| Purpose: | This federally-funded grant program will support the use of video equipment for students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to increase independence in creating written compositions in English. The use of video equipment allows students who rely on sign language for communication to generate a draft of a composition in sign language on video and then generate independently a final draft in written English text. Once students have learned to use this methodology in instruction, then Accommodation #21 on the MCAS will permit the students to sign test items/responses onto video and then transcribe their answers while playing back the video for the English Language Arts Composition. |
| Priority: | The priority of this grant is to provide funds to support the purchase and use of video equipment to increase the level of independence of students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing in creating written compositions in English and who may rely currently on the use of a scribe for this purpose. This accommodation allows students to generate a draft of a composition in sign language on video and then generate independently a final draft in written English text. |
| Eligibility: | School districts, educational collaboratives, and approved private special education schools that serve students who are deaf or hard of hearing (and who use sign language for communication) are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to school districts, collaboratives, and approved private special education schools with at least three deaf or hard-of-hearing students in the program who would benefit from this accommodation. Priority will be given to first time applicants to this grant program. Previous recipients may re-apply to this grant program and may be awarded funds if s
aid funds are available after priority applicants are awarded. |
| Funding: | A total of $15,000 has been allocated for this grant program. Eligible applicants may apply for up to $400 per student who is deaf or hard-of-hearing in the program using this accommodation, up to a total of $1,600. Priority applications (applicants serving more than three students and applicants who did not receive funds in FY2006 or FY2007) will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis upon receipt of all necessary applicant information. Non-priority applications (applicants serving one or two students and applicants who received funds in FY2006 or FY2007) will be awarded if funds are available after priority applications are awarded. |
| Fund Use: | Funds may be used only for the purchase of video equipment needed for students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to sign their written compositions onto video and transcribe this into written English text. The equipment suggested for purchase is described in greater detail on the attached Part IV-C Additional Program Details Sheet.
Funds may not be used for the purchase, lease, or rental of computers; other computer software; staff salaries or fringe benefits; consultant fees; travel; or indirect costs. |
| Project Duration: | Upon Approval - 8/31/2008 |
| Program Unit: | Special Education Planning and Policy Development |
| Contact: | Kevin Nolan |
| E-Mail: | knolan@doe.mass.edu |
| Date Due: | By Thursday, February 7, 2008
Proposals must be received at the Department by 5:00 p.m. by the date due. Since grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, early submissions are encouraged. |
| Required Forms: |
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Part I - General - Program Unit Signature Page - (Standard Contract Form and Application for Program Grants)
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Part II Budget Detail Pages (Include both pages) - Instructions
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Part III-A - Program Information Sheet
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Part III-B - Letter of Agreement
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| Additional Information: |
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Part III-C - Additional Program Details Sheet (Refer to this sheet for information
needed to complete Parts III-A and III-B. It is not necessary to submit this sheet.)
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| Submission Instructions: | Submit three (3) sets, each with an original signature of the Superintendent/Executive Director.
Mail to:
Lassity Cauley
Special Education Planning and Policy Massachusetts Department of Education
350 Main Street Malden, MA 02148-5023 |
State Government · State Services 
