testGEAR: Funding Ideas

Title I
Funds are used to improve teaching and learning, enabling lowachieving children to meet challenging state content and student performance.

Test preparation services are currently widely used in Title I programs for students during school hours, after school, and even at home.

In Title I school-wide programs, test preparation and tutoring are provided to a much greater extent than in targeted assistance schools.

Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA)
Encourages districts to increase academic achievement of special education students as measured by state assessments linked to state content standards.

Another goal is to reduce the achievement gap between special education and non-special education students. TestGEAR can be used to ensure that special education students pass high school exit exams and graduate with regular diplomas rather than receive alternative certificates.

21st Century Community Learning Centers
Designed to provide support for after-school and summer school programs for students who are at risk of failing state assessments, as well as to provide enrichment instructional programs aligned to state standards. In 2002, it was refocused to provide "expanded academic enrichment activities" for children in low-performing schools.

These activities are intended to help students meet state and local academic standards in reading, math and science.

Title II, Part B
Mathematics and Science Partnerships
A major component of the Bush Administration's initiative to improve the achievement of American students in mathematics and science by enhancing the teaching skills and content knowledge of classroom teachers.

TestGEAR is an effective way to improve student scores on math assessments.

Title II, Part D
State and Local Technology Grants
Designed to help all students become technologically literate by the 8th grade and encourage the use of technology to promote parent and family involvement in education and communications among students, parents, and district staff.

Funds can be used for administrative, evaluation and reporting purposes, and technology configurations that are "interoperable" and compatible are encouraged. Twenty five percent of a competitive Title II D grant-funded project must be used for professional development.

Qualified Zone Academy Bonds
An interest-free loan program for individual schools to (among other things) upgrade the quality of their curricula. To be eligible for a QZAB, a public school must be located in an Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community or there must be "a reasonable expectation that at least 35 percent of the school's students are eligible for the free or reduced lunch program."

Current QZAB provisions are flexible and allow for the upgrade of school curriculum. Upgrade YOUR school curriculum with testGEAR.