (web applications that combine online maps with website information), or you can visit the Connecticut Civil Support Team’s Mobile GIS Unit which will be there on display. There will be knowledge to be gained by everyone, whether you are new to GIS or a seasoned professional.

So come on by and take part in Connecticut’s GIS event on Wednesday, November 14th. For additional information visit http://www.ct.gov/gis/

GIS resources for teachers may be found at the ESRI site where you will find a free version of ESRI's ARCView software. Of course let's not forget GoogleEarth...it's a free download.

New Issue of iCONN Times Just Released!

$2,000,000 for each of the next two years for infrastructure wiring

General Assembly Bill No. 1502

390 Sec. 13. (Effective from passage)…
828 (j) For the Department of Education:
829 (1) Grants-in-aid to municipalities, regional school districts and regional education service centers for the costs of wiring school buildings, not exceeding $2,000,000;

1254 Sec. 32. (Effective July 1, 2008)...
1367 (h) For the Department of Education:
1368 (1) Grants-in-aid to municipalities, regional school districts and regional education service centers for the costs of wiring school buildings, not exceeding $2,000,000;

Bond Package Update

A bond package has finally been approved. The state Bond Commission will once again begin their regularly scheduled meetings.

Please remember that the Governor..."still holds sole authority to place an item on the 10-member State Bond Commission's agenda, and the commission still must approve any project mentioned in Tuesday's legislation." (Hartford Courant, October 31, 2007)

The Bond Commission's next scheduled meeting is December 7, 2007. As soon as we are alerted that the infrastructure money has been placed on the agenda, I'll post a notice.

Just Released: AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner

"Standards for the 21st-Century Learner" offer vision for teaching and learning to both guide and beckon our profession as education leaders. They will both shape the library program and serve as a tool for library media specialists to use to shape the learning of students in the school.

Common Beliefs
The learning standards begin by defining nine foundational common beliefs:
• Reading is a window to the world.
• Inquiry provides a framework for learning.
• Ethical behavior in the use of information must be taught.
• Technology skills are crucial for future employment needs.
• Equitable access is a key component for education.
• The definition of information literacy has become more complex as resources and technologies have changed.
• The continuing expansion of information demands that all individuals acquire the thinking skills that will enable them to learn on their own.
• Learning has a social context.
• School libraries are essential to the development of learning skills.

The Standards
The Standards describe how learners use skills, resources, and tools to
1. inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge;
2. draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge;
3. share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society;
4. pursue personal and aesthetic growth.

Statewide Competitive EETT RFP; 2007-12

The purpose of this grant is to provide statewide professional development services and activities to aid administrators and teachers to improve student academic achievement through the use of technology in elementary schools and secondary schools.

For additional information, contact Art Skerker by e-mail or by phone at (860) 713-6553.

Readers needed for online writing grant

The state grant for online writing for high school students is due October 17, 2007. Since this is a state grant, all LEAs may apply.

We need readers. Even if you have never read grants before we would welcome you as a reader.

Each reader will receive a packet with about six grants along with scoring rubrics. Readers will have two weeks to read and score. On November 15th., readers will come together @ ACES. Readers will be divided into groups...each group will be made up of 4-6 people who have read the same grants. Reader groups will discuss each of the grants that they read and a summative evalution form/score sheet will be completed. The scores on these forms determine who the grantees are.

If you are interested, please call Karen Kaplan (860) 713-6781 or send her an e-mail (karen.kaplan@ct.gov).

USAC - E-Rate training materials

Whether you are an E-Rate neophyte or a seasoned veteran, all of the latest training materials and contact information are only a click away... http://www.universalservice.org/sl/about/training-presentations/training-2007/fall/2007-fall-training-presentation.aspx

Headstart E-Rate reminder

USAC/SLD Vice President Mel Blackwell announced during a training conference last week to anticipate the filing window for E-Rate to open this year again in mid-November.

Remember: There are a few things which should be accomplished prior to November.

Please be sure you have the following and be prepared to file your first form on or about the first of November 1, 2007 for the new 2008 year.
1. Start an E-Rate Filing system.
2. Update your grantee profile. Information Memorandum ACF-IM-HS-07-04 – Information Verification Request.
3. Register with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) if you have not already done so. To register online: https://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do and follow the steps.
4. Obtain Entity Numbers - contact erate@headstartinfo.org if you need assistance with entity numbers.
5. Ask questions now.
6. Complete new Technology Plan or review your existing plan. The plan must be in writing before you file the first form. Ask for help if you need assistance. Contact erate@headstartinfor.org.
You should file for the 2008 year even though you have not received a FCDL for 2007. Do not let time expire on information requests by PIA. Request extensions if PIA is waiting for additional information from you and time is about to expire. If you need assistance with PIA information requests please contact erate@headstartinfo.org.

House and Senate drafts of ATTAIN

Both the House draft and the Senate draft underscore the importance of 21st. Century Skills and professional development. They also agree on a minimum formula-based award of $3,000 per district. Both versions also indicate their concern that upon completion of the 8th grade that all students are technologically literate. Although this last issue has been addressed by districts in their technology plans, the new legislative drafts have added the following:

“Assess not less than once by the end of the 8th grade student performance in gaining technology literacy…including through embedding such assessment items in other State tests, performance-based assessments, portfolios, or through other means, but provided that such assessments shall be used only to track student technology literacy and not in conjunction with meeting adequate yearly progress goals…”

The 2006 Connecticut Library Partnership Honorees

The 2006 Library Partnership Honorees were honored on May 17, 2007 as part of The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge festivities. Representatives from the Burlington Public Library and the Guilford Public Library were presented with a plaque from Governor M. Jodi Rell and State Librarian Kendall Wiggin. Both libraries were recognized for their outstanding ability to coordinate reading efforts with their local public schools.

Library representatives were on hand along with school representatives from the 2006 top participating elementary, middle and high schools for the kick-off of The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge for 2007 – Read, understand, grow!

