Blended Learning Grant

Program Overview

eTech Ohio is pleased to announce the release of the 2012 Blended Learning Grant Request for Proposal (RFP). As this is a new RFP all entities interested in applying are encouraged to read this document and all ancillary information (especially The Rise of K-12 Blended Learning by Michael Horn and Heather Staker and Ohio Revised Code 3302.06) thoroughly before deciding whether to apply.

Critical in this blended learning initiative will be the use of information and communication technology (ICT) within the six models of blended learning outlined in The Rise of K-12 Blended Learning by Michael Horn and Heather Staker from the Innosight Institute (1). This grant is intended to provide Ohio public schools the opportunity to implement one of six blended learning models, either through development grants awarded to individual schools seeking the opportunity to offer a blended learning alternative for the first time, or via a consortium designed to expand one of the six models of blended learning already used by at least one consortium member. FY 12 and FY 13 will be dedicated to preparing and implementing the respective model selected. During FY14, academic year 2013-2014, schools will fully implement their blending learning initiative.

This work is intended to prepare schools, teachers, and students in the use of blended learning and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) within and outside of the classroom. It is also intended to develop new strategies for 21st Century Learning and provide professional development for teachers.

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2012 Grant Recipients

7 Development Grants

(An individual school building with no existing model of blended learning)

5 Expansion Grants

(Expanding an existing blended learning model within a consortium)

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RFP Objectives

The seven overarching goals are to:

1. Build the capacity of Ohio schools in blended learning.
2. Increase academic performance of students participating in the blended learning model.
3. Document fiscal changes that are the result of implementing a blended learning model.
4. Expand the use of online learning for Ohio schools and students.
5. Create a program using best practice examples of the six models of blended learning.
6. Generate models for 21st Century Learning based on high quality instruction, assessment and standards.
7. Create replicable blended learning models and practices that can be used across Ohio.

This initiative aligns with eTech Ohio's strategic objective to increase the daily use of educational technology within K-12 classrooms to 80% to support standards based instruction. It also supports the following provision cited in Ohio's State Educational Technology Plan's current and future initiatives.

Universal Access to Online Learning--Ensure that students, wherever they attend school in Ohio, have access to a rich array of educational opportunities at the P-12 and college levels through online learning.

It is anticipated that six (6) schools will receive a development grant in the amount of up to $80,000 each. There is intent to award an additional $50,000 for FY13 to continue successful projects. It is anticipated that six (6) consortia will receive an expansion grant in the amount of up to $40,000 each. There is intent to award an additional $20,000 for FY 13 to continue successful projects.

1. Horn, M. and Staker, H. (2011). The Rise of K-12 Blended Learning. Mountain View, CA: Innosight Institute.

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Resources

• View the RFP
• View the list of received Letter of Intents, Development and Expansion
• View the List of Recipients Here - PDF
• View Program Descriptions by the Recipients Here - PDF

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Eligibility Requirements

Development Grant

 

• All Ohio public schools are eligible to apply.
• Only one school from an Ohio public school district or community school from a management company may be awarded either a development or an expansion grant.
• Ohio public schools applying for the Blended Learning Grant must have an eTech Ohio approved technology plan.

Expansion Grant

 

• Consortia composed of at least two Ohio public school districts, community schools or Joint Vocational Schools are eligible to apply.
• Priority will be given to consortia composed of diverse members (i.e., schools from rural, suburban and urban settings with varying per pupil expenditures and report card statuses).
• Consortia are encouraged to collaborate with regional service providers and/or an accredited Ohio college of education.
• Only one school for an Ohio public school district or community school from a management company may be awarded either a development or an expansion a grant.
• All entities participating in a consortium applying for the Blended Learning Grant must have an eTech Ohio approved technology plan.

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