WELCOME PNL
Technology Allotment
Texas Education Code §32.005(a) Each school district is entitled to an allotment of $30 for each student in average daily attendance or a different amount for any year provided by appropriation.
All school districts in Texas continue to receive a technology allotment for the purchase of technology in support of the goals of The Long-Range Plan for Technology. Technology Allotment funds were made available to schools beginning September of 1992. As a result of Senate Bill 1, passed by the 74th Texas Legislature, there have been changes to the method of payment for this allotment. The $30 Technology Allotment was funded from the Foundation Schools Program and then in 1995, it was funded through the State Textbook Fund. In 2003, the source of funds was changed to the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund.
The Texas Education Code Chapter 32 §32.005 (B) states that the allotment may be used only to:
• provide for the purchase by school districts of electronic textbooks or technological equipment that contributes to student learning; and
• pay for training educational personnel directly involved in student learning in the appropriate use of electronic textbooks and for providing for access to technological equipment for instructional use.
As stated in TEC §31.002. Definitions. (1), an "electronic textbook" means computer software, interactive videodisc, magnetic media, CD-ROM, computer courseware, on-line services, an electronic medium, or other means of conveying information to the student or otherwise contributing to the learning process through electronic means. The definition of "Technological equipment" is found in §31.002 (4). "Technological equipment" means hardware, a device, or equipment necessary for:
(A) instructional use in the classroom, including to gain access to or enhance the use of an electronic textbook; or
(B) professional use by a classroom teacher.
In previous legislation, the commissioner of education was authorized to deduct funds from the Technology Allotment for the purpose of supporting development and implementation of statewide technology initiatives. This changed with Senate Bill 1. School districts then received the full $30 per ADA. The state technology initiatives, including the Texas School Telecommunications Access Resource (T-STAR), Education Service Center Preview and Training Programs, the Texas Library Connection (TLC), the Texas Education Telecommunications Network (TETN) and Technology Demonstration Programs, such as the EdTech PILOTS, were funded through the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund. Due to budget shortfalls in 2003, funding for the state technology initiatives was not available.
Technology Allotment funds flow to the district from TEA, and the district is held accountable for the use of those funds. How the funds are distributed in a district is a local decision, at the district level, as long as they are in compliance with the rules for the use of the funds. Expenditures of the Technology Allotment are coded in the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS). The Technology Allotment is the key state funding source for implementation and on-going support of technology use in Texas schools.
Letters To The Administrator Addressed
January 11, 2007
January 4, 2006
Contact Information
Educational Technology
1701 North Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701-1492
Main phone: (512) 463-9400
Fax: (512) 463-9090
