Tech & Learning - July 2008 - (Page 36)

THE MONEY ISSUE: HOW TO GET IT What’s the Big Idea? Things to consider before you write that RFP by Barbara Bray Let’s say you have a great idea for an ongoing multimedia project on digital storytelling that you want to do with your teachers and their students. But you do not have the resources, training, or support to do this project—no money. All of us can relate to this these days. So do you just forget it—let it go until the money is available? No! I know —you’ve heard this before: “If you build it, they will come.” But, if you don’t build it or at least start with the blueprint, they will never know about it. Put your ideas in writing with a clear plan on what you want to do before applying for any grant. This is like a mini-proposal that you give to your administrators for their approval and support. Any proposal needs these six components. OVERALL CONCEPT Do you have a good sense of how your program fits into the philosophy and mission of your school? For example, consider that the focus for most professional development at your school has been on improving reading and math scores. Data at your school shows that seventh grade students are falling behind in these disciplines. Their scores need to improve, and writing samples are not up to grade level. Digital storytelling will engage these students and encourage them to research, read, write, and develop a presentation about a concept they have trouble understanding. Teachers do not use the technology and have not had the training to participate in digital storytelling. Consider how the following improves this situation: Teachers will map the curriculum to identify gaps and repetitions, so they can select topics for students to study in more depth. Teachers will receive initial training and ongoing coaching as they develop and implement their digital storytelling projects with their students. For example, the seventh grade students will work collaboratively to develop one multimedia project that demonstrates understanding of one math and/or science standard, improves the quality of their writing by one level based on a rubric, and increases reading scores by 2%. OBJECTIVES Write several objectives that will help achieve your goal. For example, seventh grade teachers rarely collaborate with other seventh grade teachers, and, currently, have little time for group projects. In fact, most teachers have students do individual work. They do not have the skills or classroom management strategies for group work. They will need training and ongoing support with their projects. Some examples of objectives might be: GOAL OR PURPOSE Write what you expect the students will be able to do that is measurable by the end of the grant. 36 | TECH & LEARNING

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tech & Learning - July 2008

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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