For additional information, click on the following link; The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge. If you have any questions, please contact Amy F. Radikas at the Connecticut State Department of Education at amy.radikas@ct.gov

ATTAIN Act in the new House discussion draft of No Child Left Behind

Sept. 7, 2007; SETDA is thrilled to announce that our hopes for ATTAIN have been realized - EETT has been replaced by the ATTAIN Act in the new House discussion draft of No Child Left Behind. Although we are still working through the NCLB reauthorization process by submitting comments to the House and waiting to see the Senate version, this is a great sign for education technology and SETDA members' efforts to promote systemic reform within your states!

State grant for Computer Assisted Writing, Instruction, and Testing

This grant program is to create pilot sites that will allow the Department of Education to (1) examine the effectiveness of using technology in the teaching of high school writing, including the use of artificial intelligence to provide specific, frequent feedback to students on their writing, and (2) examine issues and necessary accommodations related to online delivery of the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT)

Deadline: October 17, 2007
Eligibility: All districts may apply (except those that received a state grant for writing)
Bidder's Conference: September 18, 2007, 2:00 P.M. @ ACES
Download a copy of the RFP.

For additional information, e-mail Karen Kaplan or call her @ 860-713-6781.

A message to students on their first day of internet access

Teachers and students need new literacy skills as more and more of the resources they turn to are web-based. Janice Friesen (in an article adapted from TechLearning.com) points out nine concerns that students should have when visitng a new web site. On the Web, much of what students read is not always fact - or at least not verified as completely accurate, and articles and blogs are often laced with opinion. Janice's summary should provide a good basis for one of your initial class discussions.

Janice's concerns include: reading URLs for information, looking for information about the author, understanding the "About" section of a Web site, careful reading of Websites and of Email,recognizing advertisements, looking for dates, triangulation(...finding three sources that agree on a fact) and being skeptical

Action Plan Drafted for 21st Century STEM Education

Public comment is encouraged on a recently released draft action plan to address critical 21st Century needs in the nation's STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education system.

The plan, which originates from the National Science Board within the National Science Foundation, is available online A National Action Plan for Addressing the Critical Needs of the U.S. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education System. Comments can be sent to NSB_STEMaction@nsf.gov. Additional materials are available at the Board's site for the action plan.

Framework for 21st Century Learning

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills recently issued a two page handout on student outcomes which summarizes their comprehensive guide to develop 21st Century educational outcomes.

Major differences between ATTAIN and EETT

Both ATTAIN and EETT require that 2% of the grant be used towards evaluation and 3% may be used for state administrative costs. Of the remaining 95%, 60% will be earmarked for formula-based (entitlement) awards. (EETT currently allows states to decide how much, if any, of the 95% will be placed into formula-based grants...for the last two years, CT has assigned 30% to entitlement.) Each formula-based award will be no less than $3,000, which will be mean a substantial increase for numbers of districts. Professional development requirements will increase from 25% to 40% for the formula-based awards. Competitive awards will continue the 25% requirement for pd.

Are you a teacher looking for a grant?

Creative teachers and entire schools that effectively integrate technology technology into their curriculum should apply for one of the BestBuy grants. Individual teachers can apply for $2000 and your school may apply for a $10,000 grant. Deadline for proposals is September 30, 2007.

BestBuy has given out over $14 million in the last few years...what have you got to lose? Download an application an apply now!

ATTAIN (EETT replacement) is now in the Senate

SETDA is pleased to announce that the ATTAIN Act was introduced in the Senate late on Friday, August 3rd. Senators Bingaman (D-NM), Burr (R-NC), and Murray (D-WA) co-sponsored the bill. Building upon EETT and data from several research studies, the bill focuses on the integral role of educational technology in systemic school redesign and professional development for core curricular areas.

Urgent Action Needed on SKILLs Act

On Thursday, August 2, Representatives Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) sent a Dear Colleague letter asking Members of Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 2864, The Strengthening Kids' Interest in Learning and Libraries or SKILLs Act.

The SKILLs Act:

* Requires school districts, to the extent feasible, to ensure that every
school within the district employs at least one highly qualified school
library media specialist in each school library;

* Defines highly qualified school library media specialists as those who have a bachelor's degree and have obtained full state certification as a school library media specialist or passed the state teacher licensing examination, with state certification in library media in such state;

* Establishes as a state goal that there be at least one highly qualified school library media specialist in every public school no later than the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year;

* Broadens the focus of training, professional development, and recruitment activities to include school library media specialists;

* Ensures that funds will serve elementary, middle, and high school students; and

* Requires books and materials to be appropriate for and engage the interest of students in all grade levels and students with special learning needs, including English language learners.

Urgent Action needed: This legislation is critical to the future of school library media specialists. Please contact your Representative immediately and ask them to co-sponsor the SKILLs Act.

Contact our CT Senators and your Representative @ http://www.capwiz.com/ala/issues/alert/?alertid=9951101
For more information visit
http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslissues/SKILLS_Act.cfm
Visit ALA Washington Office's Legislative Center at
http://www.capwiz.com/ala/home

CECA / CEMA Joint Conference 2007

Preparing Students for the Conceptual Age: A Regional Conference for 21st Century Learners

Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT; Tues., Oct. 23, 2007
Information: www.CECA-CT.org
Early Registration Deadline: September 21, 2007

Keynotes by Dr. Henry Lee and Will Richardson
Presentations by Kathy Schrock, Robin Brenner, Gary Price, and 75 others.

EETT Federal Update

On July 17, 2007 the House passed the Labor, HHS and Education Appropriations for FY08 by a vote of 276-140, approximately 14 votes shy of the number needed to override a likely Presidential veto. EETT remains are $272 millison in this version. The Senate will not move its version of this bill until after August, possibly not until October.

