Unlike the previously announced Race to the Top funds which were only for public schools, i3 funds will also be available to non-profits, charter schools, colleges, and private companies.

i3 will look to fund programs that advance key education reforms, four of which include: building college and career-ready standards, providing data systems to support improved instruction, strengthening teacher and principal quality, and helping to turn around failing schools.

Later this fall the U.S. federal register will publish procedures for applying for the i3 fund. There will be a comment period, followed by an application, and then awards will be made in early 2010.  

“We’re looking for ways to boost student achievement, matriculation, and graduation rates– and we expect successful applicants will be able to demonstrate some success in closing achievement gaps, moving students toward proficiency, increasing graduation rates, and retaining high-quality teachers and principals,” said Secretary Duncan.

Areas of concern specifically mentioned in the speech were:

• supporting promising interventions for at-risk students;
• accelerating adolescents who are years behind;
• helping ELL students learn the language and the content;
• developing online content; and
• assisting students with disabilities to complete college-ready work.

Merit Software products have a strong track record of helping educational organizations provide innovative school reform efforts.

The full text version of Secretary Duncan’s speech is available at http://www.ed.gov/news/speeches/2009/08/08202009.html

For more information about Merit Software’s full product line go to http://meritsoftware.com/

U.S. educators who have questions about how to access stimulus funds can click here to contact a Merit representative.

According to a new report on the use of educational software, students blame the computer or software rather than look to their own mistakes.

This is often owing to problems with feedback in the computer programs. 

We have long noted that it is easier for software makers to produce content, rather than feedback.   Students need help understanding, via program feedback, why their answers are incorrect.

Merit software excels in providing feedback as well as content to students.  Tips and help messages support the content interactively.

Essential concepts in reading, writing and math are broken down into manageable parts and students apply skills as they learn them.

Unlike other supplementary digital materials, Merit is not drill and practice or a passive display of lessons on a screen.

When students use the programs, feedback is available in multiple forms for students whenever they want it or need it.

Educators can learn more about why Merit works and find products appropriate for their students on the Merit web site.