Recovery Act Helps Enhance Technology in Schools

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Commissioner of Education Dr. Timothy Webb today announced Title II-D Education Technology funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These allocations represent funding that will be available for districts to effectively integrate technology into the classroom.

“Tennessee must remain at the forefront in using technology to better serve students in their future careers,” Governor Phil Bredesen said. “There is no doubt that this generation will need the skills these grants will help build to be successful in any career they choose.”

These Recovery Act funds will go to each school district to enhance technology in schools to improve learning. The focus is to effectively integrate technology into the classroom curriculum and increase student achievement, as well as assist every student in crossing the digital divide by ensuring their technological literacy by the time they complete eighth grade, regardless of the student’s race, ethnicity, gender, family income, geographic location or disability.

“More technology in the classroom is something our teachers and administrators are always pushing for and it’s exciting to know that we now have additional dollars to help them achieve that goal,” Commissioner Webb said.

The ARRA Title II-D Education Technology funding is part of the Department of Education's proposed FY 2009-2010 budget, which is currently being considered by the Tennessee General Assembly. The allocations per districts will be made available beginning July 1, 2009.

Each school district’s awarded allocation will also be posted online.

For additional information and a complete list of allocations, please visit http://tn.gov/education/recovery.shtml. For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@tn.gov.