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ATT Announces the Inauguration of its SMART Board Grant Program for ATT Schools

Associated Talmud Torahs SMART Board Program – Summary / Expectations
 
Introduction
ATT announces the inauguration of its SMART Board grant program for ATT schools.

• SMART Boards are interactive whiteboards with touch-sensitive screens connected to a computer/laptop.
• This powerful and dynamic tool raises the level of student engagement, motivation, and enthusiasm in the classroom learning environment.
• This grant program will provide one SMART Board to 3 schools to be used in the special education or resource classroom within the school.
• Staff training will also be provided so the SMART Board will be used effectively. 

Process
Schools that wish to apply for a SMART Board must complete the attached application form. Completed applications should be emailed to:Mrs. Chani Friedman chani@att.org by January 10, 2010.Awardees will be announced by January 31, 2010.

Expectations of Participating Schools
1.      The grant will provide each winning school with a wall-mounted double-user SMART Board with a projection device. The grant will also cover installation costs.
2.      The school is expected to purchase/provide the desktop/laptop computer that will be connected to the SMART Board. If the school uses a desktop computer, the school is expected to purchase the multiplier box from “Cables to Go” for approximately $70. This allows the user to see the image on the desktop monitor as well as the SMART Board simultaneously. (A laptop does not need this device.)
3.      The school is also responsible to assemble the SMART Board’s computer and install the SMART Board software.
4.      Installation requires an electrical outlet near the location of the SMART Board and computer. Identifying a location for installing the SMART Board and installing electrical outlets if they do not already exist are the responsibility of the participating school.In addition, the installation does not include attaching the SMART Board or computer to the participating school’s network or internet.
5.      There is a training requirement for teachers who will be using the SMART Board. Five hours of training is the minimal requirement for two staff members – one from Limudei Kodesh and one from general studies. Additional staff members are welcome and encouraged to participate in training. Training will take place at the ATT as well as on the participating school’s site.
6.      Each participating school should create four lessons in total that can be shared with the other ATT schools. These lessons must contain content that utilizes the interactive features of the board. These lessons should be created within the first year of board use.
7.      The ATT SMART Board coordinator will observe each of the two SMART Board teachers one time when the SMART Board is used for instruction with students. This observation will be scheduled at a time that is convenient for the teacher and supervisor.
8.      The school is expected to register the SMART Board upon its receipt  and installation with SMART Technologies on its website: www.smarttech.com . The school is solely responsible for the maintenance of the SMART Board equipment.
9.      In the event that the school no longer wishes to use the board, ATT retains ownership rights of the board.
10.The school is expected to acknowledge and publicize this award from the ATT in its parent newsletters as well as its annual dinner journal.
 
For a SMART Board Grant Application form please click here.