New York State Education Department

Question #1:
Can an institution submit more than one application for the Summer Training for Teachers in Engineers of the Future Programs 2007?

Answer #1:
As indicated in the RFP, “Only one application should be submitted whether one region or more than one region is to be served. An application will be categorized and reviewed for funding according to the region it serves. An application that serves more than one region will be categorized with the Statewide funds.” This being said, if an eligible applicant proposed to offer two markedly different trainings for two different participant groups they could submit more than one application which would be categorized according to the RFP language above.

Question #2:
Can the funds be used to train in any of the following fields: biotechnology, construction/architecture, information technology (including programming, networks, web design, computer forensics, or digital media), and/or manufacturing technology?

Answer #2:
Yes, the technology areas mentioned all fall within the broad Technology Content Organizers as outlined in the Technology Education Framework http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/Initiative.htm . Please refer to the RFP for additional criteria expected of the training.

Question #3:
Can the funds be used to integrate engineering/technology concepts into traditional math and science courses, or must it all be directed towards stand-alone pre-engineering/technology courses?

Answer #3:
Yes, curricula in this instance are defined as lessons, units or courses that utilize rigorous engineering-related content developed and implemented by the participants in their classrooms.

Question #4:
Can the funds be used to create career pathways and then train counselors and teachers (and perhaps parents and students directly) in engineering career pathways?

Answer #4:
Funds must be used to provide training to participating teachers that have committed to implementing engineering-related content into their classrooms. This includes career-related information.

Question #5:
Can the funds be used to bring together middle school, high school, and college faculty to discuss expectations, and align curriculum?

Answer #5:
This activity could be considered a part of the recruiting criteria or a component of the actual training that participants receive. Its purpose would need to be described in the proposal in the appropriate section.

Question #6
Can the funds be used to buy supplies/equipment for those who have been trained?

Answer #6:
Reasonable and necessary supplies/equipment for use by participants in the training are acceptable. Costs associated with implementing and sustaining the course in the participant school district is the responsibility of the school district.

Question #7:
Can the funds be used to hold roundtables with school (faculty, administration, counselors) and technology business leaders to discuss career options and expectations; we'd then begin to align curriculum, implement career pathways, and provide opportunities for business/partnerships (including guest speaker series, MST career expo, job shadowing, and internships).

Answer #7:
The activities mentioned are all acceptable as long as they result in building on participant knowledge that will result in rigorous engineering-related content in the classroom.

Question #8:
Can the funds be used to provide opportunities for educators to job shadow at a technology company ("Educator in the Workplace").

Answer #8:
The activities mentioned are all acceptable as long as they result in building on participant knowledge that will result in rigorous engineering-related content in the classroom.

Question #9:
Is there a limitation on the dollar amount that the university could allocate per teacher or per school district (i.e., 50% of training costs)?

Answer #9:
No

Question #10:
When is it anticipated the awards would be granted, as planning for summer training needs to take place early in the spring?

Answer #10:
Proposals are due March 12, 2007 with reviews, scoring and awards made as soon after as practical. All awards must be reviewed by the Office of the State Comptroller prior to notification.

Question #11:
Can the funds be used to cover stipends and/or travel expenses for educators to attend the workshops?

Answer #11:
The RFP indicates, “Budgets should include all expenses associated with the teacher’s participation, course materials and room and board, if applicable. Participating teacher’s travel to the summer training may not be included.”

Question #12:
I would like to know if there will be any start-up money for such a program?

Answer #12:
Grant funds must be spent only on training for teachers that will implement rigorous engineering-related curricula in the classroom. Commitments by school districts to implement the curricula must take place prior to the training which must take place between May 1 and August 31, 2007.

Question #13:
Can the teachers participating in the summer training be paid a stipend
from the project budget?

Answer #13:
Yes

Question #14:
The stated project period for summer training is between 5/1/07 and 8/31/07. You state in the application: "Up to 5% of the grant may be used to evaluate the extent to which the training improves the content knowledge and classroom application of the participating teachers related to their current or likely future teaching assignment."

We think this means, since K-12 classes do not begin until September, that up to 5% project funds can be used AFTER 8/31/07 to conduct classroom based evaluation of how the summer training improves the "classroom application of the participating teachers." Is this a correct assumption?

Answer #14:
Projects may end October 31, 2007 in order to complete the evaluation and reporting on the program. However, the training must take place anytime between May 1 and August 31, 2007. Specific information pertaining to evaluation and reporting format will be provided to successful grant recipients when they are notified of their award.

Question #15:
Summer teacher training programs or institutes are very costly to run. Is there an upper limit, beyond the stated limit for a particular region, for a summer training proposal?

Answer #15:
Funding for proposed programs in a specific region can not exceed the total amount allocated for that region.

Question #16:
If our institution submitted a well-justified application that would use most or all of our regions funding allocation for this program, would this make our application less competitive than an application submitted for a more modest portion of the regional allocation?

Answer #16:
This question cannot be fully answered without knowing what the program involved. Note that the budget constitutes 20 out of 100 points when proposals are reviewed.