Funding options for the DreamBox Math Classroom Bundle

DreamBox Learning K-2 Math has been used to effectively teach math in over 1000 classrooms.

In order to help teachers and school administrators secure funding to purchase DreamBox Learning K-2 Math for their students, we have compiled a list of funding sources that may be helpful.

Federal and State Funding and Grants

  • Title I, Part A.The focus of the Title I program is improving education for students who qualify as disadvantaged. The Title 1, part A, program provides financial assistance to schools with high numbers or high percentages of poor children to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards. Funds can be used for anything that supplements the existing program including extra teachers, intervention programs, supplemental materials, technology, and professional development.

    Public schools across the country may use Title I funds to purchase DreamBox Learning K-2 Math to provide additional academic support and learning opportunities to help low-achieving students master challenging curricula and meet state standards in core academic subjects. For example, DreamBox Learning K-2 Math may be purchased with Title 1 funds to support extra instruction in mathematics, as well as for use of the program in special before-school, after-school, and summer programs to extend and reinforce the regular school curriculum.

    For more information on Title I funds visit: http://www.ed.gov/programs/titleiparta/index.html

  • American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Title I, Part A Funds for Grants to Local Education Agencies. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) education stimulus plan also provides significant new funding for programs under Title I, Part A. Potential uses of Title 1, Part A recovery funds that are allowable under Title 1 and consistent with ARRA principles include establishing or expanding fiscally sustainable extended learning opportunities for Title 1-eligible students in targeted assistance programs, including activities provided before school, after school, during the summer, or over an extended school year. DreamBox Learning K-2 Math has been successfully used in before, after, and summer school programs as well as intervention programs, to help Title 1-eligible students learn math. Because the DreamBox Math Classroom is available for school use from 7am-5pm, Monday through Friday, for 12 months a year, students who qualify for free or reduced meals can learn math using a robust curriculum during an extended learning day or year. The curriculum has over 350 lessons based on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ (NCTM) focal points for Number Sense and Algebraic Reasoning. DreamBox Learning has been proven to increase math achievement test scores by 19% after only four hours (on average) of playing DreamBox Learning K-2 Math. Because DreamBox Learning K-2 math utilizes continuous assessment and adaptation to individualize every aspect of a student’s experience (including the lessons presented, hints, level of difficulty, pace, sequence, and instructional tools), students are able to learn independently with minimal one-on-one teacher support. This allows extended learning opportunities for students in a fiscally-sustainable manner without the requirement of significant additional teacher expenses.

    DreamBox Learning K-2 Math may be purchased with Title I, Part A education stimulus funds. DreamBox offers discounts for multi-year purchases of the program as part of ARRA Title I, Part A recovery funds.

    For more information on Title I ARRA recovery education stimulus funds visit: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/factsheet/title-i.html

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - IDEA provides funding for specially designed instruction for students with disabilities and the monitoring of their progress. Funding is distributed to school districts based on the number of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). IDEA funds are used to provide early intervention and special education and related services, including assistive technology. Up to 15% of IDEA special education funds can be used to support implementation of school wide RTI plans and purchase Response-to-Intervention materials. Read about coordinated early intervening services and response to intervention programs using IDEA special education funds.

    The personalization of the curriculum made possible through DreamBox Learning K-2 Math’s continuous assessment and adaptation allows students who qualify for special education services to play and learn specific concepts at their own pace. DreamBox makes math lessons fun and interactive so students who qualify for special education services build confidence and feel a sense of accomplishment. DreamBox Learning K-2 Math is engaging for special education students and the program adapts to suit an individual student’s strengths and abilities. DreamBox Learning K-2 Math’s unique placement lessons and continuous assessments allow the program to effectively teach math to all students, including students that are below grade level or in need of intervention. Students will get the basic foundational concepts they need, along with appropriate practice for mastery.

    For more information on IDEA funding visit: http://idea.ed.gov/explore/home

  • Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) contains a provision, 20 U.S.C. 1413 (f), which permits local educational agencies (LEAs) to use up to 15% of their IDEA Part B special education funds for any fiscal year to develop and implement coordinated, early intervening services (CEIS). Up to 15% of IDEA special education funds can be used to support implementation of school wide RTI plans and purchase Response-to-Intervention materials. Read more about DreamBox Learning K-2 Math for Response to Intervention (RTI).

    Coordinated early intervening services are intended for students who have not been identified as students with disabilities under IDEA but who are determined to need additional academic and behavioral supports to succeed in general education. Coordinated early intervening services may be used for students in kindergarten through grade 12, with a particular emphasis on students in kindergarten through grade three. DreamBox Learning K-2 Math has been successfully utilized as a research-based mathematics intervention program designed to improve the mathematics achievement of targeted students who are struggling with math, and has been integrated as part of Response to Intervention (RTI) frameworks in schools across the country. DreamBox Learning K-2 Math can be incorporated as part of coordinated early intervening services to help students who need additional academic support to succeed in general education.

