State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today announced that $400-600 million will soon be available for California schools to purchase computer hardware and software. The technology funds, which will be distributed to schools through the California Department of Education’s Education Technology K-12 Voucher Program, are available as a result of a settlement agreement in an antitrust case against Microsoft Corporation. Eligible schools are those with greater than 40% of their students participating in the free and reduced price lunch program.

TICAL is seeking practicing administrators to fill vacancies in their Leadership Cadre. Cadre members receive a stipend to participate in a unique learning community of peers from across the state, and acquire valuable new knowledge about technology and administrative leadership.

The NEA Foundation makes $2,000 and $5,000 grants to practicing US public school teachers in grades K-12 to fund participation in high-quality professional development experience. Grants of $2000 are made to individuals to fund such activities as summer institutes or action research. Grants of $5000 are made available to groups to fund collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson study, or mentoring experiences for faculty or staff new to an assignment. All professional development must improve practice, curriculum, and student achievement. Grant funds may be used for fees, travel expenses, books, or other materials that enable applicants to learn subject matter, instructional approaches, and skills.