Attachment 2 Concept Papers for Task 4 and 5.docx

Appendix. Task 4 and TASK 5 CONCEPT PAPER INSTRUCTIONS

Task 4 Concept Paper instructions for Detailed Descriptions of Two Partnerships (Concept papers must be no more than 10 pages, double spaced with 12-point font. References must be included in an appendix and are not counted within the page limit) The concept paper must include the following clearly labeled sections:

· Project title

· Description of the content, objectives, and target audience for each session of the proposed TCTS project

· Brief discussion of how students, parents, or community stakeholders will inform this work

· Brief discussion of the extent and quality of existing research upon which the proposed TCTS project is based, including a discussion of how the proposed TCTS project incorporates or extends the lessons learned from existing research in an actionable way. Please note that this section must be focused on the specific topic at hand, not a general review of the topic’s importance. Identify what if any REL or IES resources can be leveraged for this activity.

· Description of the following: materials, number and length of sessions, number of participants, mode, and technology. Please state which materials will become publicly available after the training or coaching activity. This must also include derivative products that will be developed under separate tasks, if applicable.

· Next steps towards achieving intended outcomes. This must include a discussion of how the REL expects partners to apply the knowledge or skills gained through the proposed TCTS project to achieve intended outcomes, and whether further REL supports will be needed for partners. If further support towards the use of new knowledge or skills developed in the TCTS project is needed, briefly describe the nature of this support. This must also include a description of strategies to disseminate the publicly available products described in the previous section in a way that will further partners’ intended outcomes (if applicable).

· Presenter(s)/Trainer(s)/Coach(es). Up to a 500-word description of relevant expertise per individual. No curriculum vitae required. If this person is designated as key personnel, you may refer reviewers to the page in your proposal that describes this individual’s expertise in lieu of repeating information. If this person is not currently employed by the proposer, a letter of commitment is required in a separate appendix. Each letter must also delineate the nature of the agreement (i.e., the position and responsibilities that person will have under the REL contract should it be awarded to the proposer), and affirm their commitment to the project if the proposer is awarded the contract.

· Timeline: including dates (month) for submitting the proposal, submission of draft agenda and materials for each session, and any other milestones or follow-on products. This table may use 10-point font, single space (see example below).

Activity/Milestone

“Name of Activity”

X

“Name of Activity

X

Note: If the project extends beyond the 12-month base period, include a separate similar table for the year 2 work by month.

Task 5 Concept Paper instructions for Detailed Descriptions of Two Partnerships (Concept papers must be no more than 10 pages, double spaced with 12-point font. References must be included in an appendix and are not counted within the page limit) This concept paper must include the following clearly labeled sections:

· Study title

· Research questions

· Brief discussion of how students, parents, or community stakeholders will inform this work

· Literature review: A brief review of literature that provides context for the study and demonstrates how the study will provide new, actionable information and is informed by previous work in this field.

· Data: Explain the data that will be used, including whether the REL currently has access to these data or the likelihood of securing necessary data. Include the key variables and the sample that each data source covers (grades, school years, etc.), including approximate sample size (by unit) and identify the unit of analysis.

· Documentation for research projects: List any required documentation for research projects (IRB approval, an MOU with partner(s), OMB approval, or a Data Management Plan). A data management plan is required for studies designed to make causal inferences (e.g., randomized control trials or quasi-experimental designs). Please see https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/midatlantic/pdf/DMP_MA.pdf for an example of a data management plan.

· Analysis methods: Briefly describe the proposed methods to analyze the data to answer each research question, including justification for these methods.

· Anticipated challenges or possible study limitations.

· Reporting format: Propose a reporting format that will best meet the needs of stakeholders and partners. Indicate whether this study will be reported through a “traditional” ~15-page report format (plus a one-page summary and appendices), or an alternative reporting format. If an alternative format is proposed, please describe that format and explain how it best meets the needs of partners and stakeholders. Note that a memo discussing the methodology and limitations of the study is required for projects where a 15-page report is not proposed (Proposers must propose at least on 5.1 project with a ~15 page report format)

· Supporting products: Please include a brief (one to two sentence) description of any supporting products (for example a blog or infographic under Task 6) that will be disseminated upon completion of the project, and strategies to disseminate both the report (or alternative reporting format) and any supporting products in a such a way that it furthers partners’ intended outcomes.

· Next steps towards achieving intended outcomes, including a discussion of how the REL expects partners to apply the knowledge or skills gained through the proposed applied research project to achieve intended outcomes, and whether further REL supports will be needed for partners. If further support towards the use of new knowledge or skills developed through a TCTS project is needed, briefly describe the nature of this follow-up support.

· Principal Investigator(s): Please identify the individual(s) who will be primarily responsible for conducting this work. Note: The first Principal Investigator listed will be understood to be the “first author” on any product. Include up to a 500-word description of relevant expertise per individual. No curriculum vitae required. If this person is designated as key personnel, you may refer reviewers to the page in your proposal that describes this individual’s expertise in lieu of repeating information. If this person is not currently employed by the proposer, a letter of commitment is required in a separate appendix. Each letter must also delineate the nature of the agreement (i.e., the position and responsibilities that person will have under the REL contract should it be awarded to the proposer), and affirm their commitment to the project if the proposer is awarded the contract.

· Timeline: Include important milestones and expected submission date for each deliverable (including but not limited to, project proposal draft, IRB approval, MOU signed and executed, data analysis completed, draft report submitted, report published) in the table below. If the project extends beyond the 12-month base year, add additional rows for each year. This table may use 10-point font, single space (see example below).

Activity/Milestone

“Name of Activity”

X

“Name of Activity

X

Note: If the project extends beyond the 12-month base period, include a separate similar table(s) for additional year(s) of work.