280A.4 - PILOT PROGRAMS. - Iowa Statutes

280A.4 PILOT PROGRAMS. 1. The Iowa learning technology commission created in section 280A.2 shall develop and administer the Iowa learning technology pilot programs to encourage innovation, increase student achievement, and ensure that technology is used on the basis of best practices. The pilot programs should be designed to obtain valid and reliable evidence of the impact on student engagement and achievement from the use of technology, which may include but not be limited to a "one-to-one" initiative; further demonstrate successful district-to-vendor relationships and possibilities; provide for development of individual education plans for students; identify local district educational and fiscal planning and implementation strategies; and gain a better understanding of the current status of technology in Iowa schools. The goal for each pilot program is to provide results and additional information necessary for the general assembly to consider implementation of a statewide technology initiative. The commission shall make the final determination regarding pilot program grant awards, and shall notify the department of education of the amount of the grant amount to be awarded to a school district. From moneys appropriated to the department of education for purposes of the pilot programs, each pilot program shall consist of state-funded competitive grants to Iowa school districts that are matched locally with public or private, federal, state, or local financing as determined by the applicant school district. Administrative support and staffing shall be provided by the department of education. 2. Each pilot program shall be consistent with the following guiding principles: a. Focus on increasing student achievement opportunities through quality teaching and learning. The focus on student achievement should include identification of the age and developmentally appropriate use of educational technology that will engage the learner and result in improved student achievement opportunities. b. Professional development. Quality, ongoing professional development shall be provided, including best practices in the effective use of technology in the classroom. c. Curriculum and assessment. Students' technology skills shall be integrated into the curriculum and assessed through the demonstration of learning within content areas. d. Equitable access. Grant awards under the pilot program shall be distributed to school districts that meet the selection requirements established by the commission in a manner that ensures that students throughout the state have equitable access to education opportunities offered via the use of technology and telecommunications. e. Educational technology planning. Due consideration shall be given to future sustainability of learning technology resources by adapting to future educational needs and technology changes and by avoiding obsolescence of learning technology resources. f. Economic development. Grant moneys should be distributed in such a manner as to foster economic development across all regions of the state and to prepare students for an economy that embraces technology and innovation. g. Accountability. The pilot program shall include methods of measuring progress in the areas of increased student engagement; decreased disciplinary problems; increased use of computers for writing, analysis, and research; movement toward student-centered classrooms; increased parental involvement; and increased standardized test scores.          Section History: Recent Form 2005 Acts, ch 144, §5 Referred to in § 280A.2, 280A.3