RFP 143 - developing technology integrated lessons in grades 4-8

There will be a bidder’s conference for all applicants on Wednesday, January 14, 2009, at Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) on the 2nd floor of Coltsville facility, 34 Sequassen Street, Hartford, from 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Directions to CREC-Coltsville

Applicants for this grant program shall propose a project that will improve student achievement in grades 4 -8 by developing assured technology experiences, which will add value to existing curriculum and instruction. Depending on LEA needs, the scope of the project can be targeted to specific grade levels and/or curricular areas. The plan should include a detailed explanation of the assured experiences by grade level and/or course and be keyed to both LEA-wide and state standards. Upon completion of the project, all assured experiences will become the property of the CSDE and will be shared statewide via the Connecticut Education Network (CEN).

For eligibility requirements please refer to page 22 of the RFP.

SETDA update on new CIPA requirements

SETDA has reached out to clarify some of the questions related to the new internet safety legislation (P.L. 110-385) which made changes to the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and applies to districts receiving funding for E-rate and EETT. This law only applies to schools/district receiving EETT or eRate funding. The bullet below identifies the new requirement and additional information is also available at this link: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/cipa.html
• Schools and libraries must also certify that, as part of their Internet safety policy, they are educating minors about appropriate online behavior, including cyber bullying awareness and response and interacting with other individuals on social networking sites and in chat rooms.

As you have mentioned, the requirement is very broad and this new law was intended NOT to burden districts. The intention is to leave the decisions up to the district on how to meet the requirement. Districts can meet it in just about any way e.g., putting materials on a website, distributing fliers, having an Internet Safety handbook, etc. The only real requirement is that they have an internet safety education policy and certify that they meet it. The FCC nor USAC, the E-rate governing board, has yet to issue any kind of guidance on the policy and it seems both bodies are unlikely to do so in the near future.

A Vision of Students today

This is a remarkable video that every teacher should see. I found this on Greg Kane's blog.

Discovery Science coming to CT Middle Schools

TO: Superintendents of Schools

FROM: Mark K. McQuillan, Commissioner of Education

DATE: December 8, 2008

SUBJECT:Computer-Based Science Resources for Middle Grades

I am excited to announce a new resource that will soon be available to all middle grades (Grades 6-8) in Connecticut. Connecticut has acquired a statewide license to Discovery Education Science—an award winning standards-based multimedia resource that powers any middle-school science curricula with virtual labs, simulations, interactive videos, reading passages and more, coupled with a real-time assessment component that measures students’ progress. This is a four-year license and is provided by the Connecticut Education Network (CEN) through the Commission for Educational Technology (CET) at no cost to school districts.

Organized around an inquiry framework and covering physical, earth and space, and life sciences, Discovery Education Science is designed to engage students, encourage exploration, stimulate critical thinking and deepen understanding of science.

Within the next few weeks, you will be contacted by a representative from Discovery Education who will provide you with information on how to provide all of your Grades 6-8 students and their science teachers with access to these wonderful resources. Professional development will also be available, both online and through the regional educational service centers (RESCs), so that all teachers understand how to make full use of the Discovery Education Science materials to enhance their curricula.

In these difficult fiscal times, it is critical that we continue to enhance the educational experiences of our students and help them develop solid skills in core content areas like science, as well as in the use of technology and the development of 21st century skills. I am so pleased that we are able to advance each of these areas with the addition of Discovery Education Science.

You can find out more about Discovery Education Science by visiting their Web site If you have any questions about this initiative, you may contact Karen Kaplan, educational technology consultant, at karen.kaplan@ct.gov or 860-713-6781.

December's Bond Commission's Agenda has been posted

Unfortunately, the Infrastructure funds have not been placed on this month's agenda.

Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act

October 1st, Congress passed S.1492: Broadband Data Improvement Act. Although the bill has not yet been signed by the President, his signature is expected. Title I of this bill is aimed at increasing the federal government's understanding of broadband metrics, standards, speeds, and prices. It also aims to encourage state initiatives to improve broadband deployment. This was the initial purpose of the bill when drafted and may ultimately be of interest to E-rate applicants.

