Telecommunications and Information Technology: Federal Programs That Can
Be Used to Fund Technology for Schools and Libraries (Testimony,
09/16/1998, GAO/T-HEHS-98-246).
The nation's school districts and public libraries are increasingly
investing in technology to improve education, communication, and the
flow of information. For example, between 1994 and 1997, the percentage
of public schools with Internet access rose from 35 percent to 78
percent. But the cost of this technology is high. One market research
organization reported that public schools spent an estimated $4.3
billion on technology in school year 1996-97 and projected that they
would spend $5.2 billion in school year 1997-98. This testimony reviews
federal programs that can be used to fund technology for schools and
libraries. GAO (1) lists these programs, (2) describes their features,
such as the federal administrative costs, number of federally funded
full-time-equivalent positions assigned to each program, the procedures
used to award funding, program funding levels, and the authorizing
statute or legal authority to provide such funding; (3) describes the
potential for duplication; (4) discusses how the Government Performance
and Results Act can be used to coordinate and reduce duplication in such
programs; (5) describes federal efforts to coordinate federal education
and technology programs; and (6) provides information on waste, fraud,
and abuse in each program and efforts to eliminate these problems.
--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------
REPORTNUM: T-HEHS-98-246
TITLE: Telecommunications and Information Technology: Federal
Programs That Can Be Used to Fund Technology for
Schools and Libraries
DATE: 09/16/1998
SUBJECT: Aid for education
Computers
Libraries
Public schools
Telecommunication
Education or training
Information technology
Educational grants
IDENTIFIER: GSA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
FCC E-Rate Program
Goals 2000
Technology Innovation Challenge Grant
Technology Literacy Challenge Fund
Dept. of Education Star Schools Program
Dept. of Education 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Program
Dept. of Commerce Telecommunications and Information
Infrastructure Assistance Program
NEH Education, Development, and Demonstration Program
Dept. of Education Title I Program
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GAO/T-HEHS-98-246
Cover
================================================================ COVER
Before the Committee on Commerce and the Committee on Education and
the Workforce, House of Representatives
For Release on Delivery
Expected at 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, September 16, 1998
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY - FEDERAL PROGRAMS THAT
CAN BE USED TO FUND TECHNOLOGY FOR
SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES
Statement of Carlotta C. Joyner, Director
Education and Employment Issues
Health, Education, and Human Services Division
GAO/T-HEHS-98-246
GAO/HEHS-98-246T
(104943)
Abbreviations
=============================================================== ABBREV
CFDA - Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
FCC - Federal Communications Commission
IDEA - Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NEH - National Endowment for the Humanities
SUMMARY
============================================================ Chapter 0
This statement presents the results of our work to date on federal
programs that can be used to fund telecommunications and information
technology for public and private elementary and secondary schools
(grades K through 12) and public libraries. At least 27 programs
provide funding that may be used to purchase this technology for
schools or libraries. For example, four of the programs specifically
target technology funding to schools or libraries. Three of these
have a combined fiscal year 1998 funding level totaling $565 million.
The other program--the universal service discount for schools or
libraries, also called the "e-rate"--has a funding level of $1.925
billion for the first funding period (the 18-month period beginning
January 1998). Under this program, discounts can be provided to
eligible schools or libraries for telecommunication services,
Internet access, and internal connections; however, no discounts have
yet been funded. The remaining 23 programs do not specifically
target technology for schools or libraries but can be used for this
purpose. Some of these programs target schools or libraries but
provide funds that can be used for other purposes as well as
technology. Others target technology but not exclusively schools or
libraries. Others do not target funds either to schools or libraries
as recipients or technology as a program purpose, but funds may go to
schools or libraries and may be used for technology. Except for
programs targeted both to technology and to schools or libraries,
limited information is available on the amounts spent for technology.
All the federal programs are authorized by law. Some statutes
specifically authorize technology or telecommunications programs;
others have authorization broad enough to allow these uses.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY: FEDERAL PROGRAMS THAT
CAN BE USED TO FUND TECHNOLOGY FOR
SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES
============================================================ Chapter 1
Messrs. Chairmen and Members of the Committees:
We are pleased to be here today to discuss the results of our work to
date on federal programs that can be used to fund telecommunications
and information technology for public and private elementary and
secondary schools (grades K through 12) and public libraries. By
"telecommunications and information technology," we mean services and
products such as telephone and Internet access; computer hardware,
software, and wiring; and teacher training in the use of these
services and products.
The nation's school districts and public libraries are increasingly
investing in technology to improve education, communication, and the
flow of information. For example, between 1994 and 1997 the
percentage of public schools with access to the Internet rose from 35
percent to 78 percent. But the cost of this technology is high. One
market research organization, Quality Education Data, reported that
public schools spent an estimated $4.3 billion on technology in
school year 1996-97 and projected they would spend $5.2 billion in
school year 1997-98. A 1996 RAND study estimated the cost of
providing technology-rich learning environments in all schools at
between $10 billion and $20 billion per year.
The federal government has supported these technology investment
efforts of libraries and schools in multiple ways. For example, in a
May 1998 report, we noted that the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA)\1 describes at least 40 federal programs that
appear to provide funding assistance that might be used for these
purposes.\2 Because of the number of programs and concern over
whether there is a lack of coordination and monitoring among them,
you asked that we conduct a comprehensive review of programs created
or facilitated by the federal government that can be used to fund
schools' or libraries' technology initiatives. More specifically,
you asked us to (1) list these programs; (2) describe specific
features of each of them, such as the federal administrative costs,
number of federally funded full-time-equivalent (FTE) positions
allocated to each program, the procedures used to award the funding,
total program funding in fiscal year 1998 and estimated amount of
funding used for technology in fiscal years 1996, 1997, and 1998, and
the authorizing statute or legal authority to provide such funding;
(3) describe the potential for duplication, as seen in the targeted
purposes and recipients for each program; (4) discuss how the
Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 can be used to
coordinate and reduce duplication in programs such as these; (5)
describe federal efforts to coordinate federal education and
technology programs; and (6) provide any information available
regarding waste, fraud, or abuse in each program and efforts to
eliminate such problems.
While our review will not be completed until the summer of 1999, you
asked that we identify at this hearing (1) what federal programs are
available to provide federal or private funding for libraries and
elementary and secondary schools for telecommunications and
information technology and, for each, the fiscal year 1998 funding
level; (2) what information is available about the portion of those
funds that was used for technology; and (3) what the authorizing
statute or legal authority is for each program to provide such
funding.
To answer these questions, we reviewed the CFDA, Department of
Education documents, Congressional Research Service publications, and
our previous work. We also contacted officials in each of the
federal agencies and departments to obtain more detailed information
about each program. This approach enabled us to make a more
definitive assessment of whether a program would in fact allow funds
to be provided for technology to schools or libraries, as we defined
them. By "schools," we mean public or private elementary and
secondary schools (grades K through 12). By "libraries," we mean
public libraries, elementary and secondary school libraries, and
private libraries that are not operated for profit; we did not
include libraries affiliated with colleges and universities. Funds
may be provided to state education agencies and school districts or
to individual schools directly.
In summary, our work to date suggests that at least 27 programs
provide funding that may be used to purchase telecommunications and
information technology for schools or libraries (see appendix). For
example, four of the programs specifically target technology funding
to schools or libraries. Three of these have a combined fiscal year
1998 funding level totaling $565 million. The other program--the
universal service discount for schools and libraries, also called the
"e-rate"--has a funding level of $1.925 billion for the first funding
period (the 18-month period beginning January 1998). Under this
program, discounts can be provided to eligible schools and libraries
for telecommunication services, Internet access, and internal
connections; however, no discounts have yet been funded. The
remaining 23 programs do not specifically target technology for
schools or libraries but can be used for this purpose. Some of these
programs target schools or libraries but provide funds that can be
used for other purposes as well as technology. Others target
technology but not exclusively schools or libraries. Others do not
target funds either to schools or libraries as recipients or
technology as a program purpose, but funds may go to schools or
libraries and may be used for technology. Except for programs
targeted both to technology and to schools or libraries, limited
information is available on the amounts spent for technology. The
fiscal year 1998 funding levels for the more broadly targeted
programs ranged from $905,000 to nearly $7.4 billion. Among the
programs that we identified, more are available to schools than to
libraries. All the federal programs are authorized by law. Some
statutes specifically authorize technology or telecommunications
programs; others have authorization broad enough to allow these uses.
--------------------
\1 The CFDA is a governmentwide compendium of federal programs,
projects, services, and activities that provides assistance and
benefits. Coordinated by the Office of Management and Budget and
compiled by the General Services Administration, the CFDA contains
information, both financial and nonfinancial, about programs
administered by federal departments and agencies.
\2 Telecommunications: Court Challenges to FCC's Universal Service
Order and Federal Support for Telecommunications for Schools or
Libraries (GAO/RCED/OGC-98-172R, May 7, 1998).
BACKGROUND
---------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1:1
In recent years, much discussion has focused on the increased use of
computers, networks, and connections to the Internet to augment
communication and learning. The number of computers per student has
increased from 1 for every 125 students in school year 1983-84 to 1
for every 9 students in school year 1996-97. In 1997, 27 percent of
classrooms, computer labs, and library/media centers were connected
to the Internet, nine times greater than the percentage in 1994.
Schools have used a variety of funding sources to establish and
support their technology programs. Some rely on state funding, while
others use local tax moneys. Some private funding is also available,
and federal funding sources also play a role in supporting
technology. Our 1998 report on five school districts found that each
used a combination of sources to fund its technology programs.\3 For
example, the Seattle Public Schools in Seattle, Washington, received
10 percent of their funding for technology from federal programs, 67
percent from a local capital levy, 16 percent from the district
operating budget, about 4 percent from state programs, and 3 percent
from private sources. On the other hand, the Manchester School
District in Manchester, New Hampshire, obtained 78 percent of its
technology funding from a federal Innovation Challenge Grant, 18
percent from the district operating budget, and 3 percent from
private sources.
In addition to funding provided by state, local, and federal sources,
assistance for technology has also been made available to schools and
libraries through the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC)
e-rate program, which is funded by mandatory contributions from
interstate telecommunications and other service providers.
--------------------
\3 School Technology: Five School Districts' Experiences in Funding
Technology Programs (GAO/HEHS-98-35, Jan. 29, 1998).
AT LEAST 27 FEDERAL PROGRAMS
MAY PROVIDE FUNDS FOR
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR
SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES
---------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1:2
At least 27 federal programs may provide funding for technology to
elementary and secondary schools and libraries.\4 Three of these
programs, administered by the Department of Education, specifically
provide funding for technology to schools or libraries. These three
programs provided $565 million in 1998. A fourth program--the
e-rate--will provide discounts to schools and libraries for
telecommunications services, Internet access, and internal
connections.\5 The remaining 23 programs, administered by five
agencies and departments, do not exclusively fund technology or
target their funds to just schools or libraries. Funds from these
programs may also be used for a wide range of other activities, such
as development and implementation of comprehensive education reform
plans through the Goals 2000 program. Other recipients may include
universities and colleges, social service organizations, nonprofit
groups, and Native American tribal organizations. The 1998 funding
levels for these programs ranged from $905,000 to almost $7.4
billion. Funding mechanisms include both formula and competitive
grants. The 27 programs are described in the appendix and summarized
in table 1 and the following narrative.\6
Table 1
Categories of Programs
Recipients
---------------------- ----------------------------------------------
Schools and libraries
Schools or libraries allowed but not
Program purpose targeted exclusively targeted
---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Targets technology Category I: targets Category III: targets
schools or libraries technology but not
and technology (N=4) schools or libraries
(N=4)
Allows technology but Category II: targets Category IV: Does not
does not target it schools or libraries target schools or
but not technology libraries or
(N=16) technology (N=3)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------
\4 We also identified a few other programs that may provide funds for
technology for schools or libraries, but we have not yet obtained
enough detailed information to determine conclusively whether they
fit our criteria for including them on this list.
\5 Not more than $1.925 billion will be spent for the schools and
libraries support program during the 18-month period beginning
January 1998.
\6 We also identified several federal programs that provide
technology resources, such as educational materials, technical
assistance, and teacher training, to schools or libraries but do not
provide funding. For example, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) does not provide funding to schools or
libraries, but its Aerospace Education Services Program conducts
workshops with teachers to show them how to enhance their mathematics
and science programs with on-line NASA programs. The funding for the
Aerospace Education Services Program was $5.6 million in 1998. In
addition, the Department of Education's six Regional Technical
Support and Professional Development Consortia, which had a budget of
$10 million in 1998, provided technical support and professional
development by providing teacher training for technology programs.
CATEGORY I: PROGRAMS THAT
TARGET TECHNOLOGY FOR
SCHOOLS OR LIBRARIES
-------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1:2.1
Three Department of Education programs and one FCC program target
technology for schools or libraries. The three Department of
Education programs provided a total of about $565 million in 1998 to
support technology specifically for schools or libraries. They are
the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund, with a 1998 funding level of
$425 million; the Technology Innovation Challenge Grants Program, at
$106 million; and the Star Schools Program, at $34 million. The
largest program--the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund--provides
resources to states to enable schools to integrate technology into
school curricula. The states distribute the funds to school
districts competitively for a broad range of technology purchases,
such as computer hardware and software, telecommunications services,
and professional development. Technology Innovation Challenge Grants
are competitive grants to support school district technology efforts,
and Star Schools supports programs that provide increased access to
education services such as distance learning.
One of the largest funding initiatives we identified is FCC's e-rate
program. The general purpose of this program is to improve the
access of schools and libraries to modern telecommunications
services. It was added by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which,
among other things, extended universal service support to eligible
schools and libraries and also specified that every
telecommunications carrier that provides interstate
telecommunications services, unless exempted by FCC, must contribute
to a universal service fund.\7 In its May 1997 universal service
order, FCC adopted a recommendation that eligible schools and
libraries may receive discounts of between 20 to 90 percent on
telecommunications services, Internet access, and internal
connections.\8
Schools and libraries located in rural and low-income areas will
receive the highest discounts from the fund. Schools and libraries
will receive only discounts--no direct funding from the program. The
universal service fund then compensates the schools' and libraries'
vendors for the amount of the discounts. Funding for the e-rate is
capped at $2.25 billion annually. Schools and libraries that
submitted applications for discounts through April 1998 requested
about $2 billion in discounts. In June 1998, however, FCC
significantly modified the program, extending the first funding
period to 18 months and adjusting the amounts that could be collected
and spent during 1998 and the first 6 months of 1999 to $1.925
billion. As of September 16, 1998, no schools or libraries had yet
received discounts through the program.
--------------------
\7 Traditionally, "universal service" has meant providing residential
customers with affordable, nationwide access to basic telephone
service.
\8 FCC's universal service order has been challenged in federal
court. Texas Office of Public Utility Counsel v. FCC, No. 97-60421
(5th Cir. filed June 25, 1997).
CATEGORY II: PROGRAMS THAT
TARGET SCHOOLS OR LIBRARIES
BUT DO NOT TARGET TECHNOLOGY
AS A USE FOR THE FUNDS
-------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1:2.2
Sixteen programs available only to schools or libraries do not target
technology specifically but allow recipients to use funds for
technology. The Department of Education administers 13 of the
programs, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services
administers 3. In 1998, the total program funding levels ranged from
$905,000 to almost $7.4 billion, but in many cases, officials were
not able to provide estimates of the amount spent for technology.
For example, through the Twenty-First Century Community Learning
Centers Program administered by the Department of Education, rural
and inner-city public elementary and secondary schools or a consortia
of such schools may compete for grants to establish school-based,
community learning programs. Among the 13 activities that the
program may fund are literacy education and children's day care
services along with telecommunications and technology education
programs. A Department of Education official said that the agency
knows that some of the funding is used to support technology, but it
does not require schools to report how much of the grants were spent
for each activity. For some programs, however, the amount spent on
technology can be identified. For example, of the almost $6 million
available through the Migrant Coordination Program, $3.3 million was
awarded for six technology projects to develop innovative uses of
technology for migrant students.
CATEGORY III: PROGRAMS THAT
TARGET TECHNOLOGY BUT DO NOT
TARGET SCHOOLS OR LIBRARIES
-------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1:2.3
For four programs in three agencies--the Departments of Agriculture,
Commerce, and Education--funds are targeted to technology uses
through competitive grants, and schools or libraries--among other
organizations--are eligible to apply. Program funding levels for
1998 ranged from $12.5 million to more than $34 million. For three
of the programs, however, only a small portion of the funds is
awarded to schools or libraries, according to program officials. For
example, the Department of Commerce's Telecommunications and
Information Infrastructure Assistance Program awarded nearly $21
million in 1997 grants for 55 information infrastructure
demonstration projects. Of that amount, about $2.4 million was
awarded for six projects for libraries or elementary or secondary
school initiatives. Other recipients included a fire protection
district in Colorado that established remote command sites to manage
emergency equipment and personnel and the Circuit Court of Cook
County Illinois, which established a children's advocacy network.
According to a Department of Commerce official, the average grant was
about $350,000.
CATEGORY IV: PROGRAMS THAT
DO NOT TARGET SCHOOLS OR
LIBRARIES AND DO NOT TARGET
TECHNOLOGY
-------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1:2.4
Three programs do not target funds either to schools or libraries as
recipients or to technology as a program purpose, but funds may go to
schools or libraries and may be used for technology. Programs in
this category are administered by the Department of Education and the
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Funding levels in 1998
ranged from $3 million to $6 million. For example the NEH Education,
Development, and Demonstration Program provided over $4 million in
competitive grants. Of that amount, an agency official estimated
that about 65 percent was awarded to elementary and secondary schools
for technology projects, such as development of CD-ROM and websites,
with humanities content. Other grant recipients in this category
include universities and colleges, state and local governments, and
nonprofit organizations.
INFORMATION ON AMOUNTS SPENT ON
TECHNOLOGY IS NOT ALWAYS
AVAILABLE
---------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1:3
We considered funding for federal programs that target technology to
be used entirely for technology products or services. For programs
that do not target technology but allow funds to be used for
technology, it is more difficult to get information on how much of
the funding is actually spent on technology. Recipients of these
funds are not always required to prepare detailed budgets or report
expenditures in a way that would capture that information. We
identified two types of funding mechanisms in this category: (1)
competitive grant programs, in which state education agencies, school
districts, or other entities may compete for funding and (2) formula
grant programs that allocate funds to state education agencies,
school districts, or other entities through a formula based on
specific criteria such as the number of students in the state or the
number of students below the poverty level. Some competitive grants
require recipients to develop and submit a detailed budget listing
planned expenditures. In some cases, officials told us that they
could provide an estimate of funds spent on technology by using this
budget information. However, several officials overseeing formula
grants told us that grant recipients were not required to report
expenditures and that these data might be available only at the state
level.
For example, one such program, the Department of Education's Title I
program, is designed to provide financial assistance to local
education agencies for services to educationally disadvantaged
students to improve academic performance. Total funding was almost
$7.4 billion in fiscal year 1998. According to a program official,
schools have used a portion of their Title I funds, which are awarded
according to a formula, to acquire and apply technology under the
broad authority of this legislation. However, because the Department
does not require states to report exactly how their districts spend
their Title I funds each year, it is not known exactly what amount or
percentage of these funds was spent for technology in recent years.
The Department has contracted for a study, scheduled for completion
in 1999, that will provide information about state and school
district Title I expenditures, including technology.
PROGRAMS' AUTHORIZING STATUTES
OR LEGAL AUTHORITY
---------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1:4
All the federal programs we have identified as providing funds to
schools and libraries for technology are authorized by law. Some
statutes specifically authorize technology programs. In many other
cases, the Congress has authorized agencies to carry out activities
or provide financial assistance to schools and libraries under
programs broad enough to be used for technology. One program, the
Telecommunications and Information Infrastructure Assistance Program,
is authorized primarily by appropriations acts. The Congress, in
appropriations acts, has expanded the authority of the Department of
Commerce under the Communications Act of 1934 to construct public
telecommunications facilities. The appropriations acts specifically
permit funds to be used for planning and constructing
telecommunications networks for schools, libraries, and other social
services.
-------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1:4.1
This concludes my prepared statement. I would be pleased to respond
to any questions you or Members of the Committees may have.
FEDERAL FUNDING PROGRAMS FOR
TECHNOLOGY
==================================================== Appendix Appendix
Table I.1
Programs That Target Technology for
Schools or libraries
Authorizing
statute or legal 1998 funding
Program authority level\a Comments
------------------ ------------------ ------------------ --------------------
Department of Education
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Technology Elementary and $106,000,000 Grants are for 5-
Innovation Secondary year technology
Challenge Grants Education Act of development and
1965, as amended, demonstration
title III, part A, projects and are
section 3136, 20 available to local
U.S.C. 6846 education agencies
that have a
consortium of
community partners
that includes at
least one local
education agency
with a high
percentage or number
of children living
below the poverty
level. These grants
focus on
professional
development.
2. Technology Elementary and $425,000,000 This program
Literacy Challenge Secondary encourages the
Fund Grants Education Act of integration of
1965, as amended, technology into
title III, part A, school instructional
sections 3131- programs. Funds for
3137, 20 U.S.C. this program are
6841-6847 allocated to all
states on the basis
of their Title I
funding, with a
minimum funding
level of $2.1
million for an
individual state in
1998. The state runs
competitions based
on state priorities,
and 95 percent of
the funds go to
school districts.
This fund can be
used for a broad
range of activities
related to
technology,
including computer
hardware and
software,
professional
development, and
telecommunications
services.
3. Star Schools Elementary and $34,000,000 This program
Program Secondary supports the
Education Act of development of
1965, as amended, distance learning
title III, part B, courses for students
sections 3201- and resources for
3210, 20 U.S.C. teachers. The focus
6891-6900 of the program is
directed toward
underserved
populations
including the
disadvantaged and
those with limited
English proficiency.
Grants are awarded
to
telecommunications
partnerships for a
variety of
expenditures,
including
telecommunications
equipment,
instructional
programming, and
technical
assistance.
Federal Communications Commission
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Universal Telecommunications $1.925 billion for This program
Service Discount Act of 1996, as 18 months provides discounts
for Schools and amended, title I, beginning January to eligible schools
Libraries [e- section 101(a), 1998 and libraries
rate] P.L. 104-104, 47 ranging from 20 to
U.S.C. 254 (h) 90 percent for
telecommunications
services, Internet
access, and internal
connections. The
program is funded by
mandatory
contributions from
interstate
telecommunications
and other service
providers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a With the exception of the e-rate program, funding levels shown are
the fiscal year 1998 appropriations for a program or allocation of
appropriated funds made within a department to specific programs.
Table I.2
Programs That Target Schools or
Libraries but Do Not Target Technology
Authorizing
statute or legal 1998 funding
Program authority level\a Comments
------------------ ------------------ ------------------ --------------------
Department of Education
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Title I Grants Elementary and $7.375 billion Funds are allocated
to Local Education Secondary to all states on the
Agencies Education Act of basis of the number
1965, as amended, of children from
title I, part A, low-income families.
sections 1111- These grants provide
1127, 20 U.S.C. additional academic
6311-6338 support to help low-
achieving children
meet state
performance
standards. The
Department of
Education is
conducting a study
of how Title I funds
are spent--
including
expenditures for
technology,
according to program
officials. Results
of the study will be
available in 1999.
2. Migrant Elementary and $299,475,000 Funds support the
Education, Basic Secondary special needs of
State Grant Education Act of migrant children to
Program 1965, as amended, help ensure that
title I, part C, they have the
sections 1301- opportunity to meet
1307, 20 U.S.C. the same performance
6391-6397 standards that all
children are
expected to meet.
3. Migrant Elementary and $5,998,000 Six technology
Education Secondary grants, totaling
Coordination Education Act of $3.3 million, were
Program 1965, as amended, awarded to address
title I, part C, the problems of
section 1308, 20 disruption, lack of
U.S.C. 6398 resources, and
language difficulty
that children of
migrant families
experience. Very
little of the
funding is used for
technology,
according to a
program official.
4. Magnet Schools Elementary and $101,000,000 The purpose of these
Assistance Secondary grants is to support
Education Act of desegregation of
1965, as amended, public schools.
title V, part A, Funds may be used
sections 5101- for a variety of
5113, 20 U.S.C. activities,
7201-7213 including the
acquisition of
computers and their
maintenance and
operation--if they
are necessary for
the conduct of the
program and are
directly related to
improving student
skills and
knowledge.
5. Eisenhower Elementary and $23,300,000 This program focuses
Professional Secondary on K-12 teacher
Development Education Act of education. According
Federal Activities 1965, as amended, to a program
title II, parts A official, only one
and C, sections of four portions of
2101, 2102, 2301- the program provides
2306, 20 U.S.C. technology funding
6621, 6622, 6671- to schools or
6676 libraries, and no
new grants were
awarded in 1998 for
that portion.
6. Eisenhower Elementary and $335,000,000 The objective of
Professional Secondary this program is to
Development State Education Act of improve teaching and
Grants 1965, as amended, learning through
title II, part B, high-quality
sections 2201- professional
2211, 20 U.S.C. development
6641-6651 activities in the
core academic
subjects. Funding is
provided to states
by formula.
According to a
program official,
some of the funding
goes to institutions
of higher education,
and there is no
estimate of how much
was spent on
technology-related
professional
development.
7. Javits Gifted Elementary and $6,500,000 Program provides
and Talented Secondary competitive grants
Students Education Education Act of to state and local
Program 1965, as amended, education agencies
title X, part B, and institutions of
sections 10201- higher education,
10206, 20 U.S.C. and other
8031-8036 organizations, to
build a national
capability to meet
the needs of gifted
and talented
students. An
estimated 10 percent
of $4 million
awarded in grant
funding was spent on
technology in 1998,
according to a
program official.
8. Fund for the Elementary and $108,100,000 Program provides
Improvement of Secondary competitive grants
Education Education Act of to fund nationally
1965, as amended, significant programs
title X, part A, to improve the
sections 10101- quality of
10107, 20 U.S.C. education. Grants
8001-8007 may be awarded to
state education
agencies, local
education agencies,
institutions of
higher education,
and public and
private nonprofit
organizations and
institutions.
9. Goals 2000 Goals 2000: $466,000,000 Formula grants are
State and Local Educate America awarded to all
Education Systemic Act, as amended, states to develop
Improvement Grants title III, and implement
sections 301-319, comprehensive
P.L. 103-227, 20 education reform
U.S.C. 5881-5899 plans at the state,
local, and school
levels to improve
the teaching and
learning of all
children. States may
use their grants to
purchase technology.
10. Twenty-First Elementary and $40,000,000 Competitive grants
Century Community Secondary are awarded to rural
Learning Centers Education Act of and inner-city
1965, as amended, public K-12 schools,
title X, part I, consortia of such
sections 10901- schools, or local
10907, education agencies
20 U.S.C. 8241- to set up school-
8247 based learning
centers for the
entire community.
Telecommunications
and technology
education is one of
13 program
activities funded.
11. Bilingual Elementary and $160,000,000 Program provides
Education Capacity Secondary grants to local
and Demonstration Education Act of education agencies
Grants 1965, as amended, to fund programs for
title VII, part A, students with
sections 7101- limited English
7161, proficiency.
20 U.S.C. 7401- According to a
7491 program official,
technology
development is
encouraged.
12. Innovative Elementary and $350,000,000 Formula grants are
Education Program Secondary allocated to all
Strategies Education Act of state education
1965, as amended, agencies on the
title VI, sections basis of the number
6001-6403, 20 of school-aged
U.S.C. 7301-7373 children. Part of
the purpose of the
program is to
support state
efforts to obtain
technology as part
of a broad program
of education reform.
13. Alaska Native Elementary and $905,000 Funds are awarded to
Student Enrichment Secondary Alaska Native
Program Education Act of organizations or
1965, as amended, educational entities
title IX, part C, to develop science
section 9306, 20 and mathematics
U.S.C. 7936 enrichment programs
for Alaska Native
students.
Institute of Museum and Library Services
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. National Museum and Library $7,500,000 This program
Leadership Grants Services Act, as includes three types
amended, P.L. 94- of competitive
462, title II, grants for libraries
section 262, 20 for education and
U.S.C. 9162 training, research
and demonstration
projects, and
preservation of
collections,
according to a
program official. It
also includes a
fourth competitive
grant for museums'
and libraries' model
projects. An
estimated 75 percent
of funding was spent
on technology-
related expenses.
15. Native Museum and Library $2,577,000 This program
American and Services Act, as provides basic
Native Hawaiian amended, P.L. 94- formula grants for
Grants 462, title core library
II,section 261, 20 operations as well
U.S.C. 9161 as competitive
grants for training
for library staff
and specialized
projects, according
to a program
official. An
estimated 35 percent
of funding was spent
on technology-
related expenses.
16. State Grants Museum and Library $126,292,000 This program
Services Act, as provides formula
amended, title II, grants to state
section 231, P.L. library associations
94-462, 20 U.S.C. on the basis of
9141 state population,
according to a
program official.
Funds may be used
for network and
communication needs
as determined by the
state entity. An
estimated 50 percent
of funding was spent
on technology-
related projects.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a Funding levels shown are the fiscal year 1998 appropriations for a
program or allocation of appropriated funds made within a department
to specific programs.
Table I.3
Programs That Target Technology but Do
Not Target Schools or Libraries
Authorizing
statute or legal 1998 funding
Program authority level\a Comments
------------------ ------------------ ------------------ --------------------
Department of Agriculture
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Distance Federal, $12,500,000 Awards may be made
Learning and Agriculture, to a variety of
Telemedicine Conservation, and organizations,
Grants Trade Act of 1990, including
as amended, title educational
XXIII, section institutions,
2333, 7 U.S.C. libraries, and
950aaa-2 medical
organizations. 1998
awards will be made
in September,
according to a
program official.
Department of Commerce
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Public Communications Act $20,000,000 This program
Telecommunications of 1934, as provides funding to
Facilities amended, title upgrade, expand, or
Planning and III, part IV, create public
Construction sections 390- broadcasting
393A, 397-399B, 47 capability,
U.S.C. 390-393a, according to a
397-399b; Dept. of program official.
Commerce Grants are awarded
Appropriations Act to organizations
for Fiscal Year including public or
1997, P.L. 104- noncommercial
208; Dept. of educational
Commerce broadcast stations
Appropriations Act and noncommercial
for Fiscal Year telecommunications
1998, P.L. 105- entities; nonprofit
119 institutions
organized primarily
for educational or
cultural purposes;
and state, local, or
Native American
tribal governments.
About $3 million
each year is awarded
to educational
institutions, most
of which goes to
universities,
according to a
program official.
3. Communications Act $20,000,000 Provides funding for
Telecommunications of 1934, as information
and Information amended, title infrastructure
Infrastructure III, part IV, demonstration
Assistance Program sections 390-392, projects, according
47 U.S.C. 390- to a program
392; Dept. of official. Grants go
Commerce to public and
Appropriations Act nonprofit entities,
for Fiscal Year for example, state
1997, P.L. 104- and local
208; Dept. of governments, police
Commerce and fire
Appropriations Act departments,
for Fiscal Year community and social
1998, P.L. 105- service
119 organizations. In
1997, of 55 grants,
6 went to library
projects or K-12
education
initiatives.
Department of Education
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Special Individuals With $34,023,000 Grants are awarded
Education Disabilities to (1) promote the
Technology and Education Act development,
Media Services for (IDEA), as demonstration, and
Individuals With amended, part B, utilization of
Disabilities section 687, 20 technology and (2)
U.S.C. 1487 support education
media activities
designed to be of
educational value to
children with
disabilities, and
other specified
media-related
activities. Grants
go to state and
local education
agencies, nonprofit
organizations,
higher education
institutions, Native
American tribes,
tribal
organizations, and
outlying areas.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a Funding levels shown are the fiscal year 1998 appropriations for a
program or allocation of appropriated funds made within a department
to specific programs.
Table I.4
Programs That Do Not Target Schools or
Libraries and Do Not Target Technology
Authorizing
statute or legal 1998 funding
Program authority level\a CommentsDepartment
------------------ ------------------ ------------------ --------------------
National Endowment for the Humanities
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Promotion of National $4,730,000 This program
the Humanities Foundation on the provides competitive
Education, Arts and the grants. About 65
Development, and Humanities Act of percent of the
Demonstration 1965, as amended, funding went to K-
Grants sections 2, 7, 12 schools for
P.L. 89-209, 20 technology-related
U.S.C. 951, 956 projects such as
development of CD-
ROM or websites,
according to a
program official.
2. Promotion of National $6,000,000 This program
the Humanities Foundation on the provides grants to
Summer Seminars Arts and the teachers at all
and Institutes Humanities Act of grade levels and
1965, as amended, others to direct or
sections 2, 7, attend training
P.L. 89-209, 20 seminars on a
U.S.C. 951, 956 variety of
humanities-related
subjects. According
to a program
official, an
estimated 1 percent
was spent on
technology-related
training for K-12
teachers.
Department of Education
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Women's Elementary and $3,000,000 The primary focus of
Educational Equity Secondary this program is to
Act Program Education Act of promote gender
1965, as amended, equity through
title V, part B, educational
sections 5201- opportunities for
5208, 20 U.S.C. girls and women.
7231-7238 According to a
program official,
most grants are made
to K-12 and higher
education
institutions and
most recipients
probably use part of
their grants for
computer hardware
and software.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a Funding levels shown are the fiscal year 1998 appropriations for a
program or allocation of appropriated funds made within a department
to specific programs.
*** End of document ***