In my last post, I discussed why this is a great time to write a grant for your school or classroom. Many grants have deadlines on or around December 31. You’ll have less competition because most people won’t be writing grants during the holiday season. You can write grants for the spring semester, summer school, or the fall semester. How much more incentive do you need?
When I wrote that blog, I knew many of you just were not going to buy it. Sure, I laid out a brilliant argument, but let’s face it. It is the holiday season. I know of only one group that enjoys the holiday season more than students. That would be educators.
I really had to watch myself when I was in the classroom because I was more tempted to shut things down than my students. Yes, I resisted the temptation. I was a good teacher and principal right up to the time we opened the doors for early release, but I can’t tell you it wasn’t a struggle.
And the last thing I wanted to do during the holidays was to think about work---lesson plans, students, or grants. It didn’t matter. I just wanted to relax and have fun. But you know what? It worked for me. I always came back in January energized and ready to work. It’s a tough but productive period between January and spring break. You will either reach your goals for the year or fall sadly behind depending on what you do during that period.
Here’s my advice. Do what I did. If you’re not going to write a grant during the holidays, don’t do any work that is school related. Recharge those batteries. Rest and relax. Enjoy your time. Do the things that make you happy and enjoy those around you.
Teachers and other educators have the most important job in the world. We often don’t get paid that way, but you know deep down that it is true. Building relationships with students and moving them forward as brighter, more capable human beings is tremendously important work. Sometimes it doesn’t seem that way. Sometimes it seems like you’re just holding the lid on until May or June when one group moves on and you prep for the next group in the fall.
Don’t sell yourself short. The work you do is important, and it is often exhausting. Use the holiday season to renew yourself. Come January, you crank it up again, and you need to be refreshed and ready to go. Besides, in my next blog, I’m going to be discussing New Year’s resolutions, and you can bet I will include grant writing on that list.
Not going to write a grant over the holidays? That’s okay. Those of you who do will likely be rewarded. But if you don’t, enjoy the holiday season. Rest and relax. Then come back in January breathing fire. We’ll get those important grants written then.
Happy holidays! May peace and joy abide in your heart.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Check It Out: New Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: KSTF Teaching Fellowships
Funded by: Knowles Science Teaching Foundation
Description: The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation established its Teaching
Fellowship Program to support beginning teachers of high school math and
science and is one of the most generous and comprehensive teaching fellowships
in the nation, providing tuition assistance, monthly stipends, support for
professional development, and classroom materials.
Program
Areas: Math, Science/Environment
Recipients: Public School, Private School, Higher
Education, Other
Proposal
Deadline: 1/11/12
Email: teachers@kstf.org
Availability: All States
Check It Out: New Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: Music Is Revolution Foundation Mini-Grants
Funded by: Music Is Revolution Foundation and Svengirly
Music, Inc.
Description: The Music Is
Revolution Foundation administers a mini-grant program for Music Is Revolution
activities designed by teachers to implement, support, and/or improve their
ability to provide quality music education for their students. Mini-grants up
to $500 are available to teachers for music education activities of all types.
Only projects that clearly contain a music education focus that is, projects
based on the concept of music education, through musical experiences,
initiating students into a sense of their social, academic, and cultural
identity, and humanizing them through the emotional, cognitive, and/or physical
impact of music will be considered. Applicants are encouraged to include
activities that expose students to genres and styles of music not likely to be
experienced as a part of their normal daily lives, and to plan the project with
input from students, parents, and school administrators, so that the project
supports the imaginations of the students while maintaining relevance to the
curriculum already in place.
Program
Areas: Arts
Recipients: Public School
Proposal
Deadline: 1/15/12
Average Amount: $500.00
Availability: All States
Check It Out: New Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: Sodexo Youth Grants
Funded by: Youth Service America and the Sodexo
Foundation
Description: Youth Service America and the Sodexo Foundation have announced
they will award a hundred Sodexo Youth Grants of $500 each to youth-led service
projects in the United States that address the issue of childhood hunger on
Global Youth Service Day (April 20-22, 2012). The grant program seeks to fund
service projects that engage students' peers, friends, families, neighbors,
Sodexo employees, and other community members in creative youth-inspired
solutions to ending childhood hunger in their communities. Applicants must
between the ages of 5 and 25.
Program
Areas: Family Services, Health/PE, Homeless
Recipients: Public School, Private School, Other
Proposal
Deadline: 1/17/12
Average Amount: $500.00
Availability: All States
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Give Your School a Gift for the Holidays
It’s a tough time for teachers right now. Between Thanksgiving and the December break, it’s hard to keep students focused on anything for very long. While you may not focus all that well during this time of year either, it is an excellent time for you to concentrate on getting at least one grant application written before the first of January. This is a great time to apply for a grant, and it may be your very best chance of being awarded grant money. I’ll give you three reasons.
First, quite a few national and regional grants have a deadline between now and the end of December. You should check them out on the Discount School Supply free grant database. If you can’t find one there, you should look on The School Funding Center site. Also, several grants will be listed at the end of this blog and the one coming out in mid-December. You will surely qualify for at least one of the dozens of grants that will be listed in one of these locations.
Second, while I recommend that you apply for grants right now, few educators will do so. That means you have less competition than at other times of the year. It’s the old ant and the grasshopper story. While others are playing and making merry, you will be getting ready for your future needs. They will complain about not having resources later, but it will be you that put the work in and you that will reap the benefits from the grant you receive.
Third, you can request grant money right now that can be used in the spring, during summer school, or even next fall. My recommendation is that you apply for money that can be used in the spring semester. It’s a shame when we see that something can be done in a better way to help students more, but we don’t have the money to put our ideas in place. By applying for grants now, you should be able to put your ideas in place in the spring semester instead of having to wait for summer school or the fall semester to help your students. The sooner, the better. By fall, you won’t even have the same students.
Grant writing is never easy, but if you already know a problem you’re having, and you have a solution in mind, December is a great time to apply for a grant or two to alleviate your problem. We talked about semester assessments in the last blog. Right now is a great time to use the information you gathered to prepare your grant application. The information is fresh. The need it documented. You just to use your feedback in a high quality grant application.
I know your excuse. I don’t have any more time than anyone else. I’m tired. I’ve never written a grant before. You’re right about one thing --- they are all excuses. It will be your ability to overcome these obstacles that will get you the grant in the first place. Remember, you’re applying in December because you will have less competition.
