Eligible schools have until May 11, 2010 to file their application and complete the budget sheet at http://www.edinfo.state.ia.us. Approval of the application by the Iowa DE does NOT mean approval of expenditures. Schools should U.S. Mail the completed assurances letter on or before May 11, 2010 to the following:
John O’Connell
MS Settlement
Grimes State Office Building
400 E 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0146
General reminders
Two types of vouchers will be issued: general purpose (hardware, IT installation, general conversion, PD, etc.) and software; there is a 50-50 split. Thirty percent of the general purpose voucher must be used for professional development (PD) services. In-kind can be used for PD. If the school has purchased an eligible product since August 17, 2009 that fits the outcomes in the plan, the invoice may be submitted.
This is a four-year project/commitment. If the school spends the full voucher amount the first year, it still needs to report each year. Schools can build in a planning year—so can apply now (before May 11) and implement at a later date. Schools may want to consider using ARRA and other funds first.
The school’s program must be linked to the Iowa Core Curriculum in one of the five areas. Funding is meant to supplement the Core by providing additional technology for enhanced implementation (funding goes to August 15, 2013).
Evaluation component
- The effectiveness of the program has to be assessed by a norm-referenced test, and schools are required to test in the spring. It is recommend that ITBS be used for grades 3-8 and MAP or Iowa End of Course for 9-12.
- Testing costs could come from general purpose voucher funds.
- Schools must test every spring for all funding years.
- There will be a brief online reporting evaluation component for participating teachers and principals (to be announced at a later date).
- Principals are encouraged to use data from eWalk.
