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ALABAMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AMSTI Section

Montgomery, Alabama

Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant

Administered by the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)

Application For New Awards (FY 2013)

DATED MATERIAL – READ IMMEDIATELY Closing Date: July 31, 2012

AMSTI Section Room 3339 Gordon Persons Building P.O. Box 302101 Montgomery, AL 36130-2101 Telephone: (334) 353-9151 FAX: (334) 353-7139

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Purpose of the Program

Approximately $2,685,000 is expected to be available from federal sources to support math and science professional development for Grades K-12 teachers in Alabama. The State Department of Education (SDE) is responsible for the administration of this grant and anticipates allotting approximately $2,685,000 for up to 11 awards. Grants are for the creation and delivery of math and science professional development that supports the goals of existing AMSTI and/or Alabama Science in Motion (ASIM) sites and will be awarded October 1, 2012, provided funding is available. Funds are from the United States Department of Education (USDE), Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP), (Title II, Part B), and are awarded by the SDE to support successful proposals submitted by Alabama Institutions of Higher Education that have formed partnerships with local education agencies.

Partnerships must include science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics (STEM) faculty of Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) and high-need school districts. High-need “at-risk” school districts are defined as those serving more than 50% of students in poverty with fewer than 95% of teachers designated as highly qualified and must be included in the target service population. Partnerships will involve coordinating professional development opportunities with existing AMSTI/ASIM sites as well as assisting with site support services. Proposals that include high school science must include partnerships with Alabama Science in Motion (ASIM) as ASIM serves as the high school science component of AMSTI. Partnerships may also include various entities and sections within the applying IHE.

Grants should be written for services provided over a three-year period although the current award will be for one year, provided funding is available. Upon successful completion of the first year, funding may be allocated to continue and/or expand the services for a second year and possibly a third year, provided funding is available. Awardees will be required to adhere to the requirements set forth by the USDE Mathematics and Science Partnerships (www.ed.gov/programs/mathsci/faq.html), the Guidelines for AMSTI Site Operations, and the Alabama Science in Motion Guidelines, if applicable.

Program Description

The primary purposes of this grant program are to accomplish the following:

1. Expand math and science professional development opportunities and support instructional services provided by the AMSTI and/or ASIM site within the geographical area defined by an Alabama Regional Inservice Center. Details of an AMSTI/ASIM site are provided in the Guidelines for AMSTI Site Operations and in the Alabama Science in Motion Guidelines. Requirements of awardees are as follows:

a. Offer each participant a minimum of 30 hours per year of professional development that has significant and meaningful math and/or science content, incorporates technology, and models research-based instructional strategies. Paired with pedagogical instruction based on best practices, such professional development experiences will equip teachers to teach in a manner that will improve student achievement in math and science.

b. Assist AMSTI/ASIM in providing support services for teachers by providing instruction and/or experiences with materials, supplies, and equipment necessary and by

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partnering with AMSTI/ASIM in on-site instructional assistance. Please note that federal MSP guidelines limit the purchase of materials to those that are necessary for professional development. MSP funds cannot be used to purchase K-12 classroom materials.

c. Collaborate with school personnel to determine specific instructional needs and develop a framework for addressing these needs through mentoring, Professional Learning Teams (PLTs), and/or professional development designed to improve and sustain instructional skills.

d. Foster institutional change within Grades K-12 and other partner organizations to ensure sustainability of the educational innovations proposed, including redirecting resources, promoting professional learning communities, and developing and maintaining policies and practices critical to the work of the partnership and necessary to ensure project sustainability.

2. Involve STEM faculty from Institutions of Higher Education in inservice instruction of math and science teachers.

a. Provide strong collaboration and instructional involvement between colleges/departments of education and STEM faculty in inservice activities with teachers of math and science.

b. Bring math and science teachers in Grades K-12 together with scientists, mathematicians, and engineers to increase the teachers’ subject-matter knowledge and improve instructional skills.

Other purposes of this grant program include the following:

3. Provide experiences in inservice education that model effective teaching strategies to be used by teachers in Grades K-12, especially the research-based pedagogy advocated by AMSTI, and to promote an awareness of and an interest in current educational research.

