A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Challenge Grants To Boost Teacher Technology Skills

As pentium processors increasingly replace number two pencils in homes, offices, and schoolrooms across the country, there is evidence that technology-savvy students are outpacing their teachers.

A 1997 study by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that only 20 percent of teachers used advanced telecommunications for teaching and that in more than 50 percent of schools technology training was left up to the teacher.

In that same year, the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology issued a report emphasizing that "the substantial investment in hardware, infrastructure, software, and content will be largely wasted if K-12 teachers are not provided with the preparation and support they will need to effectively integrate information technology into their teaching."

In an effort to help remedy this critical deficit, OERI's Technology Innovation Challenge Grant Program is focusing this year on professional development activities that will prepare both new and experienced teachers to effectively use technology in their classrooms. To ensure this goal, the Secretary of Education established an absolute priority that limits funding only to applicants "that have developed or adopted innovative programs to prepare teachers, administrators, and other educators to integrate education technology into teaching methods that will directly benefit students through improved instruction." Applicants must also describe plans to "improve, expand, and disseminate those successful training models."

To be eligible for support, local education agencies (LEAs) were required to apply on behalf of a consortium of partners who possessed the resources to successfully implement the proposed activities.

In addition, the Secretary urged LEAs and their partners to recognize the state education agency's (SEAs) unique role in teacher licensing and certification by collaborating with them in developing applications. To this end, an invitational priority encouraged proposals in which

• the SEA had a leadership role in the consortium and was strongly committed to the activities being planned;
• a partnership was created among the SEA, schools of education, LEAs, and
• the educational technology private sector; and the model technology training programs could be adapted and replicated at other sites.

Since Challenge Grants support 5-year projects with awards averaging $1.5 million annually, competition is fierce for the estimated 20 new awards to be made this year.

Approximately 319 eligible applications were received by the May 29 closing date. During July and August, panels of experts evaluated applications under a three-tier process and made funding recommendations to the Secretary of Education. Only applicants who have developed innovative professional development programs that help teachers use new technologies to improve teaching and learning were supported.

Awards will be announced by September 30.

[OERI Has Key Role in National Education Agenda]