The Washington TimesCITIZEN JOURNALISM: Class-tech push reaches the Hill7/13/09 "Improved technology in classrooms will enhance the education of a computer-savvy generation, says Maryellen Brogan, a technology resource specialist for Cecil County Public Schools in Maryland...Ms. Brogan was one of 500 educators and advocates who stormed Capitol Hill last month lobbying for increased funds for educational technology. Wearing identical blue T-shirts with "Invest in 21st Century Learning" printed on the front, the participants visited 90 Senate offices and more than 200 House offices to talk about the importance of educational technology..." EdWeek.org Educators Storm the Hill for More Ed-Tech Support6/30/09 "With the National Educational Computing Conference taking place in the nation's capital, there was a rare chance for hundreds of enthusiastic educators to make their presence, and their demands for ed-tech-friendly policies, known to members of Congress and their staffs...A caravan of buses dropped the large group of ed-tech advocates off on Capitol Hill well-prepared to school lawmakers on the challenges they face in trying to integrate technology and make learning more relevant and engaging for today's digital natives..." The Future of Learning: How Technology Is Transforming Public Schools: Hearing Before the House Committe on Education and Labor (Opening statement of Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE))6/15/09 "I believe that in today's technologically-driven world, states and school districts throughout the country have the opportunity to use these new technologies to improve academic achievement and help America's children compete in a world where new technology is the norm, not a novelty... In many instances, this is already happening in schools today. The International Society for Technology in Education and the Consortium for School Networking have studied the impact of technology in schools...They have found that technology can help students improve in reading, writing, and math..Technology also can improve a student's critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills..." EdWeek.org Blog: Politics K-12Democrats Criticize Obama's Education Budget Proposal 6/3/09 "Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Calif., complained about a proposed cut to the Education Technology State grants, which were financed at $270 million in fiscal year 2009, but are slated for just $100 million under the Obama budget proposal. Roybal-Allard didn't seem to think that including $650 million for the program in the stimulus package made up for the discrepancy." eSchoolNewsEducation snags $105.9B in stimulus package: But at the 11th hour, funding for EETT gets chopped from $1B to $650M, a sharp disappointment for ed-tech advocates 2/17/09 "'The funding provides a much-needed down payment toward meeting President Obama's vision that all students receive the benefits of 21st-century learning environments, but the final level of investment falls short of funding in the House and Senate bills, and far short of what is needed by our students to compete in today's digital age,'" read a statement from the International Society for Technology in Education and the Consortium for School Networking...The two groups noted President Obama's commitment to education, and urged Congress to increase ed-tech funding levels in FY09 and FY10. An estimated $9.9 billion total investment is needed to ensure that all Title I schools have effective, technology-rich classrooms, according to the groups." Washingtonian.com, Capitol Comment BlogA Night Out: Bytes & Books Inaugural Ball1/21/09 We saw Star Wars legend George Lucas in the flesh. Unfortunately, he did not bring Chewbacca as his date. "Bytes & Books brought out 450 teachers and tech geeks, spruced up for the occasion in dapper tuxedos and glitzy floor-length gowns. The most noteworthy person in the over-40 crowd was movie director George Lucas, there to accept an award for his work on education technology. Senator Edward Kennedy was slated to be there for the same reason, but after having a seizure at Obama's Capitol luncheon earlier in the day, he was unable to attend. A staffer accepted the award on his behalf." eSchool NewsObama urges action on stimulus plan1/9/09 To keep America competitive, president-elect calls for investment in classroom technology, training "'We are excited to see modernizing schools and supporting world-class, future-focused education taking a prominent and immediate role in the new administration's economic agenda,'" said Don Knezek, chief executive officer of the International Society for Technology in Education."Focusing on schools and student-centered learning to ensure a competitive workforce ... shows a sophisticated understanding by top federal leadership that we have desperately missed in recent years." "The Consortium for School Networking "'wholeheartedly agrees with President-elect Obama that investing in educational technology through the forthcoming economic recovery package is essential to reenergizing America's economy,'" said Keith Krueger, the group's CEO. eSchoolNewsSchools soon required to teach web safety10/13/08
"Schools receiving e-Rate discounts on their telecommunications services and internet access soon will have to educate their students about online safety, sexual predators, and cyber bullying, thanks to federal legislation passed in both the Senate and the House...
"Ed-tech advocacy groups are generally happy with the newly passed version of the legislation.
"'The internet contains valuable content, collaboration, and communication opportunities that can, and do, materially contribute to a student's academic growth and preparation for the workforce,'" said representatives from the Consortium for School Networking and the International Society for Technology in Education in a joint statement.