Take advantage of the season to give your students and your school an excellent holiday gift---grant money that you never pay back and that may change the lives of your students forever.
First, quite a few national and regional grants have a deadline between now and the end of December. You should check them out on the Discount School Supply free grant database. If you can’t find one there, you should look on The School Funding Center site. Also, several grants will be listed at the end of this blog and the one coming out in mid-December. You will surely qualify for at least one of the dozens of grants that will be listed in one of these locations.
Second, while I recommend that you apply for grants right now, few educators will do so. That means you have less competition than at other times of the year. It’s the old ant and the grasshopper story. While others are playing and making merry, you will be getting ready for your future needs. They will complain about not having resources later, but it will be you that put the work in and you that will reap the benefits from the grant you receive.
Third, you can request grant money right now that can be used in the spring, during summer school, or even next fall. My recommendation is that you apply for money that can be used in the spring semester. It’s a shame when we see that something can be done in a better way to help students more, but we don’t have the money to put our ideas in place. By applying for grants now, you should be able to put your ideas in place in the spring semester instead of having to wait for summer school or the fall semester to help your students. The sooner, the better. By fall, you won’t even have the same students.
Grant writing is never easy, but if you already know a problem you’re having, and you have a solution in mind, December is a great time to apply for a grant or two to alleviate your problem. We talked about semester assessments in the last blog. Right now is a great time to use the information you gathered to prepare your grant application. The information is fresh. The need it documented. You just to use your feedback in a high quality grant application.
I know your excuse. I don’t have any more time than anyone else. I’m tired. I’ve never written a grant before. You’re right about one thing --- they are all excuses. It will be your ability to overcome these obstacles that will get you the grant in the first place. Remember, you’re applying in December because you will have less competition.
Take advantage of the season to give your students and your school an excellent holiday gift---grant money that you never pay back and that may change the lives of your students forever.
Check It Out: New Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: The Captain Planet Foundation
Funded by: The Captain Planet Foundation
Description: The foundation supports projects that: 1) Promote understanding of
environmental issues; 2) Focus on hands-on involvement; 3) Involve children and
young adults 6-18 (elementary through high school); 4) Promote interaction and
cooperation within the group; 5) Help young people develop planning and problem
solving skills; 6) Include adult supervision; 7) Commit to follow-up
communication with the foundation (specific requirements are explained once the
grant has been awarded).
Program Areas: Community Involvement/Volunteerism, General
Education, Science/Environment, Social Studies, All Other
Recipients: Public School, Private Schools, Other
Proposal
Deadline: 12/31/11
Average Amount: $250.00
- $2,500.00
Contact Person: Taryn
Murphy
Availability: All States
Check It Out: New Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: Kinder Morgan Foundation
Education Grants
Funded by: Kinder Morgan Foundation
Description: Grants are primarily directed to educational programs for youth
in grades K-12. Funding is provided to local, state, provincial and regional
educational institutions, libraries and programs that provide ongoing support,
such as Junior Achievement. The foundation also supports youth programs
provided by local arts organizations, symphony orchestras, museums and others.
Initial approach is to contact the foundation for application form, which is
required.
Program Areas: Arts, Community Involvement/Volunteerism,
General Education, Library, Math, Reading, Science/Environment, Social Studies
Recipients: Public School, Private School, Other
Proposal
Deadline: 1/10/12
Average Amount: $3,500.00 - $5,000.00
Contact Person: Maureen
Bulkley, Community Relations Coordinator
Telephone: 303-763-3471
Availability: All States
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Check It Out: New Grant Opportunity!
Grant
Name: Disney Planet Challenge
Funded by: Disney
Description:
Disney's Planet Challenge (DPC) is a project-based learning
environmental competition for classrooms across the United States. DPC teaches
kids about science and conservation while empowering them to make a positive
impact on their communities and planet.
Program Areas: Science/Environment
Recipients: Public School,
Private School
Proposal Deadline: 12/23/11
Average Amount: $1,000.00 -
$16,000.00
Availability: All States
Check It Out: New Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: Project Orange Thumb
Garden Grants
Funded by: Fiskars
Description:
Fiskars, a global supplier of
consumer products for the home, garden, and outdoors, has announced that the
application process for 2012 Project Orange Thumb garden grants and makeovers
in the United States and Canada is open. Fiskars' Project Orange Thumb provides
tools, materials, and other support to help communities reach their goals for
neighborhood beautification, community collaboration, and healthy, sustainable
food sources. Fiskars will choose eleven recipients from the pool of grant
applicants. Ten will receive $5,000 in cash and tools, and one applicant will
receive a complete garden makeover. During a Project Orange Thumb garden
makeover, Fiskars works with neighbors, business leaders, volunteers, and
community partners to transform a barren lot into a beautiful, productive
community gathering space — all in a single day. Applications will be accepted
from any nonprofit organization within the U.S. or Canada. All applicants will
be considered for a grant; however, only those that specify they are interested
and meet Fiskars' criteria will be considered for the garden makeover.
Program Areas: Science/Environment
Recipients: Public School,
Private Schools, Other
Proposal Deadline: 12/5/11
Average Amount: $5,000.00
Website: http://www2.fiskars.com/Activities/Project-Orange-Thumb/Grant-and-Garden-Makeover-Application
Availability: All States
December Assessments - It's Time to Prepare
It is very important for you to assess your grant
programs in December to make sure you are making appropriate progress. You don’t want to perform these assessments
too close to the days you get out for holiday vacation, but you also want to give
your students every day you can to make as much progress as possible. You should also assess programs that may need
grant money in the near future.
I’m a firm believer in making assessments. In a school setting most worthwhile programs
cannot only be assessed, but they can also be improved. Just because you are making decent progress
does not mean you can’t get a whole lot better.
For this reason, you should go back and read the goals for any grant
program you have in place. Then, either
build or buy an instrument that will tell you exactly how much progress students
have made in the fall semester.
If you have non-grant programs that you suspect are
performing poorly, you should also assess them. As we have discussed previously, the statistical information from formal
assessments can go a long way in persuading grantors to give you the money you
need. In the same vein, this good
statistical information can help you get additional money from a grantor. Grantors love to see their money actually
making a difference. If you are successful
once with their money, you may very well be successful a second or third time.
