THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT (ARRA)

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides approximately $100 billion for education. It has a simple goal: Prepare American children to participate in the 21st-century economy by educating them in 21st-century schools. The ARRA funds will provide new opportunities for states and school districts in nearly every realm of education, including school renovation, special education, early childhood, youth development, and financial aid to college students in need. It is an historic opportunity to build a brighter future for students, teachers and schools.

SMART solutions are tailor-made to meet these goals and serve the immediate and future needs of America's teachers and students. Learn More

“In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity - it is a pre-requisite.”

 President Barack Obama
February 24, 2009

ARRA FUNDING BY TITLE

Title I, Part A
The ARRA provides $10 billion to local education agencies for schools that have high concentrations of students from families that live in poverty. It will help improve teaching and learning for students most at risk of failing to meet state academic achievement stands.  Using technology is an important tool to improve teaching and learning: 

 “Using Title I funds for technology is a way to ensure that children attending high-poverty schools have the same access to technology as their more affluent peers.”

 Mary Jean LeTendre, former
U. S. Dept. of Education
Title I Director

Title II-D (Enhancing Education through Technology)
The $650 million provided for Educational Technology through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) is an unprecedented opportunity for States and Local Education Agencies (school districts and charter schools) to acquire new and emerging technologies, create new state-of-the-art learning environments, and offer new training and more support for teachers so that students acquire 21st century skills to compete in a global economy.

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act)
The ARRA provides an infusion of $11.3 billion under Part B Grants to States which is targeted for K-12 education.  These funds provide an opportunity for states and local education agencies to implement innovative strategies to improve outcomes for children and youth with disabilities.  The use of technology continues to produce results with this population of children.

ARRA “RACE TO THE TOP” GRANT FUNDING
The largest ever federal competitive investment in school reform. It will reward states for past accomplishments and create incentives for future improvements. The funding criteria that the Department proposes to use will challenge states to create comprehensive strategies for addressing education reform that will drive school improvement.  

Funding: $4.35 billion 

States are the entities eligible to compete in the Race to the Top competition. States that are successful will in turn award competitive grants to local education agencies.

Timing of Applications and Awards:

·         Phase I: Applications due January 19, 2010.

·         Phase 2: Applications late Spring of 2010; awards by September 2010.