Program Development Assistance Fund (PDAF)

Application Form • English | French

Applicants must be Active NSTU Members teaching in the current school year. Each teacher is eligible to submit one PDAF Application per school year.

Applications are due on the first day of February, April, June, August, October, and December. If the deadline falls on a holiday or weekend, applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. the following business day.

The PDAF Committee typically reviews applications during the fourth week of each submission month. Applicants will be notified in writing of the committee’s decision following the review.

Proposal Guidelines

All PDAF Applications must be accompanied by a Proposal addressing the following:

Project Description and Rationale

• Describe the project and specific needs addressed.
• List goals of the project.

Project Team

• Outline the background, experience, interests, and qualifications of the team which enable them to successfully implement this project.
  

Project Design, Innovation and Implementation

• Explain why this proposal is innovative and merits PDAF funding.
• Describe implementation steps and timeline.
• Ensure safety, legal, and technology guidelines are followed.
  • If your application involves purchasing any apps or technology, please consult with your regional technology integration team to discuss issues such as student privacy guidelines, the Digital Resource Assessment (DRA) or other potential issues related to the technology you intend to use.

Project Links

• How will this project support the Public School Program and Department of Education and Early Childhood Development policies and guidelines?
  
• How will this project support the Atlantic Canada Framework for Essential Graduation Competencies?

Curriculum Connections

• How does it fit within the curriculum?
• What are the learning outcomes of this project?
• What grade level(s) and/or subject area(s) will be enhanced by this project?
• How will this project be successfully integrated into the grade level(s) and subject area(s)?
• Describe how materials will be integrated into the classroom.

Project Evaluation

• Detail methods of measuring success and impact.

Budget

• Outline itemized expenses including taxes, shipping, stores, provider (US exchange rate valid only on date of submission) and links where available
• Only valid receipts and invoices from recognized vendors and suppliers will be accepted (i.e. no receipts from kijiji, pawn shops, on-line trade forums, etc.)
• Submit entire project budget including all funding sources.
• Delineate specific requests including an itemized breakdown of PDAF fund allocation. PDAF may approve capital items when they are required to successfully implement the proposed project.

Project Selection Criteria

Each project proposal is carefully reviewed by a selection committee made up of educators appointed by the Nova Scotia Teachers Union and the Nova Scotia Department of Education. Projects and proposed materials are reviewed by consultants within the Department of Education. Each application is carefully examined for innovative elements which will enhance the development of unique educational experiences for students in the public schools of Nova Scotia.

To help ensure that your project application meets the criteria for innovation, please consult the project summaries provided to help you confirm that your application describes a unique and innovative project or approach.

Project Evaluation

• Innovative classroom ideas that support inclusive learning environments
• Direct benefit addressing student, school, or community needs
• Strong curriculum connections and outcomes
• Sustainability and potential partnerships

Additional Considerations

• Each proposal is assessed on its own merit
• Projects must not require ongoing financial support
• The PDAF Committee is not bound by previous funding decisions

Funding Limitations

PDAF funding is generally not available for capital equipment (e.g., video cameras, computers). However, the committee may approve such items if they are essential to successfully implementing the proposed project. Projects that reflect established “best practices” and are no longer considered innovative are not eligible. Innovation is not limited to technology. Proposals involving learning resources must go beyond the original intent of the materials, and applicants are encouraged to demonstrate creative and original ways to use these resources in the classroom.

PDAF does not fund:

• • Consecutive or repeat projects
  • Items on the Authorized Learning Resources (ALR) list
  • Equipment rental or service costs
  • Salaries, honoraria, or labour fees
  • Professional learning or substitute teacher coverage
  • Travel and accommodations

Project Coordinator Responsibilities

Successful applicants are required to:

• Submit a 100 word description of the project for publication purposes before receiving project funds
• Submit an Accounting Summary complete with all original receipts, see Project Budget Guidelines
• Contact the PDAF Committee should changing circumstances result in the project not being implemented
• Fill in Checklist
• Sign and return the Letter of Undertaking
• Complete and return the Evaluation Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my superintendent’s signature?

Yes – signatures from the teacher, principal, and superintendent (or designate) are required.

Can I apply for more than one PDAF Award in a school year?

No – only one award per teacher per school year is permitted.

Is there a limit on awards per school?

No – PDAF is not restricted by school or board quotas.

Can I apply for a similar project idea?

Yes – each application is reviewed on its own merit, even if similar to a previous project, provided it demonstrates local innovation.