Free Videos from C-SPAN

Access to C-SPAN Classroom's fully searchable database of C-SPAN video clips. Search by keyword, speaker, or topic area for immediately usable clips of C-SPAN's primary source programming, with many available for download. To register; http://www.c-spanclassroom.org/Registration.aspx.

ATTAIN possible replacement for EETT

A new bill introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives, called The Achievement Through Technology and Innovation Act of 2007(ATTAIN), aims to make significant improvements to the federal Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) block-grant program. Backed by SETDA, CoSN, and ISTE, the bill would increase the size of formula grants, target funding more effectively to schools in need of improvement, and specify that a higher percentage of funds be used for sustained professional development, among other changes.

The New NETS*S are Here!

The new National Education Technology Standards for Students (NETS*S) have been released. They're available in both English and Spanish. Take some time and read them over...you'll notice that productivity skills, certainly the easiest to teach and measure, have been given the least prominence. Think about whether you would like Connecticut to adopt the standards as is or should we modify them. I'll see you in the fall at your local RESC tech council meeting and will look forward to your thoughts.

LMS-we need your support!

Support the SKILLs Act: Co-sponsors Needed for S.1699 and H.R. 2864

On Tuesday June 26, Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Representatives Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) introduced the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act that guarantees students across America will be served by highly qualified, state-certified school library media specialists and will have the library resources they need to succeed.

Whether or not you are a library-media specialist, please select this link so that you can contact your Congressional Representatives and Senators.

What's happening @ NECC?

Connecticut is well represented at the National Educator's Computer Conference (NECC). I've spoken to people from ACES, Hartford, Glastonbury, Danbury, Bristol, Hartford, a few from the North East hills and a bunch from Fairfield county. Four of our colleagues from CREC have decided to share their daily experiences at the conferences with a blog; check it out! http://crecatnecc.blogspot.com/

Summative Evaluations of Infrastructure Proposals

If you would like a copy of the summative evaluation of your infrastructure proposal, send me an e-mail. The proposals have been scored and although we do not as yet have license to let you know who the projected awardees are, you are welcome to review your evaluation.

June 7, 2007-SETDA reports

Today, the House Appropriations Subcommittee marked-up the Appropriations bill and recommended level funding for EETT at $272 million for FY08. Although we would have liked to see more in this mark-up, this is the first time in several years that this Subcommittee did not give EETT a zero. Additionally, several programs were cut during the mark-up, so the fact that EETT was funded is a positive step as we look at reauthorization and a improved program with strong Committee support.

Special thanks to those of you who took the time this morning to send an e-mail to CT's member on the Appropriations Committee, Rosa DeLauro.

Stop what you are doing and send an e-mail immediately

SETDA has just alerted us that the Appropriations Subcommittee for Labor HHS & Education is scheduled to mark-up the Labor HHS and Education appropriations bill today (June 7th) at 2:00 pm ET. If you can drop a quick email to Letty Mederos in Rosa DeLauro’s office, it would be fresh in her mind today during the mark-up. Rosa is a key member on the Appropriations Committee, your time today could benefit students and teachers in all states!


Dear Representative DeLauro,

I am writing to share with you the significant impact Title II, Part D – the Enhancing Education through Technology (EETT) – program is having on teachers and students in Connecticut. Teachers have received significant professional development to help them change how they teach math, reading, and science through this program, and utilizing technology is helping Connecticut ensure that our students are competitive in the 21st Century global economy.

optional...add some information about the impact of EETT on your district

Please let me know if you have any other questions or would like to visit a school to see EETT in action.

Thanks so much for your support,


Send your e-mail to Letty Mederos leticia.mederos@mail.house.gov



Remember that every e-mail, phone call, fax, etc are counted. Have your colleagues send an e-mail!

Status of Infrastructure Grants

The grants have been scored and the summative evaluation sheets have been completed. Recommendations for funding made on the basis of the scores have been submitted to SDE management. Hopefully, within the next two weeks, paperwork to move the process forward will be submitted to the Office of Policy and Management (OPM). OPM makes recommendations to the Governor's office for items to be placed onto the Bond Commission's agenda. The Governor's office decides what will be placed on the agenda. Please remember that the Governor has said that she would like to keep the amount of state debt down; as taxpayers we understand that and want the state to maintain a high bond rating. Everything can't be put out to bond at once...hence the wait time. As you might remember, it took about a year for the last infrastructure money to be placed onto the Bond Commission's agenda.

So, in answer to the question that many of you are asking, I don't know when we will be able to notify you about the awards. I am hopeful, that before you complete your form 470 in the fall, that we will be able to send out projected award letters.

Library of Congress Primary Source Materials now keyed to CT Standards

The Library of Congress new site, Primary Source Learning, is definitely worth a visit. Now you can easily search for lessons that use primary source materials that are coordinated with CT standards. You can even field-test the site's learning experiences in your classroom, develop your own lessons and then share them online.

Open Technology Solutions Fair Update

The Open Technology Solutions Fair at EDUCATION CONNECTION was wonderful and was attended by over fifty people. Most of the presentations are available through the Moodle Site maintained by the Open Technology User Group. The User Group is sponsored by EDUCATION CONNECTION and is open to all. To get logon instructions you can e-mail Sean Kavanaugh at kavanaugh@educationconnection.org.


Open Technology provides an interesting alternative to the proprietary model many of our schools are using. The case studies around the country as well as in Connecticut show that this is a viable alternative that is cost-effective, supported and meets the functionality of schools. In Europe it is apparently the standard for most K-12 schools.

Infrastructure proposals have been mailed to readers

I want to take this opportunity to thank the 47 volunteers who will read and score the infrastructure proposals. Each reader will receive six or seven grants; some or which are lengthy. The readers will spend hours reading, scoring and on May 31st, additional hours collaborating with other readers to develop summative evaluations of the proposals.

DOE requests your input on how technology should be integrated

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings is seeking ideas on the integration of technology in education. The DOE is requesting feedback on the following questions:

1) In what ways has technology improved the effectiveness of your classroom, school or district?