Title II of the bill, however, will have a small, but more direct, impact on E-rate applicants. The short name of Title II is "Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act." Its aim is to promote safe Internet use by children and to enhance enforcement of child pornography laws. Specifically, Section 215 imposes an additional CIPA requirement for E-rate applicants' Internet Safety Policies. Such policies must include "... educating minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response."

Although it may be several months until either USAC or the FCC provides guidance on the new CIPA provision (including effective date, requirement for public notice of Internet Safety Policy revisions, etc.), applicants who are currently writing or rewriting their Internet Safety Policies should plan to incorporate a component dealing with online behavior education.

The text of the full bill is available at S.1492.

Based on the likelihood of a Presidential signature and the bill becoming a law, information will be sent out to all Superintendents and RESC Executive Directors indicating the new requirements, along with an amended CIPA compliance document that will supersede the existing CIPA agreement in the Technology Plan template.

New English ICT Framework

November 24, 2008 - The Partnership for 21st. Century Skills and the National Council of Teachers of English released an updated English framework.

SETDA releases five new publications

SETDA’s Class of 2020: Action Plan for Education Project includes the development of the five publications listed below designed to create a succinct message addressing technology’s transformative role in education in the hopes of informing future education and workforce development policy at the state and federal levels.

Partnership for 21st Century Skills Offers Recommendations to Help the Obama White House Forge a 21st Century Workforce

At a time when America faces unprecedented challenges to its economy, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills has released A Transition Brief: Policy Recommendations on Preparing Americans for the Global Skills Race, which offers broad proposals for forging a workforce and creating an education system that will thrive in the 21st century.

Speak Up 2008 now open through December 19th, 2008!

Speak Up, a national online research project facilitated by Project TomorrowSM, gives individuals the opportunity to share their viewpoints about key educational issues. Each year, findings are summarized and shared with national and state policy makers. Participating schools and districts can access their data online, free-of-charge.

In order for parents, students and educators to take the survey, you must register your school. Once the survey has been completed, you will have free online access to your school or district's aggregated results. Here’s the link to register.

Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Media Literacy Education

Special thanks to Joy Fitzgerald LMS @ Rockville High School for sending the link to this document on copyright - Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Media Literacy Education.

Just Released - new SETDA white paper on professional development

November 7, 2008, (Arlington, VA): The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), representing all 50 states and DC, today released the “Empowering Teachers: A Professional and Collaborative Approach" report.

CEN filtration letter sent to districts

On November 5th, a letter was mailed to superintendents detailing the new CEN filtration policy. There will soon be two levels of filtration available to districts. If you do nothing, the existing default level will remain. Or, if you decide to control your level of filtration, you may do so with the only the pornography area closed.

CASL Conference November 9-10 @ the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell

Download the brochure for CASL's 2008 conference. Hurry and register ASAP.

AASL blog

http://www.aasl.ala.org/aaslblog/

AASL 2009 awards/grants information

The October 31, 2008 State Bond Commission meeting has been cancelled. The next scheduled meeting is Friday, December 12th

Nation's first tech-literacy exam - 2012

Tech literacy to be added to Nation’s Report Card beginning in 2012.

In four years, American students are scheduled to be tested on technological literacy.

For the first time ever, technological literacy will become part of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation's Report Card, the test's governing board has announced.

Beginning in 2012, the test will measure students' proficiency with technology in addition to reading, math, science, history, writing, and other subjects. The new test will mark the first time students' technology literacy has been assessed on a national level.

guidance document suggestion for your BOE

A suggestion from Debi Sovereign (of Kellogg & Sovereign) ...because many of the districts are now using 8e6, CEN’s new filtering product, they need to have a document such as this in the minutes at their board meeting because of this change.

Additional guidance for new technology plan

Special thanks to EastConn's Jane Cook for summarizing minutes from our FAQ tech plan sessions and for Jane Kellog (President of Kellogg & Sovereign Consulting, LLC) for adding important information about your initial tehcnology plan requirements which need to be prepared prior to submission of form 470.

SETDA releases new STEM report

September 23, 2008, (Arlington, VA): SETDA, representing all 50 states and DC, today released the “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)” report addressing the need to provide all children with an education that includes a solid foundation of rigorous science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instruction.

