This document discusses technology and education reform efforts at both the federal and state levels. It summarizes the $4.35 billion in competitive grants from the Obama administration to promote reform. Key points of the competition include requirements for states to show improvement to receive funds, detail reform plans, and use performance-based incentives. The goals are to narrow learning gaps, develop excellent teachers, turn around struggling schools, and give charter schools equal guidelines as public schools. The document also discusses the No Child Left Behind Act and provides links to the Department of Education and Indiana's Department of Education websites for more information on rules, programs and academic standards. It advocates for empowering students, providing quality teachers, and using resources wisely to prepare children for

1. Technology Reform What it takes to Stay ahead in the New Global Community

2. Presidential Push Obama offers $4.35 Billion in competitive grants. Click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNbDv0zPBV4 to watch the press release Follows the guidelines set by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009

3. Key Points in the Competition States must provide data to show improvement prior to receipt of funds. Schools must provide information about their reform plan Performance based incentives written out States and schools to narrow the cultural learning gap To develop and give incentives to excellent educators/teachers Turn around struggling schools – empower low income schools Give Charter Schools the same guidelines as public schools School to gives preference to math, science and technology

4. No Child Left Behind The purpose of this title is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at a minimum, proficiency on challenging State academic achievement standards and state academic assessments. This was signed into effect in 2004 by the Bush Presidential Administration. The purpose of the granted Federal Funds were to go to low income schools first.

5. Department of Education Click above to get connected with the Federal site that gives valuable information On the rules, programs, resources, tools, definitions, forms, and so much more for Administrators, Teachers, Parents, and Educators in all areas.

6. Indiana’s Department of Education Press Release link (click here) shows that Indiana received a “D” for assessing Teachers’ effectiveness. If Indiana adopts new guidelines to be considered part of the RACE TO THE TOP, then Indiana teachers will be experts in the subject content they teach. “These changes should serve as a clarion call to the educational community: Innovative approaches to preparing teachers to advance student learning is a top priority and is necessary — now. These new policies are welcome changes to educators who have been burdened with excessive regulations and rote compliance for far too long. Now is the time to empower our educators so they may serve students more effectively.” (Quote from Marion University President Dan Elsner)

7. State Partners Click here for a current list of Indiana Partners Click here for a list of National Partners These lists provide much needed information for educators and the public on resources available.

8. Click here for info on Wilson Foundation Fellowship and Foundations leading the way to provide high quality educators Indiana has another action plan in place. Click here to see full version in .pdf To see a full set of Indiana Academic Standards…click here.

9. How we can move forward To empower students and parents to make the jump into the future. Enable low income families with internet connections To provide quality teachers in the classroom with ability to teach a differentiated academic style Wisely use the grants and funding to follow the guidelines. Use the resources that are all around us, free and readily available, to move our children into a global economy, Follow the guidelines as presented. Strive to be the best in the nation and put our children in the front lines to compete with the world.

10. What makes the difference My children make the Difference to me. It took Being a volunteer coach to Finally realize my life purpose. I strive to be the best for them. This year has been tough at times, but that face makes it all worth while. Knowing That there are jobs available for people my age that try to make a difference keeps Me moving forward. I applaud teachers for all they do.