I don’t believe assessments should be given on the
day you get out for holidays. In fact, I
don’t think they should be given any time during the week you get out for
holidays. Many students can’t
concentrate and their performance may not be indicative of how they could have
performed under normal circumstances. Try to do your assessments the week before you get out.
When you develop assessment instruments, try to
measure as many of your goals as possible.
Disaggregate the information to be sure you are making adequate progress
with all groups. The information you get from your assessments should allow you
to tweak your program in ways to turn it around if you are not making progress
or to make even more progress by emphasizing the strong points of a successful
program.
Remember, if you are using grant money, you have an
obligation to make as much progress with your students as possible. Grantors love to see positive programs, but
more than that, your students deserve the very best program you can provide
them. All too many times I’ve seen
educators think they were making
excellent progress, when in reality, their students were making little or no
progress, and the educators just didn’t know it because they didn’t have proper
assessment instruments in place.
Assessments are an important part of any grant
program. December is an excellent time
to perform assessments. Make sure you
have your assessment program in place and ready for your students before they
get out for the holidays.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Can You Get Grant Money Locally?
In my last post I gave you several places to look for
grants. Mainly I listed grant databases
available to you since I am convinced these databases are the most logical
place to find grants these days. Hey, we
might as well use computers to their full advantage, and up-to-date,
comprehensive grant databases just weren’t available 20 years ago.
Sometimes these databases, as good as they are, just aren’t
going to list some of the grants that are available to you. Some grants are purely local, don’t have set
criteria, and are never publicly announced.
Most of my time in education was spent in a small East
Texas school district where I was a teacher, principal, and assistant
superintendent for 20 years. In that
time, I asked for and got $15,000 for my middle school and then another $75,000
for the district from one local business. How did I get that money? I just
asked for it. I laid out a plan showing
that by investing this money in the local school system, the company would have
better educated employees when the current students graduated in a few years
and sought jobs locally.
In addition to that money, a well-to-do couple in our
community gave the school district enough money to buy a vocational center for
the agriculture department, rebuild the press box at the football stadium, and
to repair and update the baseball field.
We didn’t even approach them. They came to us, gave us the money, and told us how they would like it
spent. Their two children went to our
school, and they just wanted to help.
Educators also often overlook the opportunity to ask for
help from “big box” stores in their area.
Most of these have regular corporate grant programs, but they don’t
always advertise the $1,000 to $3,000 dollar grants they often give to local
groups. To find out if your local
Wal-Mart, Target, Lowes, Home Depot, Best Buy, etc. has such a program, just go
to the store and ask the manager. If
they do, ask what type of projects qualify.
If they don’t, go to the next store.
Most of the time your school or organization doesn’t have to lie within
the city limits. In fact, if you are within a 50-mile radius and the city is
your regular shopping destination, you will usually qualify.
Even if you’re getting money locally, and the grantor
doesn’t require a lot of paperwork, I still suggest you write out what type of
problem you’re having, what you believe to be the best solution to your
problem, and how the money the grantor is giving will be spent to help you
reach your goals. I think anyone who
gives money, whether an individual or a company, deserves to know how you spend
your grant money and how successful you are.
In fact, your ability to use local grant money successfully
may actually help you get even more money from the same local source in the
future. Also, you might consider asking
individuals or companies that give you money if they or their employees would
like to be involved in the grant program.
Many like to volunteer so they can be more involved locally with the
schools.
You don’t always need a grant database to find grantmoney. Look close to home when you have
the opportunity. It might pay off more
than you could ever imagine.
Check It Out: New Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: Run for Good
Availability: All
States
Funded by: Saucony
Description: The Saucony Run For Good Foundation is
committed to improving the lives of children by helping to prevent and reduce childhood
obesity. We act to inform the public about its cause and prevention and provide
funding to optimize the impact and success of community organizations that
promote running and healthy lifestyle programs for youth. Eligible programs
include those with participants who are 18 years of age or younger, have
501(c)(3) status, and can demonstrate their program positively impacts the
lives of participants through their increased participation in running.
Program Areas: Health/PE
Recipients: Public School, Private School, Other
Proposal
Deadline: 12/13/11
Average Amount: $10,000.00
Check It Out: New Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: Pathfinder Program
Funded by: Teachers in Space
Description: Every journey begins with a single step. The
Pathfinder program is the first step in the journey toward our goal of putting
a thousand astronaut teachers into American classrooms. Pathfinders will be the
first astronaut teachers to fly in space and return to the classroom.
Pathfinders will not only fly in space, they will also help us design the
three-week training course for the large number of teachers who follow. We hope
that Pathfinders will also return each summer to help us teach the course. Can
you think of a more exciting summer job? Our first seven Pathfinders have been
selected and are currently participating in training and professional
development. We are now looking for three additional Pathfinders who are
knowledgeable in science, technology, engineering, or math. The Pathfinder
competition is open to K-12 teachers of all subjects. Applicants are asked to submit
a proposal for an experiment that can be performed during a sub-orbital space
flight and will be judged on these submissions as well as educational
background and experience. Finalists will be contacted for personal interviews
and additional screening.
Program Areas: General Education, Math, Reading,
Science/Environment, Social Studies
Recipients: Public School, Private Schools
Proposal
Deadline: 12/2/11
Availability: All States
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Good Sources for Grant Information
If you write grants or intend to start writing grants, it is always good to have a number of resources to help you. With the advent of the Internet, many of those resources are free and can be accessed within minutes of when you need them. I want to recommend a few websites and one book you can use which should greatly assist you in your grant-writing efforts.
First, I’d recommend that you use all of the free resources that Discount School Supply® provides. You can use their free school grant database that gives you information on grants in the following categories: after-school, arts, early childhood, migrant, professional development, reading, special education, and science/environment. This database is very comprehensive for these categories, and you should be able to find any grant available to your school by using it.
For information about finding, applying for, and securing grants, you should use this blog sponsored by Discount School Supply®. Seventy blog posts are listed covering a variety of topics. When you have time, you should go back to the very first one and read all of them. You can find these blogs at: Schoolgrant.blogspot.com.
If you need a school grant database that includes categories not listed by Discount School Supply®, you might want to subscribe to the more comprehensive School Funding Center Grant Database. It includes 30 different categories and is the largest and most up-to-date school grant database in the United States. It basically includes every grant available to every school in the country. If you just want to look at grants for teachers or the classroom, go to School Grants for Teachers.
