Best Buy Grant considerations
Here are some important things to consider and address in the Best Buy application.
In general the application should describe a technology program that is interactive, fun, standards-based and involves the students in hands-on work.
Application Process
o Online application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (that is 10:59 our time!) September 30.
o Once you hit “submit” the application is final so be careful.
o The store closest to WHS is Edina, Store #5, 9 miles away.
o Print a copy before you submit
o As long as the “program” that is being described for the award is one or more years old, we meet all the eligibility requirements.
o This is an award for Best Buy merchandise, not cash.
o You do not ask for a specific amount—it will be either $2,000 or $10,000. The larger award would be given to a proposal that tells the story well, has growth potential and had a really well thought out equipment list that will enhance a very good existing program.
o Be ready with the following:
o School Tax ID number
o Data on student demographics (ethnicity, free and reduced lunch)
o The application includes several essay questions (see below) that should be very carefully written to target the Best Buy criteria.
The Request
o The purpose of this award is to reward schools for successful, interactive programs they have launched using available technology. The program must have been in existence for one or more years. The program must be multidisciplinary.
o The program must be interactive by this definition: actively involves and engages the students in learning. Watching a DVD or reading a web site would not qualify as “interactive.” Interactive means your students are actually using technology by “doing” and “creating” not passively observing.
o The review criteria are:
o Evidence that integrating technology into the curriculum makes learning fun for students.
o Hands-on, interactive components that engage students.
o Creative ways of enhancing the core curriculum with technology.
o Creating or maximizing classroom activities.
o Creating opportunities for cross-disciplinary teaching.
o A clear vision of how this program can grow or evolve.
o Evidence of school, parent and/or community commitment to the program.
o Detailed budget.
o Reviewers will look for concrete evidence that the nominated program accomplishes the following goals:
o The kids are actually using – and enjoying – interactive technology as part of the learning process
o As a result of the interactive technology, students’ engagement has increased
o Evidence that the program has growth potential
o Evidence of school, parent and/or community commitment to the program
o Tell the story of the program: how it started, what makes it work, how you know the students are learning and having fun due to the use of interactive technology, etc. Tell the story in a concise manner and within the stated limits.
Essay Questions
(hint: if your compose the essays ahead of time in Word you can use the word count tool to stay within the character limit)
Q 1 (Maximum 2000 characters or about 400 words)
Tell us about the program or project you are submitting for a Best Buy Teach Award and describe how your students have used the technology products you identified earlier in creative, fun and hands-on ways to learn the curriculum in the classroom.
Q 2 (Maximum 2000 characters or about 400 words)
If you answered earlier that student engagement, comprehension and/or attendance have improved as a result of being able to use technology hands-on in the classroom please describe what the impact has been.
Q 3
Equipment list
Q 4 (Maximum 4000 characters or about 750 words)
How will the products included in the previously listed budget improve the existing program described in this application?
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