2) Based on your role (administrator, parent, teacher, student, entrepreneur, business leader), how have you used educational data to make better decisions or be more successful?

3) In what ways can technology help us prepare our children for global competition and reach our goals of eliminating achievement gaps and having all students read and do math on grade level by 2014?

4) What should be the federal government's role in supporting the use of technology in our educational system?

To share your comments and suggestions, please click on the "Add Your Comment" box at www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/roundtable.html or send an e-mail to edtech@ed.gov.

Appropriations Bill containing EETT to be worked on week of May 7th

We want to alert you to the fact that the Appropriations Bill containing EETT will most likely be acted upon next week. As you know, CT has a house member (Rosa DeLauro)that plays an integral role in this decision.

Please Note: If our Congressional leaders on the Appropriations Subcommittee receive 20 emails in support of EETT this week – That will make a big difference. Superintendent calls also work very well, too!!!!

Thus, we ask you to spread the word regarding this impending action. Please ask your ed-tech leaders to use their data to make the case for funding EETT at the $496 million level if possible. Use succinct examples specific to CT (or the Congressional District) that show how EETT improves student achievement and teacher quality. As always, tie the EETT funding to your state’s ability to compete in a global marketplace.

Please consider contacting Letty Mederos who the person on Rosa DeLauro staff working on Education Issues for the Appropriations Committee. Letty's phone # 202-225-3661; her Fax # 202-225-4890 and her Email leticia.mederos@mail.house.gov

Questions about Infrastructure RFP

Several people have called concerned about page 27 of the Infrastructure RFP, which needs to get filled out if a district has received an infrastructure grant in either of the last two rounds. Readers will only look at this page to see if districts that had received funds, have filled out the page. If the page is missing and should have been completed, then there will be a 15 point deduction from the proposal's score. If the district has asked for an extension and or is waiting for revised bids due to the late dispersal of funds, the district need only note that on the form. No points will be deducted.

I will be out of the office from April 23rd and hope to return on May 7th. In the interim, if you have any questions, please contact Karen Kaplan at (860) 713-6781 or by e-mail at karen.kaplan@ct.gov.

Entitlement Grant Draw Down Period

Last year, most states (CT included) returned thousands of dollars in entitlement money to Washington. As you can imagine, sitting in a congressional hearing room and asking for more money for Title II D (EETT) when your state has returned unspent prior year's money, does not bode well. As part of a national effort to dramatically reduce the amount of IID money returned to our federal friends, we ask simply that you draw down and spend whatever money you have left, on or before June 30th. (I've called all districts that had an unspent balance of more than $1,000.) If you have questions, please check with your business manager to find out if you have any grant balances.

LMS - something that you'll want in your library

"Teaching The Levees" is a free curriculum package developed by the Teachers' College college - Columbia, which will be shipping out in September 2007. the package includes the film documentary, When the Levees Broke, which was rated TV-14 when it was aired by HBO. The curriculum is intended for high school aged students and older.

NIH Curriculum Supplement Series

The National Institute for Health (NIH) Curriculum Supplement Series are FREE interactive teaching units that combine cutting-edge science research discoveries from the National Institutes of Health, one of the world's foremost medical research centers, with state-of-the-art instructional materials. Each supplement is a teacher’s guide to two weeks’ of lessons on science and human health. Supplements now have downloadable tables that detail the alignment to CT's curricular frameworks in science, mathematics, English Language Arts, and (when available) health.

e-mail directory of CT Librarians

iCONN maintains the statewide e-mail directory of Connecticut librarians - now located at http://www.iconn.org/staff/EmailDirectory.aspx - which is updated weekly and contains over 1,300 entries. Please check your listing to make sure it is accurate. If you would like your e-mail address to be listed, or if you need to change a current listing, please use the "update form" which you can access from the directory search screen. Also, if you see any obvious errors in the directory, please let us know. Thanks for your assistance!

The April issue of the iCONN Times is now available.

Computer Assisted Writing and Testing Grant Awardees

Thirty nine districts submitted proposals. If it were up to the quality of the proposals and not the finite amount money available, most of the districts would have received awards. Thirty five volunteers read and scored the proposals; each proposal was read by at least five people.

The awardees are: Branford, Coventry, Newington, North Haven, Portland, Regional District 16, Regional District 19, Simsbury, Somers, Stafford, Stamford, West Hartford and Windham. (Awarded amounts may not be exactly what was requested - most grants were reduced a small amount based on grant reviewers' comments...details will be e-mailed to districts.)

For a copy of your district's summative evaluation, send a request to arthur.skerker@ct.gov.

ISTE Releases Draft of New NETS for Students

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has just completed a draft of its National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for students--a groundbreaking paradigm for what young people should know about technology and what they should be able to do with it before graduating. Now, ISTE is asking educators for feedback on the new draft.

ISTE first issued its NETS for students in 1998, and this framework has since found its way into the standards of at least 45 U.S. states. Now, nearly 10 years later--and having also issued NETS for teachers and administrators--ISTE is in the process of revising its NETS to keep pace with the changing demands of advancing technology and a new global economy.

Draft of Refreshed ISTE NETS for Students (1/4/07)
Working Document – Copyright ISTE® 2006 - 2007
“What students should know and be able to do to learn effectively and
live productively in an increasingly digital world …”

Please provide feedback to ISTE by completing the survey at http://www.iste.org/nets-survey

I. Creativity and Innovation (new)

Students think creatively, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products using technology. Students:

A. apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas and products.
B. use technology for creative self-expression.
C. use systems thinking to explore complex issues.
D. identify trends and forecast possibilities.

II. Communication and Collaboration (4)

Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students:

A. collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and others employing a variety of digital media and formats.
B. communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences utilizing a variety of media and formats.
C. develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures.
D. contribute to project teams to produce original works.

III. Research and Information Retrieval (5)

Students access, retrieve, manage, and evaluate information using digital tools. Students:

A. locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and use information from a variety of sources and media.
B. evaluate and select information sources and technological tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.
C. process data and report results.

