Review Criteria for Applications

1. PROPOSAL:
Provide an overview of the proposed project including each state or federal requirement that would be modified or waived. Explain specifically why the waiver is necessary. Describe existing conditions at your site using measures of educational performance including but not limited to: dropout rates, test and assessment results, parental involvement, student conduct, and student success after leaving school.

Overview includes description of the nature and objectives of the proposed project. Significant changes are described. Clarity of purpose and values underlie the proposal.

Each state or federal requirement is listed and described. Proposed waivers or modifications are not detrimental to the health, safety, or constitutional rights of students, teacher, administrators or the public. The underlying purpose of the federal statutory requirements will be met by the district.

Existing conditions are described. Data is consistent and reported clearly.

2. PLAN:
Describe the goals and major activities to be carried out as part of this project. Describe the process used to identify the project's goals (including research), the stakeholders involved in its planning and the changes expected in student achievement as a result. Include a projected timeline for project activities.

Goal(s) are significant, measurable, achievable and are based on improving student achievement and performance.

Description of the process to identify goals and activities is comprehensive. There are provisions for a high degree of collegial involvement of staff, administrators and community members in the process. Goal(s) are directly linked to measures of student learning and educational performances.

Activities planned are sequential and related to the goals.

3. EVALUATION OF RESULTS:
Identify the measures that will be used to evaluate project results and describe the process by which data will be collected and evaluated to measure changes in student learning and other educational performance attributable to the project. Describe how the site and district intend to share practices that prove effective.

Activities and effective practices planned are selected on the basis of a thorough comprehensive review of current research and practice. Citations are listed and are descriptive, relevant and supportive. Data collection process is described. Assessment measures are clearly identified. The assessment component is likely to provide evidence of the impact of the project.

4. SUPPORT:
Attach documents to the appendix showing the commitment of staff and others to the project.

Those affected by the project understand the proposal and have demonstrated commitment to implementing it.

5. BUDGET:
If funding is needed for the project, include a budget plan. Identify anticipated sources of funding, if any, including private grants and contributions.

Budget is thorough, realistic and clearly identifies additional resources.