Activity: How Much Do You Spend? The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 states that no less than 25 percent of state-distributed technology dollars shall be used to provide "ongoing, sustained, and intensive, high-quality professional development." 15 Research indicates that past expenditures on professional development for technology were closer to 10 percent or less! 16 The Principal Connections CD-ROM contains a helpful budget calculator to guide your budgeting efforts. The calculator is designed to suggest budget percentages for your actual technology expenditures. These percentages were developed by Al Zeisler and the Integrated Technology in Education Group. The calculator totals will vary depending on whether you are beginning a new technology initiative or sustaining an existing one. Costs for professional development will increase after initial expenditures on hardware. How does your budget measure up? Use the calculator and find out. Getting There Insert and begin Principal Connections. From the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen, select the seventh icon on the left labeled "Tech Plans." This will take you to the section titled "Planning for Tomorrow." Select the the calcuator in the middle of the desk. Post your reflections regarding using the calculator to guide budgeting for technology; identify at least two areas you plan to revise as a result. Click the "Discussion" button on the top menu bar to view your response and the responses from other participants to this activity.