IV. Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making (6, 3)

Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems and make informed decisions using appropriate technology tools. Students:

A. identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation and plan strategies to guide inquiry.
B. plan and manage activities to develop solutions and complete projects.
C. collect and analyze data to identify solutions and make informed decisions.
D. use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions.

V. Digital Citizenship (2)

Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. Students:

A. advocate and practice safe, responsible use of information and technology.
B. exhibit positive attitudes toward technology uses that support collaboration, learning, and productivity.
C. demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning.
D. exercise proactive leadership for digital citizenship.

VI. Technology Operations and Concepts (1, 3)

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

Students:

A. understand and use technology systems.
B. identify and use applications effectively and productively.
C. troubleshoot systems and applications.
D. transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.

Please provide feedback by completing the survey at http://www.iste.org/nets-survey

Open Source Technologies fair - May 9th

Promoting Open Source Technology (PromOTEing) Solutions fair will bring experts and current practitioners together will enable the sharing of information about:
• What is Open Technology and why is now a good time for educators to seriously consider this alternative?
• What experiences have other schools and school districts had?
• What does Open Technology look like and how does it compare to proprietary products?
• What is coming next?

For more information on how to register for the fair, please contact Lynn Barton by phone at 860.567.0863 x164 or by email .

For more information on the PromOTE project, please contact Ed Edelson by phone at 860.567.0863 x164 or by email.

PromOTEing Solutions Fair @ Education Connection
directions to EdConnection's Litchfiled office
Wednesday, May 9, 2007 - from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

CEN presentation on filtering

On March 20, 2007 CEN held its second seminar on the content filtering tool used by over 150 school districts across the State. For more information on this event, including a link to download the presentation, please visit the CEN-NET website at:
http://www.ct.gov/cen-net/cwp/view.asp?a=902&Q=246952

Notes from Infrastructure RFP Bidders Conference

Scoring (page 31-34) - all proposals need to respond to items in to Section A…each proposal will receive points from only ONE part of Section B depending on the project type. If a new building is to be connected to the existing network, Section B awards 20 points. If there are multiple projects as part of the proposal, only the top scoring project as identified in Section B will receive points.

Section C – proposal gives status of current infrastructure (only for grantees that have received infrastructure funds over the last two years). In a brief one page description explain what your original proposal stated, what changes were made if any and what additional infrastructure needs your district has.

Is it ok to rent equipment? Bond Commission would like a 20 year life to all purchases (when possible)…ideally purchase instead of renting

If you lease fiber, monthly maintenance cost can not be funded.

E-rate questions… http://www.e-ratecentral.com/ or (516) 832-2880

Adding wireless infrastructure is an option. CEN is not advocating that be the primary source. Wireless can be in your proposal…explain why you are embracing wireless. (Refer to page 29)

Servers-are they eligible? Yes…but considering will have a very low priority on scoring

Can you apply for multiple school buildings? Yes…individual proposal can have multiple projects in one or more buildings

Concern voiced about timeframe for $ dispersal. Money should be released in the fall (hopefully). The award letters will request that $ is obligated by June 30, 2008. We should be able to grant additional year extensions to $ drawdown.

Comment: (page 32 section B.3) Providing connectivity to a new off campus school building which is scheduled to be occupied on December 30, 2007. This date is now changed to September 2008.

Comment: We have two schools PK through 1st grade- is preference being given to schools that take CMT. No…all schools are to be considered equally.

Online writing grant proposals mailed to readers on March 15th

Thirty five individuals have volunteered to read the state competitive proposals for the 9th and 10th grade online writing/laptop grant. If you are a reader and have not received your packet by Tuesday afternoon, please call Karen (869-713-6781) or Art (860-713-6553) and let us know. We look forward to seeing all of the readers @ ACES on March 28th.

April 15th through 21st is National Library Week!

Free promotional materials from ALA.

Infrastructure Grant Bidder's Conference

There will be a bidder’s conference for all applicants on March 15, 2007, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Department of Information Technology (DOIT) Headquarters in East Hartford. Directions to DOIT.

Parking: Go past DOIT headquarters on Riverview Square and take a left at the first stop sign. Entrance to the parking lot is the first left; the security gate will remain open.

Grant Readers Needed

We have two grants that need readers. The online writing grants will be mailed out to readers mid-March. These readers will spend the day at ACES on March 28th to summarize their findings and score the proposals. If you are interested in volunteering to become a reader, please e-mail Karen Kaplan.

A second grant, the technology infrastructure grant was just made available March 1st. These grants will be sent to readers mid-May. If you think that you have the "boxes and wires" expertise to read an infrastructure grant, please let your RESCtech know, or e-mail Art. Infrastructure grant readers will receive 8-10 proposals to review and will meet at CREC on May 31st. to discuss and score the grants.

If you want more information about either of the grants, or to find out what is required of a grant reader, please call either Karen (860-713-6781) or Art (860-713-6553).

New RFP for Infrastructure Funds

The next RFP for state infrastructure is available. Hard copies will not be mailed out to districts. Superintendents will receive a letter with a link to SDE's RFP page. Download your own copy.

CET Progress on Attainment of Statewide Technology Goals

Here's the CET Janurary 2007 Report that was was submitted to the Connecticut General Assembly.

Drop Everything and Read Bookshelf Awards

In celebration of National Drop Everything And Read (D.E.A.R.) Day, The NEA Foundation and the National Education Association (NEA) offer the D.E.A.R. Bookshelf Awards. These awards are made possible in part with support from HarperCollinsChildren'sBooks as part of the NEA's commitment to promote children's literacy and motivate readers of all ages. This program awards $500 to public schools for the purchase of books and reading materials that will entice students to drop everything and read!

Eligibility: Only one eligible applicant per school may submit an application. The applicant must be a practicing preK-12 teacher, school librarian, or education support professional in a U.S. public school. The applicant must agree to serve as the contact person for the award and all related public relations activities.

