Enhancing Education Through Technology Round 8 Competitive

Characteristics of Strong Proposals Is compelling and is likely to have a positive, lasting impact. Elements are integrated. Addresses the grantor’s priorities. The need is well documented. The document is appealing. The project will contribute to the field.

General Grant Tips and Strategies Think instructional needs first. Then determine how technology can meet the instructional needs. Next, determine what technology you would need. Lastly, think about how much it will cost. Avoid the words “can”, “probably”, “should”, “could” and “hopefully”. Instead, use words like “will”.

Assemble a grant committee or team. Not too many members but enough to assist in the creation of the grant. Never model an application on the basis of other grants that have not been received. General Grant Tips and Strategies

Be focused. Answer the question presented. Be as detailed as possible. Do not go into unrelated areas. Present the information in the order requested.

Label all sections. Write a narrative for all sections. Make sure any attachments are relevant and referenced in the application. Do not go over the page limit. Perform spelling and grammar checks on the application prior to submission. General Grant Tips and Strategies

Make sure all items in your budget are specifically addressed in your proposal. Double check your math! Use 1 inch margins and 12 point font Use charts and graphs when appropriate.

Part A – Executive Summary - 5pts. Start with an introduction or executive summary that briefly states the educational problem (one page). Explain how the project will address the problem. Explain how the school, teaching, and learning will be different as a result-how will 21 st Century teaching & learning be promoted? Clearly state the projects goals (bulleted list).

Part B – General Information – 5 pts. List the required information. List the name of the grant writer(s). Include a listing of all partners and contact names. Be sure to include all poverty or need data.

Part C – Project Narrative – 54 pts. Planning Process Don’t go at it alone!!!!! Involve stakeholders. Thoroughly describe the planning process. o Who are the stakeholders? o How many times did you meet? o Was the community involved in the plan? o Were there designated roles? o What instruments were developed by this team (surveys, questionnaires, etc.) o Describe what the Planning Team did.

Part C – Project Narrative – 54 pts. Needs Assessment MOST IMPORTANT PART OF PROPOSAL Identified needs provide the rational for the project. Need is the discrepancy between what is and what should be. Base your project on needs and not wants. Needs drive the goals, objectives, activities, evaluation, personnel, resources, and budget. Explain why the district/school needs the project. What educational problem(s) will be solved and how?

Part C – Project Narrative – 54 pts. Needs Assessment Provide relevant documentation of the need for the project. Questions to consider: o Who conducted the needs assessment? o What instruments were used? o Did you review test score data? o Is there other school data that demonstrates the need? o What difference will this project make in the long run? o How will implementing Technology Model School program address school deficits?

Part C – Project Narrative - 54 pts. Goals and Objectives Based on the identified needs, what are the goals of the project? (in addition to the goals already listed) Be sure the goals are directly linked to the identified need or problem and that they are realistic and attainable. Provide measurable objectives that the project will accomplish in order to meet the goals. Explain how the project will address equity issues. The project should be able to meet the objectives within the project period.

Part C – Project Narrative - 54pts. Goals and Objectives What differences will the project make for teachers, students, and/or community? What differences will the project make for the school or school system? How will TIS/TMS further promote 21 st Century teaching and learning? What activities & procedures will you carry out in order to accomplish each objective? What are the timeframes for completing each major activity?

Part C – Project Narrative – 54 pts. Goals and Objectives If the application is for a middle school, how will a TIS assist with the implementation of techSteps and the Eighth Grade Technology Assessment? Consider the use of innovative solutions to meet goals, i.e. one-to-one computing projects and distance learning initiatives.

Part C – Project Narrative – 54 pts. Charts Include timeline chart to show how the activities will be completed. Include organizational chart showing the relationship among the project staff or the relationship among project partners. Include chart showing the amount of time each key person will spend per project objective. Include chart summarizing TIS tasks/duties

Part C – Project Narrative- 54 pts. Professional Development Federally mandated that a minimum of 25% of funds must be spent on professional development. Professional development questions to consider: o What training will be included in your project? o What are the qualifications of the trainer (TIS)? o Describe the process to be use in delivering professional development activities to the school(s). o Describe the process for monitoring professional delivery.

Part D – Evaluation Process – 2 pts. Agree to make personnel and information available to meet evaluation schedule (Form C). Agree to minimum of 10% of funding reserved for purchase of evaluation services (Form C). List the key personnel with job titles who will be involved in data collection activities.

Part E – Sustainability – 7 pts. Include future planning information to convince the grant reader that the project will have a sustained impact. Discuss how the project activities could be sustained over a three-year period. Discuss how evaluation results will be used to further develop or make changes in the project.

Part F – Timelines – 7 pts. Detail the timeframes for completing each major activity, assuming the grant is awarded in March Timelines should be very specific. Include names of persons responsible for completion of tasks/activities.

Part G – Budget – 20 pts. Make sure all budget items are explained in the body of the proposal & described in the budget narrative. Be as specific as possible with purchase dates. Show that the costs are reasonable and that the budget isn’t padded. Show all in-kind contributions or matching funds. Don’t forget to use Form B and list the vendor of record and cost information.

Part H – Prior Implementation For those districts that received Round 6 &/or Round 7 awards. Late submission of required reports may effect score. o 90% of reports submitted on time: -0 points o 75% of reports submitted on time: -20 points o Less than 75% of reports submitted on time: -40 points

Part I - Priority Review the priorities on Grant Application carefully. Be sure planning committee and grant writers are aware of priorities and consider these priorities during the development of needs assessment and project narrative.

Common Pitfalls Project is not specific. Project is difficult to understand. Project does not clearly or convincingly identify need. Project does not submit required forms – especially the Private School Participation Form. Project does not follow the guidelines. Project has vague/general timelines. APPLICANTS DO NOT REQUEST FEEDBACK WHEN NOT FUNDED.

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