Asking for Tablet PCs in a Recession

Consider these steps to request Tablet PCs for your classroom, even though it’s during a so called recession.

1.0 Lay the foundation. As proposer, convince yourself that your request is worthy of funding increased learning rates with Tablets. Buy and use your own Tablet or other mobile PC for instruction as a demonstration of your commitment to your project.

1.1. Accept the principle that money follows good ideas. This is good timing to present your proposal, because it appears that Federal stimulus money will flow to schools soon.

1.2. Accept this principle also: Where there’s a will, there’s a legitimate way to provide Tablets and other mobile PCs to increase student learning rates.

1.3. Make your plan worthy of their will. Sufficient examples from research and other schools exist, including in archives of this blog, to write persuasive descriptions. Check Key Words List on this blog for information and sources to consider as you build your propossal. Be sure to check out the tips in Proposals and the background in New Era School Initiative (NESI).

1.4. Know that there’s always money available, even in the most dire times. Your superiors know how to direct it to projects they like, regardless of what they and others say.

1.5 Talk privately about your emerging request with those in the chain of decisions to which you report. Gain their willingness to listen and think with you about your request. Exercise persistence in your preparation and presentation. Become known as the learning specialist who describes Tablet PC advantages for your students.

2.0 Present your request. Say, “I know this is a difficult time for everyone in the school. I want to help us through it. I have a request for Tablet PCs that will advance my students’ learning rates. The request includes ways to make it happen. You can tell me when we should discuss it formally.” You have offered, recognized that the request may have to wait, and that you’re prepared to take steps with others to make it happen. Now, it’s available for action.

3.0 Wait. You have the superintendent in a reasonable position with an alternative action plan. If you’ve done your work right, the super will say something like this. “I see your point. I can’t do anything about it immediately. Let me think about it and get back to you.”

3.1 Thank the super and back off respectfully. Don’t argue. This ends Phase One.

4.0 Follow-Up. After at least a month, use the lean-in-the-doorway approach to ask in a light-hearted way, “Have you thought of my proposal to use Tablet PCs to increase my students’ learning rates?” She will probably say, “No.” and infer, “Go away!” Smile, thank her, and go about your business. You’ve planted a reminder.

5.0 Gentle Pressure. Continue well spaced gentle reminders face-to-face. At some point, she will think of how your proposal might help her solve another problem. She’ll say something like, “Let’s talk again about your proposal. Remind me how you think we can do this, and what you’re willing to do to make it happen.”

5.1 If she really wants to do this, and sees something in it for her, it will happen.

5.2 You job is to dance with her with such finesse that she cannot say no to your request.

5.3 Let her take the bows and accolades. She’ll remember you and so will your students. That’s your payoff for doing what you know you were hired to do! Congratulations for a job well done!

See: Avoiding Mistakes in Requests to Authorize Tablet PC in Schools