    Our web-based program delivers Kindergarten to 2nd grade math lessons using adaptive and differentiated instruction to develop computational fluency, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving ability. The curriculum has over 350 lessons aligned with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ (NCTM) focal points for Number Sense and Algebraic Reasoning. The DreamBox Learning program utilizes continuous assessment and adaptation to provide individualized instruction and an appropriate level of difficulty for each student, which is especially effective in helping students who struggle with math or those who require additional academic support. DreamBox Learning’s teacher dashboard also provides real-time reporting on individual students’ academic progress and information on students that may be struggling with specific concepts and lessons and require one-on-one assistance. Read more about the use of DreamBox Learning K-2 Math with math intervention.

    For more information on Early Intervening Services visit: http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/,root,dynamic,TopicalArea,8,

  • American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: IDEA Recovery Funds. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) appropriates significant new funding for programs under Parts B and C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Up to 15% of IDEA special education funds can be used to support implementation of school wide Response to Intervention (RTI) plans and purchase Response-to-Intervention materials.

    DreamBox Learning K-2 Math has been successfully utilized as a research-based mathematics intervention program designed to improve the mathematics achievement of targeted students who are struggling with math, and has been integrated as part of Response to Intervention (RTI) frameworks in schools across the country. DreamBox Learning K-2 Math can be incorporated as part of coordinated early intervening services to help students who need additional academic support to succeed in general education. Read more about DreamBox Learning K-2 Math for Response to Intervention (RTI).

    DreamBox Learning K-2 Math may be purchased with education stimulus funds as materials for a school-wide or targeted Response to Intervention (RTI) program. DreamBox offers discounts for multi-year purchases of the program as part of ARRA IDEA recovery funds.

    For more on IDEA ARRA recovery education stimulus funds visit: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/factsheet/idea.html

  • Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) Title II Part D — The primary goal of Title II (D) funds is to improve student academic achievement through the use of technology. Funding is distributed to school districts in two ways: 50% through formula funds and 50% through competitive grants. Each state’s EETT program sets different grant priorities including the type of technology to be implemented and grade levels to be served.

    Schools may use Title II (D) funds for DreamBox Learning as a web-based platform that applies technology to curriculum delivery and differentiation to effectively teach math. The DreamBox Learning adaptive curriculum is based on advanced learning research. The curriculum has over 350 lessons based on the focal points for Number Sense and Algebraic Reasoning from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Our sophisticated placement system allows for effective and individualized student learning. Our unique lesson sequencing technology, developed by our academic experts and software engineers, allows us to maximize students’ learning opportunities by providing the most appropriate lesson choices from different areas of the curriculum. DreamBox Learning has been proven to increase math achievement test scores by 19% after only four hours (on average) of playing DreamBox Learning K-2 Math.

    In late July 2009 the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provided $650 million in fiscal year (FY) 2009 funds for the Ed Tech program, which is authorized under Title II, Part D, Subpart 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). The primary goal of the Ed Tech program is to improve student academic achievement through the use of technology in schools. Funding is distributed to school districts in two ways: 50% through formula funds and 50% through competitive grants. If you are teacher interested in using DreamBox you may apply for a competitive grant to use ARRA Ed Tech funds for a DreamBox purchase.

    For more information on EETT visit: http://www.ed.gov/programs/edtech/index.html

  • 21st Century Grants. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. School districts, private providers, and for-profit companies can apply for competitive grants that typically have an award length of 3-5 years. DreamBox Learning may be used as part of a 21st Century Community Learning Center program as an opportunity for math enrichment that complements their regular academic program. DreamBox Learning K-2 math provides opportunities to increase achievement during school, after school, and over holiday and summer breaks.

    For more information on 21st Century Community Learning Centers visit: http://www.ed.gov/programs/21stcclc/index.html

  • State Funded Mathematics Achievement and Intervention Grant Funds. Math intervention teachers have used state-funded Mathematics Achievement Grant Funds to purchase DreamBox Learning K-2 Math for use with math intervention and response to intervention programs. DreamBox Learning K-2 Math is a research-based mathematics intervention program designed to improve the mathematics achievement of students in math intervention classes. Because of DreamBox Learning’s unique placement lessons and continuous assessment, DreamBox is great for math learners of all abilities. Students who struggle with math will receive instruction focused on foundational concepts they need, along with appropriate practice for mastery. DreamBox makes math lessons fun and interactive, so students build confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

    Read more about DreamBox Learning K-2 Math and response to intervention.