Deadline: Applications are due to The NEA Foundation by 5:00 p.m. EST on March 12, 2007. Applications must be submitted as an e-mail attachment as sent to dearawards@nea.org.

Amount: The NEA and NEA Foundation will make 100 awards of $500 each.

Computer Assisted Writing, Instruction, and Testing - Bidder’s Conferences Notes

The two Bidder’s Conferences highlighted particular parts of the RFP, and answered questions from attendees. Below is a summary by page of the issues discussed.

Page 4:
 One-to-one environment does not mean computers must keep the computers all day (and/or night). It means there must be a ratio of one student to one computer while using the program (so a cart of laptops could be shared among two or more classes).
 Purchasing of equipment and applications should occur immediately upon grant award notification. Professional development can begin immediately, and students may begin using the equipment and applications when ready. Full implementation of the project must occur throughout the 2007-2008 school year.

Page 5:
 Projects must involve 9th and/or 10th graders.
 At least 60 students must be involved in the project activities (not including control group).
 Funds requested can be up to $70,000.
 All funds must be expended by June 30, 2007. Project activities are required to extend beyond that time, but all purchases and payments must be made by June 30, 2007.
 One application per LEA. Multiple schools may be included in this application.
 You are NOT eligible to apply if you received a grant under this grant program last year.

Page 6:
 Note all the requirements listed under General Proposal Requirements, but some comments on a few of them:
o Teachers in involved in the project must have full-time access to a laptop, students must have one-to-one access during project activities (not necessarily all day or to take home).
o District must participate (if asked) in pilots for CAPT online.
o District must participate in all project evaluation activities conducted by CSDE through the 2008-2009 school year.
o District must agree to holistically score up to 120 student writing samples. These will be provided by CSDE with a rubric, likely near the beginning and end of the 2007-2008 school year. Note that these samples do not have to be scored by teachers involved in the project – scoring can be done by other qualified teachers in or out of the district.

Page 7:
 It is recommended that special needs students are included in grant activities. 5 extra points are given for consideration of how students with special needs will be included in project activities.
 An original and 8 copies must be submitted.


Grant Elements (Pages 13-15)

There are 10 Grant Elements:
Element 1: School Overview:
 Overview should be brief. The purpose is to give the grant readers a general picture of the school involved in the grant, not provide a lengthy history. Include how this project fits into your school’s goals.

Element 2: Project Summary:
 Include summary, project objectives, number of students and teachers, timeline – include 2006-07 and 2007-08 years. If you plan to continue beyond this period, include these years also.

NOTE the last paragraph – it reiterates that the remainder of the 2006-07 year is to purchase equipment, software, applications, prepare teachers in using the tools and materials, and introduce students to the tools and materials. Full implementation begins in and continues throughout the duration of the 2007-08 school year.

Element 3: Computers/Technical:
 Paragraph form not necessary - can be a bulleted list of computer specifications.
 Describe or list policies already in place that may support project, or new ones you will seek.
 Describe tech support provisions.

Element 4: Laptop Applications:
 List software to be included on computers, such as word processors, graphic organizers, and others that will be used as part of your project.
 Provide name and description of online writing/feedback product you selected and reasoning why this product was picked. Don’t include promotional material from company.
 Multi-year licenses are encouraged.
 List time per week students will use the program

Element 5: Curriculum Integration
 Project can include any subject areas – English, social studies, or other, but must incorporate development of skills described in the CT Curriculum Frameworks for Language Arts.

Element 6: Professional Development
 Professional development should be more than 2-3 days of workshops provided by the company from whom you are purchasing the application. A variety of forms of professional development should be used.

Element 7: Support
 Nothing beyond what is printed was discussed.

Element 8: Project Continuation
 You must describe how you district will continue the project in subsequent years. Here’s where the multi-year licenses come in handy, or other things you are doing that will provide for sustainability.

Element 9: Project Evaluation
 It is permissible for the control group to be from another school.
 Note that there are really two evaluations involved: One evaluation is done by individual grantees for the project described in their proposal. This evaluation is ongoing and includes monitoring and plans for adjustments to the project mid-way if necessary. The other is conducted by CSDE that will involve all awardees. By signing the Agreement Form (Appendix D), the district agrees to participate in these grant evaluation activities.

Element 10: Fiscal Information
 Online writing/feedback application is best placed under instructional supplies, line 611.
 Substitutes and stipends can be paid under this grant, under line 111B.


Scoring Rubric (Appendix E- Pages 27-29)

 There are three sections that have twice the weight of the other sections. These are Project Summary, Computers/Technical, and Curriculum Integration.
 Proposal scorers will use the Appendix E Scoring Rubric to score. Potential grant writers might want to review the rubric as they create their proposals.
 5 points each are provided for inclusion of the signed agreement form (Appendix D) and for including special education teachers/students and strategies for helping special needs students succeed in project activities.

New Federal Grant - Improving Literacy Through School Libraries Program

Improving Literacy Through School Libraries Program

The purpose of this program is to improve student reading skills and academic achievement by providing students with increased access to up-to-date school library materials; well-equipped, technologically advanced school library media centers; and well-trained, professionally certified school library media specialists.

Eligible Applicants: Local educational agencies (LEAs) in which at least 20 percent of the students served by the LEA are from families with incomes below the poverty line based on the most recent satisfactory data available from the U.S. Census Bureau at the time this notice is published. These data are Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates for school districts for income year 2003. A list of LEAs with their family poverty rates (based on these Census Bureau data) is posted on our Web site at: http://www.ed.gov/programs/lsl/eligibility.html

Applications must be submitted by: April 11, 2007
Expected Number of Awards: 100
Estimated Total Program Funding: $18,901,586

iCONN school resources; training sessions

Infrastructure Grant Extensions

Due to the late release of bond funds for the Technology Infrastructure Grant, SDE would like to offer districts the option of extending the grant period from the existing date of June 30, 2007 to June 30, 2008. Forms have been both e-mailed and snail-mailed to districts. If you need another copy of the form to request an extension, please send me an e-mail.

