Budget & Resources – Staging

(80-100%)

Element: Efficiency and Cost Savings

Description: Innovative funding for digital learning leverages technologies to improve teaching and learning as well as to increase efficiency and cost savings. A cross-functional District budget development team is formed that is composed of District leaders, key stakeholders, and subject matter experts who collectively represent the District’s interests. This team employs strategies for calculating the total cost of ownership (TCO) for all technology resources; focusing on learning-enabling technology, digital resources and instructional practice.

Possible Next Step: District leaders and budget development teams conduct timely reviews of the analysis of efficiencies, effectiveness, and costs of implementing and sustaining a digital learning environment The cross-functional District leadership team develops implementation strategies and viable timelines to activate procedures and practices needed to maximize educational investment. The District communicates actual costs, efficiencies, and effectiveness of implementing and sustaining a digital learning environment.

Element: Alignment to District and School Plans

Description: Priorities for budget and resources are clearly linked to district- and building-level strategic and tactical plans and to continuous improvement goals. All expenditures must be justified as supportive of these plans. Innovative programs are funded conditionally upon their alignment to the district’s vision and mission.

Possible Next Step: District leaders build a broad base of stakeholders to support their strategic and tactical plans. The District illustrates the alignment of curriculum, instruction, and technology-enabled resources. District leaders and key stakeholders are prepared to communicate strategic and tactical plans. They can justify budgets and identify cost-saving strategies that leverage technology and the academic return of investment.

Element: Consistent Funding Streams

Description: The District has consistent and flexible funding that enables equitable access to optimal learning environments. Budgets for technology-enabled learning tools and resources are addressed in short and long-term fiscal plans. Funding sources are identified in the District’s annual maintenance and operation budgets with minimal reliance on grants or other temporary sources. Funding for digital learning is integrated across multiple budget areas where appropriate.

Possible Next Step: District leaders have identified viable funding sources for short and long-term funding. The District is committed to consistent and sustainable expenditures with explicit intent to support digital learning over time.

Element: Learning Return on Investment

Description: All metrics for review of budget priorities and cost-efficiency are based on their demonstrated relationship to student learning goals. District leaders have strategies and tools for measuring Return On Investment (ROI) in digital learning; focusing on learning-enabling technologies, resources, instructional practice and student learning.

Possible Next Step: District leaders build the financial model with metrics and a methodology for monitoring budget priorities for digital learning, based on student learning goals.