Tech & Learning - July 2008 - (Page 20)

THE MONEY ISSUE: WHERE TO FIND IT of their financial challenges, whether in implementing new programs, or purchasing new equipment, materials, or software for their school library or literacy program. WHAT SCHOOLS DID WITH IT: The Cowpens Middle School of Pacolet (Glendale, SC) was a recent recipient of a $5,000 Dollar General Grant. The school used the grant to obtain books on CD-ROM for the special education classroom library and school library. The school’s book club was a major beneficiary of the funds, which were used to purchase books for club members. For reluctant and slow readers, the school purchased books to expand its collection of comic books and auditory books. A small portion was also used to fund incentive programs. ORGANIZATION: THE BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION Grant Program(s): Education: Early Learning, High Schools, and Scholarships URL: www.gatesfoundation.org/UnitedStates/ Education/default.htm WHAT THEY GIVE: Through its partnerships in communities across the United States, the Gates Foundation is committed to raising the high school graduation rate and preparing all students for college or work upon graduation from high school. The Gates Foundation’s education initiative also provides children with opportunities for quality early learning. The Foundation has invested more than $1.5 billion in the creation of highBill Gates checks out student work. quality, high-performing schools and systems, supporting more than 1,800 schools. in the program. Students are encouraged to build their own WHAT SCHOOLS DID WITH IT: Envision Schools (San projects using traditional tools, as well as contemporary Francisco) is receiving $10.2 million through 2012 to help technologies, including blogs, video, and multimedia comcreate top-quality options for high school education in puting. They formally present their work to peers, friends, California. Learning by engaging in projects is a key element and family—an audience that often tops 200 people. technology, DiPietro says teachers have What Did They Do with Their Grant? When the St. Rose of Lima School in Miami Shores, FL, received a grant from the North Miami Medical Foundation, they decided to buy 15 SMART Boards for their classrooms. They had tested a few SMART Boards in several areas of the school, including a classroom, science lab, computer lab, and media center. Teachers loved the boards, so they took the plunge. “We’re developing lesson plans on every grade level to supplement the current curriculum,” says Roberta DiPietro, Media Specialist at St. Rose of Lima School. “The interactivity feature makes the lessons more enriching as they address different learning styles.” While they have not done an official assessment that can be attributed to the seen student achievement and retention of information that surpasses conventional instructional assessment. DiPietro says schools can implement a similar program by reaching out to PTOs, communities, and corporate and foundation funding. “The key is to start with at least one SMART Board in a central location,” she says, “and then show it off!” 20 | TECH & LEARNING http://www.gatesfoundation.org/UnitedStates/Education/default http://www.gatesfoundation.org/UnitedStates/Education/default

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Tech & Learning - July 2008 Contents Editor's Desk News & Trends In the Money How They Got So Rich The Better Ways to Win a Grant What's the Big Idea? Cover Your Assets Leader of the Year

Tech & Learning - July 2008

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