By Jenny Beck, Guest Blogger
http://www.jenniferbeckconsulting.com/
Directions Matter
We’re down to the last two weeks before Race to the Top applications are due and we know you must be tired! Slogging through this 116 page application can be intimidating, exhausting, and mind-numbing, and it’s easy to start skimming and getting bleary eyed, especially when there is a great deal of repetition and ‘federal grant speak’ like on page 111 when it says “This program falls under the rubric of Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs) and the regulations in 34 CFR Part 79”. We don’t know what’s worse – the fact that the wording is confusing, or the fact that this is on page 111.
That said, to ensure that all your hard work translates to an application that makes it into the hands of the reviewers, we’ve compiled a few tips to help you maximize the last few days.
(1) Keep the Application Checklist in front of you at all times. Put it front and center at your work station so you are constantly referring to it as you assign and complete tasks. You can find this checklist (both for individual and consortia LEA applicants) on pgs.112-115
(2) Make sure you have read the whole application, and follow all the directions. Check out this reading list as a guide
- Application Introduction, Instructions, and Submission Procedures: pgs.3-8
- Application Requirements: pgs.11-12
- Budget Requirements: pgs. 71-74
- Memorandum of Understanding (for Consortia Applicants): pgs. 94-96
Pay especially close attention to the narrative portion of the application, which has its own set of instructions for each section, including the maximum number of pages you have to respond. Be sure to address every point in each narrative section..
(3) Understand the definitions: When working on the narrative, be sure to have a clear understanding of the definitions (see Definition section, pg.88) and ensure that you have an answer for each criterion. The Rubric (pg.103) will help you prioritize the sections and figure out which sections you may want to spend more time on, however, it doesn’t include each point you’re asked to make.
(4) Bring in an extra pair of eyes: As many times as you will read over these sections, you are guaranteed to miss something. An extra ‘and’ or a missing word. Have someone who is not familiar with the application or your proposal read your work to be sure all mistakes are caught AND that your draft makes sense to someone not involved in the work.
Finally, on the evening of October 30, get a massage, go for a walk, drink some champagne, or see a movie. Congratulations, you deserve it!