4. Partner with other initiatives to develop and deliver professional development in a variety of formats (podcasts, ACCESS labs, Webinars, Webcasts, videoconferencing, online courses, etc.).

5. Assist teachers in providing hands-on, activity-based instruction that is strongly aligned to state and national standards and the AMSTI/ASIM program.

6. Improve and expand training of math and science teachers, including training such teachers in the effective integration of technology into curricula and instruction and mentoring them as they begin to use this technology in their lessons.

7. Improve the instruction of math and science at the university level so that Grades K-12 classroom teachers are provided experiences with hands-on, activity-based instruction as part of their educational experience.

Key Features

1. Needs Assessment: The project must address the results of the comprehensive needs assessment of teacher quality, professional development, and instructional support services with respect to the teaching and learning of math and science by schools and local education agencies that comprise the eligible partnership.

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2. Partnerships: Partnerships must include STEM IHE faculty (from college of arts and sciences or equivalent), high-need school district(s), and the regional AMSTI and/or ASIM site. Partnerships may also include Grades K-12 administrators and faculty in participating Grades K-12 schools, central office administrators, teacher-training departments of Institutions of Higher Education, and administrators in higher education organizations. Other partners are encouraged and may include businesses, public and private schools, and nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

3. Scientifically Based Research: The activities to be carried out by the partnership must be based on a review of scientifically based research. An explanation of how the activities expect to improve student academic achievement, strengthen the quality of math and science instruction, and provide long-term, school-level sustainability must be included.

4. Support: Instructional support will be provided by the project through needs assessments and professional development in content and pedagogy. Please describe the professional development model being used. Give a detailed description of the content of math and science professional development sessions. Also, be specific as to when and how the sessions will be offered, whether it is in a group setting, a PLT, embedded coaching, or some other form of delivery.

a. Content-Based Professional Development: The project focuses professional development on the deep math and scientific content teachers need to understand and effectively teach students.

b. Pedagogical-Based Professional Development: The project provides professional development in and instructional support for research-based instructional methods proven to raise student achievement.

5. Evaluation: A detailed evaluation and accountability plan for activities of the project that include rigorous objectives that measure the impact of the activities are mandatory. Measurable objectives are required for (1) improving student academic achievement, (2) providing opportunities for math and science teachers to participate in content-, pedagogical-, and technology-based professional development activities, (3) assessing the impact and sustainability of instructional support provided to the schools, and (4) calculating increases in teacher content knowledge. A research-based project evaluation that assesses the impacts of the projects’ activities is required. Presentation of research findings at a Department of Education MSP Regional Conference is encouraged. Travel to a regional conference is allowable and should be included in the travel budget.

Additionally, each entity receiving a grant must report annually to the SDE and to the U.S. Secretary of Education regarding the eligible partnership’s progress in meeting the objectives and annual targets described in the accountability plan. The Annual Performance Reports (APRs) are submitted online via the MSP reporting Web site at http://apr.ed-msp.net and follow the U.S. Department of Education Mathematics and Science Partnerships Program Annual Performance Reporting Online System User’s Guide. MSP also hosts a Web site that features research, professional development opportunities, and project highlights for all partnerships that receive funding. This Web site is located at http://hub.mspnet.org.

The MSP State Coordinator will meet with funded projects at least one time per year to provide technical assistance and to review the status of the project’s goals and budget. The MSP State Coordinator will also schedule at least one yearly meeting to provide project

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participants an opportunity to assemble together to discuss and complete the online Annual Performance Report.

