Fort Bend Independent School District
The Department of Digital Learning
FBISD Annex
Sugar Land, Texas 77479
2016 TECH TANK APPLICATION PACKET
Tech Tank
2016
Enclosed Please Find:
 Tech Tank information
 Application guidelines
 Sample scoring sheet
 Grant evaluation form
 Tech Tank Application
Please review this information as you prepare your application for the
2016 Tech Tank
Please feel free to e-mail Allegra.McGrew@fortbendisd.com
if you have any questions.
Note: Applications must be received by the
Department of Digital Learning by
May 6, 2016
Proposals generously funded by The Fort Bend Education Foundation
2016 Tech Tank
What Is Tech Tank?
Tech Tank is an exciting opportunity for Fort Bend Independent School District
(FBISD) teachers to receive funds to purchase technological tools and resources
for their classrooms. Tech Tank is based on the premise of teachers “pitching”
their technology integration ideas to a panel of judges. Judges then utilize a
technology integration rubric to score the proposals and ultimately select two
winners. Each winner will be awarded up to $3,000 to purchase FBISD approved
technology resources.
How the Process Will Work
 Round One
Round One consists of FBISD teachers submitting their technology integration
proposals. Round One submissions will be evaluated using the Fort Bend
Education Foundation’s grant scoring criteria. The Department of Digital Learning
will review the submissions and selecting the proposals that will advance to
Round Two.
 Round Two
Round Two will consist of the eight finalists conducting brief presentation of their
technology integration proposals to the official Tech Tank Panel of Judges.
Presentation sessions will be held at The FBISD Administrative Annex after
school at the beginning of June. Finalists will be given 8-10 minutes to conduct
their presentations and judges will utilize a rubric to score presentations. The two
winners with the highest scores will receive grant funding to implement their
proposals (up to $3,000) and will be acknowledged during the Closing Session of
the 2016 Digital Learning Conference (June 9, 2016 at Ridge Point HS).
Purpose
The purpose of “Tech Tank” is to enhance, promote, and augment classroom
instruction and technology integration in areas not allotted in regular budgetary
funds or not eligible for reimbursement from other sources.
Amount of Award
Up to $3000 to be utilized for technology tools and resources.
Funding Periods
One funding period will occur in the summer or in the fall semester.
Qualifications
Complete an Application Form
Provide all requested information
Demonstrate your ability to innovatively integrate technology
Present a creative and/or innovative approach that showcases an idea designed
to enhance the quality of education
Dissemination of Application Information
All applications and information regarding the application process will be
distributed to campus principals, teachers, administrators, and staff. It will also be
communicated via FBISD’s Technology News and via 2016 Digital Learning
Conference communications.
Selection of Recipients
All applications will be reviewed by The Department of Digital Learning and
appropriate content area specialists to ensure they meet FBISD instructional
program goals.
Distribution of Funds
Funds will be distributed and coordinated by the Business and Finance Office of
FBISD.
2016 Tech Tank
Application Guidelines
1. Recognizing that many of your measurements emphasize standardized test
scores such as STAAR, the purpose of this innovative funding opportunity is not
to increase performance on a standardized test but rather enhance the
educational experience and level of technology integration in the classroom.
2. Proposals that are innovative in their approach to technology integration are
sought.
3. The application process involves a live presentation to a panel of judges
during Round Two, inability to conduct this presentation will render applications
ineligible.
Document Preparation Guidelines
1. Correct grammar and spelling are a must. Errors will be counted against the
grant score.
2. Pictures and/or other visuals of major items to be purchased must be included.
3. Do not exceed space provided on the proposal application. Type size must be
a minimum of 12 pt., black ink
4. Submit the original and one copy of the proposal application to the
Department of Digital Learning by 4:30 p.m. on the stated deadline date, staple
on the left hand side, no presentation folders.
Policies
1.
Proposals will not be awarded for costs and items that may be available
from other sources such as federal or state funding or district funding.
2.
