Creating Successful Proposals

1. Creating Successful Proposals For Curriculum and Technology Projects

2. Jeff Sun • jsun@sun-associates.com • 978-251-1600 ext. 204 • www.sun-associates.com • www.edtecheval.org

3. Name and role in district • High need district? • Submitting a proposal? • Prior proposal experience?

4. Proposal Basics • Research Basis for Technology Integration • Next Steps?

5. Proposal Organization • Basic Idea and Goal(s) • Partners • Strategies • Outcomes • Measures and Processes

6. Proposal Organizer

7. Your Proposal • Your idea? • Potential partners? • Desired outcomes?

8. Hallmarks of a Well-Written Technology Proposal • Clear and documented links to a strategic technology plan • Clearly defined teaching and learning goals which build upon proven practice • The project involves more than one teacher and/or classroom (although focus on one is fine) • The project has matching funds and support from other sources • A strong evaluation component

9. Tips for Proposal-Writers • 10 Tips for Proposal-Writers • www.sun-associates.com/resources/10tips.html • Read the Request for Proposals! • The RFP should serve as your proposal’s blueprint and virtually the table of contents • Organize the proposal in the same order as the sections of the RFP • Involve a committee of writers!

10. Follow the rules, regulations, and/or guidelines • Adhere to page limits, budget limitations, IRS rules, deadlines, etc.. • Be concise, but don’t leave out important points

11. The Research Basis • Link technology use to specific key curriculum objectives and initiatives • The best time to develop technology applications is during the curriculum review cycle. • For example…

12. Writing Process • Organizational tools -- Inspiration • Writing and proofing tools -- Word • Collaboration and sharing -- WWW & Email • Math Skills and Concepts • Problems and Applets • http://www.neirtec.org/math/ • Data organization and interpretation -- Excel • http://www.sun-associates.com/mercer/index.html#excel

13. Projects (PBL) and Authenticity • WebQuests • http://www.sun-associates.com/mercer/october/wq.html • Structured WWW Research • Online Simulations • Online Peer-Peer Interactions • Presentation Tools -- PowerPoint • http://www.sun-associates.com/mercer/index.html#ppt • Anywhere Anytime Access -- Wireless Laptops

14. Experience, and increasingly research, shows that when embedded in curricular objectives, these technologies improve student learning

15. Embedding/Integration is the key • This means that • Technology direction is in the hands of the classroom teacher and students • Subject area teachers are trained in the development of units and use of the required technology • Technology cannot be a “pull-out” activity

16. Evaluation in NCLB “The application shall include:… A description of the process and accountability measures that the applicant will use to evaluate the extent to which activities funded under this subpart are effective in integrating technology into curricula and instruction, increasing the ability of teachers to teach, and enabling students to meet challenging State academic content and student academic achievement standards.” NCLB Act, Title II, Part D, Section 2414(11)

17. One consistent thread in NCLB is evaluation and assessment • How can you show that this “intervention” is making a difference? • All funded work must be based in reflection and data-driven decision-making • Naturally, this translates to MA 165 and 170 proposals!

18. Summary • Subject area curriculum drives student technology use/technology integration • Teachers need professional development • There’s a role for trainers and support specialists • Outcomes are measured in terms of student achievement of core curriculum objectives (not “technology objectives”)

19. Proposal/Project Connections? • Projects that clearly map technology use to state curriculum frameworks • Projects that focus on developing teacher/admin skills in using technology for specific curriculum areas

20. Projects that measure the impact that technology use has on student learning within particular curriculum areas or objectives • Projects that use technology to deliver and improve learning within particular curriculum areas • Projects that use technology to drive or support educational decision-making

21. Internet Resources for Funding Information • www.ed.gov/funding.html • The US Department of Education’s on-line grant information resource • fdncenter.org/funders/grantmaker/gws_priv/priv1.html • The Foundation Center. An excellent source for information on foundation and private grants • www.eschoolnews.com/funding/ • eSchool News is an electronic newsletter with information on a wide variety of funding opportunities

22. Resources • NEIRTEC Tech Briefs • http://www.neirtec.org/products/techbriefs/default.asp • Sun Associates online bibliography • http://www.sun-associates.com/cos/resources/webresources/noframesites.

23. Next Steps • Gather information • Read the RFP • Establish your timeline • Clarify your idea • In conjunction with partners • Planning day? • Align resources • Revise and edit!

24. Jeff Sun • jsun@sun-associates.com • 978-251-1600 ext. 204 • www.sun-associates.com • www.edtecheval.org