Academy
Program
The US Department of Education
is very clear in the guidance to states and districts that
they should consider the use of ARRA funds (such as the QSCB) for
"strategies consistent with ARRA’s
reform goals and the evidence on improving student outcomes. These include:
strengthening early learning; extending learning time; strengthening preparation
for college and careers; using technology to improve teaching and learning;
modernizing school facilities; and conducting reviews,
demonstrations, and evaluations that enhance program effectiveness.
Including
- Extend learning time for students. Expand after-school and
summer learning programs for two years in conjunction with
existing community providers to provide more time for learning, including
one-on-one and small group instruction, opportunities for service, internships,
the arts, and other activities that both enrich the curriculum and address
the specific needs of low-performing students.
- Strengthen preparation for college and careers. Offer dual enrollment
courses and student internships and train school staff to help students
understand college and career options, provide effective guidance, and
create a college-going culture. For students with disabilities, employ
transition coaches for two years to identify work-study, community service,
internship, college, and career opportunities and to establish community
partnerships that can endure after two years.
- Use technology to improve teaching and learning. Purchase
and train teachers to use instructional software, technology-enabled
white boards, and other interactive technologies that have been shown
to be effective aids for instruction, particularly for English language
learners, students with disabilities, and both struggling and advanced
learners. Use open education
resources or purchase high-quality online courseware in core high school
content areas.
Secretary Duncan also made it clear that states and school districts
insufficiently committed to education reform and innovation and reluctant
to challenge the status quo will be at a “severe competitive disadvantage”
when it comes to applying for $5 billion in so-called “Race to
the Top” monies expected to be made available in the coming months,
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