If you are looking for samples of winning grant proposals, you might want to purchase them at The Grantsmanship Center. They have an entire library of winning grant applications that you can order with many, many categories from which to choose. If you want to see a few free sample grant proposals, you can find those at The School Funding Center.
Finally, if you want solid information on finding grants, writing proposals, and doing everything it takes to win grant money, I suggest you purchase my book, WRITE SUCCESSFUL GRANTS FOR YOUR SCHOOL: A Step-by-Step Guide. It is filled with tips, links, and sample grant proposals. You can order it for just $37.00 by clicking on the title link above. Very few books deal just with school grants. Most give you an overview of grant writing in general, but this book contains all the information you need to successfully write grants for your classroom, school, or district.
Writing grants is not an easy job. You need all the tools you can get to make the work easier and more efficient. Use the links above to get all the information and help you need. You can be successful, and you can get the help you need for free or at a very low cost.
First, I’d recommend that you use all of the free resources that Discount School Supply® provides. You can use their free school grant database that gives you information on grants in the following categories: after-school, arts, early childhood, migrant, professional development, reading, special education, and science/environment. This database is very comprehensive for these categories, and you should be able to find any grant available to your school by using it.
For information about finding, applying for, and securing grants, you should use this blog sponsored by Discount School Supply®. Seventy blog posts are listed covering a variety of topics. When you have time, you should go back to the very first one and read all of them. You can find these blogs at: Schoolgrant.blogspot.com.
If you need a school grant database that includes categories not listed by Discount School Supply®, you might want to subscribe to the more comprehensive School Funding Center Grant Database. It includes 30 different categories and is the largest and most up-to-date school grant database in the United States. It basically includes every grant available to every school in the country. If you just want to look at grants for teachers or the classroom, go to School Grants for Teachers.
If you are looking for samples of winning grant proposals, you might want to purchase them at The Grantsmanship Center. They have an entire library of winning grant applications that you can order with many, many categories from which to choose. If you want to see a few free sample grant proposals, you can find those at The School Funding Center.
Finally, if you want solid information on finding grants, writing proposals, and doing everything it takes to win grant money, I suggest you purchase my book, WRITE SUCCESSFUL GRANTS FOR YOUR SCHOOL: A Step-by-Step Guide. It is filled with tips, links, and sample grant proposals. You can order it for just $37.00 by clicking on the title link above. Very few books deal just with school grants. Most give you an overview of grant writing in general, but this book contains all the information you need to successfully write grants for your classroom, school, or district.
Writing grants is not an easy job. You need all the tools you can get to make the work easier and more efficient. Use the links above to get all the information and help you need. You can be successful, and you can get the help you need for free or at a very low cost.
Check It Out: New Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: Company Grants
Funded by: State Farm Companies Foundation
Description: State Farm is committed to meeting the needs of our communities by focusing our giving in three areas: Safe Neighbors (safety), Strong Neighborhoods (community development), and Education Excellence (education).
Program Areas: Adult Literacy, After-School, Arts, At-Risk/Character, Community Involvement, Volunteerism, Disabilities, Early Childhood, Family Services, General Education, Health/PE, Homeless, Math, Professional Development, Reading, Safe/Drug Free Schools, Science/Environmental, Social Studies, Special Education
Recipients: Public School, Private/Charter School, Higher Education, Other
Proposal Deadline: 10/31/11
Average Amount: $10,000.00
Website: http://www.statefarm.com/about/part_spos/grants/cogrants.asp
Availability: All States
Funded by: State Farm Companies Foundation
Description: State Farm is committed to meeting the needs of our communities by focusing our giving in three areas: Safe Neighbors (safety), Strong Neighborhoods (community development), and Education Excellence (education).
Program Areas: Adult Literacy, After-School, Arts, At-Risk/Character, Community Involvement, Volunteerism, Disabilities, Early Childhood, Family Services, General Education, Health/PE, Homeless, Math, Professional Development, Reading, Safe/Drug Free Schools, Science/Environmental, Social Studies, Special Education
Recipients: Public School, Private/Charter School, Higher Education, Other
Proposal Deadline: 10/31/11
Average Amount: $10,000.00
Website: http://www.statefarm.com/about/part_spos/grants/cogrants.asp
Availability: All States
Check It Out: New Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: Community Impact Grants Program
Funded by: Home Depot Foundation
Description: Grants, up to $5,000, are available to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public schools or tax-exempt public service agencies in the U.S. that are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their community. Grants are given in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase of tools, materials, or services.
Program Areas: At-Risk/Character, Community Involvement/Volunteerism, Facilities/Maintenance, Health/PE, Science/Environment
Recipients: Public School, Private/Charter School, Higher Education, Other
Proposal Deadline: 10/31/11
Average Amount: $5,000.00
Website: http://www.homedepotfoundation.org/how-we-help/grants.html
Availability: All States
Funded by: Home Depot Foundation
Description: Grants, up to $5,000, are available to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public schools or tax-exempt public service agencies in the U.S. that are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their community. Grants are given in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase of tools, materials, or services.
Program Areas: At-Risk/Character, Community Involvement/Volunteerism, Facilities/Maintenance, Health/PE, Science/Environment
Recipients: Public School, Private/Charter School, Higher Education, Other
Proposal Deadline: 10/31/11
Average Amount: $5,000.00
Website: http://www.homedepotfoundation.org/how-we-help/grants.html
Availability: All States
Monday, October 3, 2011
Proving You Have a Problem
Applying for grant money is a competitive task. You don’t put on pads and knock heads like your students do in their football games, but winning grant money is no less competitive. To make sure grant readers know that you have a problem and that you understand that problem, you need good solid information to back up your claims.
The information you need to detail your problem can come from a number of sources including: standardized testing, state testing, free/reduced lunch counts, dropout rates, disciplinary records, attendance reports, ACT/SAT scores, grade records, teen pregnancy rates, surveys, and a host of other sources that should be readily available to you. Grant writers use statistical information from standardized tests and free/reduced lunch counts more than any others when applying for grants.
Nationally- and state-normed standardized tests are so useful because the information is usually disaggregated into grade level, classroom, male/female, advantaged/disadvantaged, minority/non-minority, and several other categories. This allows you to see exactly who is doing well and who is falling behind. This information also tells you how far some of those groups are falling behind. In other words, disaggregated data from standardized tests supply you with a treasure trove of information that is perfect to use when you are trying to detail the problems your school is having on a grant application.
