It looks like kids are having a great time learning!

Hi Tim, I like what you are doing with your students combining music (what students LOVE), skills (what teachers love) and standards (what the govt. loves)!

So glad I took the time to watch your latest video when it appeared on the "Recent Videos" side bar on the CR2.0 homepage! I've been checking out your website, music, and videos the last hour. Good stuff! Thanks for sharing!

-Michelle TG

I'm glad you liked the video (and I see you're almost a "neighbor"...I'm in Long Beach).

Regarding grants, the biggest grants we have gotten are the EETT competitive grants. If you're not familiar with them, they are through the state and must be applied for at the district level. (They are also on the budget chopping block almost every year.) Here is more info for CA: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/et/ft/eett.asp. Here is some more grant info: www.k12handhelds.com/grants. The Verizon grants are one you might look at. If you find a grant you want to apply for, we sometimes help write grants if we are a partner in them.

Regarding implementation, the biggest thing I have learned in the last couple of years (and especially in the PAWS project) is that in-classroom coaching and mentoring makes a huge difference, especially for teachers who may not be as enthusiastic about using technology as we are! One good thing about the federal grants is that they require 25% of the $ be spent on PD, so there is funding for a coach/mentor.

Another thing I'd emphasize about implementation is a focus on curriculum and standards. That sounds obvious, but so many schools focus on the technology instead and address curriculum as an after-thought. The result is that after the grant is over, the program falls by the wayside, because teachers don't have time to do it. However, if the curriculum is the focus, it's just a better way to do what they are already doing and doesn't really take more time (especially after the first year or so).

Rockin' the Standards just hit NUMBER 1 on Amazon.com's top selling educational CD's list! Can you believe it? And we're currently at number 30 on their overall list of top selling children's CD's, competing with such huge acts as Hannah Montana, The Jonas Brothers, Camp Rock, High School Musical and other TV sponsored bands. See where RTS stands at the moment by using the following link.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/dmusic/195241011/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_dmusic_1_3_last

Hi, Tim,
Just watched the newscast you posted to 2.0 on "Rockin the Standards." What a great idea. Looks like EVERYBODY was having fun. That is the beauty...isn't it? Good luck w/ RTS. I'll keep an eye on it!

Thanks, Tim! I visited your website and was totally inspired by the work you do. I appreciate the links and look forward to learning more about power teaching. Have a happy, healthy, and peaceful new year!

Wasn't meant to be "spam" but was an invitation - Since I saw you are already involved with kids and music and video- I thought perhaps it would be of interest to you!