280A.4 - PILOT PROGRAMS.
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