To help districts, schools and educators take advantage of funding available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), PCI Education launches the Turbo Solutions Builder. PCI Education is the number one provider of resources for students with special needs. The online tool saves valuable time, quickly revealing the safest and most popular selections for educators looking to purchase instructional materials with IDEA and Title I stimulus funding. Products from more than 200 vendors are available through the Turbo Solutions Builder.
The Turbo Solutions Builder allows an educator to view products based on the specific needs of their students. The online tool begins by asking each user to select a combination of criteria, including grade level, disability category, subject area, and funding type. Based on these selections, the Turbo Solutions Builder searches a relevant portion of the PCI Education offering to provide educators with a list of the top product recommendations. The company offers instructional materials for a wide range of students with special needs, including significant or developmental disabilities such as autism. Educators also turn to PCI Education products for English language learner and adult literacy classes, and to help students performing below grade level.
"Educators have told us they are under pressure to make choices about ARRA funds rapidly - fast implementation is one of the explicit goals of the program. The Turbo Solutions Builder offers educators an easy way to implement funding, by narrowing the search field quickly to deliver a list of the most relevant products available," said Lee Wilson, CEO and President of PCI Education. "With products from more than 200 of our partners in the system, the Turbo Solutions Builder is a one-stop-shop that saves educators time and helps them address both the letter and spirit of the law."
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the ARRA funds provide an unprecedented opportunity for states, local education authorities, and early intervention services programs to implement innovative strategies to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Under ARRA, the IDEA Part B funds are provided under three authorities: $11.3 billion available under Part B Grants to States; $400 million available under Part B Preschool Grants; and $500 million available under Part C Grants for Infants and Families. In addition, states are receiving $10 billion in Title I funds under ARRA this year. The U.S. Department of Education awarded each state 50 percent of Title I and IDEA funds last month, and expects to award the remaining funds by Sept. 30, 2009, after each state submits a plan.
