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 As part of our commitment to exploring opportunities for
innovation through virtual learning and other uses of technology, RIDE is pleased to announce a $470,000 grant to support the redesign of a school that
will use technology as the catalyst for transformation. Through a competitive-bid process based in part on need, we will award the grant to support a
school that demonstrates a strong commitment to innovation powered by technology. All Local Education Agencies (LEAs) are eligible to apply for the grant,
which the winning LEA can use to transform a school at any level (elementary, middle, or high school).
The LEAs that apply would propose a school site at which they will create a technology-rich learning environment that fundamentally rethinks
and restructures teaching and learning through such initiatives as digital curriculum, gaming, 1:1 computing,
virtual-learning environments, expanded learning opportunities, and flexible scheduling. This school would share
its lessons learned across schools in the district and it would become a pilot program to help us launch a
statewide initiative in innovations powered by technology.
Funding from a separate grant award will support documenting and capturing the process
that a school community will go through as they work to implement redesign strategies and policies. The process will include, but is not limited to defining the program structure, collaborating with stakeholders, evaluating current conditions and infrastructure, eliminating policy barriers, developing supportive policies, launching the project,
and evaluating, adjusting, reflecting and sharing with others. Through the process the school community will develop a rich understanding of blended learning models and instructional strategies; curriculum and content options; model lessons and best practice; as well as data driven feedback loops that inform decision making and guide statewide implementation.
RIDE
will release a Request For Proposal (RFP) on behalf of the selected
school as well as other entities interested in increasing student
access to technology.
The RFP will solicit an “all-inclusive” vendor solution that will
include devices with internet access, wireless infrastructure,
technical support and maintenance, as well as professional
development.
Rhode Island
All-Inclusive Wireless Classroom Solution Information
Preferred applicants will be those LEAs that have demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring the necessary conditions to support innovation in the model school.
Timeline:
- Competitive Grant Information Available - January 13, 2012
- Innovation Powered by
Technology Conference - February 11, 2012
- Grant Applications
Deadline - March 23, 2012 Deadline
Extended to
April 27, 2012
- Award Announcement and
School Preparation Work - May 7, 2012
- Intensive Professional
Development and Redesign Work - Summer 2012
- Year 1 - "Launch Year" - 2012/13 School Year
- Year 2 - "Refine Year" - 2013/14
Contact: Holly Walsh -
holly.walsh@ride.ri.gov
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