Teaching+Matters+-+Literacy+and+Social+Studies+Grant

Return to Contests and Grants

Dear iTeach/iLearn Principals, Course Coordinators, iTech Coaches and Lead Literacy and Social Studies Teachers:

The Office of Instructional Technology has provided funding to offer a unique matching grant opportunity for iTeach/iLearn schools to participate in Teaching Matters Inc’s. (TMI) web-based writing curriculum and professional development series, //**Writing Matters** [|http://www.writingmatters.org],// **OR** their web-based social studies curriculum and professional development series//, **Voices and Choices**// [|http://www.teachingmatters.org/social_studies.htm//.] Schools that already take part in TMI’s web-based programs qualify to receive additional services in the form of **School Based Support** designed to celebrate student work. Please see below for detailed descriptions.

This grant will combine funds from The Office of Instructional Technology, the school, and private funding from Teaching Matters to provide these wonderful programs and services to teachers and students in our one- to-one schools. Schools that take part in this **three-way match** will be responsible for a payment of $6,676 to Teaching Matters which represents a savings of more than $10,500! Schools can generate a purchase order to pay for their share of the match through Teaching Matters' contract with the NYC Department of Education (Contract # 9701307 | Vendor # TEA021). Please contact Teaching Matters regarding the preparation of a work order.

We urge you to take part in these robust units of instruction that so skillfully merge core curriculum with the effective use of technology. To qualify for this opportunity you must visit TMI Matching Grant Opportunity to complete the application for your school and also email it **from a Principal’s account** to Jane Condliffe Jcondliffe@teachingmatters.org at Teaching Matters by November 9th.

Please email Jane Condliffe Jcondliffe@teachingmatters.org at Teaching Matters or call her at (212) 870-3505 with any questions. Sincerely,

Lisa Nielsen and Christine Mazza PD Team - Office of Instructional Technology NYC DOE


 * TMI Matching Grant Programs**

//Writing Matters ([|http://www.writingmatters.org] Response to Literature ) introduces 6th, 7th and 8th grade teachers to powerful new ways to approach writing instruction using 21st Century technology tools. The program uses interactive, original program content developed by nationally recognized authors. Teachers learn how to instruct their students in the writing process through an array of basic genres from short fiction to editorials. The next teacher Institute for Writing Matters is scheduled for November 29th and will feature their newest unit called. The launch of this unit is timed to coincide with the preparation of students for the writing component of the ELA test. The Teacher Institute and registration for the curriculum precedes onsite professional development. Other writing units from which to choose include: Writing Memoir, Poetry, Editorials, Feature Article and Short Fiction (available at the end of the school year). Schools opting for Writing Matters will be provided with a total of three teacher institutes, 19 days of onsite professional development and two citywide events for student groups.//
 * Writing Matters**

//Voices and Choices http://www.teachingmatters.org/social_studies.htm is an innovative social studies curriculum and professional development program. Focused on core social studies concepts and skills, Voices and Choices supports teachers and engages students as they conduct structured inquiry that incorporates role play, debate, authentic research, writing and oral presentation. The curriculum is aligned to national standards for Social Studies. The series provides three comprehensive teaching units for the 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Schools opting for Voices and Choices// will be provided with a total of three teacher institutes, 19 days of onsite professional development and two citywide events for students. To see the 7th grade program in action, visit, http://constitution.teachingmatters.org/townmeeting.
 * Voices and Choices**


 * Support for Schools Taking Part in TMI’s Web-Based Programs**

A school wide Share Fair is a multimedia celebration of student work from all Voices and Choices units and selected literacy units in Writing Matters series. Parents, teachers and students can interact, question and respond to kiosk presentations, pod cast listening booths and other student-created media showcased at this a school wide event.
 * School-Based School Wide Share Fair**

A school-based Town Meeting provides comprehensive engagement for all students taking part in the Constitution Today unit of the Voices and Choices series. Students demonstrate that the Constitution is a living document by applying their understanding of the amendments to current issues. Facing the tough questions of modern society, students persuade others and defend their well-researched point of view with multimedia presentations and effective oral communication.
 * School-Based Town Meeting**

A school based Spoken Word event is an exciting way to bring alive the art of poetry for all students taking part in the Writing Poetry unit of Writing Matters. Students will take the stage along side professional poets to recite their insights and reflections through a variety of poetry media including Self Portrait, Memory or Haiku poems.
 * School-Based Spoken Word Event**

A school wide Digital Documentaries program that helps teachers inspire their students to learn about history. Students research, direct and produce their own video examining a major historical event while meeting social studies and language arts requirements. A film festival will be held at the end of the school year.
 * Digital Documentaries** (Specifically for schools with partial residencies)