Grants and Other Financial Assistance Programs: FY2009

Priority will be given to partnerships between a professional development provider and a collaborative of school districts led by at least one high need district. The content of the professional development must include the incorporation of the Department's technology literacy standards into the various curricula. Participating districts must demonstrate that:

1. they have a one-to-one computer environment (e.g., an up-to-date laptop or desktop computer for every student in at least one classroom or a lab) in the participating schools, particularly in the middle and high schools. These schools must have a well-maintained technology infrastructure to support the technology-enhanced instruction;

2. participating teachers have the appropriate level of technology literacy skills (at least Level II of the Department's Technology Self-Assessment Tool for online professional development); and

3. the professional development providers are qualified to teach the content. The professional development activities are based on research based successful models (i.e., models that are recognized nationally and supported by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education).

Special priority will be given to the largest and highest poverty districts (Boston, Brockton, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, New Bedford, Springfield and Worcester) where over 80% of the Commonwealth's schools currently designated as Commonwealth Priority Schools (Commissioner's Districts) and to districts that the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has designated as underperforming.

(See the detailed definition and description of one-to-one computer environment and research based successful models of professional development in Part III Program Narrative.)

1. This grant program requires the applicants to partner with at least one other school district. Grant funds will be distributed to eligible high need school districts partnering with at least one other district or a collaborative of districts that includes at least one high need district.

2. To be eligible for funding, participating school districts must have received a letter from the Department approving their technology plans through June 30, 2009. The proposed project activities should align with the district's technology plan.

3. School districts must have certified that they have complied with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requirements. (If applicants have not done so, please contact Baiba Ozols at bozols@doe.mass.edu for more information.)

Pending appropriation, approximately $1,200,000 will be awarded for this one-year grant program. Grant awards will not exceed the following amounts, which are based on total student enrollment of participating districts for each project.

If applicable, additional funding for private school participation will be awarded to the funded applicants to support private schools' technology enhancement projects.

1. Funds received shall be used to supplement, not supplant, state and/or local funds that would otherwise be used for the proposed activities.

2. Funds are to be used for ongoing quality technology professional development. This may include payment for consultants, teacher substitutes, stipends, and materials for professional development. Other acceptable expenditures may include project coordination, program evaluation, dissemination, etc.

3. Each grant recipient is to set aside 10% of grant funds to procure the services of an external evaluator. The Department will coordinate the selection of an external evaluator for a consolidated evaluation of the entire program (all of the funded projects).

All budgets and budget descriptions must be aligned with the activities described in the proposal narrative and reflect any coordinated use of funds from other funding sources.

Upon Approval - 8/31/2009

(Subject to appropriation of adequate federal funds.)

Monday, June 30, 2008

Competitive proposals must be received at the Department by 5:00 p.m. on the date due.

1. Prior to developing proposals for this program, districts should refer to the following items.

   1.     FY2009 High Need Districts

   2. Technical Assistance Workshops:
      http://www.doe.mass.edu/conference/?ConferenceID=500

      1. Tuesday, June 3, 2008 10 a.m. to noon

         Malden - Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

      2. Thursday, June 5, 2008 10 a.m. to noon

         Springfield - Meline Kasparian Professional Development Center

      3. Monday, June 9, 2008 10 a.m. to noon

         Duxbury - Duxbury High School

2. When developing proposals for this program, districts should refer to the following resources.

   1.     Scoring Rubric

   2.      Local Technology Plan Guidelines (School Year 2007-2008 through 2010-2011)

   3. Technology Self-Assessment Tool

   4.      Recommended Criteria for Evaluating Instructional Technology Materials

Submit four (4) sets, each with an original signature of the Superintendent/Executive Director. Mail to:

Nicole Fazio Cirino
Office of Instructional Technology
Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education
350 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148-5023