Crises+in+Confidence

Having had time to read the grant more thoroughly this weekend I am having something of a crisis in confidence in the ideas we have had so far. What follows are some questions, and my ideas about those question today 11/7.

Seems to me this grant is asking for a group of innovative thinkers to leverage the power of computers, the internet and technology to improve student achievement on measurable goals. Could this be done better a department, or any collection of teachers, saying this is something we believe in, we will make this happen, here's how, and this is how we will prove it.
 * Is one big grant covering the whole school what this grant is looking for?**

Also I have already been accosted by people asking questions to how the resources from the grant will be distributed. Beyond the obvious fallacious in reasoning here, people seem to already be itching for a fight to get their hands on a new technology, and to make sure it is distributed fairly. This toxicity could be averted if "xth grade mathience study arts" gets the grant, develops their learning goals with the technology, and they distribute the use of them as that department or group does not use them.


 * The grant asks for accountability in the form of timelines, benchmarks, participating staff, sustainability, and demonstration of student growth. Would we be better served narrowing our focus?**

Again basically the same question and anwsers.


 * So if we do write a number of grants who writes them?**

I suppose only those who believe in something specific that they want to go after, and have tangible ideas which could be drawn up in a week. Who is that? Is it by department?


 * If we write several grants are we in competition with each other?**

I suppose so, but it certainly does not have to be mean-spirited competition. I imagine that the administration will support any grant proposal, and I personally am happy to offer time for technical consultation and ISTE standard alignment. We could potentially have several proposals and receive several awards. I know we could write grants that are separate but support one another, and generally kick-ass!


 * If x number of teachers write a grant proposal, and receive monies for their project, and resources to support it, are the resources to be shared throughout the school?**

This question is above my pay grade. (I have the general opinion that every computer in the building should have a student in front of it from 7:23 to 2:25, how that works is another matter).


 * Are iPads what we have to have?**

I personally refuse to be a pimp for Steve Jobs, Steve Ballmer, Larry Page or anyone else. Whatever product a group of dedicated individuals want to use to improve student achievement and close the achievement gap now I am 100% for it and will assist in any way I can. Lack of sleep never killed anyone, right ... ?

Just thinking over here - my

//There ain't no dress rehearsals in life// -anonymous