Secondary April 12, 2007

SUMMARY
Ball State University PDS Network Advisory Council
Secondary Schools Representatives
Institute Meeting #22
April 12, 2007
9:00 –12:30
Teachers College
Ball State University

Theresa Richardson, chair of the Department of Educational Studies, welcomed the 20 members and guests to the PDS spring Institute Meeting.

Ruth Swetnam also welcomed members and guests. She explained that the topic of this workshop is a direct result of the recommendations made by this group at the Institute meetings last spring and fall. While the spring meetings have traditionally been held at Tanglewood, this meeting was held on campus in order to allow individuals to work at the computers and actively participate in the grant writing workshop. Ruth introduced Jackie Davis, grants manager, Office of Academic Research and Sponsored Programs (OARSP), who introduced the other participants: Allyssum Foltz, publications and grants information assistant; Kristi Koriath, associate director for programs; Pam Nicholas, grants/VSA arts of Indiana manager; and Cassie Bolander, assistant grant writer.

Pam Nicholas and Cassie Bolander shared their experiences as successful grant writers. The individuals from OARSP led the group through the process of searching for funding sources and reviewing the guidelines. They explained the preliminary steps to writing a proposal and discussed what is involved in writing the actual proposal. Karen Dowling participated with Jackie Davis in a simulated conversation with a program officer, to demonstrate this important preliminary step to writing a grant proposal.

Participants were given copies of the online application for the Teachers College Innovative Education Grant. They also received a list of PDSs that should schedule site review visits during 2007-08. PDS Site Councils are to send their yearly report to Ruth by June 1. The report template from last year is still appropriate.

Ruth concluded the morning by thanking the individuals from OARSP and encouraging the PDSs to collaborate on a grant application. She stressed that the OARSP will be very helpful in that endeavor and should be contacted for assistance. Because she is leaving the position of director, Ruth expressed appreciation to everyone for the opportunity to work with them as partners in the PDS Network and wished everyone continued success.