In January 2014, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo called for New York State to invest $2 billion in its schools through a Smart Schools Bond Act that will

Transcription

1 In January 2014, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo called for New York State to invest $2 billion in its schools through a Smart Schools Bond Act that will build out schools and classrooms for the 21st Century to ensure that our students graduate with the skills they need to thrive in the economy of today and tomorrow.

2 The Commission has summarized its findings in seven "Keys to Success" that can serve as a guide for school districts considering the use of Smart Schools funds. 1. Embrace and expand online learning. 2. Utilize transformative technologies, such as tablets, laptops, and interactive whiteboards to deliver differentiated instruction. 3. Connect every school to high-speed broadband; implement wireless solutions throughout the school. 4. Extend connectivity beyond the four walls of the classroom community build-outs. 5. Provide high-quality, continuous professional development to ensure successful integration of technology into the teaching and learning experience. 6. Focus on in-demand STEM skills to ensure that students graduate with 21st century skills (C & CR). 7. Plan, Plan and Plan Again.

3 GST SMART SCHOOLS Addison $1,654,167 Alfred-Almond $609,287 Arkport $570,028 Avoca $726,321 Bath $1,826,167 Bradford $456,510 Campbell $1,268,792 Canaseraga $384,755 Canisteo $1,413,197 Corning $3,812,892 Elmira $7,090,526 Elmira Heights $936,641 Hammondsport $376,817 Hornell $2,039,972 Horseheads $2,929,862 Jasper $717,728 Odessa $893,825 Prattsburgh $544,167 Spencer $1,174,925 Watkins $1,167,539 Waverly $1,626,225 $32,220,343 Proposed Funding Per District

4 How much funding would my school district be eligible for? Each school district will receive an allocation of the $2 billion Smart Schools that is proportionate to the district s share of total formula based school aid in the school year, excluding Building Aid, Universal Prekindergarten Aid, and the Gap Elimination Adjustment. For example, if a district receives 2.0% of total State school aid, the school district s Smart Schools allocation would be $40 million (.02 * $2,000,000,000).

5 What types of projects would be eligible for funding? Bond proceeds may be used for capital projects to: Acquire learning technology equipment or facilities, including but not limited to interactive whiteboards, computer servers, and desktop, laptop, and tablet computers. Install high-speed broadband or wireless internet connectivity for schools and communities. Construct, enhance, and modernize educational facilities to accommodate pre-kindergarten programs and to provide instructional space to replace classroom trailers. Install high-tech security features in school buildings and on school campuses, including but not limited to video surveillance, emergency notification systems, and physical access controls.

6 What is the Smart Schools Review Board? The Smart Schools Review Board is a statutorilycreated panel comprised of the Chancellor of the State University of New York, the Director of the Budget, and the Commissioner of Education, or their respective designees. Tasked with issuing guidelines for Smart Schools Investment Plans that districts will be required to submit for approval. These guidelines will include any required components of the Smart Schools Investment Plans.

7 How will a school district apply for and receive the Smart Schools funding? Each district must submit a Smart Schools Investment Plan. Once the Smart Schools Investment Plan is approved, the school district will be eligible to begin receiving grant funds. To reimburse costs of the approved projects.

8 Is there any requirement for public input into a school district s proposed use of the Smart School funds? Yes, required to consult with parents, teachers, students, community members, and other stakeholders. Can a school district amend or update its Smart Schools Investment Plan after it has been approved? Yes, any such amendments must first be submitted to the Smart Schools Review Board for approval.

9 Will a school district s Smart Schools fund allocation expire if it is not used within a certain period? No, a district s Smart Schools allocation does not need to be used by a certain date. Can a school district use spending from its Smart Schools allocation as the local share to generate other State School Aids, such as Building Aid? No, expenditures from the Smart Schools allocation may not be used to generate other types of State School Aid.

10 How will the process for loaning Smart Schools technology to non-public school students work? Any classroom technology purchased by a school district with Smart Schools funding must be made available, upon request, to students attending non-public schools within the same school district. This loan requirement does not apply to other categories of Smart Schools spending. This loan requirement is capped, in each district, at $250 multiplied by total non-public school enrollment.

11 The Commission has summarized its findings in seven "Keys to Success" that can serve as a guide for school districts considering the use of Smart Schools funds. 1. Embrace and expand online learning which will break down geographic barriers, provide access to the best sources of instruction in the world, and level the playing field for students in rural and smaller school districts. 2. Utilize transformative technologies, such as tablets, laptops, and interactive whiteboards to deliver differentiated instruction tailored to students' specific abilities and needs that lets them learn and advance at their own pace. 3. Connect every school to high-speed broadband using technology that is capable of scaling up over time and deliver sufficient wireless capability to serve every student. 4. Extend connectivity beyond the four walls of the classroom so students from all backgrounds have equal access to the information superhighway. 5. Provide high-quality, continuous professional development to teachers, principals, and staff to ensure successful integration of technology into the teaching and learning experience. 6. Focus on in-demand STEM skills to ensure that students graduate with 21st century skills C & CR. 7. Plan, plan and plan again.

12 At each symposium, panelists presented to the Commission case studies, current projects and possibilities that included: Enriching the in-classroom learning experience by incorporating the use of tablets, laptops and smart phones Extending preparation for student instruction by using web-based software accessible at home Increasing communication between the instructor and student's guardian Providing more descriptive academic progress reporting And, importantly, to support these changes, building a robust network of high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi connectivity throughout New York's public schools and communities

13 Aim for the sweet spot