March 2008 — News
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Report: EETT Cuts Threaten NCLB Goals
Extra Credit EETT, which provides the sole source of federal funding in NCLB specifically supporting education technologies, is once again on the chopping block. Funding for EETT has declined consistently over the years, from $696 million in 2004 down to its current level of $267.5 million in FY 2008. More Information
--D. Nagel |
Slashing EETT ("Enhancing Education Through Technology") has become an annual event in federal budget planning. A little more than a month ago, the Bush administration again proposed eliminating funding entirely for the program for fiscal year 2009. But a new report from the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), released today, suggests that cuts imperil the scope of programs that have improved academic achievement and helped to ensure teacher quality.
EETT is part of Title II Part D of the No Child Left Behind Act, designed to support the deployment and integration of educational technology into classroom instruction. It provides the sole source of federal funding in NCLB specifically supporting education technologies.
So why is it so consistently targeted for cuts?
In explaining the proposed elimination of EETT funding for FY 2009, the United States Department of Education last month stated: "Schools today offer a greater level of technology infrastructure than just a few years ago, and there is no longer a significant need for a State formula grant program targeted specifically on (and limited to) the integration of technology into schools and classrooms. Districts seeking funds to integrate technology into teaching and learning can use funds from other Federal programs, such as Improving Teacher Quality State Grants and Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies."
