The Verizon Great Books, Great Kids Program Grant

What is the Junior Great Books Technology grant?

Verizon has awarded the Great Books Foundation a $60,000 grant to help two Illinois schools implement Junior Great Books beginning in January 2008. Schools will be selected in the fall of 2008.

The grant will pay for comprehensive Great Books professional development for a total of 12-16 teachers (in two schools) and a full complement of Great Books materials, including student anthologies and Reader's Journals or activity books, audiotapes, and teachers' editions for up to two semesters of the program.

The grant also pays for a program of online support for teachers delivered via video-conferencing software provided by Marratech. The online support--featuring group and one-on-one sessions with Great Books Foundation staff--is fully grant funded.

Participating teachers will receive a small stipend in addition to receiving certification as Great Books leaders.

What is Junior Great Books?

Junior Great Books is an acclaimed reading and discussion program that has been identified as effective in improving reading and critical thinking by numerous independent organizations and agencies, including many state departments of education and the U.S. Department of Education. Professional development from the Great Books Foundation has been endorsed by the National Staff Development Council, the National Education Association, and the American Federation of Teachers. Junior Great Books is one of the original 17 programs approved by the U.S.Department of Education for Comprehensive School Reform funds. Schools adopting the program for CSR implementation have seen significant gains in reading and critical thinking. 

What does it cost to participate?

There is absolutely no financial cost to schools to participate; the grant pays for all books, materials, professional development, and teacher stipends. At least four classroom teachers from your school must participate, and schools are asked to make a two-year commitment to Junior Great Books. You will also need to designate a site coordinator and provide release time for professional development, on-site consultation visits, online meetings, and program coordination.

What's the technology part of the project?

In addition to on-site support, teachers will be supported through the Internet, using Marratech video conferencing software, a cross-platform product that combines video, voice, white board, and application sharing. Teachers will “meet” online with each other and their Great Books consultants at scheduled times throughout the year. Between meetings, teachers will have access to an online forum moderated by a Great Books consultant, to ask questions and share solutions and classroom experiences using Junior Great Books. The Marratech software is free for project teachers and is easy to use, and teachers will be able to participate from their school or home computers. 

What schools are eligible?

Only schools in the following Illinois communities may apply:

How can we apply?

E-mail Chris Sakelaris at the Great Books Foundation or call him at 1-800-222-5870 ext. 249.  Schools will be selected by November 1, 2007. The application process is easy and we can help you develop an implementation plan that meets your needs.