RFP for secondary schools re: Algebra & Formative Assessment Processes

The California Academic Partnership Program (CAPP) has posted an RFP and is accepting applications for planning grants to support secondary schools in closing achievement gaps and improving students' algebra preparedness and performance. CAPP is interested in supporting the work of teachers and principals who are committed to addressing issues of equity and improving student achievement in the critical area of algebra, a gateway course for access to and success in postsecondary education. Please see CAPP's website to access the application materials and additional background information: http://www.calstate.edu/capp/program/grantapp.shtml.
I write to ask your help in sharing information and encouraging eligible applicants in your districts to review and apply.

This project, Using Formative Assessment Processes to Improve Algebra and Secondary Math Preparedness and Performance, will focus on middle and high schools and alignment of coursework and placement across grade levels to prepare students for success in Algebra the first time students take the course. CAPP provides these supports based on our experience that improving teaching practice is most likely to occur when teams of teachers work together to improve curriculum and instruction and school site leadership understands and supports this work. This grant will entail use of and provide professional development on the Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project (http://mdtp.ucsd.edu/ ). The work will center on formative assessment processes and will align with the California Common Core Math Standards.

CAPP expects districts that receive planning grants to support the participation of their principals and teachers in grant activities and to commit to scaling successful elements to additional district schools in future years. Eligible applicants consist of district networks/partnerships of high schools and middle schools in deciles one through five of the California Academic Performance Index (API).

Two key dates:

· Statements of interest are due to CAPP by August 19, 2011.
· Applications are due to CAPP by September 30, 2011.

Information sessions will be held August 23, 2011 in Sacramento and August 25, 2011 in Long Beach. A webinar will be held on Monday, August 29. Details are included in the application materials and on the CAPP website.

CAPP will award planning grants in 2011-12 of $10,000 each to three district networks and in the subsequent years will award implementation grants for up to four years of approximately $75,000 each year.