No funds will be awarded for: non-district approved items, field
trips, salaries, teacher trips, training, food, or speaker fees.
3.
The Department of Digital Learning will not fund grant requests which
exceed the stated dollar limit.
4.
In the event a recipient of a Tech Tank grant transfers to another school
within the district, the teacher may transfer the materials to the transfer
school, provided the transfer is to a compatible grade level. Any dispute
regarding a grant transfer may be resolved by a special sub-committee.
Materials and equipment purchased via Tech Tank funds must remain
within the district if the recipient leaves FBISD. In the event that a winner
leaves FBISD, the Department of Digital Learning must be notified prior to
their departure.
Code #__________
Reader #_______
2016 TECH TANK SCORING RUBRIC
(* Subjective *)
PROGRAM DESIGN
Score _____
Points-3*: Educational Enhancement Identified
“Does it improve or add value to the classroom?”
Points-2* :Inspires and motivates students to learn
X 10 =
__________
(100)
“Does it include activities that make learning fun, or make students want to learn (especially hard to reach students?)”
Points-2*: Innovative and /or Novel, Design in Implementation
“How will the materials/program be utilized in a fashion that is creative? Key on innovation isn’t tied to the
product/program…rather on how it is used”.
Points-1*:Large # of Students Benefited
“While important, do not ignore or penalize grants focused on special populations.”
Points-1*: Long Term impact on Students/Campus Durable. Reusable items
utilized
“Can you determine that this grant will make a difference on the campus outside the initial use?”
“Are the materials sturdy enough to be re-used multiple times?”
Points-1*: Materials and Techniques shared between schools, groups & grades
“Does or can this grant include more than one classroom, grade or school?”
Question 1, 2 & 3 all parts
DESIGN/EVALUATION
Points-5*: Goals clearly stated
Score _____
“Does the writer communicate specifically what they expect to accomplish with this grant?”
Points-5*: Plan to achieve goals clearly communicated
“Can you see that the teacher has identified and understands what they need to meet their goals?
X5=
__________
_
(70)
Points-4*:Did the teacher convey how success will be measured
exclusive of standardized test scores
“How is it going to be measured, outside of standardized testing?”
Preference will be given for creative measurements
Question 2A & C
BUDGET PLAN
Score _____
Points-1*: Clear & Concise Plan for use of Money
“Does the writer delineate what materials are needed considering the number of students participating/impacted? Can
you answer the question, are too little or too many materials being requested?”
Points-1*: Detailed Itemization of all Costs & Materials
“Is a detailed budget clearly specified (i.e. cost per book, not combining budget lines)?
X5=
__________
_
(15)
Points-1*: Samples, Pictures, Specific Descriptions provided
“Does the request have samples? Do these match to the request?”
Question 4
COMPOSITIONAL QUALITY
Score _____
Points-1*: All requested information provided
“Self explanatory?”
Points-2*: Correct grammar & spelling
“Do grammar and spelling errors detract from the quality of the grant?”
SCALE: 186-200
172-185
160-171
Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
X5=
__________
_
(15)
Total Score
__________
_
(200)
For Office Use Only
CODE #_________
2016 Tech Tank
GRANTS TO TEACHERS
Application Cover Sheet
The Tech Tank Committee's goal is to select projects for funding which stimulate
students' creativity, effectively integrate technology in an innovative way, and
expand the existing curriculum.
Application Deadline– May 6, 2016 (The original application and one copy
must be received in the Department of Digital Learning’s Office located in the
FBISD Annex Building, by 4:30 p.m. on May 6, 2016. ATTN: Dr. Allegra McGrew)
Date: _______________________________________________________
School:_____________________________________________________
Printed Applicant's Name: _______________________________________
Position: __________________ School Phone: ______________________
Proposal Title: ________________________________________________
Total Dollar Amount of Budget Request:____________________________
(include shipping costs)
I understand that if I move within the District, I may take the grant with me to my new
school (as long as it is age appropriate for my classes). If I leave FBISD, I will leave the
grant and all materials with the school for which I wrote the grant. As a condition of this
grant, I will complete the Tech Tank Evaluation Form. I certify that I wrote this proposal.