Free Subscription to eSchoolNews

New CEN Filtering Issues-Please Respond to the Survey

Now that the new Connecticut Education Network (CEN) filter system, 8e6, has been in place for several months, the Commission for Educational Technology (CET) would like to seek your input on the mandatory minimum filtering level. To collect your input, we have created a brief online survey . Based on the feedback collected, the Commission will decide at a special meeting session on October 23rd if/how the mandatory minimum filtering should be modified.

We request that you please complete the survey by Friday, October 10th. Thank you for taking the time to share your input.

'09-'12 tech plan template rollout sessions

Rollout sessions are planned at each of the RESCs. The dates and times are: LEARN - 9/9 @ 8:30, 9/18 CREC (Coltsville) @ 9:00 and at EastConn (Hampton) @ 1:00, EdConnection - 9/23 @ 9:00 and on 9/25, ACES @ 9:00 and CES @ 1:00.

Changes to iCONN make it easier to SEARCH!

A patch for CEN's filter is coming to you soon!

As some of you already know, or will soon experience, that some of the sites that were accessible under the CEN's old filtration system are now no longer available. The CEN has heard your concerns and is working with our new filtration vendor (8e6) to ameliorate the problems.

The following message came from John Vittner this morning:

This message is intended for those districts and libraries using CEN’s content filtering (8e6).

Over the past few days, CEN has been doing limited testing on a patch provided to us by 8e6. This patch, which 8e6 developed as a result of CEN’s input to their product manager, will provide increased flexibility for school districts and libraries to either block or allow sites within the “Exception URL” user interface. With this patch, users may now use wildcards (e.g. www.youtube.com/*) in URL’s rather than just explicit ones (e.g. www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMGR9q43dag). As you’re well aware, using Exception URL’s is the only way to “override” sites that fall into categories included within the “Minimum Level of Filtering”.

August 29th Bond Commission meeting is cancelled

2009-12 Tech Plan Template

Head Start Agencies: Free E-Rate Webinars

Learn how you can receive 20% to 90% discounts by signing up for the E-Rate Webinar series sponsored by the Office of Head Start.

There is NO CHARGE for these Webinars. Each session will last 60 to 90 minutes. The sessions will assist Head Start programs through the FY2009 E-Rate application process, and offer a forum to discuss specific issues.

Series presenters:
Kenny Acklin, OHS E-Rate Consultant, HSKIMS
Bridget Shea, Professional Development Specialist, HSKIMS

Guest presenters for “Developing a Technology Plan”:
Marlene Bodeker, Ohio State University
Chuck Lynd, Ohio State University

2008 E-Rate Webinar series sessions
Webinar 1: Developing a Technology Plan
August 20 - 2:00 pm Eastern

Webinar 2: How to Apply for E-Rate
September 17 - 1:00 pm Eastern, or
September 18 - 11:00 am Eastern, or
September 22 - 3:00 pm Eastern

Webinar 3: Eligibility / Eligible Services /
Competitive Bidding
October 1 - 1:00 pm Eastern, or
October 2 - 11:00 am Eastern, or
October 6 - 3:00 pm Eastern

Webinar 4: Form 470 Competitive Bidding
October 15 - 1:00 pm Eastern, or
October 16 - 11:00 am Eastern, or
October 20 - 3:00 pm Eastern

Webinar 5: Form 471 Service Provider Selection
October 29 - 1:00 pm Eastern, or
October 30 - 11:00 am Eastern, or
November 3 - 3:00 pm Eastern

Seats are limited. Sessions will be repeated to accommodate as many respondents as possible.

To reserve your seat, please contact Joyce Power, HSRC, at jpower@pal-tech.com and provide the following information:

NAME: ________________________
AGENCY: ________________________
BILLED ENTITY NUMBER (BEN): _______ (if known)
EMAIL: ________________________
TELEPHONE: ________________________
WEBINAR NUMBER & DATE: _____________

July Issue of the iCONN Times is available

Tech & Learning's 2008 Leader of the Year Program

Tech & Learning's 2008 Leader of the Year Program is once again honoring K–12 administrators, technology coordinators,and teachers who use technology in innovative ways to help teachers teach and help students learn. Nomination form (You may nominate yourself or a colleague.) Deadline is September 26th.

Request from ETAN!