General Information Application Available/Competition Opens: June 1, 2012 Applications will be available on the Alabama Department of Education Web site, www.alsde.edu, and will be e-mailed to regional inservice center directors, AMSTI and ASIM Directors, and to each Alabama Institution of Higher Education. Bidders Webinar: June 19, 2012 The MSP State Coordinator will host a Webinar to provide technical assistance to entities that wish to submit a proposal. This Webinar will provide resources and basic information for the completion of the grant application. The Webinar will be archived and may be viewed at www.amsti.org after June 19, 2012. Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply for Grant Funds: June 29, 2012 Deadline for Applications: July 31, 2012 Applications must be received on or before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, to be considered for funding. There will be no exceptions to this submission requirement. An application may be submitted by regular mail, express courier delivery, or hand-delivery. Applications may not be faxed or transmitted by e-mail. Total Anticipated Funds: $2,685,000 from federal sources Estimated Range of Awards: $200,000 - $500,000 Eligible Applicants: Institutions of Higher Education in Alabama Application Available: June 1, 2012 Bidders Webinar: June 19, 2012

Applications sent by regular mail, express courier delivery, or hand-delivery must be received by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2012. Send the original (signatures in blue ink) and four (4) copies to:

Alabama State Department of Education

AMSTI Section Attention: Mrs. Cathy Jones, Room 3339

P.O. Box 302101 Montgomery, AL 36130-2101

(334) 353-9151

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Notice of Intent to Apply for Grant Funds: June 29, 2012 Deadline for Application: July 31, 2012 Awards Announced: August 24, 2012 (anticipated) Date Funds Available: October 1, 2012 Project Period of Performance: October 1, 2012September 30, 2013 Technical Assistance Provided for Application Process: A variety of application resources is available at www.amsti.org after the Bidders Webinar on June 19, 2012. Technical assistance will be provided to partnership representatives that contact the State Department of Education at 1-334-353-9151. Contact person: Cathy Jones, MSP State Coordinator and AMSTI Math Specialist. Proposal Requirements and Format Provide the following information in the order listed: A. COVER PAGE

Complete the form attached. The name of the primary Institution of Higher Education (fiscal agent), names of all other partnering organizations, and the estimated number of STEM faculty and teachers to be engaged and students to be impacted by the project must be included. All signatures must be original and in blue ink.

B. APPLICATION FORM The applying Institution of Higher Education (fiscal agent) should complete the Application Form. All signatures must be original and in blue ink.

C. ABSTRACT

The heading should include the title of the proposed endeavor. The project abstract should not exceed one page and should briefly and clearly describe the project goals and activities to be undertaken.

D. STATEMENT OF ASSURANCES

The IHE (fiscal agent) representative is to sign the Statement of Assurances. All signatures must be original and in blue ink.

E. PARTNERSHIP FORM

Provide forms for all project partners. Partner forms must include signatures, in blue ink, from the STEM partners of the IHE from the school of arts and sciences or equivalent. Partner forms from high-need school district(s) and the regional AMSTI and/or ASIM site(s) are also required. AMSTI partner forms must include the signature of the regional AMSTI Site Director; ASIM partner forms must include the signature of the ASIM Project Director. Proposals that do not comply with the partnership form requirements will not be reviewed or considered for funding.

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F. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Provide a project description that does not exceed 8 SINGLE-SPACED PAGES. The text must be 12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins. Please number the pages. Proposals that do not comply with these formatting requirements will not be reviewed or considered for funding. The project description should describe, in detail, the: 1. Needs assessment procedures and the needs identified in each school district. 2. Proposed research-based model(s) or program(s) and how implementation of the

model(s) addresses identified needs. 3. Goals and projected outcomes for the project. 4. Plan to achieve the goals and projected outcomes, including the professional

development sessions that will be offered and the provision of an on-site instructional support program that builds capacity for sustainability at the school level.

5. Number of STEM professionals, if applicable, participating in the project along with information on their roles and responsibilities.

6. Estimated number of Grades K-12 inservice teachers and STEM faculty to be directly engaged in the project activities.

7. Estimated number of Grades K-12 students to be impacted by the project. 8. Contributions that partners will make to accomplish the proposed activities, including

STEM faculty. 9. Evaluation and management strategies designed to measure the extent to which the

partnership realizes the project vision and goals, including maintaining professional development records and scheduling for and maintaining records of the framework of support services that will be provided to schools that enter into this partnership.

10. Partnership with AMSTI/ASIM and other initiatives to develop and deliver professional development in a variety of formats (podcasts, ACCESS labs, Webinars, Webcasts, videoconferencing, online courses, etc.).

