Educational technology programs are increasing student achievement and teacher quality. Even so, cuts to NCLB's Title IID Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program have forced states to eliminate highly effective programs or to scale back successful programs.

That conclusion comes from the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) 2008 National Trends Report. EETT is responsible for 99% of federal educational technology funding.

"From professional development models in inner city New York to technology integration programs in rural North Dakota to comprehensive school reform in North Carolina, educational technology programs and models raise student achievement. We know what models and programs work, and EETT is one fundamental component to transforming more schools and ensuring our students are prepared for the 21st Century global economy," commented Dr. Wolf.

The major trends identified in the National Trends Report are:

• The cuts to NCLB IID funding imperil states and districts: In FY05 funding levels were reduced to $272 million, a 60% reduction from FY04 to FY06.
• Academics continue to be top priority for NCLB IID: In Round 5 grantees increased the emphasis on mathematics, continued the emphasis on literacy, and added a strong emphasis in science.
• State policies scale effective practices: States are increasingly offering LEAs opportunities to adopt fully developed programs that have been shown to work, when implemented with fidelity.

• Leadership and professional development lead to progress: States identify effective professional development models and leadership as the key to advancement.

• States leverage data-informed decision making: States are building the capacity of schools to make data-informed instructional decisions.

Full report:  2008 National Trends Report