American Association of Teachers of German

Grants for Elementary and Middle School German Programs

The purpose of this grant program is to support districts in conducting the research, surveys, and other planning procedures needed to develop a German language sequence at the elementary school level and to encourage schools and teachers to plan and implement new middle school German programs that would articulate into an existing or projected high school program.

Application deadline: Extended to January 7, 2009.

Application for this grant available here.

These competitive grants, up to $1,000 each, should help to bring German language programs into parity with other languages that are currently being taught at the elementary and middle school level. Grant funds may be used for planning and materials costs involved in starting a new program. Reports to the school board, community and the AATG must be completed by July 1, 2010. Requests should include:

1. Names of people involved in the planning and their titles.
2. Goals and objectives of the planning process, including proposed target date for program implementation.
3. How the results will be reported to the school board, community, and the American Association of Teachers of German.
4. Budget items and the reason for each.

All applications should be mailed to:
AATG
112 Haddontowne Court #104
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-3668

Evaluation form for this grant available here.

Centers of Excellence Grant

In response to continuing inquiries about successful German programs at the elementary school level, the Kinder lernen Deutsch project announces the continuation of the Centers of Excellence initiative. This funding will provide grants to schools where exemplary programs are already in place and which are willing to promote the study of German in the area by serving as models.

In 2009, the AATG will award one $500 stipend to a program to acknowledge its excellence and support its efforts in disseminating information about its work. In this funding round, priority will be given to a program that begins in the elementary school and has developed a strong bridge to the secondary school that allows for uninterrupted progress in language development. Newer programs, where this bridge may still be in the planning stages, are also encouraged to apply, as are German language school programs.

This stipend is intended to assist with hosting visitors to observe classes, disseminating materials, and providing workshops and in-service for other districts interested in following the model. Programs designated as Centers for Excellence are publicized through the AATG and through local and regional media.

Eight sites have been designated as Centers of Excellence in earlier rounds of nominations. These schools represent both FLES and immersion models, as well as German language schools.

Teachers or administrators working with existing German programs at the elementary school level are invited to nominate their program to be a Center of Excellence.

Application deadline: Extended to January 7, 2009.
Application to become a Center of Excellence available here.

Criteria for Centers of Excellence

The Institution

• A successful German program at any level K-8 (public or private).  This may include immersion schools, German language (i.e Saturday) schools, magnet or charter schools, or FLES/FLEX programs.
• School/program is well-established and has been in existence for at least 5 years.
• Student enrollment is stable or growing.
• School/program provides evidence of self-evaluation (i.e. goal setting, strategic plan).
• Extracurricular activities and special events such as plays, festivals, and holiday celebrations are part of school life.
• School/program receives strong support from parents, colleagues, its administration, and the school board.
• The school has strong ties to the community.

The Staff

• Each member of the teaching staff has a teaching credential in German and/or has received professional development appropriate to their (K-8) teaching assignment.
• There is evidence of on-going professional development; i.e. attendance at workshops, seminars, national conventions, involvement in local and national AATG and other professional organizations.
• Teachers collaborate on a regular basis.
• The teacher – student ratio is age appropriate.

The Curriculum

• Curriculum is standards-based.
• Sequence of instructional program is clearly articulated.
• Curriculum reflects current methodologies (communicative activities, thematic units, story form).
• Materials and classroom routines are culturally authentic appropriate to the age/instructional level.
• Classes at all levels are instructed in German.
• The elementary levels articulate smoothly into courses available at the secondary level.
• Students at each instructional level are regularly assessed.
• Assessment results reflect above average student performance (i.e. AATG, ZDF, SOPA, ELLOPA).
• Outcomes at each instructional level are clearly articulated.
• Meaningful cultural activities are integrated into the curriculum at all levels.