As many educators are aware, summer often becomes a time where reading gains made through the school year can stall or decline, especially for struggling readers. Often referred to as “summer slide”, researchers like Anne McGill-Franzen and Richard Allington have written several books and research articles on preventing summer slide.
What?
Grants of up to $1000.00 are available for educators or KRA members for a thoughtfully presented summer literacy project that combats summer slide.
Who?
Any level educator who is a member of the Kentucky Reading Association.
When?
Applications due: 5:00 PM EST on April 1, 2022
Grants awarded: May 2022
Grant implementation: Summer 2022
The application consists of a description of the project idea, how it will be implemented and how its effectiveness will be measured. A proposed budget for the project, including an itemized list of books and materials to be used, is also required. Contact erin.wobbekind@uky.edu if you have questions about the application process.
Applications must be authored by the educator implementing the project.
Judging Criteria
Winning grant proposals demonstrate:
- Creativity in designing relevant and challenging projects for students and/or families involved;
- Clearly defined and reasonable project ideas that contribute to good literacy practices;
- Direct benefit to students, school and/or community which can be measured and replicated for benefit to others;
- Encourages active independent engagement of reading;
- Practices and materials represent diversity and inclusivity;
- Objectives aligned to Kentucky’s Academic Standards (http://education.ky.gov/curriculum/standards/kyacadstand/Pages/default.aspx)
Priority will be given to those who are willing to share their knowledge and experience of this project through intent to submit a proposal to present at the KRA Annual Conference; write and submit a brief article for the KRA newsletter; or submit an article for the KRA journal.
Project Completion and Appraisal
Upon completion of the grant project, each educator is required to send a written appraisal of the project. The appraisal is meant to aid both the educator and KRA in determining whether or not the project was successfully implemented. If an appraisal is not received, the educator will be ineligible for future grants.
NOTE: Receipts and POs are due by December 31, 2022
All sections of this form must be completed. Incomplete applications will NOT be considered or reviewed by the Awards Committee.