11. Plan to create change within the institutions serving Grades K-12 and other partner organizations and how this plan will ensure sustainability of the educational innovations proposed.

12. References, citing research articles and/or Web site addresses that support proposed activities.

G. PROJECTED TIMELINE

Prepare a three-year timeline, detailed by year, to project the onset and completion of proposed activities. The individual(s)/entity(ies) responsible for each activity should be listed. Only one year of funding will be awarded for 2012-2013. Each subsequent award is subject to funding availability and acceptance of Renewal Application.

H. EVALUATION PLAN

Each project will be required to submit an annual evaluation documenting the extent to which the project’s goals have been achieved. Describe the evaluation plan that will guide the annual assessment of project progress and will measure the impact of the work described in the project description. Include the means by which the partners will maintain records and document, measure, and report on project progress. Explain why the methods chosen are appropriate to the issues or questions that the proposal addresses. A proposal must make a compelling case for the activities of the project.

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This plan must include an evaluation design based on measurable objectives that assess the impact of the following dimensions of the project: 1. Improving student academic achievement on state mathematics and science assessments

and a means of documenting these improvements. 2. Providing opportunities for math and science teachers to participate in content-,

pedagogical-, and technology-based professional development activities. 3. Assessing the impact and sustainability of instructional support provided to the schools. 4. Documenting increases in teacher content knowledge.

A strong evaluation plan will also assess the effectiveness of the following dimensions of the project: 5. Providing opportunities for professional collaboration and instructional involvement

between colleges/departments of education, AMSTI/ASIM staff, and STEM faculty in inservice activities with teachers of mathematics and science.

6. Describing progress toward meeting the goals and objectives established in response to the comprehensive needs assessment, including goals and objectives associated with provisions for instructional support designed to ensure school based sustainability.

I. BUDGET

Include a three-year project budget listing of the funds requested for each category using the budget format provided. Also, indicate the amount contributed from any other revenue sources if applicable.

J. BUDGET JUSTIFICATION

Funds may be used to support reasonable and necessary costs for an approved project. Acceptable expenditures for the project must follow the provisions outlined in the Guidelines for AMSTI Site Operations, and/or the Alabama Science in Motion Guidelines. Funds from the MSP portion of the grant may include the following expenditures: 1. Salaries for staff who will be employed by the project. 2. Stipends for project staff who write project-related professional development. 3. Travel for project-related training and MSP Regional Conference presentation. 4. Project-related consultant costs, including travel-related expenses. 5. Stipends for teachers and STEM faculty to attend project-related training. 6. Materials and equipment for training. 7. Facilities to support operation of the project. 8. Project evaluation expenses (up to 10% of the grant award). 9. Administrative/Indirect Costs (up to 8% of the grant award).

Funds may not be used to make reimbursement or pay expenses incurred during the planning phase prior to approval of the proposal and formal award of funds.

Proposals must provide a detailed budget justification describing how the funds will be used in each category of the budget. The budget justification must clearly be tied to the scope and requirements of the project, describe the basis for determining the amounts shown on the budget form, and adhere to Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), Title 34, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 74-86 and 97-99. All proposals should include provision for evaluation of project activities in an annual performance report.

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Proposed Acquisitions of Capitalized Equipment Prior approval from the Alabama Department of Education is required for all capitalized equipment purchases. Capitalized equipment is defined as all equipment with a unit cost of $5,000 or more and that meets the following criteria: 1. Retains its original shape and appearance with use. 2. Is expected, under normal conditions, to serve its intended purpose for longer than one

year. 3. Is non-expendable. (If the item is damaged or some of its parts are worn out, it is more

feasible to repair the item than to replace it with a new unit.) An itemized list of "non-capitalized" equipment should be included. Non-capitalized equipment is any item that meets the criteria listed above but does not meet the cost criteria identified for capitalized equipment. All equipment acquisitions must clearly be essential to the proposed comprehensive school reform program and must be items other than those that a school usually would have acquired as a part of its regular programs.

K. STAFF SUMMARY

Identify by position the personnel to be employed for the proposed project with state funds, MSP funds, or other resources. Indicate for each position the duration of time assigned to the project and the full-time equivalent (FTE) for each employee.

