PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM:
The purpose of the Technology Rich Classroom program is to provide evidence that technology, when integrated into a technology-rich learning environment and supported by strong, on-going professional development, can produce positive changes in the classroom environment that results in improved student learning in the areas of reading, math and science. To do so, this competition supports grants to LEAs and LEA Partnerships to develop a collaborative team to:
A) Build their capacity to integrate technology into the classroom using research-based instructional methods and professional development
B) Provide data to support academic achievement through the use of technology in schools
GOALS OF THE PROGRAM:
- Students enhance their knowledge of reading, math, and science through 21st Century Context and the use of 21st Century Learning Tools.
- Teachers improve their technology skills and use those improved skills to integrate technology across content areas at increasingly advanced levels of integration.
- TRC Project supports grantees’ movement toward a self-sustaining technology rich learning environment.
- School Leaders are engaged in the support of TRC Classrooms, TRC Schools and the TRC Project.
APPLICANTS RECEIVING AWARDS WILL:
1) Develop a plan to implement Technology Rich Classrooms at the Elementary School Intermediate Grade Level (Grades 3-6) in up to four classrooms, including equipment, software and professional development.
2) Identify key project personnel to include a team of four Intermediate (Grades 3-6) classroom teachers and a half-time facilitator (.5 FTE of 20 hours/week) who meet the prerequisite criteria outlined in Appendix D & E.
3) Plan and conduct ongoing professional development to support the TRC Team of classroom teachers as outlined in the Professional Development section on page 9.
4) Plan and conduct ongoing technology infused teaching and learning opportunities in a select focus area of math, reading, or science through a student-centered approach.
5) Report pre- and post-data in relation to developing technology skills, integration levels, and local data in their core content area performance – math, reading or science – for state and local assessments along with student performance, attendance, discipline, and classroom-based action research projects.
6) Implement the required grant technologies within the four participating classrooms.
7) Provide internet access and technical support for the TRC Team.
8) Provide leadership and support for the TRC Team to be successful.
9) Plan and conduct a local evaluation and dissemination activities to share results and “lessons learned” through participation in this project.
10) Participate in state-coordinated grant meetings, training, and collaboration to build the TRC Community.
11) Participate in state-wide data collection to evaluate the technology intervention associated with this program.
12) Ensure project budget expenditures meet the grant requirements.
ELIGIBLE LOCAL ENTITY: The term “Eligible Local Entity” means:
O A HIGH-NEED LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCY, which is defined as a local educational agency (LEA) that is:
1. among the LEAs in a State with the highest numbers or percentages of children from families with incomes below the poverty line (see TRC 08 RFP--Appendix G on page 26 for the list of eligible LEA’s)
2. AND meets 1 of the following criteria:
o Operates one or more schools identified for improvement or corrective action under section 1116 of th ESEA;
OR
o Has a substantial need for assistance in using technology.
An “eligible local partnership” is a partnership that includes at least one high-need LEA (per Appendix G) and at least one of the following –
1) An LEA that can demonstrate that teachers in its schools are effectively integrating technology and proven teaching practices into instruction, based on a review of relevant research, and that the integration results in improvement in classroom instruction and in helping students meet challenging academic standards.
2) An institution of higher education that is in full compliance with the reporting requirements of section 207(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and that has not been identified by the State as low-performing under that act.
3) A for-profit business or organization that develops, designs, manufactures, or produces technology products or services or has substantial expertise in the application of technology in instruction.
4) A public or private nonprofit organization with demonstrated expertise in the application of educational technology in instruction.
The partnership may also include other LEAs, educational service agencies, libraries, or other educational entities appropriate to provide local programs.
Note: LEA’s that have previously participated may apply. Please note that priority will be given to submissions that include schools that have not already participated in the Technology Rich Grant project.
All awards will be made based on one of the following three categories:
1. Larger school districts (3,000 or more students in the district) may apply for up to $100,000 in grant funds requiring a 50% local match (ie. a $50,000 match would be required for a $100,000 grant). The grant will fund participation for four classrooms in any combination of grades 3-6 (core classrooms only) in a single elementary school; OR two elementary buildings may partner to fund two classrooms per school in grades 3-6 (core classrooms only). (Please note that if 6th grade is part of a middle school and located in another building they could not participate). To participate the LEA must be defined as a high-need LEA per the TRC RFP Appendix G page 26.
2. Smaller districts (2,999 or fewer students in the district) may apply for up to $100,000 in grant funds requiring a 50% local match (ie. a $50,000 match would be required for a $100,000 grant). The grant will fund participation for four classrooms in any combination of grades 3-6 (core classrooms only) in a single elementary OR two small districts may partner to fund two classrooms in one elementary school in each district. (Please note that if 6th grad is part of a middle school and located in another building, they could not participate). Remember that LEA partnerships must include at least one high-need LEA per TRC RFP Appendix G.
3. Service Centers may apply for grant funding for partnerships of districts for up to $100,000 grants requiring a 50% local match (ie. a $50,000 match would be required for a $100,000 grant). Each grant may be structured as either one district/one or two elementary schools or for two districts/one elementary school in each district, two classrooms in each building, any combination of Intermediate grades (Grades 3-6) located within the elementary school(s) (i.e. If 6th Grade is part of the middle school and located in another building, that grade level could not participate). Remember that partnerships must include at least one high-need LEA per TRC RFP Appendix G. An individual Service Center will not be awarded more than 2 grants.