Just as widely used on grant applications are the numbers for the economically disadvantaged in a school, usually derived from free/reduced lunch counts. Parents have to submit financial information to schools in order for students to qualify for free or reduced meals. It is no surprise to most educators when these same economically disadvantaged students (not as individuals, but as a group) are the very ones who show up with the lowest standardized test scores. Many people want to argue the difference in scores results from minority/non-minority or rural/urban/suburban status, but most of the time, the big difference in these scores comes down to the level of income in the home.
Many grants are won or lost because of the poverty level of your students. Don’t overlook the fact, however, that even if you just have 10% of your students that are economically disadvantaged, if that 10% is struggling, you may be able to apply for grant money to help them.
Even though low test scores and low-income are the main statistics you want to use on a grant application, you can also supply some rather unusual and convincing data from other sources. We wanted to put a piano lab in a middle school where I was principal. We surveyed local churches in our small town as to the difficulty they had in securing pianists for their services. We found they had a very difficult time. That was good information for us to use on our grant application for a piano lab.
It’s very important to give good information about the problems you have when you’re filling out a grant application. Most of the time that information will come in the form of statistics. Be sure you supply the best most detailed data that you can. Grant writing is competitive. Giving grant readers a clear picture of the problem you’re having will often help you beat that competition.
The information you need to detail your problem can come from a number of sources including: standardized testing, state testing, free/reduced lunch counts, dropout rates, disciplinary records, attendance reports, ACT/SAT scores, grade records, teen pregnancy rates, surveys, and a host of other sources that should be readily available to you. Grant writers use statistical information from standardized tests and free/reduced lunch counts more than any others when applying for grants.
Nationally- and state-normed standardized tests are so useful because the information is usually disaggregated into grade level, classroom, male/female, advantaged/disadvantaged, minority/non-minority, and several other categories. This allows you to see exactly who is doing well and who is falling behind. This information also tells you how far some of those groups are falling behind. In other words, disaggregated data from standardized tests supply you with a treasure trove of information that is perfect to use when you are trying to detail the problems your school is having on a grant application.
Just as widely used on grant applications are the numbers for the economically disadvantaged in a school, usually derived from free/reduced lunch counts. Parents have to submit financial information to schools in order for students to qualify for free or reduced meals. It is no surprise to most educators when these same economically disadvantaged students (not as individuals, but as a group) are the very ones who show up with the lowest standardized test scores. Many people want to argue the difference in scores results from minority/non-minority or rural/urban/suburban status, but most of the time, the big difference in these scores comes down to the level of income in the home.
Many grants are won or lost because of the poverty level of your students. Don’t overlook the fact, however, that even if you just have 10% of your students that are economically disadvantaged, if that 10% is struggling, you may be able to apply for grant money to help them.
Even though low test scores and low-income are the main statistics you want to use on a grant application, you can also supply some rather unusual and convincing data from other sources. We wanted to put a piano lab in a middle school where I was principal. We surveyed local churches in our small town as to the difficulty they had in securing pianists for their services. We found they had a very difficult time. That was good information for us to use on our grant application for a piano lab.
It’s very important to give good information about the problems you have when you’re filling out a grant application. Most of the time that information will come in the form of statistics. Be sure you supply the best most detailed data that you can. Grant writing is competitive. Giving grant readers a clear picture of the problem you’re having will often help you beat that competition.
Check It Out: New Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: GRAMMY Signature Schools
Funded by: GRAMMY Foundation
Description: Does your school deserve a GRAMMY? And a little bit of cash for your music programs to go along with it? If your school has a totally great music program with a fantastic music teacher or two thrown in -- it does. Or if you are keeping music classes in your school despite that fact that you barely have a budget for sheet music much less instruments – it does. GRAMMY Signature School awards are given to high school music programs that are keeping music programs alive and well despite budgets and school politics. Each school gets a GRAMMY Award and a cash prize of up to $10,000. Schools compete in different categories based on excellence or need. We have GRAMMY Signature Schools from every size city and town across the country.
Program Areas: Arts
Recipients: Public School, Private/Charter School, Other
Proposal Deadline: 10/22/11
Average Amount: $5,000.00 - $10,000.00
Website: http://www.grammyintheschools.com/programs/grammy-signature-schools
Availability: All States
Funded by: GRAMMY Foundation
Description: Does your school deserve a GRAMMY? And a little bit of cash for your music programs to go along with it? If your school has a totally great music program with a fantastic music teacher or two thrown in -- it does. Or if you are keeping music classes in your school despite that fact that you barely have a budget for sheet music much less instruments – it does. GRAMMY Signature School awards are given to high school music programs that are keeping music programs alive and well despite budgets and school politics. Each school gets a GRAMMY Award and a cash prize of up to $10,000. Schools compete in different categories based on excellence or need. We have GRAMMY Signature Schools from every size city and town across the country.
Program Areas: Arts
Recipients: Public School, Private/Charter School, Other
Proposal Deadline: 10/22/11
Average Amount: $5,000.00 - $10,000.00
Website: http://www.grammyintheschools.com/programs/grammy-signature-schools
Availability: All States
Check It Out: New Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: CVS Community Grants for Public Schools – Creating Inclusive School Settings
Funded by: CVS
Description: To ensure that we make a positive impact, the 2010 Community Grants Program will focus on a few key areas. One area is on public schools for children with disabilities that promote a greater level of inclusion in student activities and extracurricular programs. CVS is devoted to supporting organizations that enrich the lives of children with disabilities through inclusive programs. Through the Community Grants Program, CVS works to ensure that students are not left behind in school. Proposed programs must be fully inclusive where children with disabilities are full participants in an early childhood, adolescent or teenage program alongside their typically developing peers.
Program Areas: After-School, Disabilities, General Education
Recipients: Public School
Proposal Deadline: 10/31/11
Average Amount: $5,000.00
Website: http://www.cvscaremark.com/community/ways-we-give
Availability: All States
Funded by: CVS
Description: To ensure that we make a positive impact, the 2010 Community Grants Program will focus on a few key areas. One area is on public schools for children with disabilities that promote a greater level of inclusion in student activities and extracurricular programs. CVS is devoted to supporting organizations that enrich the lives of children with disabilities through inclusive programs. Through the Community Grants Program, CVS works to ensure that students are not left behind in school. Proposed programs must be fully inclusive where children with disabilities are full participants in an early childhood, adolescent or teenage program alongside their typically developing peers.
