During the 2009–2010 school year, the Brookline Education Foundation will fund over $65,000 in Systemwide grants in the following areas:

EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES

Social Studies Professional Development Initiative (year 1 of 3) – This grant supports a three-year “Summer Institute” to enable K - 12 teachers to become proficient in new content being added to the Social Studies curriculum in response to Program Review. In year one, the institute will provide professional development that will equip teachers with pedagogical content knowledge in spatial, regional, physical, human, and environmental/societal geography. After the initial summer course offering, an on-line version of the course will be developed and made available to teachers.

Public Private Partnership – Brookline is working to develop an educational partnership with the Landmark School, a private school specializing in the education of students with language-based learning disabilities. The proposed partnership would establish a pilot Landmark School program in a selected Brookline elementary school, based on a whole school inclusion model. All school personnel would receive professional development, partially funded by this grant, in providing for students with disabilities in the general education setting.

Pre-Professional Teacher Competencies  (year 2 of 3) – This initiative addresses the needs of teachers in their first three years in the profession. This year, the grant will fund continuation of second/third year teachers mentoring groups, several new second year teacher mentoring groups, the development of a third year teacher portfolio, and professional development for second and third year teachers based on needs articulated in their learning plans.

Inclusion Support (year 2 of 3) – This grant supports greater inclusion of students with special needs by providing professional development in differentiating curriculum, instructional processes and assessments, understanding the neuro-developmental profiles of students, and employing culturally relevant pedagogy.

Equity Project (year 7)– MSAN Expenses – The Educational Equity Project seeks to close the unacceptable achievement gaps that exist between students of different racial and ethnic groups in our schools. The school system is now fully responsible for Minority Student Achievement Network (MSAN) fees and the required annual conference. This grant will support Brookline’s involvement in additional MSAN professional development activities, including sending a team of teachers and/or administrators to at least one “mini-conference” next year, and planning a Brookline mini-conference within the next two years.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP GRANTS

Principals’ Fund (annual) –This grant funds professional development for Brookline principals, usually as a retreat in the fall.  The focus for 09-10 will be on using data to understand and improve student achievement. Variations on the traditional retreat format are being explored.

Superintendent’s Fund (annual)– This grant funds the superintendent’s attendance at selected meetings and conferences that focus on educational equity, such as MSAN, Harvard University Leadership, and the American Association of School Administrators.

OTHER

ScienceFest (annual)– Materials and supplies for hands-on exhibits and activities at Brookline's ScienceFest are funded through this grant. The ScienceFest supports science education and community participation in science education. The 2010 ScienceFest will be held at Devotion School on March 27, 2010.