The Regional Education Laboratory of the Southeast at the SERVE Center has compiled a list of Commonly Asked Questions based on the needs of our six-state region. Below are some links to general information as well as more specific information for state agencies. The information will assist agencies as they engage in the initial stages of implementing the America's Recovery abd Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Commonly Asked Questions - General Information
What is the purpose of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)?
How can citizens track how ARRA funds are being spent?
How will Recovery.gov obtain the information needed for accountability and transparency?
Where can I find the entire ARRA bill?
Where can I find highlights of the information contained in the ARRA?
How do I find specific information about how the ARRA will impact my community?
How do I contact the Administration with questions about the ARRA?
Commonly Asked Questions -ARRA Funds
When will the money be available?
How will the money be distributed?
What is the State Stabilization Fund?
How can LEAs use the State Stabilization Funds?
What are the four key reform areas in the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund?
What are some resources on each of the four key reform areas in the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund?
What other funds are associated with ARRA?
Commonly Asked Questions - General Information
What is the purpose of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)? The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was designed to jumpstart our economy by creating or saving millions of jobs. ARRA funds will be used to modernize the nation’s infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, increase access to health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need. ARRA provides for unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability so that you will be able to know how, when, and where your tax dollars are being spent. Return to top of the page
How can citizens track how ARRA funds are being spent?
The website, Recovery.gov, is the main vehicle that will provide citizens with the ability to monitor the progress of ARRA. Information about award grants and contracts will be available on Recovery.gov. You can use this website to track where the money is going. You will be able to search by state or by Congressional district. The names of Federal contractors or other recipients of Federal dollars will also be available. You will be able to send in comments, ideas, and questions about the information. Return to top of the page
How will Recovery.gov obtain the information needed for accountability and transparency?
Federal agencies receiving ARRA funds are subject to the requirements outlined in the guidance provided by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Agencies must track and monitor all ARRA dollars in a manner that provides transparency and accountability for Congress and taxpayers. Agencies will provide information to the Recovery.gov team. The Recovery.gov team will make the information available on Recovery.gov. Return to top of the page
Where can I find the entire ARRA bill?
The bill can be downloaded at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/ARRA_public_review/
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Where can I find highlights of the information contained in ARRA?
The U.S. Department of Education has created a slideshow presentation that highlights the guiding principles and funding availability for programs funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The slideshow can be downloaded at:
http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/presentation/index.html
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How do I find specific information about how the ARRA will impact my community?
State maps will help you with finding specific information about how ARRA funds will be spent in your community. State maps are available by clicking on the following link: http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/state-recovery-page
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How do I contact the Administration with questions about the ARRA?
The best method is to access the website, Recovery.gov, and use the ‘contact us’ form. Your question or message will be referred to the best person to handle the matter.
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Commonly Asked Questions -ARRA Funds
When will the money be available? ARRA funds will be available for school years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. The goal of the U.S. Department of Education is to distribute the first half of the money within forty days and the rest within six months, based on the receipt of the state’s comprehensive reform plan.
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How will the money be distributed? Title I and II funds will continue to be distributed through Federal Programs divisions housed in state departments of education. New ARRA funds will flow through the governors’ offices. Many states have created positions specifically to deal with the management of the ARRA funds
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What is the State Stabilization Fund?
The State Stabilization Fund is a one-time appropriation of $53.6 billion, which provides states approximately $48.6 billion in education funding as well as an additional $8.8 billion in flexible block grants for other state services. $48.6 billion will be awarded by formula directly to the governor of each state in exchange for a commitment to advance essential education reforms.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, “These funds will help stabilize state and local government budgets in order to minimize and avoid reductions in education and other essential public services. The program will help ensure that local educational agencies (LEAs) and public institutions of higher education (IHEs) have the resources to avert cuts and retain teachers and professors. The program may also help support the modernization, renovation, and repair of school and college facilities. In addition, the law provides governors with significant resources to support education (including school modernization renovation, and repair), public safety, and other government services.”
States are expected to ensure the following:
Spend funds quickly to create and save jobs
Improve student achievement through school improvement and reform
Ensure transparency, reporting and accountability.
Invest one-time ARRA funds thoughtfully to minimize “funding cliff”
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How can LEAs use the State Stabilization Funds?
LEAs should use the four guidelines above to guide spending. Additionally, they are encouraged to spend wisely, using funds to create lasting results without incurring ongoing costs. Funds may be spend for any activity authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) (which includes the modernization, renovation, or repair of public school facilities), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (Adult Education Act), or the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins Act).
For more information, see the U.S. Department of Education fact sheet on the Stabilization Fund:
Draft application via The Federal Register: Requests for copies of the proposed information collection request may be accessed from http://edicsweb.ed.gov, by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 3976. When you access the information collection, click on ‘‘Download Attachments’’ to view.” Note: Once you click “Download Attachments” the message that is posted may be confusing. Look to the bottom of the page and you will find the various documents. The Department is seeking final approval on these documents on March 23, 2009.
http://edicsweb.ed.gov/browse/browsecoll.cfm?pkg_serial_num=3976
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What are the four key reform areas in the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund?
The four key reform areas are:
Teacher Effectiveness and Equitable Distribution
P-12 Longitudinal data collection systems
Career Ready Standards and High Quality Assessment
Intensive Support and Effective Interventions to Turn Around Struggling Schools
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What are some resources on each of the four key reform areas in the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund?
Teacher Effectiveness and Equitable Distribution
P-12 Longitudinal Data Collection Systems
Career Ready Standards and High Quality Assessment
Intensive Support and Effective Interventions to Turn Around Struggling Schools
General Resources
What Works Clearinghouse - http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/
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What other funds are associated with ARRA?
Education for the Disadvantaged (ESEA Title I)
- $13 billion in additional appropriations
- May be used for professional development
- Note: Title I funds under ARRA are concentrated on districts with high levels of high needs students. Districts with less than 5% of low income children are not eligible for the additional Title I funds.
School Improvement Programs - educational technology state grants – ESEA Title II (D) (1)
- $650 million – some to be distributed via normal means, the rest through competitive grants.
- Local activities to enhance student learning through technology could include sustained professional development, public-private partnerships or expansion of an existing program.
Teacher Incentive Fund – ESEA [V] [D] [1]
- A portion of the $200 million given to the states will be available in fall 2009 by means of competitive grants to LEAs.
- Funds may be used to develop and implement performance based teacher and instructional leader compensation systems in high-needs schools.
Institute of Education Sciences – Statewide Data Systems
- $245 million for competitive state grants; $50 million for data coordination.
- Competitive grants awarded to state education agencies with plans to create and coordinate a statewide, longitudinal data system to accurately and efficiently manage and analyze student data.
Higher Education Teacher Quality Enhancement Act of Title II of the Higher Education Act of 1965
- $100 million in competitive state grants awarded to institutes of higher education and LEAs for teacher training and recruitment, beginning Fall 2009.
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