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Technology for Educational Achievement in Wisconsin (TEACH) Board

Legislative Audit Bureau

May 2002

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TEACH Agency Structure

Created by 1997 Wisconsin Act 27

9-member Board

Agency attached to DOA for administrative purposes

Executive Director appointed by Governor

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Four Main Programs

FY 2000-01 expenditures totaled $61.3 million

Block Grants Wiring Loans Training Grants Telecommunications Access

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Block Grants

$132.0 million provided from FY 1997-98 to FY 2000-01

Statutes provide school districts with broad expenditure flexibility

Districts support the program TEACH has sought enhanced reporting

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Wiring Loans

Bonding authority established in Act 27 $53.2 million provided to 129 school districts $548,000 provided to 9 library systems Districts have generally met their wiring needs TEACH has sought program modifications for

funding for libraries

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Training Grants

$14.6 million awarded through FY 2000-01 Model classroom implemented for awards

in FY 1999-2000 and FY 2000-01 We recommend TEACH report to the

Legislature on training accomplishments

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Telecommunications Access

$33 million from the Universal Service Fund and federal E-rate monies

161 video links and 486 data lines have been installed

Use of the statewide network by students is not well documented

Guaranteed minimum revenues to the WBAA are $59.4 million

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Questions for Legislative Consideration

What reporting requirements should be imposed on program participants?

– Model after end-of project reports for training grants

– Are block grants used to repay wiring loans and to pay monthly fees for video links?

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Questions for Legislative Consideration

How should new technologies be assessed?– State level analysis of alternative technologies

is appropriate– How many students are enrolled in courses

beyond those required for high school graduation?

– How many at-risk or disadvantaged children are served through distance education courses?

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Questions for Legislative Consideration

How should TEACH Board programs be funded and structured in the future?– 2001 Wisconsin Act 16 identified alternative

funding for FY 2001-02– GPR savings can be achieved while

maintaining the two-thirds funding commitment

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Technology for Educational Achievement in Wisconsin (TEACH) Board

Legislative Audit Bureau

May 2002