Your Stimulus Dollars: How and Where to Use Them
ASCD is providing a host of resources to help educators understand how to use the funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The stimulus package is designed to generate economic activity to prevent further deterioration of the severely contracted U.S. economy.
The purpose of the education funding is twofold: to help states address their budget deficits—education is one of the largest expenditures—and to forestall teacher layoffs at the local level. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has also signaled a third priority: reform. Duncan wants states and districts to use this one-time education investment for activities that promote student achievement.
For help with navigating federal legislation, researching grant deadlines, and making crucial decisions about school improvements, visitASCD's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Resources page. You'll see how sustained, capacity-building professional development can improve student achievement, and you'll find various informative resources about the stimulus package along the way, such as ASCD's new publication,Planning the Possible: How Schools Can Use Stimulus Dollars for Lasting Impact.
ASCD's Legislative Agenda
The 2009 ASCD Legislative Agenda calls on national leaders to ensure that all students are taught by highly effective teachers, have equitable education opportunities, receive innovative and research-based instruction, and are evaluated on the basis of comprehensive measures of performance and school success. The agenda, which was unveiled at ASCD's 2009 Annual Conference, is designed to help the Association, its members, and other educators influence policy discussions and decisions regarding federal education legislation as well as reforms at the state and local levels.
ASCD's legislative agenda is developed by its legislative committee, a diverse cross section of individuals from ASCD's membership who represent various facets of the profession and are appointed by ASCD's president. For more information on ASCD's legislative agenda, visit theASCD Action Center
How Tweet It Is
Yes, there's a special Twitter account just for ASCD members. For tips on how to get more value from your ASCD membership as well as alerts about new benefits, go to theASCD Membership Twitter account.
Resources
Interactive Learning
PD In Focus. (2009). Provides searchable, streaming video content of research-based teaching practices in action. Video content is organized into four themed channels—Best Practices in Action, Differentiated Instruction, English Language Learners, and Literacy Strategies—and draws from ASCD's professional development library and authoritative sources, including experts Robert Marzano, Carol Ann Tomlinson, Virginia Rojas, Donna Ogle, and Pat Wolfe. For a free trial offer of PD In Focus or to download a brochure, visit ASCD's PD In Focus page.
Books
Video
Action Tool
