INFORMATIONAL

  This is to announce the second year of distribution of
  subgrant applications for funds available from the
  Technology Literacy Challenge Fund (TLCF).  TLCF is intended
  to assist with integration of technology into teaching and
  learning to ensure that all students are technologically
  literate by the 21st century.

  The Department of Education has developed a competitive
  process to award 110 subgrants averaging $55,000 each to
  school divisions that propose creative, high-quality
  training programs to improve teaching and learning through
  proficiency in the use of technology.  Divisions will be
  required to serve as fiscal agents for use of the funds. 
  Grant amounts will range from $40,000 to $50,000, dependent
  upon the amount requested and recommendation of the
  evaluation committee.  Funds may be used to provide training
  opportunities for administrators, teachers, library media
  specialists or other staff, and for purchasing software and
  hardware to support the training.

  In accordance with federal TLCF requirements, four
  categories based upon the percentage of students in poverty
  in a school division are used to determine distribution of
  the subgrants.  The percentage of students in poverty
  (Poverty Index*) and category will be preprinted on each
  division's subgrant application cover sheet.  The four
  categories and number of awards available are as follows:


       Category I.    Twenty-one subgrant awards will be made
                      to school divisions with a percentage of
                      students in the poverty index between
                      4.14 and 12.47.

     Category II.   Twenty-five subgrant awards will be made
                      to school divisions with a percentage of
                      students in the poverty index between
                      12.48 and 18.24.

     Category III.  Twenty-nine subgrant awards will be made
                      to school divisions with a percentage of
                      students in the poverty index between
                      18.25 and 24.97.

       Category IV.   Thirty-one subgrant awards will be made
                      to school divisions with a percentage of
                      students in the poverty index between
                      24.98 and 45.63.

  The application consists of two parts.  The first part
  includes an introduction providing information about the
  grant, instructions for completing the application, and an
  appendix of relevant documents.  The second part is the
  application packet that includes a cover page and narrative,
  budget, project assurance and equitable access, and
  participation description sheets.

  These subgrants are provided through the United States
  Department of Education; therefore, it is important that
  school divisions take special note of all federal
  requirements that are specified for local educational
  agencies.  This information is included in both the
  instructions and application packet.

  A copy of the subgrant application will be mailed to each
  division superintendent and the technology coordinator by
  June 15, 1998.  Interested school divisions should plan to
  submit a subgrant application by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday,
  September 30, 1998, to Division of Technology, 18th Floor, 
  Virginia Department of Education, 101 North 14th Street,
  James Monroe Building, Richmond, Virginia  23219.

  Award announcements will be made on or before October 30,
  1998.  Projects must be completed by September 30, 1999.

  If you have any questions about the Technology Literacy
  Challenge Fund Grant or the application process, please call
  Lan Neugent, Assistant Superintendent for Technology, at
  (804) 225-2757.


  PDS/emt

  *  Virginia Department of Education.  Fall Membership,
       1997.
     U. S. Department of Commerce.  Bureau of the Census. 
       Census Poverty Data, 1998.