General Information
The goals of Arkansas Council for Social Studies (ACSS or the Council) include the promotion of social studies education through training of Arkansas teachers, developing materials for use in classrooms, and advising all decision-makers whose influence directly affects the development and practice of social studies curriculum within the state of Arkansas. Applications for this grant will be judged on the basis of meeting these goals.
The amount of the grant is set annually by the ACSS governing board. In 2001, the amount was set at $500. Teacher members of ACSS are eligible to submit applications for projects relating to the goals of the organization. ACSS does not fund salaries, but may provide for stipends for personnel crucial to the project. Funding for equipment and/or supplies may be made only in those circumstances where the equipment and /or supplies are an integral part of the proposed project and the supplies/equipment is not available through the school. Funding will not be available to students. Funds for travel must be related to the project and clearly demonstrated.
Proposals should be prepared by the Project Director according to the format shown. The original plus five copies should be submitted to the Grant Administrator (named by the ACSS President annually) by September 30 of each year. Grants will be awarded at the ACSS annual banquet during its fall conference (presently, the Arkansas Conference on Teaching) if submitted prior to the September 30 deadline. Decisions to be made regarding acceptance of the proposed application are the responsibility of the Grant Administrator and Committee. ACSS expects progress reports within one month of the completion of the project. A final report is due within 30 days of completions of the project describing activities, outlining budgeted expenses, and detailing any extensions. Any funds not used, as requested in the proposal, will be returned to ACSS. Proposals should be written clearly and not exceed five pages. Supporting documentation may be included in the appendices.
I. Title Page: Include the title of the project, name of the Project Director, address, phone numbers, social security numbers, total budget request, and date submitted.
II. Abstract: less than 200 words which describes the nature of the project.
1. Goals addressed: Proposal applications should include information about which of the goals of ACSS will be addressed through the project.
2. Time period: Proposals should include activities to be completed within the school year or interim periods. The proposal should include an estimated timeline for completion of activities within the project.
3. Description of the project: A summary of the project and an explanation on how it impacts social studies education, teacher training, or student learning should be included.
II. Statement of Need
A. Provide a clear statement of the problem to be addressed and the need for its solution through this project. This should establish connection to the goals of the ACSS, urgency of time, and relevance to social studies education.
B. State the objective of the project. Include numbers of teachers or students that will be impacted.
III. Methodology
Describe in detail how objectives will be met. End with a clear identification of the short and long term end products expected and how they help achieve the goals of the Council. Describe the facilities and equipment required and how these will be provided.
IV. Personnel
What Personnel will be included in the project and what are their responsibilities?
V. Budget
Outline the cost of the project, categorizing items such as a speakers, supplies, materials, travel, facilities, and equipment. Provide a brief justification for each budget item. Any funds not used for the approved budgeted items will be returned to the Council. Project Directors may file an amended budget if necessary, but must do so prior to the end of the project. Budgeted item changes must be approved by the Grant Director before changes are allowed.
VI. Evaluation
State the means by which the Council will know the project has accomplished the objectives. Include copies of evaluative tools: criteria, surveys, evaluations, etc. Include any plans for presentations for the Council members.
VII. Professional Credit
Provide information regarding available professional development or continuing education credits.
VIII. Lesson Plan Development
Lesson plans should follow the Arkansas Frameworks. State Frameworks being addressed.
