Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/81027
Azusa Pacific University SCHOOL OF EDUCATION BARRY WISSMAN ANSWERS: What is a strength-based approach? The grant proposals must be strength-based, built upon identified strengths at the school site. During the grant writing process, stay far away from deficit-model language, i.e., this problem will be fixed with this proposal. Deficit-model writing can be difficult to avoid, but keep the proposal focused on strength-based thinking. Grant writers should do some legwork first. Identify those school site strengths, develop a team to implement the grant, and recognize stake- holders who will lead to successful implementation. The IFT website is an invaluable resource on strength-based resources. Be ready to hit the ground running when your grant is funded. Your role in reading the grants? I interpret grant proposals from a strength-based approach. I score grant proposals on how well they meet the seven criteria delineated in the grant application: Future oriented, school-family relations, school- wide relations, student centered, work oriented, results oriented, and student relations. How do CTA grants promote teaching and learning? Instead of trying to fix a particular problem, the goal is to see what is working and to expand upon that. Our members are the ex- perts at what will work at their schools, and the IFT grant allows them the freedom to do what they know will work. Any other advice? Apply! Develop a strength-based proposal and submit it. This is CTA dues money put to a wonderful use: supporting teaching and learning. Barry Wissman Ken LaVigne, M.A. '86 La Serna High School 2012 California Teacher of the Year Earn your degree from a university known for excellence in education. Azusa Pacific has a reputation for consistently producing innovative and comprehensively prepared educators. Our graduates serve as teachers, counselors, coaches, and administrators throughout Southern California, and are known in their schools and districts as leaders in their field. Choose from more than 60 credential and degree options at APU, including a bachelor's degree completion program in liberal studies, and join a 113-year legacy of excellence in education. NEA GRANT DEADLINE IS OCT. 15 Collaborative (social sciences and English-language arts) and vertical (social sciences) teams met and set goals for this school year. Bootsma recommends colleagues apply for an IFT or NEA Foundation grant "if you have a different perspective on how to motivate students within the classroom while focusing on the state standards." "My advice is to completely think though your program and lo- gistics to ensure you have a strong structure and foundation when writing your grant," she added. "Have others read your proposal to ensure that you have answered all the questions and have a strong argument and unique perspective." Find NEA Foundation grant details at www.neafoundation. org. September 2012 www.cta.org 27 13947 AZUSA | HIGH DESERT | INLAND EMPIRE | LOS ANGELES | MURRIETA ORANGE COUNTY | SAN DIEGO | VENTURA COUNTY | ONLINE Programs start throughout the year. Contact us today! www.apu.edu/explore/education (626) 815-4570