February 2011

“GE Global Innovation Barometer” Identifies New Expectations And Parameters For Innovation In The 21st Century

January 2011 | Business Wire - "A first-of-its-kind report released today outlines a new landscape for innovation in the 21st century, placing an increased premium on addressing local needs, marshaling the creativity of individuals and smaller organizations, and forging strategic partnerships. The inaugural “GE Global Innovation Barometer,” an independent survey of 1,000 business executives in 12 countries, found that the greatest innovations of our time will be those that help address human need, more so than those that simply create the most profit. The “GE Global Innovation Barometer” was commissioned by GE and conducted by research and consulting firm StrategyOne to identify drivers and deterrents of innovation and to analyze perceptions around innovation challenges." Full Article

Open for Questions: The State of the Union and Education

January 2011 | White House - Secretary of Education Arne Duncan answers questions about the education issues the President discussed in his State of the Union Address in a roundtable discussion.

Funding and Education Opportunities for Local Arts Agencies from the NEA

January 2011 | Americans for the Arts - "The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has recently unveiled some new funding and education opportunities, including Our Town and free grant training webinars.

• Art Works: These grants support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, promotes lifelong learning in the arts, and strengthens communities through the arts. An organization may request a grant amount from $10,000–$100,000. (Deadlines: March 10 and August 11, 2011)

• Challenge America Fast-Track: These grants support projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations. Grants are for $10,000. (Deadline: May 26, 2011)

• Our Town: Organizations may apply for creative placemaking projects that contribute to the livability of communities and place the arts at their core. An organization may request a grant amount from $25,000–$250,000. (Statement of Interest Deadline: March 1, 2011)

The NEA will also be conducting a series of webinars on the new Grants for Arts Projects and Our Town guidelines. Following overview presentations on the two sets of guidelines, staff will be available to answer your questions throughout January and February. To find dates and times for upcoming sessions, please visit www.nea.gov/grants/apply/Webinars.html."

Corbet Funding Plan for Schools Worries Educators

February 2011 | Eleanor Chute, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - "Gov. Tom Corbett has made a move to replace $337.8 million in state education dollars with federal education funds. The move won't leave school districts with less money than has already been allocated in the 2010-11 state budget. However, it will mean that nearly $1 billion of this year's state education budget is supported by federal funding that may not be available in the future. Jim Buckheit, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, said it is impossible to tell the full impact of Mr. Corbett's move until the governor delivers his budget proposal next month. "We don't know what the governor will propose in his budget for next year. That will be an indicator of what the future brings," said Mr. Buckheit." Full Article