If you read Bill Cibes' op-ed piece in last weekend's Courant you know that the latest state budget proposes eliminating funding for programs such as the Connecticut Education Network and iCONN. As you are probably aware, however, the budget is not yet final. Members of the CT Commission for Educational Technology, the body that oversees and sets policy regarding CEN and the Digital Library, have communicated to the CT Office of Policy and Management (OPM) the programs’ reliance on general fund allocation in order to operate and provide vital services to the state’s school districts, colleges and universities, and libraries. At this point, OPM has agreed to put the CEN line item on the list for review.
As the budget discussions continue and as decisions are finalized, we will keep you informed, both on this blog and through direct communication from CEN staff to tech directors.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
NEW RELEASE DATE: Computer Assisted Writing RFP - for High Needs Districts
Well, it’s not all I had hoped for, but using Title IID funds, we have been able to somewhat resurrect the Computer Assisted Writing grant program that lost state funds earlier this year. Unfortunately, the use of these funds is restricted to high-needs districts so only those districts are eligible to apply. (The list will be included in the RFP, and will likely include those previously eligible for Title IID grants.) A total of $450,000 is available, with individual awards of up to $60,000.
There are two significant changes to the new RFP: The first is that at least 25% of funds must be devoted to professional development activities. This is a requirement of all Title IID activities. The second change is that you must implement and run your program during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years. Different students may be involved in each year.
UPDATE: The RFP should be posted on the CSDE Website on June 19, 2009, with a due date of July 30, 2009.
There are two significant changes to the new RFP: The first is that at least 25% of funds must be devoted to professional development activities. This is a requirement of all Title IID activities. The second change is that you must implement and run your program during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years. Different students may be involved in each year.
UPDATE: The RFP should be posted on the CSDE Website on June 19, 2009, with a due date of July 30, 2009.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Discovery Education's Young Scientist Challenge
Does one of your students have what it takes to be America's Top Young Scientist? Discovery Education and 3M are looking for a few great students to inspire them with their enthusiasm for science! Students create a short (1-2 min.) video about one of this year's scientific topics. Finalists win a trip to New York City to compete in the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge finals. More Details: http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com/
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Free Workshop Opportunity
For all you Mac-friendly districts, CREC is offering a free workshop that shows how features built into Macintosh computers provide innovative solutions for students with vision, hearing and motor skills challenges. Learn how to break down the barriers to accessing information technology - and how to maximize the independence, participation and productivity of students with learning hurdles.
Curriculum directors, special educators, and technology specialists are particularly encouraged to attend.
MAY 28, 2009, 8:30 - 12:30
CREC-Coltsville, Rooms 1 & 2, 34 Sequassen Street, Hartford, CT 06106
To register: http://edseminars.apple.com/seminars/event.php?eventID=1691
Curriculum directors, special educators, and technology specialists are particularly encouraged to attend.
MAY 28, 2009, 8:30 - 12:30
CREC-Coltsville, Rooms 1 & 2, 34 Sequassen Street, Hartford, CT 06106
To register: http://edseminars.apple.com/seminars/event.php?eventID=1691
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