TELL THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES THAT YOU SUPPORT EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY-- SIGN THE PETITION TODAY!
In less than 100 days, America will elect a new President. Education technology has surfaced as an issue in the Presidential campaign, with Senator McCain recently sketching out his vision for technology's role in education and Senator Obama continuing to call for innovation in education.

ctcurriculum.org is moving and will be down this week

ctcurriculum.org's new home will be @ EastConn. Look to this blog for notification of its return.

the Bond Commission meeting scheduled for Friday, July 24 has been cancelled.

There is a special meeting scheduled for August 4th. As soon as the Bond Commission releases its agenda it is becomes posted onto the Office of Policy and Mangement's site.

Governor's Partnership is Collecting Cyberbullying Policies

The Governor’s Prevention Partnership would love to feature some cyberbullying policies on its Web site. If you are willing to share your policies (the particular school need not be identified; please indicate your preference), CDC has requested that districts or schools that have such a policy provide it or the appropriate contact information by e-mail to Marci Hertz or by phone at 770-488-2547 by August 1, 2008. Please also copy me and Celine Provini at the The Governor's Prevention Partnership.

iTunes U K-12 Launch

iTunes U K-12 Launch SETDA worked with Apple to help states launch free content for K-12 educators via Apple's iTunes U. AZ, FL, ME, MI, NJ, PA and UT, along with other educational institutions are now sharing resources for K-12 educators via iTunes U. This initiative strives to create a destination where professional development, curricula resources, examples of best practices and student samples are easily accessible. Visit www.apple.com/itunesu for more information.

Draft of '09-'12 Tech Plan Template is available

The official version will not be released until early August. If you would like a draft copy of the template, send me an e-mail. Rollout sessions will take place at each RESC during the beginning of the school year. As soon as dates are established, I'll post them.

Summer technology leadership workshops for administrators

SEATS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!
The Intel® Teach Leadership Forum provides face-to-face professional development focusing on the importance of leadership in promoting, supporting, and modeling the use of technology in instruction. Participants will explore relevant research and behaviors related to supporting effective technology integration and associated professional development.

Participants taking part in the Forum will:
 Examine the critical role leaders play in the effective integration of technology into teaching and learning;
 Apply their knowledge to create a prioritized list of leadership behaviors that impact the integration of technology as a tool to improve student learning;
 Analyze the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) National Educational Technology Standards for Administrators (NETS-A); and
 Synthesize their understanding to begin development of a personalized action plan to implement in their school or district, with a focus on assessment.

If you are a teacher evaluator then please consider joining one of the summer workshops. Download a flyer with all of the details. Beginning June 24th., workshops will be available at your local RESC and at CAS.

New report on technology use from AFT-NEA

We need to a better job in our classrooms...the report indicates that even with all of the technology, many teachers have not changed their mode of instruction. Of course, those of you have instituted assured experiences integrating technology and 21st century skills to add value to curriculum and instruction are ahead of the curve...

Just Released! ISTE's NETS*T (teachers)

The New National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS*T) were released @ NECC on Monday. Goto the ISTE NETS page, on the left side, select NETS for Teachers and then follow the link for NETS for Teachers 2008. (The link to the actual standards is too long for BLOGGER.)

News from SETDA; Appropriation Status of EETT

Earlier this week, the House shared its FY09 Appropriations for EETT - $272.25 million. This small increase specifically represents a statement by the Appropriations Committee to show a "turn of the tide" in terms of funding for educational technology and is the first time that we have received any increase in the House for about 4 years.

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Labor, HHS and Education also released its marked-up its version of the FY09 spending bill yesterday. EETT received level-funding in this bill, which translates into $267.4 million.

Although we would all prefer larger numbers, this does put EETT in a good position as we enter the probable continuing resolution or the eventual conference and voting on Appropriations. The continuation of this program and the indication of support from the House and the Senate is important as we move forward with a new Congress and Administration.

New SETDA white paper on broadband access

SETDA releases the first whitepaper report from the Vision 20/20 Action Plan series “High-Speed Broadband Access for All Kids: Breaking through the Barriers” this report addresses the growing concern and critical need for high-speed Internet access among our districts and schools

Just Released - WorldWide Telescope

Microsoft Corp. has launched its answer to Google Sky: a free, web-based program for zooming around the universe from any internet-connected computer. Developed by Microsoft’s research arm, the WorldWide Telescope—which debuted in May—knits together images from the Hubble Space Telescope, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory Center, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and other labs. Computer users can browse through the galaxy on their own or take guided tours of different outer-space destinations developed by astronomers and academics. The site lets users choose from a number of different telescopes and switch between different light wavelengths.