L. IMMIGRATION

The SDE must have documentation on file to provide evidence of the applicant’s compliance with Act 2011-535 entitled the Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, also known as the Alabama Immigration Law. Each applying IHE must submit (1) a copy of signed, notarized affidavit required by Section 31-12-9(a) using the Secretary of State’s form and (2) a complete copy of the E-Verify Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The SDE guidelines and affidavit can be accessed at http://www.alsde.edu/home/Communications/E-VerifyInformation.aspx. A blank copy of the E-Verify MOU is available at the Web link http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/E-Verify/Customer%20Support/Employer%20MOU%20(September%202009).pdf. Proposals that do not include the required immigration documentation will not be considered for funding.

Competitive Preference Documentation Proposals will be reviewed for completeness and compliance with RFP requirements. If the proposal is late, incomplete, or does not meet the requirements of the RFP, it will be eliminated from the competition. Priority in the selection process will be given to proposals that show the most promise for (1) collaborating with an AMSTI/ASIM site, (2) formulating an innovative plan for professional development and instructional assistance to schools, (3) deepening teacher content knowledge, (4) facilitating relationships between IHE STEM faculty and teachers, and (5) increasing student achievement.

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Proposals will be read and scored by a review panel selected for its knowledge of comprehensive school reform, education and leadership, scientifically research-based programs and strategies, and successes with teaching and learning. The Technical Review Form to be used by the review panel is provided in this document.

A maximum of 100 points will be allowed based on the following selection criteria:

Criteria Points Demonstration of Need 15 Commitment and Capacity of Partnership 15 Involvement of STEM Faculty 15 Efficacy of Sustainability Plan 25 Evaluation Plan 20 Budget 10 Total 100

When all applications have been read and scored by the review panel, applications will be ranked from highest to lowest according to their scores. Each reviewer will indicate on the Technical Review Form if he or she recommends funding the application. If the majority of the reviewers do not recommend approval, an application will not be considered for funding. However, if the majority of the reviewers recommend approval, the application will be considered for approval based on its rank. Following the review, the SDE, AMSTI Section, will contact selected project directors to discuss any required modifications to the project plan and/or budget. An on-site visit may be made by SDE representatives to some or all of the partners recommended for a subgrant award. The purpose of the visit is to verify that the reform model selected is appropriate, that there is "buy in" among partners, that the program is aligned with state standards and the school improvement plan, and that a comprehensive plan for instructional support services for schools has been prepared. Recommendations for awards will be made by the SDE, AMSTI Section, to the State Superintendent of Education. The final decision to award a subgrant rests solely with the SDE. The decision of the SDE is final. Applicants submitting proposals that are eliminated will be notified in writing.

Comprehensive School Reform Program Technical Review Form

Formatting Tips 1. Create headings to correspond with the required components as outlined. 2. Use Times New Roman 12-point font and one-inch margins, and number pages. 3. The project description should be limited to eight typed pages or less, single-spaced. 4. Partnership forms serve as letters of support. 5. Print only on one side of the paper. 6. A binder clip should be used to secure the original application. Staple or bind the four

copies of the application. 7. DO NOT place applications in folders, notebooks, or spiral binding. 8. All signatures on the original application are to be in blue ink.

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NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPLY FOR GRANT FUNDS

Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)

Return form by June 29, 2012

The Institution of Higher Education listed below intends to submit a competitive proposal for the Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant administered by AMSTI. Institution of Higher Education: ______________________________________________ Contact Name: ____________________________________________________________ Signature: ________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________________________________________

Please list other partnering school systems and organizations below. (Attach additional sheets if needed.)

