Podcast Series: Innovations in Education

Explore the full series of eSchool News podcasts hosted by Kevin Hogan—created to keep you on the cutting edge of innovations in education.

Back to school supply lists are now topping $70

Hand sanitizer and even iPads are driving supply list prices higher

supply-listsTeacherLists, a site that hosts thousands of schools’ supply lists, just released some numbers from the 2015 lists it oversees. According to the company, the average student is on the hook for $70.93.

That number was taken from an analysis of more than 300,000 supply lists. The analysis chalks the rising costs to shrinking school budgets, the addition of more non-learning supplies like cleaning products, and pricey new tech items. Supplies like facial tissues, disinfectant wipes, hand wipes, and hand sanitizer are among the most frequently requested items.

“For several years now, we’ve seen school supply lists become longer due to the addition of these new item categories,” said Tim Sullivan, founder of TeacherLists. “There are still great deals at back-to-school time which keep supply prices low. But as the lists grow longer, the total amount parents are spending rises.”…Read More

New $4k grant supports one-to-one pilots

Nonprofit grant will go to school administrators developing one-to-one programs

one-to-one-grantNonprofit Digital Wish is offering technical support grants to school administrators who need assistance with planning one-to-one computing programs for their elementary or middle schools.

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis through the summer months. The grant is open to public, charter and nonprofit independent schools.

Digital Wish has implemented one-to-one computing programs in 28 schools — developing expertise, evaluation programs and sustainability tools that can help get a school’s one-to-one technology program off the ground.…Read More

4 grants perfect for leaders and libraries

A handful of grants and funding opportunities that support programs and collaboration

grants-mayEven as we head into the summer months, there’s still funding opportunities for schools and educators focusing on programs and self-improvement.

Each month, eSchool News compiles a list of new education grant opportunities. This month’s grants focus on libraries, literacy, and school leadership. We list grants for collaborative team building, PD, and youth literacy.

Crayola Creative Leadership Grants 2015
The 2015 program provides grants for innovative, creative leadership team building within elementary schools. Apply now for the opportunity to receive a grant for building your school’s creative capacity. Each grant-winning school (up to 20 grants awarded) receives $2,500 and Crayola products valued at $1,000.
Deadline: June 22
Funding amount: ~$3,500…Read More

Canvas gives $110,000 in grants to innovative educators

Canvas grant program recognizes innovation and openness in education

canvas-grantsAs part of an awards program, Canvas learning management system parent company Instructure has given out more than $100,000 in grants supporting innovative educators in both K-12 and higher education. This year the grants were centered on the theme of “Lossless Learning.”

“We launched the Canvas Grants program two years ago to show our support for innovation in education,” said Jared Stein, vice president of research and education at Instructure. “This year’s theme, ‘Lossless Learning,’ encouraged educators to find new ways to connect technology to the face-to-face classroom, to improve learning and enhance the critical feedback loop.”

Since its inception, Instructure has aimed to grow a community of educational innovators who try new things and discover the best ways to help students learn. One of this year’s winning projects challenged seventh and eighth graders to learn about and determine the possibility of life on Mars. The project used gamification to engage learners and increase motivation while reducing cost, time, and technology barriers.…Read More

6 grants for putting more technology in your classroom

Try these grants to add more computers or fund a tech-heavy classroom project

grants-TLFor many classrooms, unfortunately, there just isn’t enough technology to go around. To that extent, many educators and administrators rely on school grants to fund important projects and opportunities for students.

Each month, eSchool News compiles a list of new education grant opportunities. This month’s grants focus on improving access to technology for students, teachers, and schools. We list grants for eco-tech, adding more computers, classroom makeovers, attending tech conferences, and more.

Toshiba Grants For Grades 6 – 12
Wanted: Classroom Innovators! Toshiba America Foundation accepts applications from teachers who are passionate about making science and mathematics more engaging for their students. Many successful grantees have designed projects that tap into the natural curiosity of their students, enable students to frame their own scientific questions, and incorporate the expertise of community partners.
Funding amount: $5,000
Deadline: August 1…Read More

5 helpful grant opportunities for STEM teachers

Every bit helps. February’s school grants offer some aid for teachers

funding-grantSchool funding is a challenge even in the post prosperous of times, especially when it comes to ed tech–technology is always changing, and maintaining or upgrading initiatives, tools, or resources is not always free. Many educators and administrators rely on school grants to fund important projects and opportunities for students.

Each month, eSchool News compiles a list of new education grant opportunities. This month’s grant roundup focuses on grants small and large for science, math, and technology teachers.

Check out these funding opportunities for teachers, students, parents, and administrators–there’s likely to be a grant that’s relevant to your needs.…Read More

$5 million in grants to support blended learning program

Company also launches new edition of Waggle Smart Practice for Texas

grants-TLTo recognize outstanding blended learning models, Triumph Learning, producer of K-12 curriculum and interactive digital tools, has introduced a grant program to award up to $5 million to school districts across the country.

Announced at the 2015 TCEA Convention & Exposition, the grant coincides with the launch of Texas Waggle, the first state-specific smart practice solution from Triumph Learning.

With the awarded grant, districts will receive funds to support Waggle, Triumph Learning’s personalized, smart practice solution, professional development, and hands-on implementation. The grant payouts can vary between $10,000 and $50,000 depending on the size of the district and implementation. Multi-year grants may be awarded as well.…Read More

The 9 essentials of crowdfunding for the classroom

Fund your projects easily with these top tips

crowdfunding-classroomAs funding for public education continues to decline, districts, administrators, and classroom teachers struggle to find ways to fill gaps left by budget cuts. Traditional school fundraising methods, such as gift wrap sales, are time intensive and often only raise a small amount of capital.

Fortunately, the advent of the internet has created new fundraising opportunities for schools and educators. One such fundraising mechanism crowdfunding—uses the collective power of individual donors who are united in support of a common cause or goal. It’s been used successfully by movie producers, startup founders, and others with a truly great idea. Teachers are discovering it, too. In the classroom, crowdfunding can be used to fund exciting projects, purchase technology, or supplement resources.

Crowdfunding might sound like a lot of work, but it’s actually quite easy to implement. Here is what you need to know to get started and successfully fund your own projects.…Read More

6 small grants for teachers that could make a big difference

Every bit helps. February’s school grants offer some aid for teachers

funding-grantSchool funding is a challenge even in the post prosperous of times, especially when it comes to ed tech–technology is always changing, and maintaining or upgrading initiatives, tools, or resources is not always free. Many educators and administrators rely on school grants to fund important projects and opportunities for students.

Each month, eSchool News compiles a list of new education grant opportunities. This month’s grants focus on mostly smaller sums ideal for individual classroom teachers or projects.

Check out these funding opportunities for teachers, students, parents, and administrators–there’s likely to be a grant that’s relevant to your needs.…Read More

School chiefs form education-reform group

Sacramento City Unified Superintendent Jonathan Raymond has teamed up with six other school district superintendents to form a nonprofit that will push education reform, it was announced Monday, reports the Modesto Bee. The nonprofit California Office of Education Reform, or CORE, will pursue accountability and review procedures for teachers and implement the common core standards in English and math. These reforms were part of the failed Race to the. Top application submitted by the same seven school districts. More than $3 million in funding has already been pledged to assist the CORE’s reforms…

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…Read More