1. The Riordan Foundation & Rx for Reading
Grant Awareness Session Fall 2013

2. Meet the Team Staff Jessica Flores Jaime Kalenik President
Program Coordinator

3. Mission
The Riordan Foundation's mission is to provide all students, especially those in low-income communities, with access to a high-quality education that will prepare them to compete successfully in the 21st Century.

4. History & Overview
Founded by former Mayor of Los Angeles Richard J. Riordan in 1981.
Rx for Reading is the nonprofit affiliate that makes it possible for the foundation to raise funds to support the grant programs.

5. Our Programs
Instructional Innovation Grant (i2) Recreational Reading Mini-Grant (RRMG) Note: No longer offering Interactive Whiteboard or Computers in the Classroom

6. What is Instructional Innovation?
No “one-size-fits-all” model
A non-traditional approach to classroom instruction in which the teacher-student relationship evolves, success is based on qualitative measures in addition to test scores, and students direct their own learning in some fashion.
Not the right grant for every school

7. Examples of Instructional Innovation
Project-based Learning
Complex projects based in real-world problems facilitate learning, and students are assessed on process and reflection rather than solely end-product.
Inquiry-based Learning
Students actively involved in determining what they learn, and they are assessed based on analytical skills rather than retention.
Blended/Hybrid Learning
A mix of learning environments often integrating computer-based, personalized learning with face-to-face teacher and peer interactions
Integrated Studies
Combines curriculum from two or more subjects or disciplines.
Any combination/permutation of the above, or even something we haven’t heard of yet!

8. Examples of Projects Funded
Teacher Leader training through LMU CMAST
Institutionalizes new problem-solving math and science curriculum by investing in teacher leaders
Expansion of successful Chromebook pilot
Online platforms facilitate student collaboration and emphasize a portfolio of student work
PD and consultant for project-based STEM program
Incorporates engineering and design into authentic learning experiences across the curriculum
Support for Internship Coordinator and PBL
Places students in real-world workplaces based on interests and centers learning around these experiences
Release time to design interdisciplinary units
Creates semester-long units that bridge all subjects and culminate in a defense of a final project

9. The Grant
Provides up to 50% of a project related to instructional innovation
Challenge grant: winning schools must contribute a check or PO for matching funds
Cannot be used to compensate teachers directly
Can pay for:
Consultant
Professional Development
Hardware/software
Other expenses

10. Eligibility Eligibility Requirements
Public and parochial PreK-12 schools
Los Angeles County
50/50 Challenge grant
Majority of students must receive free/reduced lunch

11. If not test scores, then what?
We want to see evidence of some of the following “Essential Competencies”:
Design/Production
Collaboration
Self-directed Learning
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
Analysis or synthesis of multiple streams of info
Creativity
Adaptability
Working cross-curricularly and cross-culturally
Authentic Learning

12. The Process Phase I Submit your school’s LOI by January 31st
You may be contacted for follow-up site visit or call
Phase II
If invited, receive application packet due March 21st
Site Visit
Phase III
Funds distributed once challenge check or PO submitted
Have until end of August to submit for September 2014 implementation

13. Letter of Inquiry LOI and Follow Up
LOI available online starting November 15th
Due January 31st
You will be asked to:
Summarize instructional design concept and project to be funded
List leadership and personnel involved
Include a rough budget
You may be contacted for follow up call or site visit

14. Application Application
If invited, receive an application February 17th which is due March 21st
You will be asked to:
Describe in detail your plan for instructional design, its implementation, timeline, and the project to be funded by this grant
Indicate which of the “Essential Competencies” the project addresses
List the goals and measures of the new instructional design and the project to be funded

15. Final Steps
Site Visit
If your application is approved, we will conduct a site visit to meet staff, see location, and ask questions about your proposal
Winners Announced
Awards announced by May 2nd

16. What makes a great application?
Presents a well thought-out plan and request with defined goals
Explains how the learning experience will change for students
Ties goals and measures to “Essential Competencies” in addition to test scores
Integrates input from all invested/affected parties (ie. teachers, tech coordinators, district support, principal)
Answers questions clearly and directly

17. Other Tips If in doubt, call the office Don’t procrastinate
Do your own research
talk to/visit other schools
talk to different vendors
search the literature
Be honest and realistic with your goals and request
Proofread before submitting

18. THANK YOU FOR COMING! The Riordan Foundation/Rx for Reading
P.O Box
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) Phone
(310) Fax
Check our website for frequent updates
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