Proposal phase
Guidelines Resources
Time: (1-2 months, intermittent)
Objectives:
* Decide who writes each part of the proposal, by when, via what process
* Write and submit a comprehensive proposal of action steps, rooted in your research, the class would like to take on behalf of improving the school's sustainability profile.
* Design and deliver a live presentation of your proposal to the school board
During the Proposal phase your class will create, submit, and present a persuasive proposal to your school board, asking the board for permission to take specific actions to help the school operate more sustainably.
Your successful completion of the Research phase has earned you a new round of FREE UNLIMITED SUPPORT from a WT Teaching Assistant during this Proposal phase. First, you will need to use what you learned from your research to convince your school board to approve your plan for improving your school’s sustainability practices.
Similarly, your successful completion of this Proposal phase will earn you a new round of FREE UNLIMITED SUPPORT from a WT Teaching Assistant during the final phase, Action.
This link describes all the criteria for participating in the Proposal phase of “Wild Treasures: Sustainability, Naturally”.
Overview of Proposal Phase
(1) Figure out what actions you want to take that will apply what you learned from your research that you can put into effect before the end of the school year.
(2) Write and submit a proposal following the proposal guidelines topersuade your school board to support your researched backed action plan. Include an Action Budget detailing the services and supplies you would need to turn the proposal into action. Submit your written proposal to the school board at least one week before you are scheduled to make a live presentation. Submit to your WT Teaching Assistant a copy of your “Proposal for Sustainability Action” and a signed “Proposal Submission Verification” form confirming the school board's receipt of the proposal.
(3) Present to School Board. Be sure to get on the Board's agenda at least a month before you want to present. Prepare, rehearse, rehearse again. Know your stuff so well you don't need to use cue cards.
(4) Submit Proposal Presentation Verification to your WT Teaching Assistant.
Have the school board sign a form verifying your presentation date and time.
Lessons learned from past participants
- Be sure to describe in detail how your proposed actions and the research on which they are based relate to one or more of the 5 big concepts introduced at the Challenge Trail: waste, exponential power, cycling, feedback loops, and entropy. To do this well, you will need to describe the related concepts in your own words, and tie them explicitly to your proposed actions. The strongest proposals are ones that can connect one's research, and proposal to the 5 big ideas introduced during the Challenge phase.
During the Proposal phase, you should work in groups of 2-3 students maximum. Here are some ideas on how to proceed:
1. Brainstorm in small groups a list of actions you think your class can take between now and the end of the school year to improve your school’s sustainability practices. Make sure your brainstorm is informed by what you learned from your research and the Challenge Trail. Share your best ideas with your entire class. Then decide as a whole group which actions are feasible and desirable.
3. Review the “Proposal Guidelines" and samples, if available.
4. Create subgroups to lead the development of the various parts to writing a proposal, including a very thorough and complete budget.
5. Create opportunities for all the groups to check in with each other, to offer help and to coordinate their efforts.
6. Get your class on the school board’s agenda to present your proposal at least a month in advance of your presentation.
Forms for you!
· Proposal Submission Verification: the form the school board must sign and you must send to Wild Treasures.
· Proposal Presentation Verification: the form the school board must sign and you must send to Wild Treasures.
· Action Budget: the directions and forms on which to submit your budget request to the school board.
· WT Bucks Service Order Request Form: a form in which you can request proposed services offered by the WT staff. For a full list of services, please refer to Available Services.
· Proposal Criteria: the criteria for what makes an excellent proposal and corresponding dollar awards.
· Proposal Samples: samples of various parts to a well-written proposal.
We wish you the best in your ongoing participation in Wild Treasures. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We recommend that you try and contact us by email first.
Respectfully yours,
Jimmy Karlan, Ed.D
Senior Project Manager
Proposal Criteria
“Proposal forSustainability Action” based on the following criteria.
Quality | Criteria | Value |
Cover Page (See sample) | √Title clearly reveals the proposal’s purpose. √A relevant image makes the cover interesting. √Teacher’s name, class, and grade are included. √School name, address, phone, and email included. | $10 |
Intro (See sample) | √Includes a 2-3 page summary of your --Involvement with Wild Treasures --What you found out from your research, --The general action plan you are asking your school board to support. √Be sure to include what makes you think that your actions will improve your school’s sustainability practices. | $60 |
Body Describe specific plans (See sample) | √5-7 pages √Describe your research methods, and findings. √Describe a specific plan to improve your school’s sustainability practices. √Discuss how your plan applies one or more of the 5 big ideas of sustainability introduced along the Challenge Trail. √Include charts, graphs, and/or diagrams to enhance text. √Include an illustration of your plan. | $285 |
Action Budget (see sample) | √The budget is thorough and complete. √The budgeted items are consistent with the proposal and reflect what the board has approved. √The budget is neat and grammatically correct. | $100 |
Format | √Page length is between 10-12 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font, numbered, and stapled. This does not include the “Bibliography,” or Appendix (The Appendix includes an “Action Budget,” “WT Buck Service Order Request “, “Proposal Submission Verification,” and “Proposal Presentation Verification.) √Subheadings are appropriately placed to indicate each new section. √The document is neat, attractive, and mechanically sound. √Table of contents is accurate and useful. | $45 |
Submission Proof* | √Appendix includes a copy of “Proposal Submission Verification” filled out and signed by the board. | Awards will be granted only after submitting this form. |
Presentation Proof* | √Appendix includes a copy of “Proposal Presentation Verification” filled out and signed by the school board. | Awards will be granted only after submitting this form. |
*If your school board rejects your proposal in its entirety,Wild Treasures reserves the right to decide if chosen services will still berendered.