Researchers interested in applying for a mini-grant must complete all information requested. Incomplete proposals will not be considered. Proposals are to be submitted through this form. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Park (epark@chaminade.edu). Please indicate AMS Mini-Grant Proposal on the subject line when emailing.
Cover Sheet: Complete the American Montessori Society Mini-Grant Research Proposal Cover Sheet. If more than one person is involved in the project, complete a cover sheet for each individual.
Résumé or Curriculum Vitae: Attach a résumé or curriculum vitae. If more than one person is involved in the project, submit résumé/curriculum vitae for each individual. This document should include the following information: name, current position and title, education and training, previous relevant work experience, scholarly honors or awards, and a list of representative scholarly publications and/or presentations in chronological order.
Research Project Abstract: In a single-spaced paragraph of no more than 200 words, summarize the substantive focus and research design of your proposed project and its contribution to Montessori education and practice. This description should provide a clear and concise overview of the proposed work. This description will be used in announcing the award to the greater AMS community.
Narrative Discussion of Research Project: In no more than four double-spaced pages (1000 words) describe your research project. Please address the following four points in writing the narrative. An additional one-page maximum single-spaced bibliography of primary and secondary sources most important to your research should be appended. Please do not include any identifying information in your narrative, either in the body of the text or in a header or footer.
Principal Research Questions, Goals, and Significance: Describe the research questions that are the focus of your project. Is there a specific problem or need that is being addressed? Place the project in context and outline the primary relevant literature. What is the goal of the research? What is the significance of the research in furthering insights into Montessori education and practice?
Methods: Please explain your research design, the methods of gathering and analyzing data, and interpretation techniques. If human subjects are involved in the research, it is the responsibility of the researcher to fulfill all of the necessary requirements of their home institution (including, if needed, submission to an Institutional Review Board) in providing adequate protection and informed uncoerced consent.
Timeline: Please attach a timeline identifying the research project’s start date, key milestones, and completion date.
Results: Please explain how the results of the research project will be utilized including how the results will be published or otherwise made available to the public. A final one-page report of the research project is required at the end of the award period. Any research completed with the assistance of the Mini-Research Grant should acknowledge in subsequent publications that funding for the research was completed with the assistance of the American Montessori Society Mini-Grant Research Program.
Budget: Please submit a budget for the amount requested by completing the attached Budget Sheet. Note: No more than 25% of the requested funds can be allocated to general-purpose equipment, facilities, or administrative activities. Furthermore, funds can be used to purchase no more than 25% of the total cost of general use computer equipment such as printers, computers, etc. Upon completion of the project, the general-purpose equipment can be transferred to use by the applicant for their own use with no residual value to AMS.
Exception: specialized equipment or tablets to be used exclusively for conducting the research can be considered as a cost of the project at the discretion of the Research Committee.
Complete Document to be Submitted: The Cover Sheet (one page) Research Project Abstract (one page), the Narrative Discussion of the Research Project (four pages), the Bibliography (one page), and the Budget (one page) should be sent as a single document (eight pages total). In addition, please submit a résumé or curriculum vitae for each principal investigator.
Year-end Expenditure and Abstract Report: All winners will be expected to submit a report to outline how the money was spent, including receipts, and to write abstract summarizing results from the funded research project.