Signature of Applicant(s): _______________________________________
I have read this grant and support this application.
Signature of Supervisor/Principal: _________________________________
Please send original and one copy. No faxed/e-mailed applications will be
accepted.
Forward Proposal to:
The Department of Digital Learning
2016 Tech Tank
ATTN: Dr. Allegra McGrew
FBISD Annex Building
3119 Sweetwater Blvd.
Sugar Land, Texas 77479
For Office Use Only
CODE
#_________
2016 Tech Tank
Subject Area/Project Title: ___________________________________________________
Grade Level(s): _____________________ Date:
Description of Proposal
1. Please provide a description of the grant proposal and the need it addresses.
Limit your response to the space provided use a minimum of 12pt font
2016 Tech Tank Application
2A.What are the major goals of the proposal? (no more than three) For each goal
state the anticipated outcome.
1. Goal Outcome -
2B. Describe how your proposal can be used creatively to motivate students
AND how do you consider this proposal to be an innovative use of technology
over existing techniques?
2C. If awarded this grant, how do you intend to evaluate whether your stated
goals have been achieved? Please check appropriate box (s) or explain. *Do not
use standardized test such as STAAR or DACS, Teacher observation is not
valid with the exception of Kindergarten and Special Education.
____journal entries
____power-point presentation
____test scores
____book reports
____plotting data
____fine arts project
____other explain
2016 Tech Tank Application
3A. How many students will be directly affected by this project? _________
3B. Will or can this grant impact more than one classroom, grade, or school.
BUDGET PLAN
4. Provide an itemized explanation of your budget request by completing the
Excel spreadsheet below in its entirety. No general estimates will be accepted.
Include samples, pictures and specific descriptions. Also note the following:





FBISD is tax exempt, do not include sales tax.
Use only FBISD approved vendors and district approved products
(Amazon and Wal-Mart are NOT approved vendors.)
o Approved vendors are on the “Master Approved Vendor List” on the
Fort Bend Pipeline:
http://fortshare/purchasing/Forms/BuyersAndCommodityGroups.as
px
o Check the expiration date to confirm the contract is current.
All information requested on the spreadsheet must be completed.
Samples, pictures and specific descriptions must be included. Missing
information will be counted against the grant score.
Keep a copy of the Excel spreadsheet for your records. If your grant
request is awarded, your school’s Executive Assistant will use the
spreadsheet to place your order.
In order to guarantee that prices will be the same when the supplies are
ordered it is recommended that you obtain a written quote from each
vendor (this is not a web quote or a copy of the current pricing). Contact
our vendor’s representative listed on the Master Approved Vendor List and
ask for a quote guaranteeing the prices until August 31st. Keep this quote
to use when ordering. DO NOT include the quote with your request.
Create and attach an Excel spreadsheet of your entire grant request. All
the following information must be included:
Vendor
Name
PeopleSoft
Vendor #
Vendor
Item #
Description
Price
Ea.
Shipping/Handling
Discount
Grant Total
Qty.
Total
Price
2016 Tech Tank
Tech Tank Winner’s
PROPOSAL EVALUATION FORM
2016
Due: December 9, 2016
(Please Type)
Title of Proposal
_________________________________________________________
School: _______________________________
Subject Area: ___________________
Individual Submitting Evaluation: _________________________________
As required by the Department of Digital Learning and Fort Bend Education
Foundation by-laws, this process has been implemented to ensure grants that
are funded continue to enhance, promote, and augment classroom instruction as
well as address unique needs of our school campuses. It would be greatly
appreciated if you answer the following question:
Was this proposal and awarded grant worthwhile?
How did your grant impact the children it served?
Did you achieve your stated goal? If not why?
Would you recommend these materials/techniques to be requested for other
classrooms?