With so much funding involved amidst the tepidness of the economy, a lot of questions surround the recovery package. Here are some common questions we’ve received about the recovery package with links to some key sources:
Q:When is the next wave of ARRA monies being released?
A: September 1, 2009; one month early. Read the U.S. DOE press release.
Q:How much additional IDEA funding will my district get? A:Check out this PDF that lists every districts allocations. ARRA estimated allocations funding to LEA (pdf 1.7MB).
Q:Why should we consider assistive technology as part of our recovery money spending? A: The
intent of the recovery money is to fund “unfunded mandates”. We all
know that as AT consideration was introduced in 1997 and strengthened
in 2004, there has not been an increase in spending to fund this.
Districts bore the additional costs. While this money is only available
for 2 years, it is a perfect spending opportunity to build this
infrastructure. We all know there are maintenance costs to any new
infrastructure but these are frequently a fraction of the initial cost.
Therefore, this is the time to put in the infrastructure for AT. The
ed.gov link above explicitly mentions assistive technology as an
appropriate use of these funds. Read the specific language below:
Uses of IDEA, Part B Recovery Funds
The IDEA recovery funds constitute a large one-time increment in IDEA,
Part B funding that offers states and LEAs a unique opportunity to
improve teaching, learning and results for children with disabilities.
Generally, funds should be used for short-term investments that have
the potential for long-term benefits, rather than for expenditures the
LEAs may not be able to sustain once the recovery funds are expended.
Some possible uses of these limited-term IDEA recovery funds
that are allowable under IDEA and aligned with the core reform goals
for which states must provide assurances under SFSF include:
Obtain
state-of-the art assistive technology devices and provide training in
their use to enhance access to the general curriculum for students with
disabilities.
Provide intensive district-wide
professional development for special education and regular education
teachers that focuses on scaling up, through replication, proven and
innovative evidence-based school-wide strategies in reading, math,
writing and science, and positive behavioral supports to improve
outcomes for students with disabilities.
Develop or expand the capacity to collect and use data to improve teaching and learning.
Expand
the availability and range of inclusive placement options for
preschoolers with disabilities by developing the capacity of public and
private preschool programs to serve these children.
Hire
transition coordinators to work with employers in the community to
develop job placement opportunities for youths with disabilities.
Download the complete guidelines document (PDF, 64KB).
Q:Some of our teachers are being laid off. Won’t this money go to re-hire them? A: The recovery package includes an additional $53.6 billion that is designated as “stabilization funds.” These funds are separate from the increase going to IDEA. The stabilization funds will be distributed using population-based formulae and are designed to make up for state budget shortfalls that go toward teacher salaries and educational services. These funds should be sufficient to make up for state budget shortfalls. California and Florida’s budget shortfalls may be large enough to require additional funding. The $12 billion going to IDEA is required to be spent in accordance with IDEA guidelines. These guidelines state that:
“All IDEA recovery funds must be used consistently with the current IDEA, Part B statutory and regulatory requirements and applicable requirements in the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) and the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR). An LEA must use IDEA recovery funds only for the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities, except where IDEA specifically provides otherwise.”
Q:If there is only a two-year increase in funding, how much impact will this boost in funding make? A: "You should begin working with other advocates in your community and state to give input on how these funds will be spent. Find out the process your state and school district will use to award and spend the funds, and how you can have input. While some states have complained that getting money for 2 years for special-education is useless, one questions this claim.
Assistive technology, equipment, training in reading and other methodologies for teachers are all important things that will have an impact for a long time.”
Q:Why should we invest our recovery money in assistive technology versus other AT services? A: You should invest in both. We know that AT products require good AT services. As you consider your purchases for AT products, consider investing in a long-term Professional Development plan and tools that will support you over a longer period of time. You will need to train new staff every year. We also know that training should be ongoing over short periods of time. We have several services available for you from full-day training to online “virtual” training. We also include several free resources on the Web to get you up and running.
Q:How can I ensure IDEA funds are used appropriately? A: Read IDEA Money Watch.
Q:Where can I get up to date recovery funding information? A:
