The Florida Senate

229.603  Instructional Technology Grant Program.--There is created the Instructional Technology Grant Program.

(1)  GRANT FUNDING.--

(a)  Eighty percent of the funds appropriated for this program shall be distributed by the Commissioner of Education to the state's school districts on the basis of proposals submitted for implementing instructional technology. These funds may be used to replicate existing instructional technology programs. At least 10 percent of these funds shall be used for teacher and other related training.

(b)  At least 10 percent of the funds appropriated for this program shall be used to fund research and development and codevelopment of new instructional technologies and their implementation in the classroom.

(c)  Up to 10 percent of the funds appropriated for this program shall be used to fund new or innovative use of instructional technology or use of new instructional technology.

(2)  GRANT ADMINISTRATION.--

(a)  Project proposals must include the following:

1.  An outline of the proposed project activities and project budget.

2.  A description of how the proposed project will integrate instructional technology with regular classroom teaching.

3.  A description of how the project incorporates state-of-the-art instructional technology which utilizes advanced integrated learning systems technology and other newly developed systems geared to hands-on learning and to developing higher order thinking skills, including problem-solving skills, understanding of abstract concepts, and high-level critical thinking and applied learning skills.

4.  A description of how the project will affect and be incorporated into the overall implementation of instructional technology in the school district over the next 5 years.

5.  A description of the anticipated project results and procedures for assessing the success of the project.

(b)  During fiscal year 1990-1991, preference for grant approval shall be given to projects which are dedicated to elementary school implementation and which utilize advanced technology to incorporate self-paced learning.

(c)  Preference for grant approval shall be given to districts which maximize their match of the grant request with district funds and private sector contributions.

(d)  The Department of Education shall adopt forms for proposal applications.

(e)  Proposals shall be recommended to the commissioner by a nine-member grant review panel appointed by the commissioner. The panel shall consist of two teachers, two district administrators, two business people, a school administrator, and two additional members selected at the commissioner's discretion.

(f)  A portion of the grant funds utilized by the commissioner under paragraph (1)(c) may be utilized to:

1.  Administer the program.

2.  Fund development and codevelopment activities.

3.  Establish a clearinghouse to identify, evaluate, and disseminate information regarding developments in the private and public sectors of instructional technology, including both software and hardware.

4.  Disseminate information regarding successful state-of-the-art systems, including an annual catalog of exemplary projects and products.

(g)  The department shall assist grant recipients in using state central-purchasing resources to maximize cost advantages and shall, where necessary, provide districts with technical assistance for needs assessment and grant preparation.

(3)  REPORTS.--Beginning January 1, 1991, the commissioner shall make an annual report to the Legislature within 60 days prior to the beginning of the regular legislative session. The report shall include:

(a)  A summary of the status of the Instructional Technology Grant Program.

(b)  Recommendations to improve the efficiency and promote the utilization of instructional technology.

History.--s. 3, ch. 90-273; s. 75, ch. 90-288; s. 23, ch. 91-201; s. 5, ch. 91-429.