Materials Grant

I think the idea for a materials grant sounds like a good one. We could all benefit from having time to work cooperatively to create materials that we could use in our classrooms and share with other teachers.

Who would be involved? First, I think we would need the support of the teachers at our site or in our district that the materials would be intended for. In addition, we will need the backing of the administration (locally, and district). The other stakeholders would be parents and students. We will want to guarantee that the materials we are developing could be used and are beneficial.

What would we need to make this possible? I think we would need time to work cooperatively in groups to brainstorm and develop our ideas. This could be done during the summer months or through meetings throughout the year (face to face and online). Either of these options would result in expenses such as living expenses.

In addition, some of the technology we have available in our district might be slightly outdated and may need updating (old laptops) in order to develop the most "cutting-edge" materials and to share those materials with others.

A two or three year approach might be the best option. The first year could be spent brainstorming ideas and learning about materials that have been effective in other places. Towards the end of that year and the beginning of the next could be spent developing these ideas and sharing them with select teachers/classrooms. Then, the revision and finalization (distribution) could take place the final year.

In general, I think this plan sounds too simplified. I'm looking forward to reading about other peoples' suggestions. I think the materials grant is a good idea. Now, if we can only make it happen.