Technology 2 Transform E2T2

by Dana Laursen, Director, Education Strategy and Evaluation — August 19, 2009

Technology is clearly a dominant thread in the tapestry of education reform launched by the Obama administration’s Department of Education earlier this year. The potential behind technology integration in the classroom is supported by the $650 million ARRA investment in the State Education Technology Grants via the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT, Title IID) program. The ARRA grants—combined with the $269.9 million funds for 2009 and the proposed budget of $100 million for 2010—total more than a $1 billion investment in technology. Read more >

Online Instructional Materials: Displacing the Traditional Textbook

by Tanya Krohn, Senior Marketing Specialist — May 21, 2009

In today's world of multi-tasking, it's imperative to align individual resources with as many uses/users as possible—to reap the best return on investment (ROI). It's also a must to make choices that offer the flexibility necessary to see real results. Just such a conversation is taking place across the country with regard to the definition, or rather the re-definition, of a textbook.

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Extended Day Learning: A Modern Twist on the School Calendar

by Dana Laursen, Director, Education Strategy and Evaluation — May 05, 2009

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has challenged educators, students, and parents to think differently about devoting time for learning, as well as identifying ways in which to extend the school day, school week, and school year. In a recent Denver Post article, authors noted that the agrarian calendar—which allowed for summers to address agricultural needs—just doesn’t fit today’s world. The same authors noted the typical U.S. K–12 school holds class 180 days each year, while other industrialized nations top 200 days per year—with some Asian nations hitting 240 days. Further, as research has proven, one size does not fit all with regard to instruction or the time needed to learn. The summer gap is also difficult for students in terms of losing learning gains from the previous year. So, what are some ways to creating additional time for learning?

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