Inter-university Research Network Guidelines and Application for Funding Application Deadline: August 19, 2016 Application to be sent to: Inter-university Research Network Chair Centre of Learning Excellence Education and Early Childhood Development PO Box 578, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2S9 Please direct inquiries about your application to the Centre of Learning Excellence at 902-424-5829
Inter-university Research Network Guidelines and Application for Funding Background Redressing the Achievement Gap for African Nova Scotian Students The achievement gap is related to the systemic inequities that manifest in a persistent gap in the performance of groups of students. This results in unequal access to learning opportunities, achievement, and benefits. The achievement gap in the Nova Scotian context is evident in the underachievement of African Nova Scotian and Mi kmaq learners, as well as learners experiencing poverty in comparison to the wider Nova Scotian student population. Achievement gaps are reflected in grades, standardized-test results, course selection, high school and post-secondary completion rates, among other achievement measures. The Province of Nova Scotia has made strides in identifying achievement gaps, particularly in relation to math, literacy, and high school and post-secondary completion. The current commitment in Nova Scotia s Action Plan for Education, to provide funds to support research into student achievement and redressing the achievement gap, is a continuation of that important work. NOTE: The current call for applications for funding is focused specifically on understanding and redressing the achievement gap for African Nova Scotian learners. Evaluation Criteria Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria: Potential to further the understanding of, and advancement of, redressing the achievement gap and improving student achievement among African Nova Scotian learners Clear plan to communicate findings (knowledge translation plan) including capacity building across partners Evidence of appropriate research methodology Feasibility of the proposed research, including a timetable for completion and the proposal s assessment of resources needed to complete the project adequately Credentials/capacity of the research team to undertake the proposed course of study Completeness of the application form (including appropriateness of budget information; see Funding section below) To ensure that students receive the maximum benefit from the scheduled hours of instructional time, the research project must not impact significantly on classroom time. PAGE 1 OF 3 IURN GUIDELINES FOR FUNDING
Submitting your Application The following information must be mailed by August 19 to the IURN Steering Committee Chair at the address below. Inter-university Research Network Funding Application Form completed and signed (form is attached) Abbreviated Curriculum Vitae maximum 4 pages (include areas of expertise and recent publications) Written Project Proposal maximum 4 pages (see Project Proposal Information below) Current Criminal Record Check and Child-Abuse Registry Check if required Copy of Current Ethics Review Committee Approval Mailing Address Inter-university Research Network Steering Committee Chair Centre of Learning Excellence Department of Education and Early Childhood Development PO Box 578, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2S9 Application and Funding Dates The application must be mailed by August 19, 2016. Applications are reviewed during the month of September with funding decisions made by September 30. Project Proposal Information The written project proposal (maximum 4 pages) must include the following: Introduction description of proposed research Purpose of research goals and significance of proposed research Assumption of research hypothesis Project timeline/milestones Research methodology how the researcher will collect data (observation, interview, consideration of schools, grades involved, etc.), including steps to be taken to ensure confidentiality of all subjects Data analysis procedures overall process not just the end result Clear plan to communicate findings to teachers, communities, and other educational partners (Research findings must be provided in language and formats relevant and applicable for teachers, communities, and educational partners.) Funding Funds from the grant must be directly associated to the costs of the research. The institution(s) provide for administrative and overhead costs. These costs refer to the ongoing expenses of running an institution, but cannot be associated with the direct costs of the research grant. Funding may not be applied to out-ofprovince travel. PAGE 2 OF 3 IURN GUIDELINES FOR FUNDING
Schedule of Rates Research Assistants: $12.00 per hour (maximum); during the academic year, student research assistants may not be asked to work more than 8 hours per week. For full-time work during the summer, student research assistants will also receive 11.5% for benefits. Meals: $40.00 per day (maximum) Accommodation: Any reasonable rate for single accommodation Meterage: $0.37 per km Grant Payments A Letter of Agreement (LOA) will be required once a grant has been approved, and prior to release of funding. Funding of research grants will be made in a minimum of three payments, with the first installment paid upon the grantor s receipt of two signed copies of the LOA. Subsequent payments will be contingent upon detailed progress reports, accompanied by receipts as needed, and the assessment that reasonable progress is being made. The steering committee may withhold further funding if a study is not moving forward as outlined in the proposal, or not following planned expenditures. Any changes to budget, timeline, and methodology need to be approved in writing by the IURN Steering Committee, at least one month in advance of the changes. The final payment will be made at the completion of the project when all reports and accompanying paperwork are submitted to the committee and the research findings are shared with educational partners. Ongoing / Long-Term Research Projects Initial Year of Funding Research funding, provided by Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, is allocated for one year. The IURN Steering Committee recognizes that some projects necessarily may be longer than one year. Projects that are expected to be longer than one year must clearly identify how the research fits into a longer term strategy. In this case, the research should be presented in a phased approach with clearly identified deliverables within the initial year of funding. Longer term research programs are encouraged to pursue partnerships and additional funding. Project Extensions and Expansions To request an extension of time to complete an existing study, a status report letter is required for the committee s review and written approval. To request an expansion of an existing study, a revised application form must be submitted including only relevant new information (clearly indicate any changes or additions to the research protocols (e.g., adding participants, changing targets, employing additional research methods). A substantive expansion or change in the nature of the study requires a new application. Project Completion Principle investigators may be asked to make a presentation to the committee on their research. The project is considered complete when all reports and accompanying paperwork have been submitted to the committee. The final report, including a copy of research findings shared with educational partners, must be submitted both in hard copy and electronic formats to the Inter-university Research Network Steering Committee Chair. Once the project is complete, the investigator is welcome to apply for a new IURN grant. PAGE 3 OF 3 IURN GUIDELINES FOR FUNDING
Inter-university Research Network Funding Application About the Research Team Name and Contact Information Department Role Primary applicant (mailing address, email, and phone contact): Team member (email and phone contact): Team member (email and phone contact): About the Partners Name Organization Role About the Project Title: Preferred Start Date: Preferred End Date: Amount Requested: Details of all relevant external support currently held (grants, contracts, etc.) Title Agency Amount Term PAGE 1 OF 2 IURN FUNDING APPLICATION
Details of all relevant external support for which you have made an application Title Agency Amount Date of Request Date of Announcement Details of funding request Budgetary Item EECD Funding ($) Other Funding ($) Sub-total ($) Undergraduate Assistants Other Research Assistants Travel and Meals Expendable Supplies Meeting Costs Other, please specify: Other, please specify: Other, please specify: Total Signature of Applicant Date Signature of Department Chair (if applicable) Date PAGE 2 OF 2 IURN FUNDING APPLICATION