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Archived Information
Grants and Other Financial Assistance Programs: FY2008
Special Education: Electronic Portfolios for MCAS Alternate Assessment
Fund Code: 242
| Purpose: | This federally-funded grant program will support the use of computerized electronic portfolios for the collection of work samples, data on student performance, and audio/video clips to complete and submit student portfolios for the MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt). In addition, it will support the training of teachers in the application of this technology. |
| Priorities: | The priority of this grant is to provide funds to increase the use of specific MCAS-Alt EV (Electronic Version) computer software in order to create and submit MCAS Alternate Assessment electronic portfolios for students with significant disabilities who cannot take standard MCAS tests. MCAS-Alt EV software will be distributed in two ways:
Grant funds must be used for the purpose of releasing teachers to receive training in the installation and use of MCAS-Alt EV software (as needed) and for the purchase of related digital materials (peripheral devices) for use with portable and desktop computers in order to compile and submit MCAS Alternate Assessment electronic portfolios.
In applying for these funds, schools and districts ensure the following.
Teachers new to the electronic portfolio process will attend Department-sponsored training in January 2008 (if teachers did not attend an October 2007 training) where they will receive, install, and be trained in the use of MCAS-Alt EV software. There is NO COST TO PARTICIPANTS to attend this training and to obtain this software. January training dates will be posted in December 2007 to www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/alt/resources.html.
Teacher(s) who have submitted one or more MCAS-Alt EV electronic portfolios during the previous school year (2006-2007) are not required to attend Department-sponsored training in the use of this software, although they are invited to do so. Instead, these teachers will be instructed on how to: download FREE 2008 MCAS-Alt EV software; access the current software user's manual; and obtain technical support so they may continue to use this software in 2007-2008.
Teachers designated for participation in MCAS-Alt EV have at least moderate computer expertise in a range of applications, i.e., word-processing, e-mail, digital photography and/or video, burning CDs and/or DVDs, and PowerPoint presentations. |
| Eligibility: | School districts, educational collaboratives, and approved special education private schools are eligible to apply, provided one or more students in the school or program will take the MCAS Alternate Assessment in 2007-2008. First-time users must agree to attend a training session in January 2008 (if they did not attend an October 2007 training session) to install the electronic portfolio software on a laptop computer that each teacher must bring to the training. Subsequently, software may be installed on additional computers used only by the same MCAS-Alt EV licensed teacher (laptop and/or desktop) at their schools and/or homes. |
| Funding: | A total of $40,000 has been allocated for this grant program. Eligible applicants (See Eligibility above.) may apply for up to $1,200, with no more than $300 allocated per participating teacher (e.g., if three teachers will participate, the grant total may not exceed $900). There is no guarantee of funding, even if applications are submitted by the due date, since grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis upon receipt of all necessary information from the applicant until the funding allocation is exhausted. |
| Fund Use: | Funds may be used only for the following:
purchase of additional materials needed to maximize use of the MCAS-Alt EV software: for example, digital microphones; digital video or still cameras (either small web-cams or larger models); digital scanners; CDs; DVDs; and DVD/CD burners. These are described in greater detail on the attached Part IV-C Additional Program Details Sheet. These materials may be shared by several users of the software, if desired; and
reimbursement to participating staff for in-state travel expenses to and from MCAS-Alt training and/or technical support workshops; and for substitute teacher coverage only during this training.
Funds may not be used for the purchase, lease, or rental of computers; other computer software; staff salaries or fringe benefits; or out-of-state travel. |
| Project Duration: | Upon Approval - 8/31/2008 |
| Program Unit: | Student Assessment Services |
| Contact: | Nancy Hanson |
| Phone Number: | 781-338-3625 |
| Date Due: | Friday, January 11, 2008 by 5:00 p.m.
Early submission is encouraged. Grant applications will be reviewed beginning on December 7, 2007 on a first-come, first-served basis. |
| Required Forms: |
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Part I - General - Program Unit Signature Page - (Standard Contract Form and Application for Program Grants) (An original signature is required from the Superintendent/Executive Director.)
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Part II Budget Detail Pages (Include both pages) - Instructions
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Part IV-A - Program Information Sheet (Include both pages.)
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Part IV-B - Statement of Assurances (signed by Superintendent or designee)
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| Additional Information: |
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Part IV-C - Additional Program Details Sheet (Refer to this sheet for information needed to complete Parts IV-A and IV-B. It is not necessary to submit this sheet.)
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Part IV-D - Final Program Report (due no later than October 31, 2008)
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| Submission Instructions: | Submit three (3) sets, each with an original signature of the Superintendent/Executive Director. Mail to:
Nancy Hanson
Student Assessment Services
Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street
Malden, MA 02148-4906
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