Program Areas: After-School, Disabilities, General Education
Recipients: Public School
Proposal Deadline: 10/31/11
Average Amount: $5,000.00
Website: http://www.cvscaremark.com/community/ways-we-give
Availability: All States
Monday, September 19, 2011
Do You Have What It Takes?
At the start of any school year many teachers and administrators decide they need to find grant money for their schools. With the budget cuts that many schools have seen the last couple of years, I’m sure that this year will not be an exception. Many educators will want to find grant money. The question becomes, “Do you have what it takes to go out and get the grant money you need?”
I believe that any school can find grant money if its educators want it badly enough. But any educator who is going to be a successful grant writer must have three characteristics: desire, determination, and persistence. Without these characteristics, you might find some grant money, but you will not consistently do so.
First, to be successful, a grant writer must have a strong desire to solve a problem. Typically, this problem will involve a deficiency in the educational program at your school and must be solved in order for students to achieve to their potential. It doesn’t matter if your students are behind in math, reading, science, social studies, writing, or in the arts. As a grant writer, you must look on your problems and your deficiencies as unacceptable and have a strong desire to find the grant money to eliminate those deficiencies.
Second, if you are going to be a successful grant writer, you must have determination. You must identify your problem, find a logical solution, seek out grantors that give money for your type of problem, and fill out their grant applications properly and proficiently. You must dig up the data that supports your contention that you have a problem. You must research until you find a viable solution to your problem. And you must search and study until you find the proper grants that match well with your problem. These are not easy tasks, and you must show marked determination if you are to be successful as a grant writer.
Finally, you must be persistent. It is rare to have a problem at a school, write one grant, receive the grant money, and have your problem corrected. More often, you must write multiple grants to be assured of getting enough grant money to tackle your problem. It is only beginning grant writers who believe that finding a single grant opportunity will be enough to solve their problems with one stroke. And besides, what school has only one problem?
Any school can get grant money. I won’t say that it will be easy or that you’ll get grant money the first time you try. But if you are a person who truly desires to make your school a better place, who is determined to make a difference by writing grants, and who is persistent enough to continue to apply for grants until your problems are solved, then you will be a successful grant writer.
The question is, “Do you have what it takes to be a successful grant writer?”
I believe that any school can find grant money if its educators want it badly enough. But any educator who is going to be a successful grant writer must have three characteristics: desire, determination, and persistence. Without these characteristics, you might find some grant money, but you will not consistently do so.
First, to be successful, a grant writer must have a strong desire to solve a problem. Typically, this problem will involve a deficiency in the educational program at your school and must be solved in order for students to achieve to their potential. It doesn’t matter if your students are behind in math, reading, science, social studies, writing, or in the arts. As a grant writer, you must look on your problems and your deficiencies as unacceptable and have a strong desire to find the grant money to eliminate those deficiencies.
Second, if you are going to be a successful grant writer, you must have determination. You must identify your problem, find a logical solution, seek out grantors that give money for your type of problem, and fill out their grant applications properly and proficiently. You must dig up the data that supports your contention that you have a problem. You must research until you find a viable solution to your problem. And you must search and study until you find the proper grants that match well with your problem. These are not easy tasks, and you must show marked determination if you are to be successful as a grant writer.
Finally, you must be persistent. It is rare to have a problem at a school, write one grant, receive the grant money, and have your problem corrected. More often, you must write multiple grants to be assured of getting enough grant money to tackle your problem. It is only beginning grant writers who believe that finding a single grant opportunity will be enough to solve their problems with one stroke. And besides, what school has only one problem?
Any school can get grant money. I won’t say that it will be easy or that you’ll get grant money the first time you try. But if you are a person who truly desires to make your school a better place, who is determined to make a difference by writing grants, and who is persistent enough to continue to apply for grants until your problems are solved, then you will be a successful grant writer.
The question is, “Do you have what it takes to be a successful grant writer?”
Check It Out: New Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: Teacher Grants
Funded by: The Kids in Need Foundation
Description: Kids In Need Teacher Grants provide K-12 educators with funding to provide innovative learning opportunities for their students. The Kids In Need Foundation helps to engage students in the learning process by supporting our most creative and important educational resource our nation's teachers. All certified K-12 teachers in the U.S. are eligible.
Program Areas: Math, Reading, Science/Environment, Technology, All Other
Recipients: Public School, Private/Charter School
Proposal Deadline: 9/30/11
Average Amount: $100.00 - $500.00
Contact Person: Penny Hawk
Telephone: 877-296-1231
Email: info@kidsinneed.net
Website: http://www.kidsinneed.net/grants/index.php
Availability: All States
Funded by: The Kids in Need Foundation
Description: Kids In Need Teacher Grants provide K-12 educators with funding to provide innovative learning opportunities for their students. The Kids In Need Foundation helps to engage students in the learning process by supporting our most creative and important educational resource our nation's teachers. All certified K-12 teachers in the U.S. are eligible.
Program Areas: Math, Reading, Science/Environment, Technology, All Other
Recipients: Public School, Private/Charter School
Proposal Deadline: 9/30/11
Average Amount: $100.00 - $500.00
Contact Person: Penny Hawk
Telephone: 877-296-1231
Email: info@kidsinneed.net
Website: http://www.kidsinneed.net/grants/index.php
Availability: All States
Check It Out: New Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: K-6 Science and Math Education Grants
Funded by: Toshiba America Foundaiton
Description: The mission of Toshiba America Foundation is to promote quality science and mathematics education in U.S. schools. Grants are made for programs and activities that improve teaching and learning in science and mathematics, grades K-12. The Foundation focuses its grant making on inquiry-based projects designed by individual teachers, and small teams of teachers, for use in their own classrooms.
Program Areas: Math, Science/Environment
Recipients: Public School, Other
Proposal Deadline: 10/1/11
Average Amount: $20,000.00
Telephone: 212-596-0620
Email: foundation@tai.toshiba.com
Website: http://www.toshiba.com/tafpub/jsp/about/HowApply.jsp
Availability: All States
Funded by: Toshiba America Foundaiton
Description: The mission of Toshiba America Foundation is to promote quality science and mathematics education in U.S. schools. Grants are made for programs and activities that improve teaching and learning in science and mathematics, grades K-12. The Foundation focuses its grant making on inquiry-based projects designed by individual teachers, and small teams of teachers, for use in their own classrooms.