The next infrastructure rfp will be mailed to districts during the first week in March.

LMS survey

Irene Kwidzinski (AASL director Region 1, New England) posted to CEMA's listserve reminding all library-media specialists to take a few minutes and respond to ALA's survey on school libraries. ALA wants to support library-media specialists and their survey document is just what is needed. Please take five to ten minutes to answer the survey. Only 100 librarians have responded so far and they need at least 1200 responses for the survey to be valid and effective.

Federal Resources for Educators has an updated interface

FREE makes it easier to find teaching and learning resources from the federal government. (http://www.free.ed.gov)

More than 1,500 federally supported teaching and learning resources are included from dozens of federal agencies. New sites are added regularly.

Get new resources delivered to you several times a week: sign up for the FREE RSS.

CECA Technology Exposition 2007

More exhibitors are needed for this year's Tech Expo ; applications must to be submitted by February 28th. It's important to remind our legislators how students in Connecticut schools use technology to support learning. Please consider showing off how technology has added value to what happens in the classroom.

If chosen, you and up to four of your students will spend the day at the capitol exhibiting what learning is accomplished using technology. It is a day that you and your students will never forget.

CECA Technology Exposition 2007
Date: April 4, 2007
Location: Legislative Office Building, Hartford
Who: CT Public Schools K-12
Application Deadline: February 28, 2007

Application to exhibit http://www.stonington.org/ceca/

Questions? Send an email to TechExpo@CECAInfo.org

Thank you! We hope to see you and your students in Hartford!

http://www.ceca-ct.org/Tech%20Expo/techexpo.html

New Open Source Users Group

EDUCATION CONNECTION through its PromOTE (Promotion of Open Technology in Education) project is facilitating an Open Technology (Open Source) Users Group. This group is dedicated to supporting the adoption and use of Open Technologies in the K-12 environment. This Users’ group is open, free of charge, to any interested educator in Connecticut.

User Group meetings will be held on March 21 and May 23 from 9:30 to 12:00 at Education Connection’s facility in Litchfield, CT.

There is also an online collaboration space where members can communicate and collaborate with peers on the use of open technology in their schools.

For more information or to register for the Users Group please contact Sean Kavanaugh at Kavanaugh@educationconnection.org or at (860) 567-0863 x194.

For directions please go to: http://www.educationconnection.org/directions.htm

When was the last time you updated your AUP?

Does your Acceptable Use Policy include concerns about cyberbullying? If not, perhaps it's time to revisit your policy.

Call for Presenters

Preparing Students for the Conceptual Age: A Regional Conference for 21st Century Learners

The Connecticut Educators' Computer Association (CECA) and the Connecticut Educational Media Association (CEMA) have teamed up to create the first New England regional conference for computer using educators. The conference will be held at the new Hartford Convention Center on October 23, 2007. The central location and superb conference facilities are an ideal setting to showcase the best educational practices from across the region. This promises to be a landmark event. The keynote speaker is Henry Lee.

Would you like to be a presenter? Presenter applications must be received on or before March 6th.

Proposed 2008 Budget Eliminates EETT

As expected, President Bush’s proposed budget eliminates the Enhancing Education through Technology (EETT) - NCLB Title II, Part D program in his 2008 budget. Notably, it is the largest program being slated for elimination and the only program dedicated specifically to education technology for our schools. Here's the list of programs slated for reduction or elimination in the 2008 budget.

As in the past, Congress now has the opportunity to develop its own budget in response to the President’s proposed version. We cannot be idle and we MUST SHARE how education technology (EETT funding specifically) is increasing student achievement, improving teacher quality, and ensuring America’s Competitiveness. Please make sure to:

Remind and share your EETT successes with your state’s contacts on Capitol Hill and reach out to new members of Congress (they are eager to learn about education) Ask your Congressional Leaders to mention to include EETT as a program that should not be eliminated as we set goals to improve our nation’s competitiveness.

Send a note to your ed-tech champions asking them to reach out to Congressional Leaders by personalizing the message below.

Dear Congressman XXX:

I want to thank you for your support of education in the past, and I welcome your support in the upcoming congressional session. Specifically, I would like to call your attention to the elimination of the Enhancing Education through Technology (EETT) program in President Bush’s 2008 Proposed Budget.

The EETT funds are critical to the success of our students and the improvement of our teachers in XXX. We use the EETT funding to:

PLACE YOUR SUCCESS STORY HERE

If the EETT funding is eliminated, our schools will be limited in addressing the needs of the media and technology savvy students of today. I urge you to do whatever possible to maintain a dedicated funding stream that explores how technology can modernize schools and successfully engage the 21st Century student. The federal investment serves as a catalyst for change in states. The EETT program is an incubator of ideas - It provides states with targeted resources to assess where technology can be infused into the learning process to dramatically increase the effectiveness of teachers as well as improve student achievement. We need to learn from these examples and replicate the successful models nationally.

Send a similar note to corporate partners that you work with asking them to reach out to Federal Congressional Leaders in support of EETT as well.

Do your teachers connect their personal computers to your school's network?

One of our districts is considering a measure to supplement the too few computers to which their teaching staff has access. At the request of a staff member, they are attempting to codify a process by which staff members may use their own computer on their school network. It is their hope that some other system has already "invented this wheel" and would be willing to share their perspective and understanding of what needs to be considered, to assure the program's success.

Please send Joyce Hall an e-mail and let her know if your district allows its certified staff to use their own personal computer equipment on your school's network, how the process is defined and if there have been any problems connected with this activity. If you have considered this option but chose not to implement, she would also like to hear the reasons for your decision.

Once Joyce has compiled your comments, I'll post a summary.

Thank you for any help that you can provide.

