Title II, Part D Enhancing Education Through Technology replaces the previous federal technology program Title III, Technology Literacy Challenge Fund, often referred to as High Tech in the State of Indiana. The primary goal of the new legislation program is to improve student academic achievement through the use of technology in schools.

Our office understands that the Enhancing Education Through Technology legislation will be very challenging. While the new legislation allows more school corporations access to federal technology funds, many school corporations will receive very small allocations. A complete copy of the Title II, Part D legislation is available at www.ed.gov/legislation/ESEA02/pg34.html.

The application form and guidelines for Title II, Part D Enhancing Education Through Technology are enclosed. School corporations receiving Title II funds must provide for equitable participation of private, nonprofit school students and teachers. You will need to consult with the staff of private schools within the boundaries of your school corporation to determine whether or not they wish to participate, and if they do, determine the types of professional development activities and student services to be offered as you create your local plan. The public LEA must retain the title to all equipment and materials purchased for use by private nonprofit schools.

Title II, Part D allows for school districts to apply for formula grant funds as part of a consortium that includes other LEAs, institutions of higher education, educational service agencies, libraries, or other educational entities. More information on becoming part of a consortium and additional guidance on the purposes and goals of Title II, Part D including the use of funds, other programmatic requirements, and the relationship of various flexibility provisions to the program can be found at www.ed.gov/programs/edtech/guidance.doc or by calling the Office of Learning Resources.

Local applications will be accepted by this office until December 31, 2005. Funds may be expended from the time of application approval until September 30, 2007.

If you have any questions, please contact Mark Broderick at 317-234-3063 or 800-527-4930 Ext#1.