Millions for teacher iPad competition

Update:  CMS officials later said the $10 million for one-time technology projects includes four other projects, with amounts not yet set.  The iPad project is expected to get less than half, according to a memo to the school board. 

There's a pot of about $10 million for buying teacher iPads, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said today. This week the district notified teachers they can compete for iPads for themselves and their classrooms, part of the push to get all schools more active in digital learning.

Here's what CMS sent out:

Innovation for Transformation Grant Application 2012
Professional Learning Communities in each of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are invited to apply for the 2012 Innovation for Transformation Grant.  Today’s students must be able to use technology to analyze, learn, and explore.  Today’s teachers must use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.  In order for the learning environments of today to effectively meet the needs of the 21st century digital learner, a transformation must occur.  The 2012 Innovation for Transformation Grant provides an opportunity for PLCs in CMS to embark on a transformational journey filled with innovative professional development, digital resources, and effective student engagement.  Please join us in the transformation!

Applications must be submitted by March 30, 2012 at 5:00PM
PLC award recipients will be announced in May.
Please review the following information and requirements for the 2012 Innovation for Transformation Grant program:

Informational sessions will be offered the week of March 12-17 to expose teachers and PLCs to the various ways technology can be integrated in the learning environment to help generate ideas for the grant application (these sessions are optional).
Technology integration strategies must be embedded in the School Improvement Plan linking the way in which awarded equipment will be integrated into the learning environment

Teacher devices will be distributed prior to the end of school during a 3-hour professional development session.

PLC attendance at a summer institute session will be required for grant winners

Summer learning virtual courses will be completed by grant winners

Professional development opportunities will occur through-out the 2012-2013 school year  and will be required to ensure the effective use of digital tools and resources

Each teacher in the PLC will receive an Innovation Kit which includes: Teacher iPad, student iPads (up to 10 per teacher), iPad cases, 1 wireless keyboard, 1 VGA cable, 1 charging/storage tray, and an iTunes App Voucher
Completing the application

School based PLCs will complete the grant application as a team. If selected as a winning recipient, each PLC will continue to work together at the school level to plan, implement, and facilitate an innovative digital learning environment.


Tentative Schedule:

Optional Integration Sessions

Location: Lincoln Heights
Dates: myPD Class Name: Innovation Integration Session
3/12 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
3/14 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
3/15 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
3/16 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
3/17 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM


Content: Demonstrations and interactive sessions on both how to present/use as a teaching tool and how a student would use the device


iPad Distribution and Set Up

Location: (TBD)
Dates: (TBD)
Sessions: (TBD)
Content: Set up teacher’s iPad and provide brief overview of use


Required Summer Institute Sessions

Location: (TBD)
Dates: Week of June 25-28, and a make-up day in August
Format: Will select one full day session from 8:00AM-4:00PM during the week of June 25-28
Content: Open in auditorium with key note speaker and group messages on best practices and protocols, followed by differentiated break-out sessions on consumption and production, including information on BYOT