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Grant Cycle A Reviews
Karin Unruh - Bondurant Elementary STEAM Program
Relevance to RFP
Karin’s grant proposal seems to be highly relevant to the RFP that you're responding to. You have done an excellent job of outlining the goals and objectives of your proposed research, and have made a clear case for how your work aligns with the priorities of the funding agency. It's clear that you've put a lot of thought into tailoring your proposal to meet the specific requirements of the RFP.
Abstract
Karin’s abstract is clear and concise, and effectively summarizes your proposal's key points. You've done a good job of highlighting the main objectives of your research, and have provided a compelling rationale for why this work is important. Your abstract sets the stage nicely for the rest of your proposal.
Proposal Narrative
Karin’s proposal narrative is well-written and engaging. You've done an excellent job of providing a detailed overview of your research goals and methods, and have included a thorough literature review to support your work. Your proposal narrative is well-organized and easy to follow, which makes it easy for the reader to understand the scope and significance of your proposed research.
Budget
Karin’s budget is well-constructed and realistic. You've provided a detailed breakdown of your expenses, and have done a good job of justifying each item in your budget. Your budget is well-aligned with the scope and scale of your research, and you've made sure to include all of the necessary expenses to ensure the success of your project.
Broader Impacts Section
Karin’s broader impacts section is strong and well-developed. You've done an excellent job of articulating how your research will benefit society more broadly, and have included specific outreach and engagement activities to promote broader impacts. Your commitment to public engagement is clear, and you've thoughtfully considered how your work will impact various stakeholders.
Overall Proposal
Overall, Karin’s grant proposal is well-crafted and effectively communicates the significance of your proposed research. You've done a good job aligning your work with the RFP requirements and provided a compelling rationale for why your work is important. Your proposal narrative is clear and well-organized, and your budget and broader impacts sections are both strong. While there are always areas for improvement in any proposal, Karin’s proposal seems to be a solid effort that has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the field.
William Heppding - Spencer Dissertation Fellowship- Distance Education Research
Relevance to RFP
William’s grant proposal is highly relevant to the RFP. You have successfully addressed the primary selection criteria and have provided a well thought out research question that has significant implications for education in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. You have taken care to differentiate between emergency remote learning and authentic distance learning and have identified the importance of understanding how distance learning has been impacted by COVID-19. Your proposal aligns perfectly with the RFP and is a strong candidate for the Spencer Dissertation Fellowship Program.
Abstract
William’s abstract does an excellent job summarizing your proposal's key points. You have provided a clear and concise overview of your research question, highlighting the importance of understanding the impact of COVID-19 on distance learning. You have also identified the need to differentiate between emergency remote learning and authentic distance learning and have outlined your proposed research approach.
Proposal Narrative
William’s proposal narrative is well-written and clearly explains your research question, proposed methodology, and expected outcomes. You have identified the importance of considering the views of students, teachers, and administrators regarding distance learning prior to the pandemic and have proposed a sample size that is appropriate for the scope of your research. You have also identified your interest in distance education and explained how your research would further your understanding of this field.
Budget
Although William did not include a budget in your proposal, you have identified the feasibility of your research and have proposed a sample size that is appropriate for your research question. This demonstrates that you have considered the costs associated with your research and have identified a feasible approach to conducting your study.
Broader Impacts Section
William’s proposal has significant broader impacts, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Your research can inform distance learning practices, and help schools and educators get the most out of this form of education. Your research could also have broader implications for the use of technology in education and could inform future policies and practices.
Overall Proposal
William's grant proposal is well-written and addresses the primary selection criteria for the NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship Program. However, one area that could be improved upon is the inclusion of a more detailed budget. While William mentions the need to limit the study's sample size and potentially focus on a specific department, he does not provide specific budgetary figures or a breakdown of how the funds will be allocated. Providing a more detailed budget can strengthen the proposal and give reviewers a clearer understanding of the project's scope and feasibility.