Learning Outcomes Project: Request for Proposal

As the principal/school leader of Chester Middle School, in Week 1 you realized the challenges presented in your goal to improve reading among students who are low performing in this content area. In order to meet those challenges over the subsequent weeks, you researched methods for assisting these low-performing students in ways that would not impact the school budget. You also addressed concerns expressed by various stakeholders. In Weeks 7 and 8, you researched potential funding sources, including grants that might help you fulfill your goals of improving student reading skills. In the Final Project, you develop a Request for Proposal to be submitted on behalf of the reading program at Chester Middle School.

To prepare

• Review the Learning Resources.
• Download the Request for Proposal Instructions provided in the Learning Resources.

By Day 7 of Week 10

Write a Request for Proposal focusing on Chester Middle School’s goal of improving reading among students who are low performing in this content area.

Innovative Reading Grant Request for Proposal

The grant recipient should be prepared to present findings at a future National Conference after the study has been completed and the results known.

The grant recipient should be prepared to write an article for GC Learning that delineates their reading incentive project and demonstrate their successes, trials, and recommendations for improving so others can replicate the project.

ELIGIBILITY

•  Non-profit organizations with tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status and in good standing, or units of government such as all USA public schools are eligible to apply.
•  Organizations must be currently providing services throughout the various states and have been providing those services in those states for a minimum of 2 years.Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

•  Effective in-school, intersession or afterschool innovative reading learning experiences for K-12 students, or a particular grade level
•  Innovative approaches to teacher education, training or professional development to increase content knowledge and pedagogy in Reading strategies
•  Develop a project based learning program that provides hands-on, real-world experiences for K-12 students or a particular grade levelGRANT RANGE AND REQUIREMENTSGrant amounts will range in size appropriate to the proposed objectives, targeted population; reach proposed by applicant, and activities, including programs with multiple partnering organizations. Grants are being considered for one year of funding. AASL anticipates that grants will range from approximately $2,500 – $25,000.GRANTS MAY NOT BE USED FOR THE FOLLOWING:
  1. Business or organization start-up plans;
  2. Fundraising events;
  3. Re-granting (i.e., redistribution of these funds to other organizations or individuals); 4. For the benefit of specific individuals;5. Endowments; or6. Major capital improvements including campaigns, construction or renovations (minor capital improvements required to implement programs are allowable).APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

 Applications should follow the RFP in terms of organization. Be sure to address each area

o Types of services you provide — including the age ranges of those you serveo Number of full and part-time staff
o Number of volunteers

REVIEW CRITERIA AND NARRATIVE QUESTIONS

Proposals will be reviewed by US-based advisors and GCRS staff. The strongest proposals will be those that meet all or most of the following criteria. The following character counts are approximate to the specified page lengths based on single-spacing in Arial 12-point font with 1 inch margins.

Critical Need

Please explain the need or opportunity you are working to address and provide evidence that the program is addressing the need for Reading improvement in your state. Who is your targeted population, where are they located the United States and how do you reach your target audience? (max 2,000 characters = 1/2 page)

Inspiration and Place-based Learning

Explain how your program inspires interest and engagement in Reading. If applicable, outlinehow you will use these funds to promote connections between your state’s cultural context andcontemporary Reading strategies. How do you help participants connect Reading content to career opportunities? (max 2,000 characters = 1/2 page)

Challenging and Relevant Content

Detail the program curriculum. What state or national Reading standards or measures are promoted by the program? Explain how the program provides opportunities for real world applications of good Reading practices and subject matter. (max 2,000 characters = 1/2 page)

Reading Practices

How does the program promote active, hands-on and project-based learning activities (e.g. open ended research, asking relevant questions, designing problems, carrying out investigations, etc.)? How does the program promote skills such as innovation, creativity, critical-thinking and teamwork? (max 2,000 characters = 1/2 page)

Underrepresented Groups

If applicable, explain how the program identifies and addresses the needs of groups underrepresented in your state or local setting. How do you promote attention to individualstudents’ needs, diverse interests, and different learning styles? (max 2,000 characters = 1/2 page)

Evaluation

What results are you trying to achieve and why are they important? Please detail what data you collect to provide evidence that the program is reaching its goals and having a measurable impact on student outcomes. How often are data collected and how are data used to continuously measure and inform progress, including (if appropriate) any lessons from the data that were/are being used to revise and/or improve the program? (max 2,000 characters = 1/2 page)

Financial Viability and Partnerships

How is the program financially supported? Please outline sustainability challenges and opportunities as well as how the program will ensure it is viable if/when philanthropic support ends. How do you build stakeholder support? Explain your current participation in networks orpartnerships that advance the program’s goals. (max 2,000 characters = 1/2 page)

Capacity

Explain your organization’s capacity to implement the program successfully (e.g. history andexperience of organization in working with target population, key leaders and/or partners and their roles/responsibilities and expertise, infrastructure that supports the program). Explain thestaff or volunteers’ knowledge of the latest Reading strategies and subject matter as well asReading-related professional development activities for staff and volunteers. (max 2,000 characters = 1/2 page)