"'However, we recognize that students need to learn how to avoid inappropriate content and unwanted contacts from strangers while online. ... Educating students on how to keep themselves safe while online is the best line of defense, because no technological silver bullet has yet been devised that will guarantee that students are effectively protected. Therefore, we embrace wholeheartedly the thoughtful approach that S.1492 takes, particularly the flexibility that it affords districts on determining how best to educate students about staying safe online.'"
EdDailyInternet safety bills focus on prevention5/30/08
"'The Senate's passage of S. 1965 shows that the Senate recognizes that educating our students about appropriate behavior and how to stay safe online is critical to ensuring that they become smart and safe digital citizens,'" said Keith Krueger, CEO of the Consortium for School Networking. "'At CoSN, we understand that technological tools have their place. However, they can be circumvented and, in the end, are no substitute for cyberknowledge. We are glad that [Sen. Ted Stevens, R-AK.], S. 1965's sponsor, and his Senate colleagues understand the value of Internet safety education.'" National Journal Technology Daily PMAdvocates, Lawmakers Refocus On Internet Safety10/2/07 "Online child-safety advocates on Tuesday renewed their call to empower parents, educators and policymakers to help make the Internet safe for surfing. The Capitol Hill summit coincided with the start of National Cyber-Security Month. "Senate Commerce Committee ranking Republican Ted Stevens of Alaska touted his bill that would require schools receiving federal funds for Internet access to offer age-appropriate instruction about online behavior... "Representatives from Web Wise Kids; the Internet Keep Safe Coalition; the International Society for Technology and Education; and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also spoke at the summit." eSchool NewsHouse draft would overhaul ed-tech funding:
Lawmakers' proposal for renewing Title II of NCLB calls for teacher training and student literacy in technology, among other measures9/10/07 "Educational technology advocacy groups are applauding the release of another House proposal to renew the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) that would direct funds toward training teachers in the use of technology and would help schools with low-income students buy computers and software, among other measures...
"Under Title II, which is called "Teaching Excellence for All Children," the draft legislation includes a section (Part F) called "Achievement Through Technology and Innovation," which largely mirrors the language of a bill by the same name ( the "ATTAIN Act" ) introduced in May." Education DailyState Policies Evolve with Internet Generation
8/31/07 "In February, the House introduced the Deleting Online Predators Act, which would require schools and libraries to block a range of Internet content that included e-mail, blogs and social-networking sites. The bill, critics argued, would limit valuable experiences and educational opportunities of students' learning, said Don Knezek, International Society for Technology in Education CEO. "The Senate introduced the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act, which would require schools to administer professional development programs to help instructors teach appropriate Internet skills and behavior. Further, it would not allow broad definitions of Internet content, Knezek said. "'What states need is a good, quality educational program that develops students' responsibility from early grades," Knezek said. "Hopefully, we are teaching them how to use the tools that are out there. We are being negligent if we do not.'" eSchool NewsSenate bill aims to address web safety:'Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act' would require schools receiving eRate discounts to teach students about safe and responsible internet use8/7/07 "'We now see a bill that asks schools to take their proper role in teaching safe and responsible use of the internet, rather than trying to block emerging communication and social-networking systems with great potential for positively engaging students and improving learning,' said Don Knezek, CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education. "'One of a school's primary functions is to ensure safety and build responsible citizens, and trying to block every threatening activity that goes on in society is not a formula for effective education.'" eSchool NewsNew bill would revamp ed-tech funding:'ATTAIN Act' seeks to target funds more effectively for schools in need5/25/07 "Numerous education organizations hailed the new bill-H.R. 2449, the Achievement Through Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) Act-saying it will make significant improvements to the federal Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program as part of the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)... "We are ecstatic that this well-crafted refinement of EETT is beginning to move," said Don Knezek, chief executive officer of ISTE. "Teachers are our nation's most valuable resources and absolutely crucial to whether educational technology implementations succeed. The ATTAIN Act's focus on technology professional development will help ensure that our investments in school hardware, software, and infrastructure are leveraged for the benefit of our nation's students. "The introduction of the ATTAIN Act demonstrates that Representatives Roybal-Allard, Hinojosa, Biggert, and Kind understand the important role that educational technology plays in meeting NCLB's goals and equipping our students with the skills necessary to succeed in the modern workforce," said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN. "We hope that the House will follow their lead and move expeditiously to enact this bill, thereby giving a big shot in the arm to educational technologists, students, and companies across the country." Tech Daily PMHouse Bill Calls For More Instructional Technology5/25/07
"A cadre of House members has introduced a bill that would boost funding for instructional technologies in schools, despite a March Education Department study that found educational software had no significant effect on academic performance.
