U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 
OFFICE OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND IMPROVEMENT
OFFICE OF REFORM ASSISTANCE AND DISSEMINATION 

Dear Colleague:

The Educational Technology Expert Panel, under the auspices of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement of the U.S. Department of Education, is pleased to announce its first call for comprehensive technology-based, innovative, and effective programs that lead to improvements in the quality of teaching and learning in our nation's schools. The Panel plans to identify and recommend both promising and exemplary programs to the Secretary of Education as a result of its rigorous criteria and established peer review process.

The Department of Education intends to publish descriptions of the selected programs on its website to inform and encourage the sharing of successful models. In addition, designated programs will receive nationwide media publicity and news coverage. A program's designation as promising or exemplary is also likely to enhance its competitiveness for future funding opportunities.

In reviewing the Guidelines and Materials for Submitting Educational Technology Programs for Review, you will note that the Panel is seeking applications featuring such programs as, but not limited to:

• Teaching and learning in all curricular areas or across disciplines
• PreK-12 learning supported by community-based or business organizations
• Reorganizing of schools and other settings to enhance educational effectiveness
• Improving educational access and equity
• Preparing students for 21st century work and citizenship

Please review the guidelines carefully to determine your eligibility status; the program criteria, requirements and deadlines; and the supplemental materials that may be submitted. Please note that only online applications are being accepted and that the due date is September 1, 1999 by 5:00PM EDT. We encourage you to avoid last minute submissions. To allow maximum amount of time for submitting online, you may begin submitting on July 15th. We encourage you to share the information provided on this website, http://www.ed.gov/offices/OERI/ORAD/LTD/panel.html, with appropriate colleagues in your school, district, organization, or elsewhere. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Diane Aleem, Staff Coordinator at: Diane.Aleem@ed.gov.

On behalf of the Educational Technology Expert Panel, we look forward to receiving a program submission from you.

Sincerely, Cheryl P. Garnette Director Learning Technologies Division