The State Bond Commission meeting scheduled for June 27, 2008 has been cancelled. The next meeting will be held on Friday, July 25, 2008.

New CEN Content Filtering

As you are probably aware, the CEN is in the process of deploying a new content filtering system, 8e6. CEN staff members have held informational meetings over the past several weeks to help district technology personnel learn about using this new system.

With the new system, districts will have a variety of options for determining what content will be filtered in their schools. However, a minimum “default” level of filtering will be applied to all public school districts on the CEN that cannot be modified at the local level. 8e6 comes preset with a “recommended” minimum that is centered on CIPA requirements. As districts are rolled over to the new system throughout the summer, they will be subject to this preset recommended minimum filtering level.

Although the minimum filtering level cannot be changed locally, it can be modified on the network level. The Commission for Educational Technology (CET) has the responsibility for determining this minimum default level of filtering. At the June CET meeting, the issue of setting the minimum default level was discussed. It was decided that more information was needed before an informed determination could be made on what categories of content should and should not be filtered. The CET voted to wait until the system has been in place in all districts for a few months, and to note which (if any) filtered categories are problematic for districts. Based on input from districts (through the CEN wiki, CEN helpdesk, CAPSS, CECA, and other K-12 groups), a decision will be made at the November CET meeting whether or not to change the statewide minimum level default filtering levels.

Questions or comments related to the new system can be directed to the CEN wiki or to Karen Kaplan.

What does it mean to be CIPA Compliant?

May 30th Bond Commission agenda has been published...the Infrastructure $ is NOT on the agenda

EETT Local Competitive award letters mailed today!

Congratulations to the awardees: Mansfield, Willington, Brooklyn,CES, Ashford, Bloomfield, Derby,ISAAC, Danbury, Groton, Norwich, Killingly and Windham.

EETT Local Competitive summative evaluations are available

Award letters should be in the mail by May 20th. As soon as the hard copies are sent, I'll post the results on the blog. If you submitted a proposal and would like to have a copy of your summative evaluation, send me an e-mail.

CT to provide refurbished computers to low-income families

A new CT program will provide refurbished computers and training to low-income CT families. The State of Connecticut is seeking service providers to implement the program. A request for proposals has just been posted at the following URL:
http://www.das.state.ct.us/Purchase/Portal/Portal_Bids_Open.asp?F_Bid_Type=1&F_Unit=Connecticut%20State%20Library

Please help us advertise this RFP to service providers in your area who might be able to help us implement this program.

For additional information contact Karen.Kaplan@ct.gov

Profiles of Technologically Literate Students

What skills, attitudes and attributes should technologically literate students possess?...ISTE has developed profiles for students PK-12.

April 25th Bond Commission meeting has been cancelled

CASL has a new web site!

Check it out! http://www.ctcasl.com/

CASL workshop on Web 2.0

CASL is sponsoring a hands-on workshop entitled: Using Innovative Web 2.0 Projects to Advance Students Learning in Content Areas."

Don't miss this opportunity to learn practical applications of Web 2.0. Sign up on the CASL website - http://www.ctcasl.com - by Friday, May 9, 2008. A membership benefit for CASL members is $5.00 discount on the workshop fee.

When and Where: Simsbury High school, Saturday, May 17, 2008.

E-Rate Eligibility for Non-traditional schools has changed

The table below reflects the changes for non-traditional schools in CT. This information was captured from the complete table provided by USAC, which may be found at http://www.usac.org/sl/applicants/step01/non-traditional-K-12/k-12-eligibility-table.aspx

[click on table to enlarge]

Additional notes for Head Start programs:
* Services for children less than 3 years old are not eligible for discounts and must be cost allocated, unless otherwise noted.
* Home based Head Start programs are not eligible.

Nominate a student to serve on the iCONN board

Connecticut's Digital Library Advisory Board (iCONN) student representative is graduating. If you know of a high school student who would like to serve on the iCONN board, please call me [860)713-6553] for details.

