Next Generation Learning Challenges, funded by the Gates Foundation, announced a new round of challenge grants that will provide up to $10 million to expand promising technology tools and applications that help more students master seventh- through ninth-grade math and literacy competencies, which are critical to college and career readiness.
Next Generation Learning Challenges provides investment capital to technologists, institutions, educators, and entrepreneurs to bring promising technology solutions to more students across the K-12 to postsecondary spectrum. The initiative released its first request for proposals (RFP)-focused on improving postsecondary education-in October 2010. Finalists eligible for funding from this round will be announced within the next several weeks.
An RFP released yesterday seeks proposals for the new round of grants. Proposals must outline promising approaches to helping students master seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-grade content and competencies aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Applicants’ approaches must also include innovative learning assessment strategies that generate real-time information, which teachers and advisors can use to help more students succeed in their education.
Proposals are due March 4, 2011; winners are expected to be announced in June 2011.
Applicants responding to the new Next Generation Learning Challenges RFP must present programs and applications that meet the following criteria:
–Target seventh- to ninth-grade math or literacy content and deeper learning competencies as defined by the Common Core State Standards; programs may focus on all ages of learners;
–Use modular content that can be mixed and matched easily by learners and teachers;
–Use embedded assessment that can capture and assess student performance and provide performance feedback that students and teachers can use to improve the learning process and results;
–Exemplify contemporary research in cognitive and learning science, including interactive and contextualized learning, multiple learning paths, and scaffolded learning that results in deeper disciplinary understanding of concepts, as well as opportunities for students to practice skills and competencies; and
–Focus on student progression and mastery of concepts and skills, rather than “seat time.”
See the RFP here:
http://nextgenlearning.org/sites/site-1/assets/Final_RFP.2.pdf
The competition plans to make 26 awards – 12 at $250,000 and 14 at $500,000. The grant period is 15 months.
