I know there are efforts to dump the program or place it into state-run block grants under the guise of providing local control of the effort, but in fact this would only move that locus of control from the local district and the teachers who use it, to the state level where it becomes a pawn of the political players at the state level. All the other funding that our district has seems to be bled off when some other project is needed. This includes non-academic activities over academic activities. Without this, the chances are highly likely that districts would use this money to balance budgets rather than fund professional development, which is the backbone for good teaching and learning. NOT put Eisenhower monies into a block grants for other things.
More emphasis is on reading and math.
The danger of block grants to incorporate Eisenhower funds is a real danger for us. The Eisenhower program has literally rescued me. It is up to teachers of these subjects to take the responsibility and initiative in leadership and reform if any progress is to be made. Eisenhower dollars have been critical and effective in this endeavor. If this were to occur, schools would use these funds to buy equipment.