Teaching Innovation Fund
Evaluation Criteria

Guiding Principle

ACE evaluates grant applications on a number of factors. ACE’s guiding principle is to support initiatives that are aligned with (I) Andover Public Schools’ Equity Vision and (II) ACE’s Vision of Innovation in Teaching. Included below are some of the ways in which the evaluation factors related to these principles might be defined.

II. ACE Vision of Innovation in Teaching

ACE defines “innovation in teaching” as the creative design and implementation of novel strategies that actively engage learners by encouraging students to explore, experiment, and apply knowledge in real-world contexts. 

The impact of such innovation should:

• Provide a personalized learning experience
• Foster critical thinking and lifelong skills and perspectives
• Prepare students for success beyond the classroom

Innovative projects consider:

• Diverse learning needs, backgrounds, and abilities
• Create an equitable and supportive learning environment for all students

Rubric

The Teaching Innovation Fund Committee will begin by evaluating each grant application according to the following rubric. A total of 5 points can be awarded in each category bringing the total number of possible points to 25. The Committee uses this score as a guideline when determining which grant applications to accept.

Application is Complete

• Well-developed plan
• Explanation of alignment to criteria
• Detailed budget

Alignment with APS Equity Vision

• Caring, inclusive and culturally responsive classrooms
• Develop critical thinking and rigorous curriculum
• Foster change and growth mindset

Alignment with ACE Vision of Innovation

• Creative and novel strategies
• Foster critical thinking and lifelong skills
• Equitable and supportive

Potential for impact – Quantify impact/value if possible

• Breadth (reaches many students)
• Anticipated impact on student experience

Especially promising initiative

• Scalability
• Other “X-Factor”