Please return or fax the completed Intent to Apply form by Friday, June 29, 2012, to the following:

Alabama State Department of Education

Attention: Mrs. Cathy Jones, AMSTI Section, Room 3339 P.O. Box 302101

Montgomery, AL 36130-2101 Fax: (334) 353-7139

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A. COVER PAGE Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant

Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)

Applying Alabama Institution of Higher Education: ____________________________________ Local Division of Alabama Institution of Higher Education (if applicable): __________________ IHE DUNS Number: ____________________________________________________________ Principal Investigator: _____________________________ Title: ________________________ Address: ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________ E-Mail: ________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Name of IHE Chief Operating Officer Name of Custodian of Funds ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Signature (blue ink) Signature (blue ink) List other partnering organizations and school systems (Attach additional sheet if necessary): ____________________________________ ___________________________________ ____________________________________ ___________________________________ ____________________________________ ___________________________________ ____________________________________ ___________________________________ ____________________________________ ___________________________________ ____________________________________ ___________________________________

Number of STEM faculty to be involved during the grant period: ______

Estimate number of Grades K-12 teachers to be engaged during grant period: ______

Estimate number of Grades K-12 students to be impacted during grant period: ______

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B. APPLICATION FORM Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant

Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) Applying IHE: _______________________________________________________________ Principal Investigator: ___________________________________________________________ Title: ___________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ____________________ Fax: __________________________________ E-Mail: ________________________________________________ Amount of Funds Requested: $ ____________________

Certification by Authorized IHE Official: The applicant certifies that to the best of his/her knowledge the information in this application is correct and that the filing of this application is duly authorized by the governing body of this organization or institution. Name of Authorized Official Title Signature of Authorized Official (blue ink) Date

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C. ABSTRACT Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant

Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)

The heading should include the title of the proposed endeavor. The project abstract should not exceed one page and should briefly and clearly describe the project goals and activities to be undertaken.

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D. STATEMENT OF ASSURANCES Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant

Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) Should an award be made to the applicant in support of the activities proposed in this application, the authorized signature on the bottom of this page certifies to the SDE that the authorized official will: 1. Upon request, provide the SDE with access to records and other sources of information that

may be necessary to determine compliance with appropriate federal and state laws and regulations.

2. Conduct educational activities funded by this project in compliance with the following

federal laws: a. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 b. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 c. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 d. Age Discrimination Act of 1975 e. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 f. No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, including Title I, Part A, Section 1120 and Title IX,

Sections 9501 and 9504 g. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 2008 h. Title 34, Part 97 – Protection of Human Subjects, of the Code of Federal Regulations,

Department of Education 3. Use federal grant funds to supplement and not supplant funds from nonfederal sources. 4. Take into account during the development of programming the need for greater access to and

participation in the targeted disciplines by students from historically underrepresented and underserved groups.

5. Submit, in accordance with stated guidelines and deadlines, all program and evaluation

reports required by the U.S. Department of Education and the SDE.

Certification by Authorized IHE Official: The applicant certifies that the project will comply with the Statement of Assurances. Name of Authorized Official Title Signature of Authorized Official (blue ink) Date

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E. PARTNERSHIP FORM Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant

Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)

Include a Partnership Form for each of the partner institutions/organizations. Partner Institution/Organization: Partner is (circle one):

AMSTI/ASIM IHE STEM High-Need District Other

Entity/Section/Division (if within applying institution):

Primary Contact

Name: Title: Address: Signature: (blue ink)

Telephone: Fax: E-Mail: Type of Institution/Organization: Briefly describe the partnership role and responsibilities of the institution/organization (attach additional sheet if necessary):

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F. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant

Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)

Provide a project description that does not exceed 8 SINGLE-SPACED PAGES. The text must be 12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins. Please number the pages. Proposals that do not comply with these formatting requirements will not be reviewed or considered for funding.

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G. PROJECTED TIMELINE Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant

Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)

Prepare a three-year timeline, detailed by year, to project the onset and completion of proposed activities. The individual(s)/entity(ies) responsible for each activity should be listed. Only one year of funding will be awarded for 2012-2013. Each subsequent award is subject to funding availability and acceptance of Renewal Application.

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H. EVALUATION PLAN Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant

Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)

Each project will be required to submit an annual evaluation documenting the extent to which the project’s goals have been achieved. Describe the evaluation plan that will guide the annual assessment of project progress and will measure the impact of the work described in the project description. Include the means by which the partners will maintain records and document, measure, and report on project progress. Explain why the methods chosen are appropriate to the issues or questions that the proposal addresses. A proposal must make a compelling case for the activities of the project.

