Stimulus FAQs

AARA (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009)

I remember hearing that the stimulus plan would specifically target science classrooms. Did that happen?

The stimulus plan, also known as the AARA (The American Reocvery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) allocates money in several different programs that can beneficially impact K-12 science education.  Specifically, Title 1A Formula Grants, EETT (Enhancing Education Through Technology) Grants and Race for the Top Grants all include money that can be used to support the purchase of technology, curriculum and professional development for science classrooms.

Isn’t Title 1 funding only for literacy and math?

No, Title 1 funding is not exclusively for literacy and math support. Although this was originally the case under the 2001 No Child Left Behind rules, in 2006 science was added as a discipline that can be supported through Title 1 funding. This means that any school subject to school-wide intervention under NCLB can allocate Title 1A funds to improve science education. For more information, please see the ed.gov factsheet.

How can I find out how much funding my school is getting from the stimulus plan?

The US Department of Education has all of the documents that detail specific district allocations. You may need to contact your district office to find out what the ARRA Title 1 funding specifically for your school is.

What are allowable uses for Title 1A funding and how does science fit in?

The goal of this funding is to bring student performance up to grade level in literacy, math and science. The funding can be used for training and professional development of teachers, tutoring, curricular materials and equipment for the specified subject areas. Within science, Title 1A funding could be used to acquire a wide range of hands on science materials and equipment and train teachers on the appropriate use of these materials in teaching science to at risk students. View the US Dept. of Education Guidance document (PDF, 308 KB).

In my school all of the Title 1A funding is used on literacy and math. How can I, as the Science Department Chair, effectively argue for some of this funding?

Studies have shown that an improvement in science achievement for at-risk students often leads to improved literacy and math achievement. One study documenting this improvement was conducted by the Alabama Math and Science Initiative (AMSTI). This program serves 45% of the students in Alabama, many categorized as at-risk students. In schools that have implemented the AMSTI model, with no separate reading intervention program, reading and writing performance has shown a measureable improvement. Their data is impressive and freely available for you to use in discussions.

Another point to discuss with your district administration is taken directly from Secretary Duncan’s communication to districts on use of ARRA funds. “These funds are one-time and should be used to make short term investments that pay long term dividends. Programs that cannot be sustained should not be started with this funding.” An investment in science materials is the ideal use for this funding because it will allow you to make an investment now in science tools that will be available for years to come.

Isn't EETT funding intended to buy computers and network equipment?

EETT funding is available to purchase technology that supports your school’s technology plan. In the case of science, technology such as sensors, data loggers and software can help teachers explain complicated scientific phenomenon in a way that helps students understand and retain the information. PASCO materials have specifically been named in EETT grant applications and funded in recent years with EETT dollars. See complete discussion of the use of EETT funding.

What is “Race for the Top?�

Part of the ARRA funding bill allocates $3 billion in competitive grants to a fund administered by the Secretary of Education. The grants will be available to states implementing programs that dramatically improve student success. While teachers cannot apply directly for these grants, your state may elect to apply for a grant to improve science education that has the potential for real impact on your classroom. View additional information (PDF, 103 KB).