"On Wednesday, California Democrat Lucille Roybal-Allard, who serves on the House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees education funding, proposed legislation that would give money to schools serving disadvantaged and low-income students for purchasing computers, software and other technology. The co-sponsors are Ruben Hinojosa, D-Texas; Ron Kind, D-Wis.; and Judy Biggert, R-Ill...." BusinessWeek.comViewpoint -- A Flawed Measure of Ed Tech: A recent study on the impact of software on test scores fails to capture the profound impact technology is having on education, by Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI)4/10/07 "The benefits education technology offers students go beyond merely passing core-curricular tests. With it, students are gaining the technology skills and knowledge they will need to compete in the 21st-century economy. While ensuring that our students are proficient in reading, math, and science is critical to their academic and employment futures, their ability to use technology tools, mine the resources of the Internet, and collaborate virtually with peers around the world are skills that high-paying employers seek as well... "Congress and the Bush Administration should support full funding for the Enhancing Education Through Technology program (EETT), which provides school funding for a wide range of education-technology tools and services. This is the federal government's sole direct investment in ed tech, and without it, the programs that have produced tangible academic gains would disappear.
Education Daily
3/23/07 Survey finds stakeholders want more ed tech integration
“Results of the Speak Up 2006 survey found that teachers and students, in particular, think students are more interested in classes when engaged in applicable, hands-on work. The survey specifically focused on the uses of and attitudes toward technology in the classroom..." eSchool News OnlineConsensus: e-Rate a success--but still needed 3/1/07 "In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the e-Rate, The Education and Libraries Networks Coalition and the National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training teamed up to produce a report stating that the program has transformed U.S. schools and libraries into institutions of modern learning--but that its mission is not yet complete. "'The e-Rate is quite simply the most important national funding source for educational technology,' said Keith Krueger, CEO of the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN). ‘Without it, meaningful educational technology initiatives, ranging from online professional development and assessment to video streaming, would not be possible.'" Technology Daily PM 2/28/07 “A report released by The Education Library and Networks Coalition and the National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training heralds the 10-year anniversary of the E-rate initiative. The report found that 100 percent of U.S. public libraries offer free Internet access as a result of the program. It also credits the e-rate with boosting Internet access in classrooms, from 14 percent in 1996 to 95 percent in 2005.” Associated PressJay Seeks to Extend Broadband Program2/28/07 “In a report released on Capitol Hill Wednesday, the so-called E-rate program is credited with bringing the Internet to countless classrooms and libraries across the country. Now Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va, is proposing legislation to keep the program exempt from federal budget rules that would severely complicate how it runs. “The report, prepared by a coalition of education and technology groups, was paid for by several major telecommunications companies, including AT&T, Verizon and Cox Communications.” The Herald-Dispatch (Charlestown, WV)Rockefeller lauds Internet access program, wants it permanent 2/28/07 “E-Rate, a little-known piece of federal legislation dating back to 1996, is primarily responsible for the saturation of the Internet in public schools and libraries. To continue the effort, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., wants a federal law allowing the program to continue without changes to its budget process. “'It absolutely shreds the boundaries between rich and poor schools, between urban and rural communities, and I love that,’ Rockefeller said." TelecomWeb The E-Rate 10 Years Later2/28/07 “On the 10th anniversary of the program that provides deep discounts on telecom, Internet access and internal networking to America's public and private schools as well as its public libraries, a new report from two educational coalitions says the mission still isn't complete." Communications DailyCommerce Committees in Sync on E-Rate Antideficiency Exemption2/28/07 “No hearings are planned to make the E-Rate antideficiency exemption permanent, but Commerce Committee staffers from both parties and chambers said their bosses have legislation to that effect on their agendas, and late-spring action is probable. The policymakers spoke at a National Coalition for Technology in Education (NCTE) panel celebrating E-Rate’s 10th anniversary. “Speaking before the panel, Sen. Rockefeller (D- W. Va.) called E-Rate ‘one of the top one or 2 two things I've done in my life, in terms of public policy.’” Telecommunications Reports DailyE-Rate Success No Reason to End Program, Supporters Say 2/2/8/07 “In a letter sent to EdLiNC and NCTET today regarding the report, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) pledged continued efforts to improve the E-rate program. ‘To begin with, Congress must stabilize the Universal Service Fund which funds the program. Please be assured that I will work to ensure that students continue to benefit from this important program. I will also continue doing everything I can at the federal level to provide our schools with the resources needed to create a dynamic, world-class educational system,’ he said.” Education Daily E-Rate turns 102/28/07 “At an elegant Tuesday night reception at the U.S. Botanical Garden, corporate and education technology members of the National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training and the honored Sens. John Rockefeller, D-W.Va., and Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, and Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., for writing the E-Rate program into the Telecommunications Act of 1996. “The program has produced results ‘beyond anyone's expectations,’ Snowe said.”
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