ACCELERATING THE USE OF EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

Technology is a great under-utilized resource in education. Computers, learning software, the 

Internet, and even mobile phones can be used to reshape how and where teachers teach and 

students learn. Cutting-edge educational technology can provide students with personalized learning 

experiences akin to one-on-one tutoring; improve teacher effectiveness by giving them access to 

immediate, detailed data on student performance; and eliminate the barriers of geography to provide 

rigorous learning opportunities to students in even the most remote areas. But it is crucial that we

use such technologies in targeted and thoughtful ways that ensure scarce education funding is spent

on technological interventions that truly improve teaching or learning. 

The President’s 2013 budget request recognizes the need for an integrated and thoughtful approach 

to technology by incorporating it throughout our programs, as outlined in the Administration’s 

Blueprint for the Reform of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Doing so promotes 

innovative, effective, and promising approaches to using technology in schools, classrooms, and 

homes to support all students in learning to their full potential.

 Effective Teaching and Learning for a Complete Education programs ($427 million), 

which will support States and districts in identifying how best to meet the needs of their 

students and teachers across the subject areas, including through the development, 

implementation, and evaluation of innovative uses of technology for teaching and learning. 

The Department could give priority to applicants that propose to use technology to address 

student learning challenges and increase student engagement and achievement or teacher 

effectiveness in STEM, literacy, and well-rounded subjects.

 Effective Teachers and Leaders State Grants ($2.5 billion). A portion of funds under 

this program could be used by States, districts, and schools to use technology to transform 

teaching and learning in order to better meet the needs of their students and to ensure that 

students are college- and career-ready. 

 State Capacity funding through College- and Career-Ready Students program ($14.5 

billion) (formerly Title I Grants to Local Education Agencies). States and districts could set 

aside a greater percentage of funds than was previously allowed under Title I to build 

capacity in high-priority areas, which could include the use of technology to improve 

instruction. Funds could be used at the state level for education technology leadership, while 

districts could use it to improve technology in schools. 

 Investing in Innovation fund ($150 million) priority for technology-based solutions.

The Department will give priority to applicants proposing promising or evidence-based uses 

of education technology, which will help develop, evaluate, and scale the most innovative 

practices in this area. In addition, some funds from this program will be used for a new

Advanced Research Projects Agency for Education, which will foster breakthrough 
developments in educational technology and learning systems, support systems for 

educators, and tools that result in improvements in student outcomes.

 Postsecondary funding for Race to the Top: College Affordability and Completion ($1 

billion). Effective and thoughtful uses of educational technology are a proven way to 

improve outcomes in higher education while also reducing costs. This program would 

provide competitive grants to States to encourage systemic reform that will improve 

affordability, value, and quality. Winning States would pass funds on to institutions to 

improve value and quality, which could include using technology.

 First in the World ($55 million). In addition to encouraging systemic change at the State 

level, the First in the World program would provide competitive grants to institutions, 

nonprofit organizations, and others to develop, evaluate, and scale up the most promising 

innovations to improve quality and reduce cost in higher education. Technology could be an 

important part of those types of reforms.