Responsive Classroom Grants
Responsive classroom is a new, holistic approach to elementary education. Research has shown that the responsive classroom approach improves social and academic functioning, reduces problematic behavior and fosters high-quality teaching. Central to the responsive classroom approach is the notion that social and emotional skills lead to better learning for elementary-age children. Fortunately, thanks to the increasing popularity of the responsive classroom school of thought, there are widespread opportunities for grant funding, according to ResponsiveClassroom.org.
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Department of Education Funding
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The U.S. Department of Education regularly publishes funding opportunities on its website. While these vary in scope, intent, eligibility and funding levels, there are numerous grants available to fund responsive classroom initiatives. The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education in the DOE is most likely to subsidize funding for responsive classroom teaching endeavors, while the Institute of Education Sciences will fund research projects to examine responsive classroom practices and programs and develop recommendations for improvements. In addition to the DOE website, Notices of Funding Availability are published in the Federal Register and on Grants.gov, where all federal grant applications must be completed electronically.
Safe Schools / Healthy Students Program
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The Safe Schools / Healthy Students program, a collaborative initiative between the DOE, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Justice, offers grants to implement, improve and develop safe, drug-free schools that promote childhood development and health. Because responsive classroom practices have been shown to reduce school violence and promote healthy cognitive, social and emotional development, programs that utilize these techniques are strong competitors for SS/HS funding. Funding levels range from $750,000 to $2.25 million per year, depending on the number of students served by grant programs.
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Sprint Community Grant Program
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According to ResponsiveClassroom.org, the Sprint Foundation's Community Grant Program has provided funding for numerous responsive classroom teaching initiatives. However, eligibility is extremely limited geographically, as Sprint only serves the Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver and New York City areas in this capacity. Each year, the foundation selects two nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations from each metropolitan region to receive $25,000 toward programs that promote youth development, among other philanthropic endeavors. All applications must be completed online, on the Sprint Foundation's website.
Character Education Partnership
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The Character Education Partnership, an advocacy group that encourages character education in schools across the country, is a valuable resource for programs interested in or practicing responsive classroom techniques. By applying to be recognized by the CEP as a "school of character," schools receive free consulting services from the CEP that can improve their responsive classroom practices, national recognition and a small grant of an undisclosed amount to assist with educational outreach programs. The CEP publishes all application procedures and details on their website.
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