EETT Funding Restored in 2007

I just received the following message from the State Educational Technology Director's Association (SETDA).

"SETDA is pleased to announce that Congress officially passed the Continuing Resolution (CR) which funds the Enhancing Education through Technology (EETT) program at $272 million in FY 2007. This is very good news because it shows support for the effective use of technology in schools even when budgets are tight and resources are being shifted. It also holds the line on further cuts as we go into substantive conversations on what this program may look like during the ESEA reauthorization. Going into next year’s advocacy efforts, our hand is much stronger due to a new Congress, level funding in the current program, better effectiveness data, and the national agenda focus around competitiveness!

We should celebrate this long fought victory. However, we want to alert you that President Bush will be announcing the Administration’s FY 2008 Budget on Monday, February 5th. From all indications, EETT will be zeroed out again. Please know this is expected and that education technology has many allies on Capitol Hill and throughout the education community who are working to ensure technology is adequately addressed during the reauthorization discussions that will affect the actual federal budget that is enacted for 2008."

New issue of iCONN Times just released

New BLOG to assess state library needs

The Advisory Council on Library Planning and Development and the Connecticut State Library are currently engaged in a planning process for the Library Service and Technology Act (LSTA) program in the state.
As part of this process, Sharon Brettschneider (Director, Division of Library Development Connecticut State Library) has set up a blog to gather input to better understand the needs of Connecticut libraries and the trends they see affecting their future. This discussion will help us develop a plan for the use of LSTA funds during the next five years. In addition to holding focus groups and conducting an online survey we also wanted to try blogging as an alternative way to 'talk' with libraries.
Please visit the blog, (http://lstaplan.wordpress.com/) post your comments and subscribe to the feed to have new entries sent to your email.

CEMA workshop for Teachers and Library Media Specialists to collaborate on CMT and CAPT test preparation

"Developing and Assessing Collaborative Lessons Directly Related to Connecticut Standardized Test Strands" will be presented by Audrey Church, the coordinator of the School Library Program at Longwood College in Virginia.

This event will take place on Monday, April 30, 2007 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell. Registration begins at 8:30 am (with coffee, etc.). The program will be from 9:00 to 3:00, with snacks and a box lunch provided. CEU's will be offered (0.5). The cost is $40 per person. The registration flyer may be found at http://www.ctcema.org/April07flyer.doc .

New RFP for Computer Assisted Writing, Instruction, and Testing

An RFP for Computer Assisted Writing, Instruction, and Testing has been mailed to Superintendents this week. The grant program funds districts with up to $70,000 for the purchase of laptop computers, online writing applications, and professional development in using computers and applications to advance teaching and learning of writing in 9th and 10th grades. Download a copy of the rfp If you have any question please contact Karen Kaplan @ karen.kaplan@ct.gov. For additional information, attend one of the bidder’s conferences being held for interested applicants. They will be on February 8, 3:00 – 5:00 at ACES, and February 26, 2:00 – 4:00 at CREC.

Podcasting in World Language and ESOL

You are invited to Make the Connection, a free all day workshop sponsored by ACES and Apple. As of this afternoon, there are a few seats avaialbe. Register for the Februrary 27th workshop (@ ACES, 205 Skiff St in Hamden from 9:00 - 3:00; lunch will be provided) ...hurry up and click http://www.aces.k12.ct.us/pdsi/courses/. When you get to the ACES Professional Development Offering page type in the title window: Make the Connection

The Connecticut Professional Development Coalition

The Connecticut Professional Development Coalition was formed to coordinate the efforts of the state's professional organizations in developing the capacity of school leaders to reduce the achievement gap.
The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), the Connecticut Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (CASCD), and the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS), with support from the Wallace Foundation, collaborated to develop this website. Its purpose is to display in one place the professional development opportunities offered within the state focused upon reducing the achievement gap. The site is available during SY 2006-2007 to all professional development providers at no cost; participation beyond this year will be on a shared cost basis.Programs are referenced to and may be searched by the following:
State Standards for School Leaders
Common Core of Learning
Common Core of Teaching
State Curricula Frameworks

Help Revise ISTE's NETS*S

ISTE NETS•S REFRESH SURVEY!

The ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students were released in June 1998, were originally created for use within the United States. Over time, the standards have received acceptance and widespread use across the United States and in many other countries. As ISTE refreshes the standards, originally created in 1997, we wish to gather input from people within the United States as well as colleagues from around the world.

The collective wisdom of the worldwide educational technology community is necessary to help ISTE maintain the standards and associated resources as fresh and meaningful guides for leadership and innovation in the use of technology. We hope you will choose to participate in the NETS•S Refresh initiative by completing the attached NETS Refresh survey.

A new online community has emerged that promises to give educators around the world an opportunity to collaborate and share curricula in hopes of expanding the educational options available to schools. Called Curriki, the free resource pairs the benefits of social networking with the freedom of open technologies to create an organic, constantly evolving online repository of free resources for teachers and students.

Sarah Jaffarian School Library Program Award

The purpose of the Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award is to recognize, promote, and support excellence in humanities programming in elementary and middle school libraries that serve children K-8.

Eligibility: K-8 school libraries or school library programs
Value: One award of $4,000
Deadline: February 28, 2007

Contact: http://www.ala.org/ala/ppo/jaffarianaward.htm

Linking Your Classroom with Space

Touching the Future: Linking Your Classroom with Space and Classroom Simulation

Challenger Learning Center of Southeastern Connecticut In Partnership with LEARN is proud to offer this two day workshop about enhancing the understanding of, and the enthusiasm for, science, mathematics, and technology through innovative learning experiences! Click here to register online!

EETT progress reports

Progress report forms for '05-'07 projects will be e-mailed out today. They should be placed onto the Educational Technology page in a few days. If you need additional copies, or have any questions, please contact me @ (860) 713-6553 or by e-mail.

Alan Moorse (our EETT evaluator) will be calling '06-'08 grant contacts within the next few weeks.