Act 453 of 1991 provides for competitive 50/50 matching grants to local school districts for the purpose of purchasing equipment for instructional use in mathematics and science classrooms. Local district projects may propose the purchase of equipment up to $10,000 thus qualifying for the maximum reimbursement for any project of $5,000.
Regulations of the administration of this program adopted by the State Board of Education on June 10, 1991, contain selection criteria and program management details that will be followed in the administration of this program. Copies of these regulations accompany this memo and application form.
The following points are listed for your immediate use. Please note any changes or refinements below. See the regulations for additional information.
1. Only one project per district will be considered and the maximum reimbursement will be $5,000.00 based on a 50/50 match.
2. Projects will be funded based on need: student achievement, equipment, and curriculum expansions or revisions.
3. Priority will be given to projects supporting Smart Start, Smart Step, technology using graphing calculators and computer/calculator based labs (CBL) for math and science, Arkansas Mathematics and Science Frameworks, science and math curriculum enhancing projects or innovative projects being implemented in the districts.
4. Mathematics and science equipment include, but is not limited to: calculators, math manipulatives, CBLs, computer probes, calculator overhead projectors, glassware, prepared slides, microscopes, flex cams, air tracks, meters, models, autoclaves, centrifuges, telescopes, magnets, Genecons, rock and mineral kits, science or math kits, balances, oscilloscopes, etc.
5. The purchase of basic computer hardware (computers, monitors, keyboards, and printers), consumable items (chemicals, glue, rubber bands, balloons, batteries, etc.), basic classroom and lab furniture (cabinets, carts, tables and chairs, etc.), and printed materials (books, flash cards, maps, charts, etc.) are not eligible for reimbursement (inclusion of these items can cause disqualification of a project).
6. The program will not purchase software, CDs, videodisks or laser disks. These are not considered equipment.
7. Mathematics and science classroom teachers should be involved in the development of the project and should attach their names.
8. Shipping charges can be included in the application, but can not exceed the $10,000.00 limit.
9. Some suppliers will give lower bid prices. Check with them for a lower price quote before writing your proposal.
10. Send one stapled completed project application, postmarked no later than October 15, 2000, to:
Bill Fulton
453 Math and Science Matching Grants
Science Specialist
Arkansas Department of Education
#4 State Capitol Mall, Room 107-A
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1071
bfulton@arkedu.k12.ar.us
The district Contact Person must keep a copy of the application. Sending the application by registered mail - return receipt requested would relieve doubts that the application makes it to its destination.
Questions on science equipment should be addressed to Bill Fulton, 501-682-4471, bfulton@arkedu.k12.ar.us. Questions on math equipment should be addressed to Roy Barnes, Mathematics Specialist, Arkansas Department of Education, #4 State Capitol Mall, 107-A, Little Rock, AR 72201-1071, 501-682-5296, rbarnes@arkedu.k12.ar.us.