Researchers Link Higher Test Scores with Certified Librarians in Schools

Readers for EETT RFP 143

We need a few more readers for RFP 143; developing assured expereinces using technology/21st. Century Skills for grades 4-8. Grants should be mailed to readers on or before April 15th. On May 1st., readers will come together at CREC- Coltsville, 34 Sequassen Street, Hartford (directions to Coltsville) Tentative start time: 9:00 AM (coffee available @ 8:30)...depending on the length of your group discussions, you'll finish sometime early to mid-afternoon...lunch will be provided.

If you would like to read, please send me an e-mail with your mailing address and phone number.

Bond Commission Agenda for March 28th

The infrastructure money is NOT on this month's agenda.

3.17.08 - your immediate assistance is requested!

I just received this request from SETDA...

SETDA just received news that the House EETT Dear Colleague Letter sponsored by Representatives Ruben Hinojosa (TX), Judy Biggert (IL) and Ron Kind (WI) will close for signatures TODAY. We urge you to CALL your Representatives who are a member of the House Education and Labor Committee TODAY, highlight the value of EETT in your state and urge them to sign onto this letter. The House Education and Labor Committee is an important part of this process and we need as many signatures from this committee as possible. Congressman Joe Courtney is a member of the committee; consider sending him an e-mail. or call his CT office (860-886-0139).

Error on page 28 of RFP 143

Thanks to Mansfield's Steve Sokoloski for catching an omission on the 4th bullet on page 28.

State the Curricular Standard(s) Addressed by this AE (including state, national frameworks or curriculum and/or model state curriculum)

The 4th bullet asks you to indicate what standard the AE is addressing...several districts are working with SDE on piloting model curriculum...it would be helpful if districts that mention model curriculum would also mention the state standard that they are addressing...

Download free videos from TeacherTube

Did you know that TeacherTube videos can be downloaded for free? Also free, is a media converter that will allow you to take TeacherTube (.ftv) files and change them into Windows Media or Quicktime files.

CECA Educator Awards; applications due by March 28th.

These awards, established by the Connecticut Educators' Computer Association, recognize excellence in the application of technology to classroom learning.

Each year CECA will grant up to three (3) awards of $1,500 each. $1,000 is given to the individual teachers to be used as they wish and $500 is presented to the teachers to use at their schools to help them disseminate information about their project or to defray the costs of integrating technology.

Teachers at all levels, K-12, are encouraged to apply. All application components must be submitted online by March 28, 2008.

For more information and to access the application, go to http://www.CECA-CT.org

CT's KnowHow2Go program prepares students and their families for higher ed

Connecticut has joined 14 other states to encourage and prepare students, especially first-generation students, to actively pursue post-secondary opportunities. Connecticut’s campaign is called “KnowHow2GOConnecticut.” The campaign targets students in Grades 8-10 and their families, employing TV, radio, print and a student-friendly website.

KnowHow2GOConnecticut encourages students in middle and high school to follow four simple steps that will help them plan and prepare for college and careers after high school. It is not enough just to dream of a college and a career there are steps that need to be followed. There needs to be a plan and this campaign assists students and their families develop that plan.

For more information please go to www.KnowHow2GOConnecticut.org. You may also e-mail Ann R. Gaulin or call Ann (860-713-6769).

What? You have not seen the Did You Know video

Did You Know is downloadable in several movie and .ppt versions.

AASL Survey...LMS should respond by March 15th

The second year of AASL's longitudinal survey, "School Libraries Count!" is rapidly coming to a close. Participation is encouraged from everyone: public schools, private schools, school library media specialists, and library support staff. Participation from those who completed the survey last year is equally valuable this year.
This year's survey also poses an additional question about social networking and other electronic tools used in instruction by school library media specialists and their classroom teacher collaborators.
The purpose of the survey is to provide longitudinal data for advocacy at the local, state, and national level.
Please join in this advocacy effort by completing the survey by March 15. Questions regarding the survey may be directed to aasl@ala.org

CET Annual Report to Connecticut General Assembly

No educational items on the Feb 29th Bond Commission agenda

Media Literacy Conference; April 11, 2008 @ UCONN

New EETT Local Competitive RFP

The RFP is targeted at Grades 4-8. (Please refer to page 29 of the RFP to determine if your district is eligible to apply.) The plan is for grantees to develop assured, technology-rich, experiences that are keyed to CT state standards. These activities/experiences will be collected from the grantees and shared with districts all over the state through posting on ctcurriculum.org, cen.ct.gov and through CDs that will be distributed through the RESC's technology councils.

