Transcript The Riordan Foundation & Rx for Reading

THE RIORDAN FOUNDATION
& RX FOR READING
GRANT AWARENESS
SESSION FALL 2013
MEET THE TEAM
Staff
• Jessica Flores
• President
• Jaime Kalenik
• Program Coordinator
MISSION
The Riordan Foundation's
mission is to provide all
students, especially those in
low-income communities,
with access to a high-quality
education that will prepare
them to compete
successfully in the 21st
Century.
HISTORY & OVERVIEW
Founded by former Mayor
of Los Angeles Richard J.
Riordan in 1981.
Rx for Reading is the
nonprofit affiliate that
makes it possible for the
foundation to raise funds
to support the grant
programs.
OUR PROGRAMS
Instructional Innovation Grant (i2)
Recreational Reading Mini-Grant (RRMG)
Note: No longer offering Interactive
Whiteboard or Computers in the Classroom
WHAT IS INSTRUCTIONAL
INNOVATION?
No “one-size-fits-all” model
A non-traditional approach to classroom
instruction in which the teacher-student
relationship evolves, success is based on
qualitative measures in addition to test
scores, and students direct their own
learning in some fashion.
Not the right grant for every school
EXAMPLES OF INSTRUCTIONAL
INNOVATION
Project-based Learning
• Complex projects based in real-world problems facilitate learning, and
students are assessed on process and reflection rather than solely
end-product.
Inquiry-based Learning
• Students actively involved in determining what they learn, and they are
assessed based on analytical skills rather than retention.
Blended/Hybrid Learning
• A mix of learning environments often integrating computer-based,
personalized learning with face-to-face teacher and peer interactions
Integrated Studies
• Combines curriculum from two or more subjects or disciplines.
Any combination/permutation of the above, or even
something we haven’t heard of yet!
EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS
FUNDED
Teacher Leader training through LMU CMAST
• Institutionalizes new problem-solving math and science curriculum by
investing in teacher leaders
Expansion of successful Chromebook pilot
• Online platforms facilitate student collaboration and emphasize a
portfolio of student work
PD and consultant for project-based STEM program
• Incorporates engineering and design into authentic learning
experiences across the curriculum
Support for Internship Coordinator and PBL
• Places students in real-world workplaces based on interests and
centers learning around these experiences
Release time to design interdisciplinary units
• Creates semester-long units that bridge all subjects and culminate in a
defense of a final project
THE GRANT
Provides up to 50% of a project related to
instructional innovation
• Challenge grant: winning schools must contribute a
check or PO for matching funds
• Cannot be used to compensate teachers directly
• Can pay for:
• Consultant
• Professional Development
• Hardware/software
• Other expenses
ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility Requirements
• Public and parochial PreK-12 schools
• Los Angeles County
• 50/50 Challenge grant
• Majority of students must receive free/reduced
lunch
IF NOT TEST SCORES,
THEN WHAT?
We want to see evidence of some of the
following “Essential Competencies”:
•
•
•
•
Design/Production
Collaboration
Self-directed Learning
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
• Analysis or synthesis of multiple streams of info
• Creativity
• Adaptability
• Working cross-curricularly and cross-culturally
• Authentic Learning
THE PROCESS
Phase I
•
Submit your school’s LOI by January 31st
•
You may be contacted for follow-up site visit or
call
Phase II
•
If invited, receive application packet due
March 21st
•
Site Visit
Phase III
•
Funds distributed once challenge check or PO
submitted
•
Have until end of August to submit for
September 2014 implementation
LETTER OF INQUIRY
LOI and Follow Up
• LOI available online starting November 15th
• Due January 31st
You will be asked to:
• Summarize instructional design concept and project to
be funded
• List leadership and personnel involved
• Include a rough budget
You may be contacted for follow up call or
site visit
APPLICATION
Application
• If invited, receive an application February 17th which is due
March 21st
You will be asked to:
• Describe in detail your plan for instructional design, its
implementation, timeline, and the project to be funded by
this grant
• Indicate which of the “Essential Competencies” the project
addresses
• List the goals and measures of the new instructional design
and the project to be funded
FINAL STEPS
Site Visit
• If your application is approved,
we will conduct a site visit to
meet staff, see location, and
ask questions about your
proposal
Winners Announced
• Awards announced by May 2nd
WHAT MAKES A
GREAT APPLICATION?
Presents a well thought-out plan and request with
defined goals
Explains how the learning experience will change for
students
Ties goals and measures to “Essential Competencies”
in addition to test scores
Integrates input from all invested/affected parties (ie.
teachers, tech coordinators, district support, principal)
Answers questions clearly and directly
OTHER TIPS
If in doubt, call the office
Don’t procrastinate
Do your own research
• talk to/visit other schools
• talk to different vendors
• search the literature
Be honest and realistic with your goals
and request
Proofread before submitting
THANK YOU FOR
COMING!
The Riordan Foundation/Rx for Reading
P.O Box 491190
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 472-2020 Phone
(310) 472-1414 Fax
www.riordanfoundation.org
Check our website for frequent updates
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