I. BUDGET FORMAT Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant

Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)

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Budget Category Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total I. Salaries (Itemize by job description.)

II. Fringe Benefits (Itemize according to job description listed above.)

III. Staff Professional Development (List number and cost of sessions needed to equip staff.)

IV. Staff Travel (Provide a detailed description of travel anticipated and costs associated with that travel.)

V. Professional Development for Teachers (Provide a detailed account of the number of teachers to be served, the cost of substitutes and/or stipends required, and the expected costs for PD providers.)

VI. Facilities and Operating Expenses (Provide a detailed description of any costs associated with maintaining a workspace for project staff.)

I. BUDGET FORMAT Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant

Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)

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VII. Equipment and Materials (Provide a detailed description of costs of equipment and materials needed to provide professional development.)

VIII. Evaluation (Provide a detailed description of the cost of the written evaluation of the program. Maximum 10%.)

IX. Other (Itemize any expenses that do not fall into the categories listed above.)

X. Indirect Costs (Maximum 8%.)

TOTAL: Projects may wish to create a spreadsheet to develop a budget. If this is the case, the spreadsheet must follow the format shown in I. BUDGET FORMAT and show all headings and budget categories. Justification for each of the categories shall be included in the budget justification portion of the application. Modifications in the grant must be reflected over the life of the grant and included as part of the annual reporting. Annual progress reports are required for continuation of funding, if available, for all grants. For reporting, you must include an itemized breakdown of these budget categories and a budget justification explaining how you calculated each line item and the actual total project cost share.

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J. BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant

Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) Funds may be used to support reasonable and necessary costs for an approved project. Acceptable expenditures for the project must follow the provisions outlined in the Guidelines for AMSTI Site Operations, and/or the Alabama Science in Motion Guidelines.

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K. STAFF SUMMARY Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant

Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)

Identify by position the personnel to be employed for the proposed project with state funds, MSP funds, or other resources. Indicate for each position the duration of time assigned to the project and the full-time equivalent (FTE) for each employee.

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L. IMMIGRATION

The SDE must have documentation on file to provide evidence of the applicant’s compliance with Act 2011-535 entitled the Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, also known as the Alabama Immigration Law.

Technical Review Form Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant

Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)

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Proposal: __________ Reviewer Number: __________ SELECTION Maximum Reviewer’s CRITERIA: Points Score

1. Demonstration of Need 15 _____ __Yes __No Evidence of a comprehensive study of data __Yes __No Needs/Goals are described in detail __Yes __No Goals and PD sessions address identified needs

2. Commitment and Capacity of Partnership 15 _____

__Yes __No Evidence that all partners are committed to project __Yes __No Partner responsibilities are defined __Yes __No Structures in place to facilitate project activities __Yes __No Defines number of teachers/students affected

3. Involvement of STEM faculty 15 _____

__Yes __No STEM faculty identified __Yes __No STEM activities are defined __Yes __No Evidence of STEM and K-12 collaboration

4. Efficacy of Sustainability Plan 25 _____

__Yes __No Length/type of professional development encourages sustainability (minimum 30 hours per year)

__Yes __No Defines structures to ensure reform continues once the grant period has ended

__Yes __No Timeline details activities/responsibilities __Yes __No Creates a community of learners among STEM faculty,

K-12 teachers, and administrators

5. Evaluation Plan with measurable objectives that assess impact of: 20 _____ __Yes __No Improving/Documenting math/science achievement __Yes __No Providing opportunities for math/science content and

pedagogical PD __Yes __No Assessing impact and sustainability of instructional

support __Yes __No Documenting increases in teacher content knowledge __Yes __No Providing opportunities for collaboration among partners __Yes __No Describing progress toward meeting established goals

and objectives identified in needs assessment

6. Budget 10 _____ __Yes __No Accounts for all project activities, by year __Yes __No Provides a detailed list of expenditures __Yes __No Costs adhere to guidelines and are reasonable to

conduct planned activities TOTAL 100 _____ Do you recommend funding this proposal? If “No," please explain. _____ Yes _____ No Please write comments on the back of this form.