Directions to Bidder's conference at ACES 205 Skiff Street, Hamden, CT 06517) on Tuesday, March 4th., from 9:00-12:00 a.m.

another message from ETAN

The President's proposed FY09Budget again calls for the total elimination of critical education technology funding. Specifically, the President's Budget would zero out the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program, cutting education technology funding by $267.4 million.

Before the House and Senate put forth their budget proposals, we urge you to send a letter to your congressional representatives asking them to save EETT. CLICK HERE to enter your zip code and send a letter with this important message.

This proposed cut comes at a particularly difficult time in this country when the economy is sagging and the job market is tightening. At the same, the Administration and Congress are concerned that America's students lack math and science skills, imperiling their ability to compete for employment and making America's economic recovery that much harder. Denying education technology skills and tools to America's K-12 students and teachers will undermine efforts to get America's economy back on track and dim the employment prospects of its students.

With the House and the Senate working on a budget resolution over the next few weeks, now is the time for you to weigh-in with YOUR Members of Congress about how important education technology funding is to the nation's academic and economic goals. Please make your voice heard in support of the EETT program. We will continue to update you and call on you as the funding process continues.

CLICK HERE to enter your zip code to send your letter to the House and Senate asking to save EETT and to fund it at the FY05 level of $496 million.

Every letter generated during this crucial time makes a difference. Even if you already took action a few months ago, please send another letter and spread the word to your friends, family and coworkers. Your voice matters!

Tell Congress to KEEP AMERICA COMPETITIVE and save funding for EETT!

As you may have heard, the President once again zeroed out EETT in the proposed 2009 budget.

A message from SETDA: It is critical for you to reach out to the folks on Capitol Hill and share with them the importance of EETT in your state, once again. This year, in particular, presents a great opportunity to invite your Representatives and Senators to visit schools in your state. EVERY Representative and many Senators are up for re-election this year; and with the Presidential race, all members of Congress will be spending a lot of time in their home states and districts.

We urge you to email or call the staffers from your state reminding them of the importance of EETT and inviting the Senator or Representative to visit a school(s) in your state THIS WEEK!
(Click on the image to enlarge the spreadsheet.)



Here’s a sample letter that you might want to use…

Dear XXX,

I would like to again share with you how critical NCLB Title II, Part D – the Enhancing Education through Technology (EETT) Program is for STATE. STATE receives $XXX in EETT funds. EETT supports ALL areas of NCLB; and research shows that EETT helps to improve student achievement. Additionally, EETT provides significant professional development for teachers to ensure that we have highly qualified teachers for our students.

As you are probably aware, the EETT program has been slated for complete elimination in the President’s 2009 Budget. We again look to SENATOR/REPRESENTATIVE XXX for leadership in ensuring that students and teachers have the opportunities that EETT provides to ensure that our students are competitive for the 21st Century

We know that SENATOR/REPRESENTATIVE will be spending time in STATE with the upcoming elections, and a visit to a local school that utilizes EETT funds will provide a first hand account of the negative impact the elimination of this program will have on the successful implementation of NCLB and ultimately student achievement within ’s and nationwide. We would like to invite you to visit a school during the spring recess.

New EETT Local Competitive RFP to be released late February

The RFP is targeted at middle school grades 4-8. The plan is for grantees to develop assured experiences that are keyed to CT state standards. These activities/experiences will be collected from the grantees and shared with districts all over the state through posting on ctcurriculum.org, cen.ct.gov and through CDs that will be distributed through the RESC's technology councils.

Mark your calendars...the Bidder's conference will be at ACES (205 Skiff Street, Hamden, CT 06517) on Tuesday, March 4th from Tuesday, March 4, 2008, from 9:00-12:00 a.m.

Details...total funds available $750K...up to $65K per award...money needs to be obligated by June 30, 2009 and drawn down by Sept. 30, 2009.

As soon as the RFP is released, I'll post a notice...