  • School Improvement Funds and Restructuring School Funds. Under the No Child Left Behind law, if a school fails to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two years in a row, they enter school improvement status. The federal School Improvement Funds are focused on schools in year 3 improvement and beyond. The funding distribution is determined by each state and can provide between $50,000 to $500,000 per targeted school. Funds can be used for tutoring, intervention for students not making AYP, professional development, coaches, outside experts, etc. DreamBox Learning K-2 Math can be incorporated as an intervention program for students in schools facing Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) penalties.

    Read more about School Improvement Funds: http://www.ed.gov/programs/sif/index.html

  • Magnet School Grants. Magnet schools also find DreamBox Learning K-2 Math appealing. Administrators can leverage DreamBox Learning’s student personalization capabilities as a recruitment tool for attracting a diverse parent applicant-base. Magnet schools that emphasize academic subjects such as math and technology may be especially interested in utilizing DreamBox Learning in Kindergarten, First and Second Grade classrooms.

    Read more about Magnet School Grants: http://www.ed.gov/programs/magnet/index.html

Incorporation of DreamBox Learning into existing school budgets and funding

The quickest and easiest way for many schools to access funds is to look at their existing budget. Many schools have used the following budget sources to purchase DreamBox Learning K-2 Math.

  • Textbook Funds. Some schools have used traditional textbook funds for DreamBox Learning by categorizing our supplemental math program as a next generation, personalized and adaptive “textbook”. This rationale is further supported by the fact that the DreamBox Learning K-2 Math program has more than 100 lessons each for kindergarten and 1st grade, and 160 lessons for 2nd grade. The product’s underlying curriculum supports the development of computational fluency, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving ability, which allow students to enrich and deepen their mathematical thinking. Content is aligned with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ (NCTM) focal points for Number Sense and Algebraic Reasoning for each grade level.

  • Instructional Technology. DreamBox Learning develops students’ and teachers’ technology skills by providing an easy-to-use curriculum application. Many customers have shifted their Instructional Technology budget priorities from teaching technology as discreet skills to using technology to enable great teaching and learning. DreamBox Learning allows students to enjoy both interacting with the computer and learning to navigate and play DreamBox successfully. DreamBox offers Mouse Tutorial games which were specifically written to help our youngest users learn to use a mouse or track pad. DreamBox Learning develops and enhances students’ foundational math understanding and computer and technology skills through a carefully crafted sequence of activities. This sequence allows for student choice and a variety in game play utilizing online virtual manipulatives including dot patterns (Numbergrams™), a ten frame, a mathrack (aka rekenrek), number lines, snap blocks, function machine, and our “Human Calculator™”.

  • Parent Organizations. DreamBox Learning offers individualized instruction for each student and opportunities for teachers to encourage home-school connections by allowing parents to sign up for an optional home license and sharing the same progress reports with parents and teachers. Due to these unique aspects of the DreamBox Learning program, many PTA / PTO organizations have supported the DreamBox Learning program fiscally by funding school and classroom subscription purchases. There are also opportunities to work with DreamBox to offer discounted home purchases for parents or use home purchases as a school fundraiser.

  • Supplemental Educational Services (SES) After School Programs. Schools may partner with their Supplemental Educational Services (SES) after-school providers to fund a DreamBox Learning program. DreamBox Learning can be used by an approved SES vendor as part of their program.

  • Corporate Partners and Community Support. Schools may partner with community businesses and organizations who are interested in donating to support DreamBox Learning K-2 Math licenses.

  • Distance Learning. DreamBox Learning K-2 Math may be accessed by students on home computers and teachers may track individual student progress through the DreamBox curriculum on the Teacher Dashboard. Students may work independently through a robust math curriculum with over 350 lessons. This “anywhere, anytime” portability may afford districts the justification to use funds assigned to supporting rural, trade, and transportation-challenged populations.

Additional Grant Opportunities

Most state and federal grants are focused on supporting high-poverty, low-achieving school districts.  If your organization does not meet that description, here are some additional places where you may find grant opportunities:

  • Grants.gov. A comprehensive site for all federal funding opportunities.

  • The Foundation Center. Information on funding sources is organized by name, state, or philanthropic interest.

  • Public Education Network’s Grant and Funding information: http://www.publiceducation.org/newsblast_grants.asp

  • DonorsChoose.org. The DreamBox Math Classroom may be funded through grants from Donors Choose, which is dedicated to addressing the scarcity and inequitable distribution of learning materials and experiences in our public schools. Teachers and administrators can apply using the application at www.DonorsChoose.org, a website connecting classrooms in need with individuals who want to help.

  • Foundation for Rural Education and Development: http://www.fred.org/tech.html. The Foundation for Rural Education and Development offers technology grants for rural schools. The program was created to help meet the growing need for innovative technology in the classroom. The grants strive to help public schools in rural areas bring modern computers to every classroom, connect schools to the information superhighway and make sure that effective and engaging software and online resources are an integral part of the school curriculum.


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