Program Areas: Math, Science/Environment
Recipients: Public School, Other
Proposal Deadline: 10/1/11
Average Amount: $20,000.00
Telephone: 212-596-0620
Email: foundation@tai.toshiba.com
Website: http://www.toshiba.com/tafpub/jsp/about/HowApply.jsp
Availability: All States
Friday, September 2, 2011
Supplant vs Supplement
Supplant means to “take the place of.” Supplement means to “add something to complete a thing.” For almost any grant you write, it is important for you to begin a new program or to supplement a program rather than to supplant one. While most grantors make that fact very plain in their grant literature, some are not as explicit. Regardless of that, you can rest assured they do not want you using their money to supplant a program you already have in place.
Most grantors are interested in helping you to improve academic performance in some way. You can usually do that by implementing a new program that has shown promise in other schools or by expanding a program that has been successful in your own school. You usually have to come up with the money for that new or expanded program. Grantors often supply that money.
Supplanting a program is different. That means you put a new program in the place of an old one. To do that, you should be able to use the money that you were using for the old program to put the new one in place. If you do, it is unlikely you would need grant money.
Some schools try to write grants that allow them to supplant one of their current programs in an effort to shift their money to another curriculum area. An abundance of reading grant money might be available at the time, but the school really needs money to shore up its math program. The grant writer applies for a reading grant for enough money to fund the reading program that is already in place, then the district shifts that budget money over to the math department so they can improve their math program with a promising supplemental program.
In theory this sounds like a workable plan for the school. In fact, it is a form of fraud. At the very least, it is deceitful. Grantors are usually very specific about what they are trying to accomplish with their giving, and to deceive them is wrong. You might very rarely see a grantor who is willing to add money to your general budget, but it is unusual to find such a grant.
It is important in your application to let grantors know you are supplementing a program rather than supplanting one. In your narrative, I recommend that you clearly describe how you plan to begin a new program or supplement a current program in order to improve that academic area in your school.
If you do not currently have an after-school program that tutors math students who are struggling, then you are supplementing your regular math program when you set up your tutoring program. If you do not currently have a computer lab that allows students who are struggling to better understand instructional concepts, then you are supplementing your math program when you set up such a computer lab. There are many ways to supplement a current program to improve it.
You should always clearly understand how a new or supplemental program will improve your overall academic program and clearly explain that in your grant application. If you struggle to prove that your grant program is truly supplemental, then it probably isn’t.
You will not often hear the terms “supplement” and “supplant” discussed at school, but you should hear it often if you are involved in writing grants. Thousands of grants supply money to schools for you to begin new programs or supplement academic programs to improve them. Only a handful of grantors are out there who would even consider providing money for you to supplant a program with their funds.
Most grantors are interested in helping you to improve academic performance in some way. You can usually do that by implementing a new program that has shown promise in other schools or by expanding a program that has been successful in your own school. You usually have to come up with the money for that new or expanded program. Grantors often supply that money.
Supplanting a program is different. That means you put a new program in the place of an old one. To do that, you should be able to use the money that you were using for the old program to put the new one in place. If you do, it is unlikely you would need grant money.
Some schools try to write grants that allow them to supplant one of their current programs in an effort to shift their money to another curriculum area. An abundance of reading grant money might be available at the time, but the school really needs money to shore up its math program. The grant writer applies for a reading grant for enough money to fund the reading program that is already in place, then the district shifts that budget money over to the math department so they can improve their math program with a promising supplemental program.
In theory this sounds like a workable plan for the school. In fact, it is a form of fraud. At the very least, it is deceitful. Grantors are usually very specific about what they are trying to accomplish with their giving, and to deceive them is wrong. You might very rarely see a grantor who is willing to add money to your general budget, but it is unusual to find such a grant.
It is important in your application to let grantors know you are supplementing a program rather than supplanting one. In your narrative, I recommend that you clearly describe how you plan to begin a new program or supplement a current program in order to improve that academic area in your school.
If you do not currently have an after-school program that tutors math students who are struggling, then you are supplementing your regular math program when you set up your tutoring program. If you do not currently have a computer lab that allows students who are struggling to better understand instructional concepts, then you are supplementing your math program when you set up such a computer lab. There are many ways to supplement a current program to improve it.
You should always clearly understand how a new or supplemental program will improve your overall academic program and clearly explain that in your grant application. If you struggle to prove that your grant program is truly supplemental, then it probably isn’t.
You will not often hear the terms “supplement” and “supplant” discussed at school, but you should hear it often if you are involved in writing grants. Thousands of grants supply money to schools for you to begin new programs or supplement academic programs to improve them. Only a handful of grantors are out there who would even consider providing money for you to supplant a program with their funds.
Check It Out: NEW Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: Let’s Play Playground Construction Grants
Funded by: KABOOM! & Dr. Pepper Snapple Group
Description: A National Partner of KaBOOM!, Dr Pepper Snapple Group has made a $15 million, three-year commitment to the organization as part of the company’s Let’s Play initiative. Let’s Play is a community partnership led by Dr Pepper Snapple Group designed to get kids active nationwide. Together through Let's Play, DPS and KaBOOM! will build or fix up 2,000 playgrounds by the end of 2013, benefiting an estimated five million children across North America. For more information about Let's Play, visit letsplay.com Dr Pepper Snapple & KaBOOM! are excited to offer $9,000 grants to qualifying organizations to be used toward the purchase of Imagination Playground in a Cart. The total cost of the Imagination Playground in a Cart is $11,100 plus shipping and handling (approximately $2,000). Please read through the information about Imagination Playground in a Cart, eligibility for the grant, and grant commitments to see if your playspace can receive and support this grant. In order to complete the application, fill out the Parts I – IV and submit no later than September 30, 2011.