NEEMA conference April 4th

NASSP Board Position Statement on Internet Safety

The National Association of Secondary School Principals has issued a policy statement to help principals deal with both the opportunities and challenges posed by Internet technologies.

...If we don't anticipate the future now...

...and the key role new technologies will play, we will be left behind.

Read the article...

it's easy to complain...

We all do it. We vent to our colleagues...to anyone who will listen. Our resources to help our students grasp appropriate 21st. century skills are dwindling. School budgets are strapped...especially now with rising fuel prices. You can do more than share your frustrations with your neighbors. Become informed about edtech funding nationally and let your congressional representatives know your concerns. Imagine the effect educators would have if we all sent e-mail to our representatives in Washington. Investigate ETAN.

New ed.gov site - Doing What Works

Doing What Works is definitely worth a look. You can subscribe and will be alerted as updates/new curricular areas are added to the site. At present there are videos, templates and white papers concerned with ELL.

Alternate Route to Certification for Library-Media Specialists

There's still time to register for the next cohort...applications are due February 1st.

...All the information that need to know including applications are only a click away. Do you know anyone thinking of becoming a LMS? Download the ARCLMS brochure.

Does your AUP address the new Web 2.0 technologies?

Does your acceptable use policy address blogs, wikis or chat rooms? If it does and you would like to share, please e-mail me a copy. I'll distribute it through the RESCs to all of their technology council members. If you're in the process of revisitng your AUP, take a look at Louisiana's Franklin Parish AUP .

MySpace To Change Child Safety Measures

January 14, 2008 - A social-networking Web site targeted by almost every state in the country agrees to new authentication and identity verification measures. MySpace.com has reached agreement with officials in nearly every state to add extensive measures aimed at combating sexual predators. Attorneys General Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Roy Cooper, D-N.C., on behalf of 49 states and the District of Columbia, announced the agreement with the huge online social networking Web site on Monday.

Nominate a creative colleague to become an American Star of Teaching

The U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative is accepting nominations for 2008 American Stars of Teaching until March 31. Parents, students, colleagues, school administrators and others can nominate an exemplary teacher who they believe has the qualities to be an American Star of Teaching.

The DOE is seeking nominations of teachers across the United States who are improving student achievement, using innovative strategies in the classroom and making a difference in the lives of their students. Teachers across all grade levels and disciplines will be honored as 2008 American Stars of Teaching this fall.
Download an application and nominate one of your colleagues!

New ICT Competency Standards for Teachers

January 8, 2008 - The ICT Competency Standards for Teachers were developed under UNESCO leadership in cooperation with ISTE, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), and corporate partners Cisco, Intel, and Microsoft. Competency standards for teachers are designed to help educational policy-makers and curriculum developers identify the skills teachers need to harness technology in the service of education.

UNESCO and its collaborators introduced the ICT Competency Standards for Teachers along with a set of three support booklets including:
1) A Policy Framework explaining the rationale, structure and approach of the ICT-CST project;
2) A Competency Standards Modules’ Structure which crosses the components of educational reform with various policy approaches to generate a matrix of skill sets for teachers;
3) Implementation Guidelines providing a detailed syllabus of the specific skills to be acquired by teachers within each skill set/module.

CECA Tech Expo

Apply Today to Exhibit Your Student Technology Projects

CECA’s 13th Annual Technology Exposition at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2008. It will showcase the standards-based technology projects that students have created. Thirty schools will be chosen for the annual Exhibition.

We are looking for quality projects on a variety of subjects that integrate technology with the curriculum. Elementary, middle and high school teachers in the state are encouraged to apply.

Online application is available at www.ceca-ct.org from January 1,
2008 to February 15, 2008. With all of the impressive technology integration taking place in the schools, we are looking forward to your application.* Be sure to check out previous Tech Expo photos at the CECA website.

Help us celebrate technology integration in Connecticut schools and share the excitement with Connecticut’s Legislators.

If you have any questions please email them to: TechExpoChair@CECAInfo.org

*Considerations for preparing an application:
- Up to 2 teachers and 4 students may represent the school.
- You will need to provide your own computer equipment.
- There are NO Internet connections available.
- Tables, easels, chairs and electrical hookups will be provided.
- There are three demonstration periods: 9:00 - 10:15 AM, 10:30 -
11:45 AM, 12:00 - 1:15 PM.