An Overview of the NYS Learning Technology Grant Division of Accountability and Achievement Resources Office of Educational Technology June 2009

Purpose of the Grant Promote an increase in continuous, progressive integration of instructional technology in classrooms and library media centers to improve student academic performance in relation to the New York State Learning Standards, and Provide ongoing, sustained professional development focused on increasing knowledge and skills of teachers in the use of instructional technology to help students attain higher levels of performance in the New York State Learning Standards, and Make use of recognized model programs that are based on research and have shown promise of significantly increasing student academic achievement.

Examples of Learning Technologies Information delivery systems or services used to provide distance learning; Interactive telecommunications, including equipment and services; Computer technology integrated into classroom or school library media center instruction; Networking among schools and libraries, including network equipment; Multimedia equipment and data storage; Services to access the Internet; Education related materials, services and software.

Important Reminder While a wide range of technologies may assist with instruction, the key to improving student academic achievement is a qualified teacher. Grant recipients must provide on-going, sustained professional development on the integration of technologies, including emerging technologies, into curricula and instruction, and must use these technologies to create new learning environments

Program Goals

Improve student academic performance in achieving the New York State Learning Standards, with emphasis on programs focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Increase the use of instructional technology in the classroom and/or school library media center. Enhance collaborative projects among classrooms and library media center.

Eligible Applicants Applicants must give nonpublic schools of all denominations within their boundaries the opportunity to participate. Applicants must also include at least one SURR or SINI school building in the application to be considered for funding.

Important Facts Maximum Grant Awards: $50,000 per year. Due Date: Submit one (1) original and three (3) copies of the complete application postmarked by August 21, 2009 to: New York State Education Department Grants Management Room 676 EBA Albany, NY Applications postmarked after this date will not be reviewed.

Project Period

Three years: November 1, June 30, The initial year one project period will run from 11/1/09- 6/30/10. A budget for the first year only (11/1/09-6/30/10) must be submitted with this application. Grants will be renewable for the next two years contingent upon the State legislature appropriating funds, satisfactory performance in the previous year and timely receipt of the annual report. No extension or carryover of funds from year to year is allowed.

Additional Information Questions about this RFP must be sent to no later than June 26, Answers to these questions will be posted by July 10, 2009 at No questions received after June 26, 2009 will be answered. Required Signature(s) The original signature of the Chief School Administrator/Officer must appear on the Application Cover Page, preferably in blue ink.

Additional Information Required Signature(s) The original signature of the Chief School Administrator/Officer must appear on the Application Cover Page, preferably in blue ink. Application Checklist Use the Application Checklist to ensure that you send a complete application package in the correct order.

Page Limits and Standards

The Proposal Narrative should contain no more than 14 pages. A page is 8 ½ x 11 one-sided and single- spaced with one-inch margins on top, bottom and sides. Use Times Roman or Arial font in 12-point size.

:Application Cover Page Application Checklist Proposal Abstract Proposal Narrative for the Three-Year Program Three-Year Budget Summary Form Participating School Data Form Budget Category and Narrative Forms for First Year of Program Only Budget Summary Form (FS-20, available: for First Year of Program Only Grant Assembly

Budget Category and Narrative Forms and Budget Summary Form (FS-20)

The Budget Category and Narrative forms should include sufficient detail to allow reviewers to understand what the funds will be used for and the relationship between the proposed expenditures and project activities and goals. The totals from each Budget Category and Narrative Form must correspond to the amounts shown on the Budget Summary Form (FS-20).

Only equipment items with a unit cost that equals or exceeds $5,000 need be included under Equipment, Code 20. Equipment items less than $5,000 should be included under Supplies and Materials, Code 45. The proposed budget will be reviewed for the appropriateness of the expenditures. SED will eliminate any items deemed to be non-allowable or inappropriate and score the budget accordingly.

Allowable Activities and Costs A minimum of 45% of the project budget must be used for ongoing, sustained professional development, including mentoring and/or in-classroom coaching of teachers to improve instruction using technology. No more than five (5%) percent of the funds may be used for program administration not including indirect costs. No more than five (5%) percent of the funds may be used for evaluation. No more than 45% of the funds may be used for purchase of equipment (e.g., computers, PDA’s, interactive whiteboards, alpha smarts, etc.) Annual budgets cannot exceed $50,000

Non-Allowable Activities and Costs Repairs, minor remodeling or construction Extension or carryover of funds

Required Reports All grant recipients must submit an annual report no later than August 15, 2010, 2011, and 2012, after each project year. The report may not exceed five pages in length and shall demonstrate progress made towards achieving project goals and objectives, the project’s impact on the use of instructional technology in the classroom and/or the library media center, and any specific concerns or issues encountered in program implementation. Receipt of this report will be necessary to receive continued project funding.

Copyright/Ownership NYSED has the exclusive right to copyright, trademark, and patent these materials, conceptions, and products subject to applicable law. The grantee does not have the authority and is prohibited from giving away such rights to any subcontractors/sub-grantees. The grantee must so bind all concerned, including its employees, agents, consultants, or subcontractors in written agreement with the subcontractors.

Project Monitoring The State Education Department is responsible for monitoring the activities of the award recipients to ensure that the funds are used for authorized purposes in compliance with the appropriate program laws, regulations and grant agreements and that performance goals are achieved. Monitoring can include document reviews, telephone calls and /or meetings. Award recipients are required to provide State Education Department staff and State auditors with access to records and financial statements as necessary to perform their monitoring responsibilities.

Contact Information Division of Accountability and Achievement Resources Office of Educational Technology Borough Technology Innovation Managers Bronx: Crystal Lindsay: North Brooklyn: Barbara Feaster: Staten Island/South Brooklyn: Celine Azoulay: Manhattan: Lisa Nielsen: Queens: Winnie Bracco:

Good Luck!!!