Federal bill targets underfunded school districts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Downey’s congressional representative, Lucille Roybal-Allard, introduced federal legislation last week that would authorize up to $1 billion in funding to improve technology at underfunded and struggling schools. The Achievement Through Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) Act of 2015 would authorize competitive grants to the lowest-performing school districts to improve their education technology.

“In this era of ever-shrinking school budgets, overcrowded schools, and overextended teachers, studies show technology can have a tremendous impact on student learning,” said Roybal-Allard. “I am confident the ATTAIN Act will help students at struggling schools to be become more engaged in their studies, more eager to learn, and ultimately better prepared to meet the challenges of today’s competitive global economy.”

The ATTAIN Act also would promote technology training for teachers and administrators, and encourage districts to develop long-term strategies for using technology resources to drive student outcomes.

School districts that receive grant money would be required to allocate at least 40 percent of the funds to professional development, while showing their long-term technology plans.

The bill includes specific metrics for evaluating whether funding recipients are using technology effectively, officials said.

 

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Published: Feb. 19, 2015 - Volume 13 - Issue 45

NewsStaff Report