November 15, 1995<P>

<H4>RFP Recipients<BR>
Iowa Technology-Based Curriculum Development Project<BR>
Star Schools Grant Program R203F50001-95<P>
</H4>

Dear RFP Recipient:
<P> We are very pleased to make this RFP available to you 
  for your consideration. Through this fiscal year's Star 
  Schools Grant, a pool of nearly $1.2 million has been set aside for the 
  purpose of funding collaborative grants which will result in the development 
  of new and innovative approaches in the teaching of elementary and/or secondary 
  curriculum using educational technology tools. It is anticipated that at least 
  6 awards will be made, with a maximum single award not to exceed $200,000.
<P>


Any Iowa public Local Education Agency, Area Education Agency, Community College
or Regent Institution is eligible to apply for one of the awards.  However, since a
secondary purpose of this program is to encourage collaboration, partnership with at least
one Local Education Agency is required.  Also, private institutions, public or private
companies or agencies are also eligible to be collaborative partners.<P>

The goals of this program are as follows:<P>

<OL>
<LI>To address significant curricular needs at the elementary and/or secondary education level.  These needs might include, but are not limited to, math, science, communication skills, and school-to-work initiatives.
<LI>To utilize interactive instructional technologies in effective and significant ways in accomplishing the teaching and learning objectives.
<LI>To encourage and stimulate collaboration among and between schools, agencies, colleges and the private sector.
<LI>To create a body of Iowa educational technology-based curricular materials which can be disseminated to other schools throughout the State.
<LI>To provide for a strong evaluation component which can track the effectiveness of using such materials in the teaching and learning process.
</OL>
It is our hope that the projects funded through this program will mark the beginning of an
on-going Iowa educational technology development process that will continue to improve
the quality of Iowa education.<P>

We encourage you to review the attached RFP, and to apply for an award.  We would be
happy to answer any questions that you might have.  Please address your questions or
comments to Rich Gross or Pam Johnson.  Their addresses are included in the RFP.  The
proposal due date is 5:00 PM, January 17, 1996.  The anticipated award date is no later
than March 1, 1996.  We look forward to your application.<P>

Sincerely,<P>

<H4>Ted Stilwill<BR>
Acting Director<BR>
Department of Education<P>

Rich Gross<BR>
Office of Technology<BR>
Department of Education<P>

Pam Johnson<BR>
Director, Ed. Telecomm.<BR>
Iowa Public Television<P>
</H4>