Creating Successful Proposals For Curriculum and Technology Projects

zJeff Sun y ext. 204 zwww.sun-associates.comwww.sun-associates.com zwww.edtecheval.orgwww.edtecheval.org

zName and role in district zHigh need district? zSubmitting a proposal? zPrior proposal experience?

zProposal Basics zResearch Basis for Technology Integration zNext Steps?

Proposal Organization zBasic Idea and Goal(s) zPartners zStrategies zOutcomes zMeasures and Processes

Proposal Organizer

Your Proposal zYour idea? zPotential partners? zDesired outcomes?

Hallmarks of a Well-Written Technology Proposal zClear and documented links to a strategic technology plan proven practice zClearly defined teaching and learning goals which build upon proven practice zThe project involves more than one teacher and/or classroom (although focus on one is fine) zThe project has matching funds and support from other sources zA strong evaluation component

Tips for Proposal-Writers z10 Tips for Proposal-Writers10 Tips for Proposal-Writers ywww.sun-associates.com/resources/10tips.html zRead the Request for Proposals! yThe RFP should serve as your proposal’s blueprint and virtually the table of contents yOrganize the proposal in the same order as the sections of the RFP zInvolve a committee of writers!

zFollow the rules, regulations, and/or guidelines yAdhere to page limits, budget limitations, IRS rules, deadlines, etc.. zBe concise, but don’t leave out important points

The Research Basis zLink technology use to specific key curriculum objectives and initiatives yThe best time to develop technology applications is during the curriculum review cycle. zFor example…

zWriting Process yOrganizational tools -- Inspiration yWriting and proofing tools -- Word yCollaboration and sharing -- WWW & zMath Skills and Concepts yProblems and AppletsProblems and Applets xhttp:// yData organization and interpretation -- ExcelExcel xhttp://

zProjects (PBL) and AuthenticityPBL yWebQuestsWebQuests xhttp:// yStructured WWW Research yOnline Simulations yOnline Peer-Peer Interactions yPresentation Tools -- PowerPointPowerPoint xhttp:// yAnywhere Anytime Access -- Wireless Laptops

Experience, and increasingly research, shows that when embedded in curricular objectives, these technologies improve student learning

zEmbedding/Integration is the key zThis means that yTechnology direction is in the hands of the classroom teacher and students ySubject area teachers are trained in the development of units and use of the required technology yTechnology cannot be a “pull-out” activity

Evaluation in NCLB “The application shall include:… A description of the process and accountability measures that the applicant will use to evaluate the extent to which activities funded under this subpart are effective in integrating technology into curricula and instruction, increasing the ability of teachers to teach, and enabling students to meet challenging State academic content and student academic achievement standards.” NCLB Act, Title II, Part D, Section 2414(11)

zOne consistent thread in NCLB is evaluation and assessment yHow can you show that this “intervention” is making a difference? zAll funded work must be based in reflection and data-driven decision-making zNaturally, this translates to MA 165 and 170 proposals!

Summary zSubject area curriculum drives student technology use/technology integration zTeachers need professional development zThere’s a role for trainers and support specialists zOutcomes are measured in terms of student achievement of core curriculum objectives (not “technology objectives”)

Proposal/Project Connections? zProjects that clearly map technology use to state curriculum frameworks zProjects that focus on developing teacher/admin skills in using technology for specific curriculum areas

zProjects that measure the impact that technology use has on student learning within particular curriculum areas or objectives zProjects that use technology to deliver and improve learning within particular curriculum areas zProjects that use technology to drive or support educational decision-making

Internet Resources for Funding Information zwww.ed.gov/funding.htmlwww.ed.gov/funding.html yThe US Department of Education’s on-line grant information resource zfdncenter.org/funders/grantmaker/gws_priv/priv1.htmlfdncenter.org/funders/grantmaker/gws_priv/priv1.html yThe Foundation Center. An excellent source for information on foundation and private grants zwww.eschoolnews.com/funding/ yeSchool News is an electronic newsletter with information on a wide variety of funding opportunities

Resources zNEIRTEC Tech BriefsTech Briefs yhttp:// zSun Associates online bibliographyonline bibliography yhttp:// associates.com/cos/resources/webresources/noframesites.

Next Steps zGather information zRead the RFP zEstablish your timeline zClarify your idea yIn conjunction with partners yPlanning day? zAlign resources zRevise and edit!

zJeff Sun y ext. 204 zwww.sun-associates.comwww.sun-associates.com zwww.edtecheval.orgwww.edtecheval.org