Board defers $ Federal Title I‑funded VR headset pilot for Department of Youth Services after members seek evaluation plan

The State Controlling Board on April 7 deferred action on a Department of Youth Services request to spend federal Title I funds on virtual‑reality headsets for educational programming, asking the agency to return with an evaluation plan and more information about program goals and usage.

Why it matters: Board members raised questions about how many headsets would be purchased, how many students would use them, whether the federal grant specifically earmarks funds for VR and how the department will evaluate educational outcomes for a pilot program in secure youth facilities.

Details from the meeting: Steve Horenko, agency procurement officer for the Department of Youth Services, told the board the department plans about 30 sets of four headsets — described in the discussion as “60 headsets for each one of our facilities” and one set for the central office for training — and that funding is from a Title I federal grant. Horenko said the purchase is part of a STEM education pilot and is not limited only to VR headsets; Title I funds could be used for other educational equipment or teacher salaries.

Representative Stewart asked whether the department currently teaches with VR; the department said not at this time and described the purchase as a pilot. Senator Ingram asked that the department return prepared to explain how it will evaluate use and outcomes for the pilot. The board agreed to defer the item to a later meeting for follow-up.

Outcome: Item number 44 was deferred; the department will provide follow-up information on the evaluation plan and program use when it returns to the board.