Program Areas: Health/PE
Recipients: Public School, Private/Charter Schools
Proposal Deadline: 9/30/2011
Average Amount: $9,000.00
Email: grants@kaboom.org
Website: http://kaboom.org/build_playground/get_funding/grants
Availability: All States
Funded by: KABOOM! & Dr. Pepper Snapple Group
Description: A National Partner of KaBOOM!, Dr Pepper Snapple Group has made a $15 million, three-year commitment to the organization as part of the company’s Let’s Play initiative. Let’s Play is a community partnership led by Dr Pepper Snapple Group designed to get kids active nationwide. Together through Let's Play, DPS and KaBOOM! will build or fix up 2,000 playgrounds by the end of 2013, benefiting an estimated five million children across North America. For more information about Let's Play, visit letsplay.com Dr Pepper Snapple & KaBOOM! are excited to offer $9,000 grants to qualifying organizations to be used toward the purchase of Imagination Playground in a Cart. The total cost of the Imagination Playground in a Cart is $11,100 plus shipping and handling (approximately $2,000). Please read through the information about Imagination Playground in a Cart, eligibility for the grant, and grant commitments to see if your playspace can receive and support this grant. In order to complete the application, fill out the Parts I – IV and submit no later than September 30, 2011.
Program Areas: Health/PE
Recipients: Public School, Private/Charter Schools
Proposal Deadline: 9/30/2011
Average Amount: $9,000.00
Email: grants@kaboom.org
Website: http://kaboom.org/build_playground/get_funding/grants
Availability: All States
Check It Out: NEW Grant Opportunity!
Grant Name: Captain Planet Foundation Education Grants
Funded by: The Captain Planet Foundation Description: The foundation supports projects that: 1) Promote understanding of environmental issues; 2) Focus on hands-on involvement; 3) Involve children and young adults 6-18 (elementary through high school); 4) Promote interaction and cooperation within the group; 5) Help young people develop planning and problem solving skills; 6) Include adult supervision; 7) Commit to follow-up communication with the foundation (specific requirements are explained once the grant has been awarded).
Program Areas: Community Involvement/Volunteerism, General Education, Science/Environment, Social Studies, All Other
Recipients: Public School, Private/Charter School, Other Proposal
Deadline: 9/30/11 Average Amount: $250.00 - $2,500.00
Contact Person: Taryn Murphy
Telephone: 404-522-4270
Email: tarynm@captainplanet.org
Website: http://www.captainplanetfoundation.org/
Availability: All States
Funded by: The Captain Planet Foundation Description: The foundation supports projects that: 1) Promote understanding of environmental issues; 2) Focus on hands-on involvement; 3) Involve children and young adults 6-18 (elementary through high school); 4) Promote interaction and cooperation within the group; 5) Help young people develop planning and problem solving skills; 6) Include adult supervision; 7) Commit to follow-up communication with the foundation (specific requirements are explained once the grant has been awarded).
Program Areas: Community Involvement/Volunteerism, General Education, Science/Environment, Social Studies, All Other
Recipients: Public School, Private/Charter School, Other Proposal
Deadline: 9/30/11 Average Amount: $250.00 - $2,500.00
Contact Person: Taryn Murphy
Telephone: 404-522-4270
Email: tarynm@captainplanet.org
Website: http://www.captainplanetfoundation.org/
Availability: All States
Monday, August 15, 2011
Setting Goals for the New School Year
Goal setting is an important part of education. Without goals we meander around wasting a lot of time. We’re in a boat without a paddle. We’re on vacation without a map. You get the picture. Goals are important.
In your school or classroom, you are not likely to make the progress you should unless you set good, attainable goals. Using assessment data from the end of last year or the first of this year, you should determine exactly where your students are and then determine just how far you can take them by the beginning of June, 2012.
It might also be worth your while to set some goals for individual students as well. Although most school and classroom goals are set based on average gains, it is important to remember that when students get out of school, it’s not what the group learned on average that’s important, it’s what each individual student is able to accomplish.
Not too many weeks after you set your goals, you should be able to determine whether you have the time and resources to reach your goals by the end of the school year. Often teachers and principals decide they need extra resources in the form of grant money in order to meet their goals. If you don’t set goals, it is harder to track progress. By the time you determine you’re not making enough progress, it might be too late to apply for grant money.
Which of your programs require goals to be set? All of them. It doesn’t matter if you’re teaching reading, social studies, music or PE. Every program should have set goals. Students who are not on a pace to reach your goals should get extra time and attention. If you aren’t able to give these students the time and attention they need to meet your goals, then that may be the reason for applying for grant money or forming partnerships with local businesses. Businesses often want to supply volunteers as well as giving money to a local effort.
With most districts throughout the country having to cut school budgets this year, it is important that you set goals in your classroom or school. Start working toward those goals immediately. If it appears you will not be able to reach your goals with the limited resources you are given, take aggressive action by applying for grants and forming business partnerships within your community.
You don’t just set goals on New Year’s Day. For educators New Year’s Day comes a second time in August or September. Your students are depending on you to set worthwhile goals for them to achieve and then to make every effort to see that each and every one of them is successful.
In your school or classroom, you are not likely to make the progress you should unless you set good, attainable goals. Using assessment data from the end of last year or the first of this year, you should determine exactly where your students are and then determine just how far you can take them by the beginning of June, 2012.
It might also be worth your while to set some goals for individual students as well. Although most school and classroom goals are set based on average gains, it is important to remember that when students get out of school, it’s not what the group learned on average that’s important, it’s what each individual student is able to accomplish.
Not too many weeks after you set your goals, you should be able to determine whether you have the time and resources to reach your goals by the end of the school year. Often teachers and principals decide they need extra resources in the form of grant money in order to meet their goals. If you don’t set goals, it is harder to track progress. By the time you determine you’re not making enough progress, it might be too late to apply for grant money.
Which of your programs require goals to be set? All of them. It doesn’t matter if you’re teaching reading, social studies, music or PE. Every program should have set goals. Students who are not on a pace to reach your goals should get extra time and attention. If you aren’t able to give these students the time and attention they need to meet your goals, then that may be the reason for applying for grant money or forming partnerships with local businesses. Businesses often want to supply volunteers as well as giving money to a local effort.
With most districts throughout the country having to cut school budgets this year, it is important that you set goals in your classroom or school. Start working toward those goals immediately. If it appears you will not be able to reach your goals with the limited resources you are given, take aggressive action by applying for grants and forming business partnerships within your community.
You don’t just set goals on New Year’s Day. For educators New Year’s Day comes a second time in August or September. Your students are depending on you to set worthwhile goals for them to achieve and then to make every effort to see that each and every one of them is successful.
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