Grants guide

Schools are invited to apply for a 20162017 improvement grant for global schools though languages

Grant: $25,000

Applicants submit a proposal for a school inquiry into one of the following:

  • The introduction of languages in Prep.
  • Connecting students with native speakers.
  • A strategy to increase language retention in Years 11–12.

An evidence-based inquiry

The school inquiry is to be based on data and informed by research to:

  • identify a need or purpose based on school data and context
  • investigate possible actions/solutions to address the need, drawing on evidence in research
  • describe the action selected to address the identified need and reasons for the selection
  • identify:

steps to be taken

use of sample groups if applicable

resources for implementation.

  • collect and analyse evidence:

decide if evidence will be quantitative or qualitative or both

determine ways of collecting evidence

focus on reliability (Is this reproducible?) and validity (Is this measuring what I think it is?)

analyse evidence to determine the impact of the innovation.

  • report:

present findings with precision and clarity

be brief but provide sufficient detail to help others use the findings in their schools.

Requirements of grant recipients

  • Plan in Term 3 2016.
  • Begin implementation by Term 4 2016.
  • Liaise with State Schools – Performance officers.
  • Provide a brief interim report by May 2017 (Template will be provided on receipt of grant).
  • Provide a final written report by November 2017 (Template will be provided on receipt of grant).

Use of grant funds

The grant will be directed to the activity outlined in the application.

Evaluation of grant applications

Grant applications will be evaluated on how well they meet the criteria which are addressed in the application form, including:

  • the proposal focuses on school improvement in languages
  • the proposal involves collaboration within and beyond the school
  • evidence informs decision-making at every stage of the project.

Schools will be notified of the outcome of their applications in June 2016.

Supporting information

For supporting information see:

  • The introduction of languages in Prep (Go to: Guides for principalsLanguages in Prep to Year 4).
  • The use of a language assistant.Use of native speaker language assistants is one way to connect students with native speakers. Native speakers could be sourced from the local community or from overseas via supporting organisations. (Go to: Leading school improvement in languages > School improvement in languages: Supporting resources. Information is provided in the ‘School-community partnerships’ section of the document).
  • A strategy to increase language retention in Years 11–12.
  • The department’s Standards of Evidence have been designed to support better conversations and decisions about what works, for whom, and under what conditions. The Standards are a whole-of-organisation tool for maturing our collective capability to make evidence-informed decisions.

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